ATCA - Automatic Tire Case Analyzer
Description
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For many years, the tire industry has been searching for a nondestructive, simple way to inspect tires and tire casings for flaws. Good casings are presently being discarded, causing a detrimental effect on the environment. Furthermore, tires are often prepared for retreading only to discover that the casing has major irreparable flaws. The new technology and the ATCA will eliminate these problems resulting in significant economic benefits.
The technology employs an intelligent controller based on two robotic systems that carry 28 ultrasonic sensors. The controller provides autonomous positioning and guidance of the sensors which are manoeuvred within a tested tire by a very compact foldable robot. The array of sensors conforms to the shape of the specific tire loaded. Based on the ultrasonic signal, the sensors detect the defects in the tire. An intelligent algorithm has been developed to evaluate the defects, classify them according to size, shape and severity. The defect is then graphically displayed on a computer screen to enable further inspection. Paint markers are applied to the tire at the location of the defect.
The robot manipulators and sensory arrays have been specifically designed to handle a variety of small and large tires. A sensor protection mechanism has been developed to prevent damage of delicate sensor arrays from nails that may have penetrated into the tire walls. Special material is used to achieve quality ultrasonic inspection.
Features
- Inspects all regular truck tire sizes, regardless of tread depth, tread pattern, design, or wear
- Automatically detects various defects: air leaks, nail holes and ply separation
- Identifies internal ply separation of 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size
- Fully automated, operator friendly, short 2.5 minute cycle per tire on average
- Operator can define flaw size to be detected, displayed, and printed
- Defects are automatically marked on the tire using specially designed paint-based marking unit
- Emitters and receivers are automatically aligned for maximum efficiency
- Safety and protective devices are incorporated to prevent injury
- Loading and unloading of tires is done easily by an operator-assisted lift device
- Compact design to allow the system to fit into a transportation container.