초록 ▼

An apparatus and related methods for capturing a digital foot print image of a tire and for extrapolating load-deflection curves of the tire is presented. A frame carries a test pod that is coupled to a tire to perform various tests. In one application, a loading plate couples the tire to a transpar

An apparatus and related methods for capturing a digital foot print image of a tire and for extrapolating load-deflection curves of the tire is presented. A frame carries a test pod that is coupled to a tire to perform various tests. In one application, a loading plate couples the tire to a transparent plate on the test pod where a camera captures a digital gray-scale image of the tire foot print. A processor converts the gray-scale image into a pressure map wherein each pixel of the digital image is correlated to a pressure value. In another application, the loading plate couples the tire to a sliding cover plate on the test pod, wherein the loading plate is incremented through a plurality of load values at predetermined inflation pressures. By using two inflation pressures, the processor extrapolates further load-deflection curves for the tire at other inflation pressures. The apparatus also provides a unique way for imparting camber on the tire during the above tests. The data collected from the foot print image and load-deflection curves may be used to analyze the construction, operation, noise generation characteristics and performance of the tire.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] Apparatus for testing tires, comprising:a frame having a pair of opposed slide tracks;a loading plate mounted within said frame;a tire spindle pivotably extending from said loading plate, said tire spindle receiving a tire to be tested;means for imparting a camber to the

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] Apparatus for testing tires, comprising:a frame having a pair of opposed slide tracks;a loading plate mounted within said frame;a tire spindle pivotably extending from said loading plate, said tire spindle receiving a tire to be tested;means for imparting a camber to the tire carried by said spindle;a motor coupled to said imparting means for selectively rotating said tire spindle and the mounted tire about an axis through a hub of the tire; anda test pod slidably received on said pair of opposed slide tracks, said loading plate coupling the tire to said test pod to generate tire test data.