High voltage probe apparatus and method for tire inner surface anomaly detection

US9157834B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A. · CH
• COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN · FR

Inventors

• Christian Albert Beccavin · Greenville, US
• Frank E. Gramling · Simpsonville, US
• David Judd · Grand Island, US
• Bradley D. Schober · Greer, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2010
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2015
• Expiry date: May 28, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R31/59
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A tire testing apparatus and method for detecting anomalies in the surface of a tire is disclosed. A high voltage probe having a conductive spring electrode is placed adjacent a portion of a tire surface such that the conductive spring electrode is compressed against the surface of the tire. Relative motion is imparted between the high voltage probe and the surface of the tire. An electrical discharge occurs between the high voltage probe and a reference electrode at the location of an anomaly on the surface of the tire. The apparatus and method are configured to determine a precise azimuthal and radial position on the tire of the electrostatic discharge. The conductive spring electrode can have a length sufficient to ensure contact with a given point on the tire surface during a charge cycle for the high voltage probe at increased tire surface speeds.