SENSOR DEVICE WITH MAGNET AND SENSOR ARRAY FOR TIRE INSPECTION

摘要

A sensor device is provided for use in tire inspection along a bead portion of the tire. The sensor device includes a magnet array configured to provide the desired fields of magnet flux for a sensor array, which is used to detect damage to reinforcements of a body ply of the tire near the bead portion. The fields of magnetic flux are sufficient to provide for damage detection in the bead portion without overly saturating the sensor array. The sensor device also allows for positioning the sensor array proximate to the inner surface of the tire for improved detection.

主权项

1. A sensor device for tire inspection that is removably positionable along an inner surface of a tire, the tire having a bead portion and defining a radial direction and an axial direction, the sensor device comprising:
a body comprising an outermost inspection surface for placing at the inner surface near the bead portion; a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors arranged in a linear manner and defining a longitudinal direction, the sensor array supported by the body and located proximate to the outermost inspection surface, the sensor array having opposing ends; a magnet array arranged on the body so that the outer inspection surface and sensor array are located between at least a portion of the magnet array and the tire when the sensor device is positioned for tire inspection, the magnet array comprising
a plurality of magnets having a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of magnets are arranged into an arc of a circle and configured to partially surround the bead portion of the tire, the arc of the circle having a central angle α, wherein 60 degrees≦α≦90 degrees; anda terminal magnet having at least one end displaced along the longitudinal direction beyond one of the opposing ends of the sensor array.