FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13) 1. Title of the invention: DETECTING DEFORMITIES IN CAPSTRIP
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
CEAT LIMITED Indian RPG HOUSE, 463, Dr. Annie Besant
Road, Worli, Mumbai-Maharashtra 400 007, India

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to tyre manufacturing,
and in particular, to detecting deformities during tyre manufacturing.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tyres manufacturing techniques have evolved and vastly improved
over time. The tyre may be manufactured in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tyre building machine using a capstrip.
[0003] The tyre manufacturing process may include applying the capstrip on
a winding drum in shape of a tyre. The capstrip includes a nylon strip or a thread laminated with rubber. The capstrip provides strength to the tyre and helps in holding together the various components of the tyre while the tyre is in operation during a vehicle's running on the roads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of the system(s) in accordance with the present subject matter are described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0005] Fig. 1(a) illustrates a block diagram representation of an automated
detection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates schematics of computing device of the automated
detection system, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates the automated detection system, in accordance with
an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a method for detecting deformities in the capstrip by
an automated detection system, according to another implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The present subject matter relates to a method and system for detecting
deformities in capstrips used in manufacturing of tyres.
[0010] In manufacturing of tyres, quality and finish of the tyres may be
affected by deformities in the capstrips, such as folds in the capstrips and variation in dimensions of the capstrips.
[0011] During the manufacturing of a tyre, a supply spool of a capstrip may
be loaded on a shaft of a let off-station. The supply spool may be loaded on the shaft manually by an operator. The capstrip from the supply spool may then be guided to a capstrip applicator. The capstrip applicator may apply the capstrip on a winding drum in shape of tyre of required shape and size. The application of the capstrip on the winding drum may be carried out using a tension in a range of 5 to 15 Newtons.
[0012] However, an individual supply spool is generally heavy, the weight of
the supply spool being in the range of 35-40 kgs, for example. Heavy weight of the supply spool may lead to instances of accidental mishandling of the supply spool by the operator. For example, during manual mounting of the spool on the supply shaft, the capstrip may accidently come in contact with a hand of the operator. This may result in development of deformities, such as folding of the capstrip.
[0013] In an example, desired thickness of the captrip may be about 1 mm,
while the width of the captrip maybe about 10 mm. However, in case high tension is applied to the capstrip during transfer to the winding drum and wounding on the winding drum, the dimensions of the capstrip may get deteriorated. Such

deformities may give rise to run-out problems during winding of the capstrip on the winding drum. Further, the quality of the finished tyre product may be adversely affected.
[0014] Conventionally, such deformities in the capstrip are detected
manually. The manual detection of the deformities is contingent on alertness and observation of the operator, thus, the manual detection may not provide accurate and guaranteed detection of the deformities. Further, the manual detection is time consuming and may require the manufacturing process to run slow.
[0015] The present subject matter describes an automated detection system
for identifying deformities in the capstrip during manufacturing process. The automated detection system detects presence of any deformities in the capstrip before the capstrip is wound on the winding drum.
[0016] The automated detection system includes a supply spool to supply the
capstrip. The automated detection system further includes a conveyor assembly to receive the capstrip from the supply spool. In an example, the capstrip may be carried from the supply spool to a winding drum. In another example, the conveyor assembly may be an accumulator. Further, a sensor to identify deformities in the capstrip is placed on the conveyor assembly. In an example, the sensor may be placed in vicinity of the conveyor assembly. In another example, the sensor may a width detection sensor to identify deformities in the width of the capstrip.
[0017] The sensor continuously monitors the capstrip as the capstrip is
released from the supply spool and wounded on the winding drum. As the deformity may cause a portion of the capstrip to have a varying width than the normal width of the rest of the capstrip, based on variations in the detected width, possible deformities in the capstrip are detected. For example, a portion of the capstrip having a width lesser than the normal width of the capstrip may be detected as folds.
[0018] Upon detection of a possible deformity in a portion of the capstrip,
manufacturing operation of the tyre may be stopped or paused. Accordingly, the operator may then make necessary steps to prevent the deformed portion of the

capstrip to pass to the tyre. For example, the operator may manually remove the deformity in the capstrip, or the operator may cut off and remove the deformed portion from the capstrip.
[0019] The automated detection system described by the present subject
matter allows for early detection of any deformities, such as folds in the capstrip during manufacturing of tyres. By early detection of such deformities, the deformities in the capstrip are prevented from reaching to the winding drum to be wounded in the tyre. This allows for smooth and accurate process for manufacturing tyres. Further, defects in the manufactured tyres are avoided by early detection of deformities. Additionally, due to automation of the detection system dependency on alertness and skills of operator is eliminated, making the system less prone deformities. As a result, better manufacturing quality of the finished product is ensured, and number defected finished products is low. Hence, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient and time and cost effective.
[0020] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
described in greater detail in conjunction with the following figures. While aspects of identification of deformities in capstrip can be implemented in any number of different configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following device(s) and method(s).
[0021] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles
of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0022] Fig. 1(a) illustrates a block diagram representation of an example
system 100 for detecting deformities in a capstrip 104, hereinafter termed as

automated detection system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. It should be noted that FIG. 1 provides various functional blocks and should not be construed as a limitation. In an embodiment, the automated detection system 100 includes, a supply spool 102, capstrip 104, a winding drum 106, and a conveyor assembly 108 108. In an example, the supply spool 102 may be procured as a ready-to-use product for manufacturing products, such as tyres. The supply spool 102 may be rotatably mounted on a shaft (not shown) of a let off station. The capstrip 104 may be released from the supply spool 102 by pulling a loose end of the capstrip 104. In another example, the winding drum 106 may be a cylindrical component mounted in the automated detection system 100, configured to receive the capstrip 104 from the supply spool 102. In an embodiment, dimension of the winding drum 106, such as, circumference, may correspond to dimension a tyre to be manufactured from the capstrip 104. In an example, the capstrip 104 may be transferred from the supply spool 102 to the winding drum 106 by the conveyor assembly 108 108. In another example, the conveyor assembly 108 108 may be an accumulator. In an exemplary embodiment, the accumulator would ease tension created in capstrip 104 due to pull force created by the winding drum 106, during transfer of the capstrip 104 from the supply spool 102 to the winding drum 106, as the accumulator assists the pull force by pushing the capstrip 104 from the supply spool 102.
[0023] In an implementation, the automated detection system 100 further
includes sensor(s) 110 and a computing device 112. In an example, the computing device 112 may be communicatively coupled to the sensor (s) 110 to identify the deformity in the capstrip 104. In another example, the sensor (s) 110 may be a width detection sensor to identify deformities in width of the capstrip 104. In yet another example, the sensor (s) 110 may be a camera, an optical sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor. It should be understood that the sensor(s) 110 may be implemented as an array of individual sensors, or may be implemented as consolidated sensors configurable to implement multiple functions without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0024] In an embodiment, after mounting of the supply spool 102 on the shaft,
the capstrip 104 is received by the conveyor assembly 108. The conveyor assembly
108 carries the received capstrip 104 to an applicator (not shown) associated with
the winding drum 106. The sensor 110 (s) monitors the capstrip 104 before the
winding to identify if the capstrip 104 suffer from a deformity, such as, folding of
the capstrip 104 or variation of dimensions of the capstrip 104. In an example, the
width detection sensor (s) may continuously monitor width of the sensor 110 during
the transfer of the capstrip 104 from the supply spool 102 to the winding drum 106.
Further, the sensor 110 (s) may share result of the monitoring with the computing
device 112. In an example, the computing device 112 may use the monitored data
from the sensor 110 (s) for identifying deformities in the capstrip 104. In another
example, the computing device 112 may generate alert for an operator in case of
identification of the deformities. Additionally, the computing device 112 may halt
operation of the automated detection system 100 and transfer of the capstrip 104 to
the winding drum 106 in case of identification of the deformities.
[0025] Thus, the conveyor assembly 108 provides automated mechanism of
transfer of the capstrip 104 from the supply spool 102 to the winding drum 106. Due to lack of human intervention in supply of the capstrip 104, deformities in the capstrip 104 due to human error are avoided and the transfer of the capstrip 104 is seamless. Additionally, the accumulator eases tension in the capstrip 104 during the transfer, hence, deformities in the capstrip 104 due to high pull force and tension thereof are reduced. Further, the sensor 110 (s) along with computing device 112 monitor the capstrip 104 for identification of deformities before winding of the capstrip 104 on the winding drum 106, generate alert for the operator in addition to halting the process of winding. Hence, the capstrip 104 wounded on the winding drum 106 for manufacture of the tyre is shielded from the deformities, amounting to an increase in efficiency of the automated detection system 100 and improvement in quality of the tyre manufactured.
[0026] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates the schematics of computing device 112,
according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, the communication device 112 includes processor 114 coupled to a memory 118.

The computing device 112 further includes interface 116, for example, to facilitate communication with the operator. The interface 116 may include a variety of software and hardware interface 116s, for example, interface 116s for peripheral device(s). Further, the interface 116 enables the computing device 112 116 to communicate with other devices, such as, the sensor 110 (s) and the conveyor assembly 108. The interface 116 can also facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. For the purpose, the interface 116 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of computing device 112s to each other or to other server computers.
[0027] The processor 114 may be implemented as one or more
microprocessor , microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processor , central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 114 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 118.
[0028] The memory 118 may include a computer-readable medium known in
the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc., and/or non-volatile memory, such as erasable program read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, etc.
[0029] Further, the memory 118 includes engine(s) 120 and data 122. The
engine(s) 120 include, for example, a detection engine 124, an assessment engine 126, and other engine(s) 128. The other engine(s) 128 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications or functions performed by the computing device 112. The engine(s) 120 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the engine(s) 120. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, the programming for the engine(s) 120 may

be processor 114 executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 116 and the hardware for the engine(s) 120 may include the processor 114 (s) 114, to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium 116 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 114, implement engine(s) 120. In such examples, the automated detection system 100 may include the machine-readable storage medium 116 storing the instructions and the processor 114 to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium 116 may be separate but accessible to the automated detection system 100 and the processor 114. In other examples, engine(s) 120 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0030] The data 122 includes a sensor data 130, pre-defined capstrip width
data 132, alert data 134, and other data 136. In one implementation, the sensor data 130, pre-defined capstrip width data 132, alert data 134 are stored in the memory 118 in the form of look-up tables. Further, the other data 136, amongst other things, may serve as a repository for storing data that is processed, received, or generated as a result of the execution of one or more engines in the engine(s) 120. Although the data 122 is shown internal to the computing device 112, it may be understood that the data 122 may reside in an external repository (not shown in the figure), which is coupled to the computing device 112. The computing device 112 may communicate with the external repository through the interface 116 to obtain information from the data 122. It should be noted that such exemplifications are only indicative and should not be construed as limitation.
[0031] In an implementation, during the manufacturing of tyre, the supply
spool 102 of capstrip 104 may be loaded on the shaft of the let off station. The supply spool 102 may be loaded on the supply shaft manually by an operator. The capstrip 104 may then be lead to the winding drum 106 for winding the capstrip 104 in shape of a tyre. Further, the capstrip 104 may be guided from the supply spool 102 to the winding drum 106 via the accumulator (not shown) formed as a part of the conveyor assembly 108. Furthermore, the capstrip 104 from the accumulator may be an applied to the winding drum 106 by an applicator (not

shown). In an example, the tyre may be built by stacking together and fusing several layers of capstrip 104 on the winding drum 106.
[0032] In an embodiment, the sensor 110 may obtain information about the
width of a portion of the capstrip 104 supplied from the supply spool 102 and generate a corresponding signal. In an example, the sensor 110 includes an imaging device, such as a camera. The sensor 110 may be deployed at a suitable location to get a view of the portion of the capstrip 104 before the portion is applied on the winding drum 106. The sensor 110 may, thus, obtain images of the capstrip 104 across its width. The information, such as images obtained by the sensor 110 may be stored as the sensor data 130.
[0033] In an implementation, the detection engine 124 may pick up the
signals generated by the sensor 110. The detection engine 124 may process the signals obtained from the sensor 110 to detect the width of the portion of the capstrip 104 captured in the image. In an example, the detection engine 124 uses an edge detection technique to detect the width of the portion of the capstrip 104 in the images obtained by the width detection sensor 110.
[0034] In an embodiment, the assessment engine 126 may be coupled to the
detection engine 124. The assessment engine 126 may receive the width related sensor data 130 processed by the detection engine 124. Further, the assessment engine 126 may compare the sensor data 130 with the predefined capstrip width data 132 to then detect the any deformities in the portion of the capstrip 104 captured by the sensor 110. In an example, the pre-defined capstrip width data 132 may include data about the normal width of the capstrip 104. Based on the comparison of the sensor data 130 with the pre-defined capstrip width data 132, the assessment engine 126 may identify the presence of deformities in the capstrip 104. For example, if the detected width of the capstrip 104 varies from the predetermined normal width of the capstrip 104, the assessment engine 126 may detect a deformity in the portion of the capstrip 104. Further, the pre-defined capstrip width data 132 may include tolerance data defining the tolerance limits upto which any variance of the detected width from the predetermined normal width may be ignored and not detected as a deformity.

[0035] In an implementation, the assessment engine 126, upon detection of
the deformity in a portion of the capstrip 104 by detection engine 124, may generate
control instructions to stop the applying of the capstrip 104 to the winding drum
106. Thus, the assessment engine 126 may temporality halt the manufacturing of
the tyre upon detection of a deformity in the capstrip 104. In an example, upon
detection of a deformity in a portion of the capstrip 104, the assessment engine 126
may generate control signals for activating an alarm in form of the alert data for
alerting the operator about the deformity in the capstrip 104.
[0036] Fig. 2 illustrates a system diagram representation of an example
system 100 for detecting deformities in the capstrip, in accordance with an
implementation of the present subject matter. The automated detection system 100
includes the winding drum 106 and a capstrip 104 to be wound on the winding drum
106. Further, the automated detection system 100 includes the sensor 110. The
sensor 110 may be positioned on the automated detection system 100 to monitor
the capstrip 104 before the capstrip 104 is wounded on the winding drum 106.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 110 may be implemented as
a radio-based sensor or an optical sensor. Further, the sensor 110 includes a signal
transmitter 202 and a signal receiver 204. In operation, the signal transmitter 202
and signal receiver 204 may be positioned across capstrip 104, such that the signals
transmitted by the signal transmitter 202 are be partially blocked by the capstrip
104, and the unblocked signals are received by the signal receiver 204. The received
signals may be compared with the transmitted signals by the detection engine 124
to detect the width of the capstrip 104. For example, the amount of the signals
blocked by the capstrip may be proportional to the width of the capstrip 104.
[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates exemplary method for detecting deformities in the
capstrip by an automated detection system 100, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0039] The exemplary methods may be described in the general context of
computer executable instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., which

perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The method may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory 118 storage devices.
[0040] The order in which the methods rare described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the methods, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the methods, systems and devices described herein. Furthermore, the methods can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
[0041] Referring to Fig. 3, at block 302, the capstrip 104 is supplied from the
supply spool 102 for applying the capstrip 104 to the winding drum 106 for
manufacturing a tyre. The capstrip 104 strip may be first conveyed from the supply
spool 102 to the conveyor assembly 108 and the accumulator. Thereafter, the
capstrip 104 may be applied to the winding drum 106 by the applicator
[0042] At block 304, deformities in the capstrip 104 are identified by the
sensor. In an example, the sensor 110 starts obtaining information of a portion of
the capstrip 104 at one time. The sensor 110 may further include an imaging device,
such as a camera. The sensor 110 may, thus, obtain information about the portions
of the capstrip 104 in form of images. The sensor 110, upon obtaining the
information about the width of a portion of the capstrip 104, may start generating
signals carrying the information about the width of the portions of the capstrip 104.
[0043] In embodiment, the signals generated about the width of the capstrip
104 by the sensor 110 are picked up by the detection engine 124. The detection engine 124 may then process the signals to detect the width of the portion of the capstrip 104 about which information is obtained by the sensor 110. In an example, the detection engine 124 may detect the width of the portion of the capstrip 104 104

by using various techniques, such as edge detection technique. However, any other
technique may also be employed without deviating from the scope of the invention.
[0044] In an implementation, the detection engine 124 may share the width
detected with the assessment engine 126. Upon receiving details of the detected width of the portion of the capstrip 104, the assessment engine 126 may start detecting presence of any deformities in the portion of the capstrip 104. The deformities may be detected by the assessment engine 126 by comparing detected width of the portion of the capstrip 104 with a pre-defined capstrip width data 132. The pre-defined capstrip width data 132 may include data about the normal width of the capstrip 104 and tolerance data. Based on the comparison of the sensor data 130 138 with the pre-defined capstrip width data 132 and the tolerance allowed, the assessment engine 126 may detect the presence of deformities in the capstrip 104. In an example, if the detected width is lesser than the predetermined normal width of the capstrip 104, the assessment engine 126 may detect a deformity, such as a fold in that portion of the capstrip 104.
[0045] In an embodiment, based on the detection of a deformity in a portion
of the capstrip 104, the assessment engine 126 may generate control instructions to
temporality halt the manufacturing of the tyre. In an example, the assessment engine
126 may generate control instructions to stop applying the capstrip 104 to the
winding drum 106. In another example, upon detection of a deformity in a portion
of the capstrip 104, the assessment engine 126 may trigger activating an alarm for
alerting the operator about the deformity in the capstrip 104.
[0046] The automated detection system 100 described by the present subject
matter allows for early detection of any deformities, such as folds in the capstrip 104 during manufacturing of tyres. By early detection of such deformities, the deformities in the capstrip 104 are prevented from reaching to the winding drum 106 to be wounded in the tyre. This allows for smooth and accurate process for manufacturing tyres. Further, defects in the manufactured tyres are avoided by early detection of deformities. As a result, better manufacturing quality of the finished product is ensured, and number defected finished products is low. Hence, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient and time and cost effective.

[0047] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in
language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

I/ We Claim:
1. An automated detection system (100) to identify deformities in a capstrip (104),
the automated detection system (100) comprising:
a supply spool (102) to supply the capstrip (104);
a conveyor assembly (108) to receive the capstrip (104) from the supply spool (102); and
a sensor (110) to identify deformities in the capstrip (104) on the conveyor assembly (108).
2. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conveyor assembly (108) is an accumulator.
3. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (110) is a width detection sensor to identify deformities in width of the capstrip (104).
4. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a computing device (112), communicatively coupled to the sensor (110), to identify the deformity in the capstrip (104).
5. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 4, the computing device (112) further comprising:
a detection engine (124) to receive sensor data (130) related to width of the capstrip (104) from the sensor (110); and
an assessment engine (126), communicatively coupled to the detection engine (124), the assessment engine (126) to:
compare the sensor data (130) with a pre-defined capstrip width data (132) stored in memory (118);

identify deformity in the capstrip (104) based on result of the comparison; and
generate an alert based on identification of the deformity.
6. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, the assessment engine (126) to halt the supply of the capstrip (104) upon identification of the deformity.
7. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (110) is an optical sensor having a transmitter (202) and a receiver (204) and wherein the transmitter (202) and the receiver (204) are placed across the capstrip (104).
8. The automated detection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (110) is one of a camera and electromagnetic sensor.
9. A method for detecting deformities in a capstrip (104) by an automated detection system (100), the method comprising:
conveying, by a conveyor assembly (108), the capstrip (104) away from the supply spool (102) to a winding drum (106); and
identifying deformities in the capstrip (104) by a sensor (110) placed on the conveyor assembly (108).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, the identifying further comprising:
capturing data related to width of the capstrip (104) by the sensor (110) in form of sensor data (130);
receiving the sensor data (130) by a detection engine (124) of a computing device (112), wherein the computing device (112) is communicatively coupled to the sensor (110);

comparing the sensor data (130) with a pre-defined capstrip width data (132), stored in a memory (118) of the computing device (112), by an assessment engine (126) of the computing device (112); and
identifying deformity in the capstrip (104) by the assessment engine (126), based on the result of the comparison.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising, generating of alert after the identification of the deformity by an interface (116).
12. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising, halting the supply of the capstrip (104) upon identification of the deformity.