Tire uniformity prediction using balance and low speed uniformity data

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation for a production tire, preferably when operating at a high speed, and also method and apparatus for manufacturing tires and controlling the manufacturing of tires in response to quality control based on a comparison of a production tire's predicted uniformity versus predetermined criteria. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using transfer functions applied to production tire measurement data from factory floor testing equipment which includes a factory floor balance checker and a factory floor tire uniformity machine. The transfer functions are determined by calculations involving a combination of measurements on a tire sample which preferably comprises one or more tires of the same construction as the production tire for which predictions are desired. The combination of measurements includes measurements on a factory floor balance checker, on a factory floor tire uniformity machine, and on a test lab tire uniformity machine. The test lab tire uniformity machine is preferably operated at a speed higher than the factory floor tire uniformity machine, and most preferably at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the predicted uniformity is desired.