Diagnostics in Tire Retreading Based on Classification with Fuzzy Inference System

Abstract

Currently, there are tire retreading companies whose evaluations are not wholly accurate; due to various factors, sometimes customers are forced to agree to what is decided, and this means that the customer can sometimes pay for services that do not necessarily guarantee the correct operation of the tire or, failing that, shorten its life. This work aims to develop a tire diagnostic system that allows for evaluating a tire’s faults and can thus be more precise when determining if it needs retreading or a change process. The diagnostic system is focused on demonstrating that fuzzy logic can be applied in diagnosing the condition of tires. The methodology consisted of determining the variables to be considered in the evaluation of tires, such as blowing out, flange breakage, band failure, and patching, then applying fuzzy logic. Subsequently, the execution tests of the built diagnostic software were carried out for its validation in a case study of a tire retreading company. The result was a margin of error of 1.6% accuracy versus 5.6% from the operator experience. The conclusion was that fuzzy logic could be applied correctly in the field of tire retreading, providing substantial savings in time and resources for related companies, as well as giving customers confidence since, by using more accurate results, the diagnostic system will make the tire evaluation efficient.