Ground compaction images
View Patent ↗A method is provided for generating a ground compaction image. A pressure sensing panel is placed on a relatively rigid planar supporting surface. The pressure sensing panel is covered with a depth of particulate material. A loaded tire is placed on the particulate material, and a ground compaction image is generated with the pressure sensing panel. A ground compaction display may be created by superimposing the ground compaction image on a physical three-dimensional model of an interface between the particulate material and the loaded tire.
1. A method of generating a ground compaction image for a tire, comprising:
(a) placing a relatively flexible pressure sensing panel on a relatively rigid planar supporting surface;
(b) covering the pressure sensing panel with a depth of particulate material;
(c) placing a tire on the particulate material;
(d) loading the tire; and
(e) generating a ground compaction image with the pressure sensing panel.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
step (b) further comprises placing a perimeter container over the pressure sensing panel, and filling the container to the depth with the particulate material.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
step (a) further comprises forming a depression in a ground surface and placing a supporting plate and the panel into the depression, the supporting plate having the supporting surface defined thereon; and
step (b) further comprises placing the particulate material into the depression on top of the panel.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
in step (b) the depth is in a range of from 2 inches to 12 inches.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
in step (b) the particulate material comprises sand.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
in step (b) the particulate matter comprises soil.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
in step (a) the supporting surface is defined on a flat plate.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
repeating steps (b)-(e) for one or more different depths of particulate material.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
creating a three-dimensional representation of an interface between the loaded tire and the particulate material; and
superimposing the ground compaction image on the three-dimensional representation.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein:
the creating step comprises creating a physical model comprising the three-dimensional representation.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
in the creating step the physical model comprises a physical model of a depression formed in the particulate material by the loaded tire.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
in the creating step the physical model comprises a physical model of at least that portion of the loaded tire contacting the particulate material.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
the superimposing step comprises printing the ground compaction image on the physical model.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
the superimposing step comprises projecting the ground compaction image on the physical model.
15. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
the superimposing step comprises painting the ground compaction image on the physical model.
16. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
the superimposing step comprises forming the ground compaction image into a surface of the physical model.
17. The method of claim 10 , wherein:
the superimposing step comprises printing the physical model in a 3D color printer and creating the ground compaction image as a part of the physical model.
18. The method of claim 9 , wherein:
the creating step comprises creating a virtual three-dimensional image of a depression formed in the particulate material by the loaded tire.
19. The method of claim 9 , wherein:
the creating step comprises creating a virtual three-dimensional image of that portion of the loaded tire contacting the particulate material.
20. A ground compaction display for a tire, comprising:
a physical three-dimensional model of an interface between a ground surface and a loaded tire; and
a ground compaction image superimposed on the three-dimensional model.
21. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the physical three-dimensional model comprises a model of a depression formed in the ground surface by the loaded tire.
22. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the physical three-dimensional model comprises a model of at least that portion of the loaded tire contacting the ground surface.
23. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the ground compaction image is printed on the physical model.
24. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the ground compaction image is projected on the physical model.
25. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the ground compaction image is painted on the physical model.
26. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the ground compaction image is formed into a surface of the physical model.
27. The display of claim 20 , wherein:
the ground compaction image is integrally formed on the physical model by a 3d color printer.
28. The display of claim 20 , further comprising:
a second three-dimensional model of an interface between a ground surface and a second tire, and a second ground compaction image superimposed on the second three-dimensional model; and
wherein the first and second three-dimensional models are located adjacent each other such that an observer can compare the ground compaction images for the two tires.