System and method for integrating sensor into rim flange transition region of tire during manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for integrating a sensor into a rim flange transition region of a tire during a manufacturing process. Various embodiments for integrating one or more sensing devices into a tire in a tire manufacturing process are disclosed. In one example, the sensor device includes an electronic device (e.g., a sensing and / or energy harvesting device), a communication device, or any combination thereof. A sensing and / or energy harvesting device is positioned between a chafer and a ply of the tire axially outward of the ply, where the chafer is configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel. A communication device is positioned between the inner liner and the ply axially inward of the ply. In some examples, a connector is connected between a sensing and / or energy harvesting device and a communication device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods of integrating a sensor into a rim flange transition area of a tire during a manufacturing process. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the manufacturing process of pneumatic tires, the tire is typically formed on a drum of a tire building machine, which is referred to in the art as a tire building drum. Numerous tire components are successively wrapped and / or applied to the drum, forming a cylindrical tire carcass. The tire carcass is then inflated into a toroidal shape in order to accommodate the remaining components of the tire, such as the belt assembly and the rubber tread. The completed toroidal, unvulcanized tire carcass, which at this stage is referred to in the art as a green tire, is then inserted into a mold or press to form the tread pattern and to cure or vulcanize.

[0003] There is often a need to collect electronic data regarding the conditions inside and around the tire. These data can be transmitted to various different electronic systems of the vehicle, such as the vehicle stability and / or braking systems, in order to provide improved control of the vehicle and to monitor or track driving behavior. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides the following technical solutions: 1. A tire comprising: a bead of the tire; a ply wrapped around the bead; an inner liner of the tire; a bead filler configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; an electronic device between the bead filler and the ply, located axially outward of the ply; a communication device between the inner liner and the ply, located axially inward of the ply; and a connector communicatively and electrically connecting the electronic device and the communication device.

[0005] 2. The tire of solution 1, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one piezoelectric component.

[0006] 3. The tire of solution 2, wherein the at least one piezoelectric component performs at least one of: energy harvesting, sensing, parameter measurement, or any combination thereof.

[0007] 4. The tire of solution 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an inertial sensor that generates inertial measurements associated with piezoelectric strain measurements of the electronic device.

[0008] 5. The tire of solution 1, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0009] 6. The tire of Solution 1, wherein the communication device comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device that wirelessly transmits at least one sensor value generated using at least one sensor of the electronic device, the communication device, or any combination thereof.

[0010] 7. The tire of Solution 1, wherein the connector comprises at least one of: a helical connection, a zigzag connection, or any combination thereof.

[0011] 8. A method comprising: positioning an electronic device between a chafer and a ply of a tire, axially outward of the ply, wherein the chafer is configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; positioning a communication device between an inner liner and the ply, axially inward of the ply; and connecting a connector between the electronic device and the communication device.

[0012] 9. The method of Solution 8, further comprising: attaching the tire to a wheel, wherein the electronic device is sandwiched between the chafer and the ply axially outward of the ply.

[0013] 10. The method of Solution 8, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of at least one piezoelectric component or at least one inertial sensor component.

[0014] 11. The method of Solution 8, wherein the electronic device is positioned during a pre- cured tire molding process, the communication device is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process, and the connector is connected during the pre-cured tire molding process.

[0015] 12. The method of Solution 8, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0016] 13. The method of Solution 8, wherein the communication device comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device that wirelessly transmits at least one sensor value generated using at least one sensor of the electronic device, the communication device, or any combination thereof.

[0017] 14. The method of Solution 8, wherein the connector comprises at least one of: a helical connection, a zigzag connection, or any combination thereof.

[0018] 15. A system comprising: An electronic device positioned between a chafer and a ply of a tire, axially outward of the ply, wherein the chafer is configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; A communication device positioned between the inner liner and the ply, axially inward of the ply; and A connector connected between the electronic device and the communication device.

[0019] 16. The system of aspect 15, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one piezoelectric component and at least one inertial sensor component.

[0020] 17. The system of aspect 15, wherein the electronic device is positioned during a pre- cured tire molding process, the communication device is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process, and the connector is connected during the pre-cured tire molding process.

[0021] 18. The system of aspect 15, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0022] 19. The system of aspect 15, wherein the communication device comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device that wirelessly transmits at least one sensor value generated using at least one sensor of the electronic device, the communication device, or any combination thereof.

[0023] 20. The system of aspect 15, wherein the connector comprises at least one of a helical connection, a zigzag connection, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the various views.

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a tire and a rim in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tire in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating how a communication device can be integrated within a tire in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] DEFINITIONS “Axial” and “axially” refer to a line or direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0029] "axially inward" and "axially inwardly" include an axial direction toward the axial center of the tire.

[0030] "axially outward" and "axially outwardly" include an axial direction away from the axial center of the tire.

[0031] "bead" means the part of the tire that includes an annular tensile member wrapped by a ply cord and shaped with or without other reinforcing elements such as a flipper, chipper, apex, toe guard and chafer in order to fit to the design rim.

[0032] "CAN bus" is an abbreviation for Controller Area Network.

[0033] "carcass" means the tire structure excluding the belt structure, the tread, the undertread and the sidewall rubber on the sidewall plies, but including the beads.

[0034] "circumferential" means a line or direction along the periphery of the surface perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0035] "equatorial plane (EP)" means a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire and passing through the center of the tread.

[0036] "inside" means the side of the tire closest to the vehicle when the tire is mounted on a wheel and the wheel is mounted on a vehicle.

[0037] "inner liner" means one or more layers of elastomer or other material that forms the inner surface of a tubeless tire and contains the inflation fluid inside the tire.

[0038] "lateral" means the axial direction.

[0039] "lateral edge" means a line tangent to the axially outermost tread ground contact surface or footprint measured under normal load and tire inflation conditions, which is parallel to the equatorial center plane.

[0040] "outside" means the side of the tire farthest from the vehicle when the tire is mounted on a wheel and the wheel is mounted on a vehicle.

[0041] "radial" and "radially" means a line or direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0042] "radially inward" and "radially inwardly" include a radial direction toward the central axis of rotation of the tire.

[0043] "radially outward" and "radially outwardly" include a radial direction away from the central axis of rotation of the tire.

[0044] “TPMS” refers to a tire pressure monitoring system, which is an electronic system that measures the pressure of the interior of a tire and is capable of transmitting the pressure to a processor installed on a vehicle and / or in electronic communication with the electronic systems of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Various examples related to systems and methods of integrating sensors in a tire rim flange transition area during a tire manufacturing process are disclosed herein. The embodiments shown in the drawings will now be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 is shown a cross-sectional perspective view of a tire 100, a rim 103, an electronic device 106, a communication device 109, and a connector 112. The electronic device 106 can be integrated with the tire 100 in a rim flange transition area such that the tire interior location of the electronic device 106 is covered by a tire 100 surface in the rim flange transition area. The rim flange transition area can include a region of the tire 100 that is in contact with at least a portion of a rim flange 209 of the rim 103. Figure 2 In some examples, the rim flange transition area can be in contact with at least a portion of the rim flange 209 of the rim 103 when the tire 100 is in an installed state. The rim flange transition area can be in contact with at least a portion of the rim flange of the rim 103 when the tire 100 is under load while the vehicle is parked and / or in motion. Thus, in some examples, the electronic device 106 integrated with the tire 100 at the rim flange transition area can be hidden and protected by at least a portion of the rim flange 209 of the rim 103. In further examples, the entire electronic device 106 can be hidden and protected by at least a portion of the rim flange 209 of the rim 103.

[0047] The tire 100 can include a commercial tire 100 for a commercial rim 103, a consumer grade tire 100 for a consumer grade rim 103, an industrial tire for an industrial vehicle rim, and the like. The consumer grade rim 103 can generally have a more vertical rim flange 209, while the commercial rim 103 can have a slope or angle axially outward relative to the consumer grade rim 103. The sensor integration described herein can be applied to any combination of tire 100 and rim 103.

[0048] Tire 100 can include a chafer 121, a bead 124, a ply 127, a sidewall 130, an inner liner 133, a tread 136, and a tire reinforcement 139. Chafer 121 can include an extruded component that wraps around the bead area of the tire and bead 124. Chafer 121 can interface with the rim 103 of the wheel to create a seal between tire 100 and the wheel, for example, using a rim flange 209. Chafer 121 can be made of a wear-resistant rubber that enables it to withstand the wear imparted on tire 100 by rim 103.

[0049] Bead 124 can include a wire that can be designed to have a predetermined tensile strength to provide a structure that holds tire 100 to the wheel rim 103. Bead 124 can be coated with rubber and can include a cross-section that has a predetermined diameter and a predetermined number of sides (or can be circular). Bead 124 can also include a predetermined number of turns.

[0050] Inner liner 133 can include a sheet of calendered rubber that covers the inside of the tire. Inner liner 133 can be made of a material that allows the tire to maintain a pressure of air inside the tire.

[0051] Ply 127 can include a calendered sheet of rubber-coated fabric and / or cord. In some examples, other components of tire 100 can be directly or indirectly connected to ply 127. Ply 127 can wrap around bead 124 on both sides of tire 100 and impart its strength and flexing ability to tire 100 without deforming.

[0052] Sidewall 130 can include an extruded component that can form the visible outer portion of tire 100. Sidewall 130 can protect ply 127 from the environment, resist wear, and provide a base for lettering and ornamentation molded into the tire. Sidewall can have multiple compounds included in different areas, such as a white rubber area for a white sidewall tire.

[0053] Tread 136 can include an extruded component. Tread 136 can be made of a variety of compounds depending on the application of tire 100. Tread 136 can provide a base for tread patterns molded into tire 100. Tread 136 contacts the road and imparts traction to tire 100 in order to accelerate, stop, and turn. Tread 136 also provides cushioning for a smooth ride.

[0054] Tire reinforcement components 139 can refer to one or more layers of calendered rubber sheeting or calendered sheeting of rubber-coated material. For example, tire reinforcement components 139 can include a belt and a cover. The belt can include rubber-coated steel wire, while the cover can include rubber-coated fabric. Belt tire reinforcement components 139 can help provide rigidity, strength, and puncture resistance to the crown region of the tire. Many tires contain a cover that wraps around the tire and covers the belt. Cover tire reinforcement components 139 can help improve the speed performance of high-performance tires.

[0055] Commercial, consumer, or industrial tires 100 can be designed to cope with a wide range of uses and driving conditions. For example, tires 100 can be designed for off-road performance, high-speed performance, heavy load carrying, and all-weather driving conditions, among others. Because of the variety of tire types, manufacturing processes can produce a wide variety of rubber compounds and components that can be combined into tires 100. Generally, manufacturing processes can include mixing, extruding, calendering, molding, vulcanization, and post-vulcanization stages. The mechanisms described herein for integrating sensors (e.g., electronic devices 106) at the rim flange transition region of tires 100 can include integration at the molding stage.

[0056] During the mixing stage, natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber can be mixed with other chemicals to form rubber compounds that perform specific functions within the tire 100. A variety of rubber compounds can be used depending on the location in the tire 100 and the tire performance or use. Various ingredients can be mixed in predetermined amounts according to predetermined specifications. During the extruding stage, some of the mixed rubber compounds can be extruded or pushed through a die to form shapes made of one or more different compounds at different locations for use in the tire 100. This can include tread extrusions and sidewall extrusions, among others. During the calendering stage, rubber can be calendered or pressed into rubber sheets and / or impregnated into fabric or steel to form rubber-coated reinforcement sheets to be cut into components for the tire 100. Examples of resulting tire components include innerliners, body plies, and belt plies. A variety of fabrics and steels and compounds can be used depending on the type and use of the tire 100. During the tire building stage, the various components are combined together to form an unvulcanized (green) tire 100. The green tire can be assembled in a particular order, such as from the inside out. This can include wrapping the various components around a drum and forcing them together using internal air pressure and rollers pushed from the outside to synthesize the components together into the green tire 100. The mechanisms described herein are used to integrate sensors and other electronic components, including the electronic device 106, the communication device 109, and the connector 112, into the tire 100 during the tire building stage. For example, the electronic device 106, the communication device 109, and the connector 112 can be assembled outward from the plies, but inward relative to other components of the tire 100. However, in some examples, a portion of the communication device 109 can be exposed to the interior of the tire so as to measure pressure and / or temperature using the corresponding sensors of the communication device 109. During the vulcanization stage, the unvulcanized tire or green tire 100 can be placed into a mold mounted into a press. The tire 100 can be loaded into the press and secured in place, for example, using air bags that can be inflated into the tire at low pressure. The tire 100 can be secured in place as the mold is closed around the tire 100. Once closed, high pressure steam or gas can fill the air bags, forcing the tire 100 into the mold. The tire 100 can form the final shape of the tire 100. The vulcanization stage can also include applying heat energy to stimulate chemical reactions between the rubber compounds and other materials.

[0057] The electronic device 106 can include a sensing element and / or an energy harvesting element. For example, the electronic device 106 can include one or more piezoelectric components or elements configured to harvest energy and / or sense. In some examples, the piezoelectric components of the electronic device 106 can sense data that can be calculated based at least in part on the flexing and other forces experienced by the piezoelectric components during movement of the tire 100, resulting in sensor parameter values. Thus, in some examples, the electronic device 106 can be considered a sensor device. In some examples, the electronic device 106 can include non-piezoelectric force sensor elements that can also experience forces and harvest energy and / or sensor readings. The positioning of the electronic device 106 in the rim flange transition area or rim flange contact area of the tire 100 can result in the electronic device 106 generating greater energy relative to other areas of the tire 100. The electronic device 106 can include an energy storage device, such as a capacitive storage device, a battery, or any combination thereof. The piezoelectric components can generate energy that is stored in the energy storage device to operate the electronic device 106.

[0058] The electronic device 106 can also detect certain real-time parameters of the tire 100. The placement of the electronic device 106 in the rim flange transition area can provide further utility because the rim flange transition area is a location on the tire 100 where forces from the tire 100 are transmitted to the rim 103. This rim flange transition area can experience dynamic forces due to flexing (e.g., axial, radial, or any combination thereof) around the rim flange 209, circumferential slippage and other circumferential motion between the rim 103 and the tire 100, and other axial, radial, and circumferential forces.

[0059] The electronic device 106 can be (or partially) sandwiched between the outside of the ply 127 and the chafer 121 based at least in part on the pressure exerted by the rim flange 209. This can provide compressive strain to the piezoelectric components in the rim flange transition area. While the electronic device 106 appears to be held firmly in a static manner between the tire 100 and the rim 103, under operating conditions, the forces can be dynamic. For example, the compressive strain can increase or decrease depending on the rotation of the tire 100 and its interface with the road or travel surface. The compressive forces and other strains exerted on the electronic device 106 can be greater when the electronic device 106 is radially aligned with at least a portion of the contact patch or footprint. Greater potential energy can be realized while also obtaining more protection compared to other areas of the tire 100. The rim flange transition area can also provide an opportunity to measure forces that can be indicative of slippage of the tire 100 relative to the rim 103, which can be difficult to achieve using sensors placed in other areas.

[0060] The electronic device 106 can also acquire data that can calculate values ​​for parameters such as steering angle, tire slip ratio relative to the road, tire slip ratio relative to the rim 103, vehicle cornering force, and other parameters. These values ​​can be generated using the strain and compressive forces experienced by the electronic device 106. In some examples, three orthogonal sensors can be used for triaxial strain sensing.

[0061] In various examples, electronic device 106 may include a three-dimensional, two-dimensional, or one-dimensional inertial sensor. The inertial sensor may include a microelectromechanical system-based sensor or other type of inertial sensor that generates inertial measurements associated with piezoelectric strain measurements of electronic device 106. The inertial sensor may be positioned as part of electronic device 106 along with the piezoelectric strain sensor, allowing the inertial measurements to be used for decoupling calculations. Inertial measurements from other locations remote from electronic device 106 may be too far to accurately perform decoupling. Electronic device 106 may use two in-plane strain measurements to measure offset plane strain. Electronic device 106 may measure circumferential strain tangential to the axial axis of tire 100 (and wheel) and a specific radial axis extending to electronic device 106. Electronic device 106 may also measure radial strain. In various examples, electronic device 106 may be held between tire 100 and rim 103 such that it is aligned with or at a known angle relative to the radial axis. In some examples, the sensor of electronic device 106 for measuring radial strain may be aligned in a plane formed by the radial and axial axes. Inertial measurements can be used to calculate the three principal strain axes using offset plane strain (e.g., strain values ​​for circumferential and radial strain).

[0062] Communication device 109, electronic device 106, or other devices can perform calculations using measurements from sensors of communication device 109 and electronic device 106. For example, the device can use measurements from electronic device 106 to calculate values ​​for the three principal strain axes. Furthermore, deformation values, load values, and other values ​​for tire 100 can be generated. In some examples, tire pressure identified using a tire pressure sensor of communication device 109 can be used for the calculation of deformation and load values. Load values ​​can include circumferential, lateral, and radial load values, which can be generated. In some examples, at least one of electronic device 106, communication device 109, other devices, or any combination thereof may include a memory or other data storage device that can store strain values, inertia values, and other sensor values.

[0063] The communication device 109 can communicate with or be used within an integrated system, including a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a vehicle stability system, a traction control system, or other vehicle electronic systems. The communication device 109 can wirelessly transmit strain values, inertial values, and other sensor values ​​to the vehicle system. For this purpose, the communication device 109 may include, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy® (BLE) device or processor, inertial sensors, and other types of components. The communication device 109 may also include a temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the tire in relation to the tire pressure measurement. Therefore, in some examples, the communication device 109 can be considered a sensor device.

[0064] In some examples, communication device 109 may include a processor and memory to store tire identification (ID) information for each specific tire 100. For example, the tire ID may include manufacturing information for the tire 100, including tire model; dimensional information such as rim size, width, and outer diameter; manufacturing location; manufacturing date; tread crown code containing or associated with compound identification; mold code containing or associated with tread structure identification, or other information. The tire ID may also include maintenance history or other information to identify specific characteristics and parameters of each tire 100. Electronic device 106 may also include an antenna for wirelessly transmitting measurement parameters and tire ID data to a remote device or processor for analysis, such as a processor integrated into a vehicle electronic control unit and / or a vehicle-related controller area network (CAN) bus. In some examples, communication device 109 is detachably connected to electronic device 106 via connector 112. For example, in some embodiments, tire 100 may be manufactured to include only electronic device 106 and connector 112. This allows communication device 109 to be connected to connector 112 at a later time after tire 100 is manufactured.

[0065] Connector 112 may include conductive material or other types of communication channels. Connector 112 provides the means to transmit sensor data and power from electronics 106 to communication device 109. Communication device 109 can then store and / or transmit this data to the vehicle system or other external systems outside tire 100. Connector 112 may include at least one flexible wire or other communication channel that is flexible and scalable enough to withstand tire molding, tire vulcanization, and vehicle use under the corresponding conditions. In addition to or as an alternative to a flexible material component, connector 112 may also include at least one flat, serrated, meandering, or other flat patterned communication channel to provide further scalability and flexibility. As can be understood, while the communication channel pattern may be described as flat, it can become multidimensional once placed in tire 100 during the tire molding stage or process. In addition to or as an alternative to a flexible material component, connector 112 may also include coils, spirals, braids, or other three-dimensional patterned communication channels to provide further scalability and flexibility.

[0066] Go to Figure 2 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of tire 100 and a portion of rim 103 corresponding to rim flange 209. This figure provides further details about the components of tire 100, rim 103, electronic equipment 106, communication equipment 109, and connector 112. The portion of tire 100 shown may include bead wrap 121, bead 124, ply 127, sidewall 130, and inner liner 133. Bead wrap 121 can be shown in a darker area of ​​tire 100.

[0067] In this example, the electronic device 106 may be located between the bead wrap 121 and the ply 127. In other examples, the electronic device 106 may be at least partially located between the bead wrap 121 and the ply 127, and at least partially located between the sidewall 130 and the ply 127. Multiple electronic devices 106 may be disposed in the tire. The electronic device 106 may be placed in the tire 100 during the manufacturing process of the tire 100 (as described above, during tire molding). In some embodiments, at least one internal sensor recess (e.g., in one or more of the bead wrap 121, ply 127, sidewall 130, or any combination thereof) is configured to receive and retain the electronic device 106. The electronic device 106 may be configured to conform to the shape of at least one sensor recess. The at least one sensor recess may include an alignment element configured to align the electronic device 106 relative to the tire 100 in a predetermined orientation.

[0068] Electronic device 106 may include a cover made of at least one of rubber, plastic, metal, other materials, or any combination thereof. The exterior of the cover may be mounted into a sensor recess. In some examples, the cover may contain the same or similar material as the bead wrap 121 (and / or sidewall 130). In some embodiments, the cover may include an elongated member configured to mount into a receiving aperture in the sensor recess. In some embodiments, the cover may contain an adhesive or chemical agent on its interior such that when the cover is mounted into the sensor recess, the adhesive or chemical agent contacts the sensor recess and secures the cover and electronic device 106 in place. The cover may be attached to the tire 100 using a vulcanization process. In some embodiments, the adhesive is provided together with the sensor recess and secures the cover in place.

[0069] In this example, the communication device 109 may be located between the inner liner 133 and the ply 127. In other examples, the electronic device 106 may be at least partially located between the bead wrap 121 and the ply 127, and at least partially located between the inner liner 133 and the ply 127. Multiple communication devices 109 may be disposed in the tire. The communication device 109 may be placed in the tire 100 during the tire manufacturing process (as described above, during tire molding). In some embodiments, at least one internal sensor recess (e.g., in one or more of the bead wrap 121, ply 127, inner liner 133, or any combination thereof) is configured to receive and retain the communication device 109. The communication device 109 may be configured to conform to the shape of at least one sensor recess. The at least one sensor recess may include an alignment element configured to align the communication device 109 relative to the tire 100 in a predetermined orientation.

[0070] The communication device 109 may include a cover made of at least one of rubber, plastic, metal, other materials, or any combination thereof. The exterior of the cover may be mounted into a sensor recess. In some examples, the cover may contain the same or similar material as the bead wrap 121 (and / or inner liner 133), such that each side of the device matches the material of the tire component it contacts. In some embodiments, the cover may include an elongated member configured to mount into a receiving aperture in the sensor recess. In some embodiments, the cover may contain an adhesive or chemical agent on its interior side, such that when the cover is mounted into the sensor recess, the adhesive or chemical agent contacts the sensor recess and secures the cover and communication device 109 in place. The cover may be attached to the tire 100 using a vulcanization process. In some embodiments, an adhesive is applied to the sensor recess and secures the cover in place.

[0071] The figure shows how the ply 127 can wrap around the bead 124 on both sides of the tire 100. A bead wrap 121 can wrap around the ply 127 around the inner periphery of the tire 100. A sidewall 130 can be connected to the ply 127 and the bead wrap 121, thereby protecting the ply 127 from the environment outside the tire 100. An inner liner 133 can be connected to the ply 127 and the bead wrap 121, thereby providing an airtight seal within the tire 100 together with the bead wrap 121 and other components of the tire 100.

[0072] Next reference Figure 3 The flowchart shown provides an example of how a communication device 109 can be integrated into a tire 100 according to various examples of this disclosure. In step 303, an electronic device 106 is positioned around the tire 100. In various examples, the electronic device 106 may be positioned between the bead wrap 121 and the ply 127 of the tire 100, located axially outside the ply 127. In various examples, the bead wrap 121 is configured to form a seal with the rim flange 209 of the rim 103. In various examples, the electronic device 106 is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process. In step 306, a communication device 109 is positioned around the tire 100. The communication device 109 may be positioned between the inner liner 133 and the ply 127, located axially inside the ply 127. In various examples, the communication device 109 is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process. In step 309, a connector is positioned between the communication device 109 and the electronic device 106. In various examples, connector 112 is positioned between communication device 109 and electronic device 106 during the pre-cured tire molding process.

[0073] In addition to the foregoing, various embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, the embodiments set forth in the following clauses.

[0074] Clause 1. A tire comprising: a bead of the tire; a ply surrounding the bead; an inner liner of the tire; a bead wrap configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; an electronic device located axially outside the ply between the bead wrap and the ply; a communication device located axially inside the ply between the inner liner and the ply; and a connector for communicatively and electrically connecting the electronic device and the communication device.

[0075] Clause 2. The tire according to Clause 1, wherein the electronic equipment includes at least one piezoelectric component.

[0076] Clause 3. A tire pursuant to Clause 2, wherein at least one piezoelectric component performs at least one of the following: energy harvesting, sensing, parameter measurement, or any combination thereof.

[0077] Clause 4. A tire according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the electronic device includes an inertial sensor that generates an inertial measurement associated with a piezoelectric strain measurement of the electronic device.

[0078] Article 5. A tire according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the communication device includes at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0079] Clause 6. A tire pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the communication device includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device, the wireless transmission of which uses at least one sensor value generated by at least one sensor of an electronic device, a communication device, or any combination thereof.

[0080] Clause 7. A tire pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the connector comprises at least one of the following: a helical connection, a serrated connection, or any combination thereof.

[0081] Clause 8. A method comprising: positioning an electronic device between a bead wrap and a ply of a tire, axially outside the ply, wherein the bead wrap is configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; positioning a communication device between an inner liner and a ply, axially inside the ply; and a connector connecting the electronic device and the communication device.

[0082] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 8 further includes: attaching the tire to the wheel, wherein the electronic equipment is sandwiched between the axially outer side of the cord layer and the bead wrapping.

[0083] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 8 or Clause 9, wherein the electronic device includes at least one of at least a piezoelectric component or at least one inertial sensor component.

[0084] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein electronic equipment is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process, communication equipment is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process, and connectors are connected during the pre-cured tire molding process.

[0085] Clause 12. The method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 11, wherein the communication device includes at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0086] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 12, wherein the communication device includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device, whose wireless transmission uses at least one sensor value generated by at least one sensor of an electronic device, a communication device, or any combination thereof.

[0087] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 13, wherein the connector comprises at least one of the following: a helical connection, a serrated connection, or any combination thereof.

[0088] Clause 15. A system comprising: an electronic device positioned between a bead wrap and a ply of a tire, axially outside the ply, wherein the bead wrap is configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; a communication device positioned between an inner liner and a ply, axially inside the ply; and a connector connecting the electronic device and the communication device.

[0089] Clause 16. A system pursuant to Clause 15, wherein the electronic equipment includes at least one piezoelectric component and at least one inertial sensor component.

[0090] Clause 17. A system pursuant to Clause 15 or 16, wherein electronic equipment is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process, communication equipment is positioned during the pre-cured tire molding process, and connectors are connected during the pre-cured tire molding process.

[0091] Clause 18. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 15 to 17, wherein the communication equipment includes at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0092] Clause 19. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 15 to 18, wherein the communication device includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device, the wireless transmission of which uses at least one sensor value generated by at least one sensor of an electronic device, a communication device, or any combination thereof.

[0093] Clause 20. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 15 to 20, wherein the connector comprises at least one of the following: a helical connection, a serrated connection, or any combination thereof.

[0094] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly stated, disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z” should be understood, depending on the context, as generally used to indicate that an item, term, etc., may be X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Therefore, such disjunctive language is generally not intended, nor should it imply, that some embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z.

[0095] It should be emphasized that the above embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples of possible implementations illustrated for a clear understanding of the principles of this disclosure. Various changes and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tire comprising: a bead of the tire; a ply wrapped around the bead; an inner liner of the tire; a bead filler configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; an electronic device between the bead filler and the ply, axially outward of the ply; a communication device between the inner liner and the ply, axially inward of the ply; and a connector communicatively and electrically connecting the electronic device and the communication device.

2. The tire of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one piezoelectric component.

3. The tire of claim 2, wherein the at least one piezoelectric component performs at least one of: energy harvesting, sensing, parameter measurement, or any combination thereof.

4. The tire of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an inertial sensor that generates inertial measurements associated with piezoelectric strain measurements of the electronic device.

5. The tire of claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of a tire pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

6. The tire of claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device that wirelessly transmits at least one sensor value generated using at least one sensor of the electronic device, the communication device, or any combination thereof.

7. The tire of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises at least one of: a helical connection, a zigzag connection, or any combination thereof.

8. A method comprising: positioning an electronic device between a bead filler of a tire and a ply of the tire, axially outward of the ply, wherein the bead filler is configured to form a seal with a rim flange of a wheel; positioning a communication device between an inner liner and the ply, axially inward of the ply; and connecting a connector between the electronic device and the communication device.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: attaching the tire to the wheel, wherein the electronic device is sandwiched between the bead filler and the ply axially outward of the ply.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of at least one piezoelectric component or at least one inertial sensor component. ​

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