Pack for attaching an electronic device to a tire

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical device pack including an adhesive layer deposited on a transfer layer, an electrical device such as an RFID transponder deposited on the adhesive layer, and a peelable cover for protecting the electrical device. The electrical device pack of the present invention provides an electrical device that can be used immediately and can be applied directly to the uncured rubber of a tire product without the need for further processing. The present invention also discloses a method for attaching an electrical device to a tire using the electrical device pack, which enables the tag to be accurately placed at a desired position on the tire in a desired alignment without excessive handling of the tag and without causing damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pack for attaching an electrical device to a tire, and a method for attaching an electrical device to a tire. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pack for attaching an RFID tag to a tire, and a method for attaching an RFID tag to a tire.

Background Art

[0002] Integrating an electrical device into a tire structure is known to have many advantages, such as tracking the tire during manufacturing, transportation, and storage operations, and measuring physical parameters such as temperature and pressure. In the art, different types of electrical devices are used for these purposes, and wireless frequency communication between the tire and an external monitoring device or an external interrogation device is most common. Such a communication system often includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a reader (reading device) that communicates with the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes an antenna and an RFID chip. Therefore, information from the reader is received via the antenna, stored in the RFID chip, and the information stored in the RFID chip is transmitted to the reader via the antenna. The RFID device may be a read-only device, a write-only device, or a read-write device.

[0003] RFID tags and other electrical devices may be attached to the tire within a tire-mountable device. One of the problems associated with RFID tags is the method of arranging and configuring the antenna so that the data in the device is accurately transmitted to the information collection device outside the tire. The problems associated with the use of RFID tags in tires are: (i) improving the transmission efficiency by arranging the antenna as close as possible to the outside of the tire; (ii) arranging the antenna away from the metal reinforcing cords that interfere with signal propagation; (iii) providing a device that can withstand the repeated stresses in the operating tire; (iv) attaching the device to the tire without excessive handling and damage; and (v) ensuring the adhesion between the antenna, typically a metal element, and the rubber material to fix the antenna in place.

[0004] Examples of attaching an electrical device to a tire found in the prior art are shown below.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 10,513,153 discloses a tire including a circumferential tread and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip disposed under the circumferential tread. The RFID chip is fixed in the tire by vulcanization, an adhesive, a patch, or a barb.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 8,833,409 discloses a pneumatic tire having a tag carried by a reinforcing belt. The tag may be disposed in a crown portion, a reinforcing cord, a joint of the reinforcing belt, or a recess formed on an outer surface of a sidewall of the tire. The tag may be sealed with a sealing material such as epoxy to fix the tag to the sidewall of the tire.

[0007] European Patent Application Publication No. 1,516,502 discloses a radio frequency antenna for use with a wireless device embedded in a tire, including an antenna body and an insulating coating surrounding the antenna body. The insulating coating has a dielectric constant smaller than that of a rubber material. Coating materials used include an electrical shrink tube, thermoplastic polycarbonate, butadiene rubber, low-carbon rubber, isocyanate-based adhesive, polyethylene, insulating varnish, epoxy, TPE cellulose acetate, parylene, and insulating polyester varnish.

[0008] International Publication No. WO 2011 / 002440 pamphlet discloses a tire attachable device including a first layer, a second layer, an intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and an electrical device embedded in the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer of the tire attachable device completely surrounds the electrical device and is formed of a potting compound selected from epoxy, silicone, and urethane.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 053306 discloses a chemically treated RFID - attached mesh tire label configured to be integrally incorporated within a vulcanized tire. The label includes a mesh surface layer configured to be adhered to the outer surface of an unvulcanized tire, a mesh back layer attached to the mesh surface layer, and an RFID device affixed between the mesh layers. The mesh layer includes a woven or non - woven material formed from polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, or cotton.

[0010] Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2016 / 053933 discloses an RFID label incorporated in a tire. The RFID label includes a surface layer, one or more primer layers, an adhesive layer, an RFID component, and a liner. The adhesive layer is used to attach the RFID label to the tire and includes an unsaturated rubber, an acrylic adhesive, and / or a rubber - acrylic composite.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] However, in the relevant technical field, there is a need for an easy-to-use system for attaching an electrical device to a tire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] The present invention discloses an electrical device tag pack including an adhesive layer deposited on a transfer layer, an electrical device deposited on the adhesive layer, and a peel cover for protecting the tag. The electrical device tag pack of the present invention provides an electrical device that can be directly applied to the uncured rubber of a tire product without the need for further processing and can be used immediately. The present invention also discloses a method for attaching an electrical device to a tire using the electrical device pack, which enables the electrical device, such as an RFID tag, to be accurately placed at a desired position on the tire in a desired alignment without excessive handling and without causing damage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The accompanying drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating the electrical device pack, and its advantages over the prior art are outlined above and will be briefly described below.

[0015] The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of protection specified in the claims, nor should they be referred to alone to interpret the scope specified in the claims without relying on the technical disclosure in the description of the present invention.

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The present invention proposes an electrical device pack (5) for attaching an electrical device (1) to a tire.

[0018] Figures 1A and 1B show an electrical device tag pack (5) according to the present invention. The electrical device pack (5) includes an adhesive layer (3) deposited on a transfer layer (2), an electrical device (1) deposited on the adhesive layer (3), and a peel-off cover (4) for protecting the electrical device (1).

[0019] The electrical device (1) may be an identification or tracking device such as those that can be used in manufacturing, distribution, and sales activities, or a monitoring device for measuring the temperature, pressure, or other physical parameters of an operating tire. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical device (1) is an RFID transponder including an RFID chip and an antenna operably communicating to wirelessly communicate with an external device such as an RFID reader. Coiled spring antennas, plate antennas, and various types of rod antennas can be used as the antenna. Identification information such as a manufacturing number and a part number is stored in a memory portion within the RFID chip. However, those skilled in the art can understand that the tire tag pack (5) can be used to fix and protect any electrical device or component without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. The tag (1) is an electrical device that can be used to transmit data wirelessly to a remote receiver via the antenna and / or receive data from a remote transmitter.

[0020] The above electrical device (1) includes an adhesive material pretreated with an adhesion - promoting solution to improve the adhesion to the rubber components of the tire. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tag is treated by immersion in a resorcinol - formaldehyde latex (RFL) solution, as is commonly used in the art. In an alternative embodiment, a composition that does not contain resorcinol - formaldehyde (RF - free), for example, a composition containing an acrylic resin and / or natural latex can be used. In an alternative embodiment, a rosin ester and / or a rosin - ester adhesion promoter may be added to the immersion solution. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical device (1) coated with the adhesion - promoting solution can be dried in an oven at 160 °C.

[0021] However, those skilled in the art will understand that any method known in the art for improving the adhesion of components to rubber can be used in this application such that the electrical device (1) remains intact over the service life of the tire and remains adhered to or within the tire.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the above electrical device (1) is an RFID transponder, and the antenna of the RFID tag includes at least one synthetic or bio - based polymer fabric material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric material is an adhesive material.

[0023] The transfer layer (2) functions as a carrier for the electrical device (1). The transfer layer (2) is made of a flexible material such as polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), flexible plastic film, cotton, paper, glass fiber, or synthetic fabric. The transfer layer (2) can be designed in a continuous or discontinuous form.

[0024] The above adhesive layer (3) partially or completely covers the transfer layer (2) and is used to attach the electrical device (1) to the transfer layer (2). The above adhesive layer (3) contains an aqueous or solvent-based adhesive component. The above adhesive layer (3) is designed to be compatible with the adhesion imparting pretreatment for the electrical device (1), but not compatible with the rubber components of the tire. As a result, when the electrical device pack (5) is attached to the tire, only the electrical device (1) is attached to the tire, and the remaining part of the electrical device pack (5) can be removed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above adhesive layer (3) contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of silicone adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, acrylic adhesives, and combinations thereof.

[0025] The above peel cover (4) functions as a physical barrier for the electrical device (1) to protect the electrical device from external factors such as heat, light, and moisture. The above peel cover (4) is made of a flexible material such as a plastic film, fabric, or paper. The peel cover (4) is removed manually or by an automatic system before attaching the electrical device (1) to the tire.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a method for attaching the electrical device (1) to a tire. The electrical device (1) is directly attached to the uncured rubber (100) of the tire before the curing process and is embedded between the layers that make up the final tire product. Tire types that can be equipped with the electrical device (1) include, but are not limited to, bias tires, belted bias tires, radial tires, solid tires, semi-pneumatic tires, pneumatic tires, and airless tires. Generally, all tires include an outer tread, a bead that contacts the rim when the tire is mounted, and a sidewall that extends between the tread and the bead. The method is advantageous in that it allows the electrical device (1) to be accurately positioned at the desired location on the tire with the desired alignment without excessive handling of the electrical device (1) and without causing damage.

[0027] It is most advantageous to place the electrical device (1) at a position having a minimum tensile strain and compressive strain during the operating state. Preferably, the electrical device (1) is attached between the carcass layer and the outer rubber layer in the upper, middle or lower sidewall region in the circumferential direction of the tire. Due to the thin gauge and the distance from the metal components of the tire, excellent readability of the tag is obtained at these positions. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical device (1) is attached to the bead region of the tire including the apex rubber and the bead ring. When the apex rubber consists of two or more parts, the electrical device (1) may be attached on or within the apex rubber. These positions are advantageous because the horizontal deformation during the operating state is reduced. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical device (1) is attached between the apex rubber and the bead ring apex, the electrical device (1) is first attached above the rubber pull bead ring, and the apex rubber is attached to the bead ring and the tag (1). This position is advantageous because the deformation in all directions during the operating state is reduced.

[0028] A method for attaching the electrical device (1) to a tire is obtaining an electrical device pack (5); removing the peel cover (4) manually or by an automatic system; attaching an electrical device pack (5) including a transfer layer (2), an adhesive layer (3) and an electrical device (1) to a desired position on the uncured rubber (100); holding the electrical device pack (5) at this position on the uncured rubber (100) to ensure adhesion; removing the transfer layer (2) and the adhesive layer (3) while the electrical device (1) remains attached to the uncured rubber (100); and includes.

[0029] It is important to note that the adhesion strength of the uncured rubber (100) is higher than that of the electrical device (1), and the adhesion strength of the electrical device (1) is higher than that of the adhesive layer (3). As a result, the electrical device (1) remains attached to the uncured rubber (100). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion level between the uncured rubber (100) and the electrical device (1) is 100 - 250 N, while the adhesion level between the electrical device (1) and the adhesive layer (3) is 2 - 50 N.

[0030] Thereafter, other elements of the tire, such as tire cords, are added onto the uncured rubber (100), and the tire is cured to obtain a final tire product having an electrical device (1) such as an RFID transponder. Thereafter, the tire can be identified by using an RFID reader, which enables tracking of the tire in a manufacturing or production system, monitoring the position of the tire, and performing an inventory operation.

[0031] Those skilled in the art can understand that the electrical device pack (5) of the present invention can be used together with other rubber or rubber-based articles in addition to tires. Other rubber-based articles include, but are not limited to, suspension components, cushions, shoe soles, hoses, hockey packs, conveyor belts, music mouthpieces, and bowling balls.

[0032] In summary, the present invention proposes an electronic device pack (5) including an adhesive layer (3) deposited on a transfer layer (2), an electronic device (1) deposited on the adhesive layer (3), and a peel-off cover (4) covering the electronic device (1).

[0033] In a variant of the present invention, the electronic device (1) includes at least one adhesive material.

[0034] In a further modification of the present invention, the adhesive material is a material that has been treated at least once with a solution, and the solution contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of a resorcinol formaldehyde latex solution, an acrylic resin solution, a rosin ester solution, a natural latex solution, and combinations thereof.

[0035] In a further modification of the present invention, the electronic device (1) is an RFID transponder.

[0036] In a further modification of the present invention, the RFID transponder includes an RFID chip and an antenna that communicate operably.

[0037] In a further modification of the present invention, the antenna of the RFID tag includes at least one synthetic or bio-based polymer fabric material.

[0038] In a further modification of the present invention, the antenna of the RFID tag includes at least one adhesive material.

[0039] In a further modification of the present invention, the transfer layer (2) includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), flexible plastic film, cotton, paper, glass fiber, synthetic fabric, and combinations thereof.

[0040] In a further modification of the present invention, the adhesive layer (3) contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of silicone adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, acrylic adhesives, and combinations thereof.

[0041] In a further modification of the present invention, the transfer layer (2) is configured to protect the tag (1) from external factors such as heat, light, and moisture.

[0042] The present invention also Step a) of obtaining the electrical device pack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; Step b) of manually or by an automatic system removing the peelable cover (4); Step c) of attaching an electrical device pack (5) including a transfer layer (2), an adhesive layer (3) and an electrical device (1) to a desired position on the uncured rubber (100); Step d) of holding the electrical device pack (5) at this position on the uncured rubber (100) to ensure adhesion; Step e) of removing the transfer layer (2) and the adhesive layer (3) while the electrical device (1) remains attached to the uncured rubber (100); A method for attaching an electrical device (1) to a tire is provided, which includes the above steps.

[0043] In a modification of the present invention, the adhesive strength of the uncured rubber (100) is higher than the adhesive strength of the electrical device (1), and the adhesive strength of the electrical device (1) is higher than the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer (3).

[0044] In a further modification of the present invention, the adhesion level between the uncured rubber (100) and the electrical device (1) is 100 to 250 N, while the adhesion level between the electrical device (1) and the adhesive layer (3) is 2 to 50 N.

Claims

1. An electronic device pack (5) comprising an adhesive layer (3) deposited on a transfer layer (2), an electronic device (1) deposited on the adhesive layer (3), and a peel cover (4) covering the electronic device (1).

2. The electronic device pack (5) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (1) comprises at least one adhesive material.

3. The adhesive material is a material treated at least once with a solution, and the solution contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of a resorcinol formaldehyde latex solution, an acrylic resin solution, a rosin ester solution, a natural latex solution, and combinations thereof. The electronic device pack (5) according to claim 2.

4. The electronic device pack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic device (1) is an RFID transponder.

5. The RFID transponder according to claim 4, wherein the RFID transponder comprises an RFID chip and an antenna that communicates operably therewith. The electronic device pack (5).

6. The antenna of the RFID tag according to claim 5, wherein the antenna of the RFID tag comprises at least one synthetic or bio-based polymer fabric material. The electronic device pack (5).

7. The antenna of the RFID tag according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the antenna of the RFID tag comprises at least one adhesive material. The electronic device pack (5).

8. The transfer layer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transfer layer (2) comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), flexible plastic film, cotton, paper, glass fiber, synthetic fabric, and combinations thereof. The electronic device pack (5).

9. The adhesive layer (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the adhesive layer (3) contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of silicone adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, acrylic adhesives, and combinations thereof. The electronic device pack (5).

10. The transfer layer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transfer layer (2) is configured to protect the tag (1) from external factors such as heat, light, and moisture. The electronic device pack (5).

11. Step f) of obtaining an electrical device pack (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Step g) of removing the peeling cover (4) manually or by an automated system; Step h) of attaching an electrical device pack (5) including a transfer layer (2), an adhesive layer (3), and an electrical device (1) to a desired position on the uncured rubber (100); Step i) of holding the electrical device pack (5) in this position on the uncured rubber (100) to ensure adhesion; Step j) of removing the transfer layer (2) and the adhesive layer (3) while the electrical device (1) remains attached to the uncured rubber (100); A method for attaching an electrical device (1) to a tire, comprising the steps above. **Claim 12** The method for attaching an electrical device (1) to a tire according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive strength of the uncured rubber (100) is higher than the adhesive strength of the electrical device (1), and the adhesive strength of the electrical device (1) is higher than the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer (3). **Claim 13** The method for attaching an electrical device (1) to a tire according to claim 12, wherein the adhesion level between the uncured rubber (100) and the electrical device (1) is 100 to 250 N, and the adhesion level between the electrical device (1) and the adhesive layer (3) is 2 to 50 N.

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