RFID System for Tires

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for tires includes studs constructed with reactive strap technology including an RFID chip and conductors. The studs are connected to the tire and configured to provide short-range wireless communication. The studs can also be coupled to an antenna structure to provide a long-range RFID tag. Because the studs may unintentionally move relative to the antenna structure during use, the antenna structure can be configured to accommodate such movement without changing the tuning of the RFID tag. Multi-antenna labels can be provided to selectively couple studs to specific antennas, with tires of different configurations coupled to different antennas of the same multi-antenna label, allowing the same label configuration to be used on a wider variety of tires.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 954,475, filed December 28, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application is In general terms: More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless communication device mounted on a tire. teeth The present invention relates to a radio frequency identification ("RFID") system for tires. do. The system uses short-range wireless communication (near field communication) Reactive straps for P Includes a stud having a [Background technology]

[0003] Devices incorporating wireless communication approaches, including radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, are widely used in a variety of applications, including incorporation into merchandise labels or tags for tracking and security purposes. Systems incorporating such devices are known for inventory control and security (e.g., loss prevention).

[0004] tire To RFID device of tag Add Prior art methods for this purpose generally include RFID labels that are manufactured in a single piece that combines an RFID strap and an antenna. The RFID system can transmit and / or receive signals to other RFID devices, e.g., RFID reader systems. The single piece can be attached to the inside or outside of the tire. Can be attached Unfortunately, a single component structure is not relevant to a single tire product. To be able to attach This is because tires have different characteristics, such as different models and sizes. Tagged This increases the volume and cost of the parts required. Additionally, tires present a challenging and dynamic environment that can be difficult to solve when attempting to provide an RFID tag system. bring about . Summary of the Invention

[0005] There are various aspects of the present subject matter that may be embodied individually or together in the wireless communication devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be used alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein. do. Describing these aspects together does not imply the use of these aspects separately or in different combinations as set forth in the claims appended hereto. fruit It is not intended to preclude joint claims.

[0006] As used herein, RFID-responsive straps P Apparatus including a stud incorporating the same, systems including the apparatus, and methods of making and using the same are described. In some embodiments, the stud is designed to be inserted into the exterior tread of a tire or mounted on the exterior or interior surface of a tire. The stud may be associated with and coupled to an antenna structure that provides near field wireless communication or may be incorporated into a label and applied to the exterior or interior surface of a tire.

[0007] In some embodiments, the label may be a counterpart to the antenna structure and / or the stud. arrangement Alternatively, the label may include an antenna that is positioned near a stud and whose relative position changes the characteristics of the RFID tag formed thereon. Preferably, in some embodiments, the label includes a single adaptive antenna or Multiple The reactive strap may include an antenna. P Built-in, inserted into the tire surface by the tire manufacturer or attachment The ability to change the characteristics of the RFID tag using a single common design for the possible studs allows for a wide variety of properties in tires made of metal and dielectric 3D structures. The studs can be used in different areas of the tire supply chain depending on the customer's needs. For example, studs can be used by manufacturers to track tires through production and can be of a robust construction that can withstand heat and pressure when required.

[0008] Reactive straps on the studs P By adding a label with an associated antenna, an RFID tag can be formed and can provide long range RFID capability for inventory control of finished tires, and can be used for short term identification by auto dealers after the tire is mounted on the vehicle, where the label is typically removed. However, if required and designed for roadworthy use, the label can remain in place for the RFID tag to provide tracking and traceability to the vehicle owner, e.g., private user, fleet user, taxi or rental car company.

[0009] In some embodiments, a tire RFID system is provided. In some embodiments, the system includes a reactive strap including an RFID chip and a conductor. Includes The tire includes a stud, the stud being connected to the tire and configured to enable short-range wireless communication.

[0010] In other embodiments, the antenna structure is located on the inner or outer surface of the tire or inside the tire, and the antenna structure couples to the stud via a magnetic field, an electric field, or a combination of magnetic and electric fields to provide long-range (far field) Form an RFID tag. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of two structures of an RFID tag according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an RFID system according to another aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a stud provided in combination with an adaptive far-field antenna. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating various possible arrangements of antennas in an RFID system provided by the present invention. [Diagram 5]2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an RFID system according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an RFID system employing a combination of studs and multi-antenna labels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] As necessary, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention which may be embodied in various forms, and therefore the specific details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in its various forms in substantially any suitable manner.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing two configurations of an RFID system 10 configured for a tire 12. The RFID system 10 includes a reactive strap that includes an RFID chip and a conductor. have Stud 14 of The stud 14 includes a first portion of the tire that is adapted to connect to the tire at a selected mounting location. Conforms to In this embodiment, the mounting location is in the tread groove 16, and the stud 14 includes a body that encapsulates the RFID chip and conductors and is configured to be mounted within the tread area of ​​the tire 12. or Inserted into the sidewall of the tire 12 Be In some embodiments, the stud 14 is of sturdy construction and constructed using an epoxy or acrylic material that encapsulates the RFID chip and conductors.

[0014] The second portion of the RFID system 10 includes one or more antennas, such as an antenna structure 20. It has the form When the label 18 is placed near the stud 14, the antenna 20 contacts the reactive strap of the stud 14. P andThe antenna structure 20 may be disposed on the inner or outer surface of the tire or embedded in the tire. do. The antenna structure 20 couples to the stud 14 via a magnetic field, an electric field, or a combination of magnetic and electric fields to provide long range (far field) Form an RFID tag.

[0015] As used herein, "stud" refers to a structure for adhering, attaching, or affixing the reactive strap to the tire. In some embodiments, the stud is designed to be inserted into the tread of the tire and gripped by the edge of the groove. However, alternative structures such as flat disks, linear strips, threaded structures, and expanding structures based on mechanical expansion and / or chemical reaction, such as expanded polyurethane foam, may be suitable for fastening to the tire. Generally, tires are attached to vehicles. To be fitted Stress caused by rolling or dropping during previous storage, stress during installation, and during tire use The tire Depending on the movement of the vehicle to which it is attached Accompany The structures used must be sturdy because they are subject to stress. Studs are It may have a different structure For example, in some embodiments, the studs may be adhesively attached to the surface of the tire. have Including components In that case, The RFID chip and conductor (near-field conductive element) are bonded have Disposed between thin layers of components (e.g., 125 μm polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other suitable polymeric or non-polymeric materials) profit In some embodiments, the outer surface of one of the laminae may include an adhesive for bonding the stud to the inner or outer surface of the tire such that the stud can be removed from the tire. alternative Such a structure may include having a stud (including an RFID chip and conductors) incorporated into a label configured to be attached to the inside or outside surface of a tire by using an adhesive or the like. .child Labels like Studs in the form of As an alternative, 、The tire is configured to be attached to the inner surface of the tire by being vulcanized during tire manufacture. Good .

[0016] Figure 2 shows two structures for tires. Having a body FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example RFID system 110. P The stud 114 having the antenna structure 120 may be located near the antenna structure 120. The antenna structure may be located on the inner or outer surface of the tire. The location of the antenna structure 120 and the stud 114 for close coupling may be adjusted to achieve coupling via magnetic field, electric field, or a combination of these fields, allowing for long-range coupling. (far field) An RFID tag can be formed.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3 RFID Systems 214 Studs for connecting with tires of form have The first portion and the antenna structure 220 of form have The second part includes Figure 3 shows The antenna structure 220 includes: The adaptive far-field antenna 222 includes: Antenna 222 for Stud 214 Positioning But unintentionally Changed When, Stud 214 of Close range of shapes (Near field) element (near field element) and the adaptive far-field antenna 222. Is This can be particularly useful in the dynamic environments experienced by tires.

[0018] The adaptive far-field antenna 222 includes first and second parallel elements 224, 224'. nothing. The stud 214 is nominally mounted between the first and second parallel elements 224, 224'. (nominal mounting position) With this configuration, a relative movement +x of the stud 214 toward the first parallel element 224 causes coupling with the first parallel element 224. Increase, affecting the movement -x of the stud 214 away from the second parallel element 224'. hand The connection with the second parallel element 224' This reduces Antenna structure 220 and stud 214 and of The net coupling is relatively constant Become .

[0019] Also, the coupling between the stud 214 and the adaptive far-field antenna 222 is such that the stud 214 is ,a In parallel with the first and second parallel elements 224, 224' of the antenna structure 220 Extend Movement over length a In the meantime This bond occurs over the length of the movement, a. The second The first and second parallel elements 224, 224' are arranged symmetrically Therefore, overall, The net bond is Remains relatively constant do. The adaptive far-field antenna 222 is basically A tuning loop of the antenna structure 220, the tuning loop being In parallel with the first and second parallel elements 224, 224' To this and others a bypass element 226 including a third parallel element 228 extending beyond do.

[0020] 4A and 4B show two systems similar to the system 10 shown in FIG. Contains part Overview of RFID system 310 composition Show The RFID system 310 includes: Studs 314 are secured to the tire 312, such as by insertion into the tread area of ​​the tire 312. of Allows the first portion of the configuration to be located on the tire 312 on the other hand , label 318 including antenna structure 320 of The second portion of the configuration comprises two or more studs 314 and tires 312. By orientation The two wheels can be connected to the tire 312. direction The first of The direction As shown in Figure 4A In FIG. 4A, The antenna structure 320 is mounted on the tire 312 and Parallel to the tread direction. direction is shown in Figure 4B. In FIG. 4B,The antenna structure 320 is mounted on the tire 31 2 to Vertical ,Ta The stud 314 extends across the width of the tire. Tires have very different characteristics and, if it is a dipole antenna, it may be advantageous for the antenna to extend across the tread (i.e. perpendicular to the tread) or parallel to the tread. Like A typical reactor is: individual Different for different tires By orientation It can operate with a number of antenna designs that can be selected for use.

[0021] The embodiments described herein are for tires. of Two Contains part RFID Systems or tag It is understood that the Can . Illustrated In an embodiment, the near field elements are On tires Applies Associated It is a stud that can be obtained, the The short-distance feature is suitable for controlled environments such as factory production lines, of Tracking and When the tire is delivered to the retailer, a label with an RFID antenna is attached to the tire. Installed , in uncontrolled environments such as inventory shelves twist Allows reading over long distances. Labels are attached to tires and reactive straps are attached to the tires. P Once the included labels and studs are removed, they may be disposed of, recycled or salvaged if the materials are compatible. do. If the stud is robust enough, it can be reused via reprogramming. of form have The reactor allows dealers to sell cars, vans, and trucks to the public. death, Monitoring for inventory control and traceability purposes may be held for a short period of time, such as Or, The device comprises: Short-distance reading during service etc. can be used, but , a direct privacy issue teeth Do not arise stomach.

[0022] Figure 5 shows FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative configuration of an RFID system 410. In this example, Short-range devices such as Stud 414 、 Applied to the interior of the tire 412 and coupled to an antenna structure incorporated in a label 418 that is applied externally to the tire 412 Is The studs 414 are retained for the purposes described above. can be To provide long-distance RFID tags , anti Responsive Straps P and and has short-range wireless communication capabilities. Inside the tire 412 Studs in combination with label 418 Use That is It has advantages over using a single existing long-range RFID tag. In summary: , near-field devices are smaller, easier and more robust to manufacture, and can be used while the tire is in use. , flexion, extension etc. by stress It has the advantage that it can reduce .

[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an RFID system 510 for a tire 512. do. A first moiety having a reactive short-range function teeth , Inner or The tire 512 may be provided in the form of a stud 514 connected to the exterior surface or embedded within the tire 512. do. Second part is multiple It comes in the form of a label 518 having an antenna structure 520 including antennas 522a-522d. Multiple The antennas 522a to 522d are arranged such that the relative positions between the studs 514 and the antenna structure 520 are change Then, Stud 514 and The bond of One of the antennas The best choice for , and the relative position of the antenna structure 520 The best choice for is the relative position of the label 518 to the stud 514 arrangement By experimenting with decision can be 。 this is each It is less complicated and less costly than designing a custom, customer-specific antenna for a customer and each tire they sell. Once the optimal antenna configuration is selected, a single multi-antenna label 518 can be used on a variety of tire products and be used persistently. .or, A label with only selected antennas specific to a given tire may be used. Thus, the characteristics of the RFID system 510 or RFID tag formed by placing the antenna structure 520 near the stud 514 are determined by the antenna structure 520 and the stud 514. and Relative arrangement Change by changing It can be done. This is different Multiple tire of performed on a group profit do.

[0024] It will be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, including any combination of features individually disclosed or claimed herein. For this reason, the scope of the present specification is not limited to the above description, but is set forth in the following claims, which should be understood to be directed to any feature of the present specification, including any combination of features individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for a tire comprising two parts: a first portion including a stud for near field communication, the stud including a reactive strap including an RFID chip and a conductor, the stud further including a body encapsulating the RFID chip and the conductor and configured to be inserted into a tread area or a sidewall of the tire; a second portion separate from the first portion, the second portion including an antenna structure disposed on an inner or outer surface of the tire or embedded in the tire; the antenna structure couples to the stud via a magnetic field, an electric field, or a combination of magnetic and electric fields to form a far field RFID tag; The antenna structure further includes an adaptive far-field antenna; the adaptive far-field antenna includes a first parallel element and a second parallel element extending parallel to each other; the stud is disposed between the first parallel element and the second parallel element, and relative movement of the stud towards the first parallel element increases coupling with the first parallel element, and movement of the stud away from the second parallel element decreases coupling with the second parallel element, limiting changes in coupling with the antenna structure associated with the relative movement. RFID system.

2. 2. The RFID system of claim 1, wherein during relative movement of the stud parallel to the first and second parallel elements of the adaptive far-field antenna, coupling between the antenna structure and the stud is kept constant by the first and second parallel elements being symmetrically positioned over the length of the relative movement.

3. 3. The RFID system of claim 1, wherein the antenna structure further comprises a tuning loop having a bypass element including a third parallel element extending in parallel with and beyond the first and second parallel elements.

4. 1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for a tire comprising two parts: a first portion including a stud for near field communication, the stud including a reactive strap including an RFID chip and a conductor, the stud further including a body encapsulating the RFID chip and the conductor and configured to be inserted into a tread area or a sidewall of the tire; a second portion separate from the first portion, the second portion including an antenna structure disposed on an inner or outer surface of the tire or embedded in the tire; the antenna structure couples to the stud via a magnetic field, an electric field, or a combination of magnetic and electric fields to form a far field RFID tag; the second portion is a label including the antenna structure, the antenna structure being removable from the tire by removing the label from the tire. RFID system.

5. 1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for a tire comprising two parts: a first portion including a stud for near field communication, the stud including a reactive strap including an RFID chip and a conductor, the stud further including a body encapsulating the RFID chip and the conductor and configured to be inserted into a tread area or a sidewall of the tire; a second portion separate from the first portion, the second portion including an antenna structure disposed on an inner or outer surface of the tire or embedded in the tire; the antenna structure couples to the stud via a magnetic field, an electric field, or a combination of magnetic and electric fields to form a far field RFID tag; the antenna structure further comprises a multi-antenna label including a plurality of antennas, and a characteristic of the far-field RFID tag formed by the coupling of the stud and the multi-antenna label is determined as a function of the positions of the plurality of antennas within the multi-antenna label relative to the stud. RFID system.

6. 6. The RFID system of claim 1, wherein the stud comprises an adhesive component configured to be connected to a surface of a tire, the RFID chip and the conductor being located between thin layers of material of the adhesive component, an outer surface of one of the thin layers further comprising an adhesive.

7. The RFID system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an epoxy or acrylic material is used to encapsulate the RFID chip and the conductors.

8. An RFID system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the studs are incorporated into a label configured to be affixed to the inner or outer surface of the tire using an adhesive.

9. An RFID system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the studs are incorporated into a label adapted to be vulcanised into the tire and thereby affixed to the inner surface of the tire.

10. The RFID system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antenna structure further comprises an adhesive for connection to an inner or outer surface of the tire.

Images