Embedded and encapsulated tire sensor unit

Abstract

To provide a sensor unit with a structure that enables the unit to be embedded in a tire structure, which maintains durability of the tire and the life of the sensor unit.SOLUTION: An encapsulated sensor unit 100 is embedded in a tire. The encapsulated sensor unit 100 includes a sensor portion 102 and an antenna portion 104. A first encapsulating layer 106 is disposed about the sensor portion 102, and not about the antenna portion 104. A second encapsulating layer is disposed about the first encapsulating layer 106 and the antenna portion 104. A third encapsulating layer is disposed about the second encapsulating layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tires and monitoring systems for tires. More particularly, the present invention relates to electronic sensors for sensing various conditions within a tire. In particular, the present invention is directed to a sensor unit encapsulated for embedding within the tire structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Tires go through many conditions that are useful to monitor, including pneumatic tires, non-pneumatic tires, car tires, passenger tires, truck tires, industrial tires, off-the-road tires, aircraft tires, spacecraft tires, etc. One tire will be generally described herein as an example, with the understanding that the invention applies to all types of tires.

[0003] In the manufacture of pneumatic tires, the tire is typically assembled on a tire building machine drum, known in the art as a tire building drum. A number of tire components are sequentially wrapped around and / or affixed to the drum to form a cylindrically shaped tire carcass. The tire carcass is then expanded to an annular shape to receive the remaining components of the tire, such as the belt package and rubber tread. The completed annular uncured tire carcass, known in the art at this stage as a green tire, is then inserted into a mold or press for formation of the tread pattern and curing or vulcanization.

[0004] For many modern tires, it is often desirable to mount an electronic sensor unit on the tire, either before or after curing. Such a sensor unit allows the tire temperature, pressure, and / or other parameters or conditions to be continuously monitored during operation of the vehicle. The sensor unit typically includes an integrated circuit that processes and stores information. One or more sensors are integrated with or electronically connected to the integrated circuit. An antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to an external reader is also electronically connected to the integrated circuit and may be supported on a substrate together with the integrated circuit. Other electronic components, including a battery or power means such as an energy harvesting structure and a signal converter, are also typically integrated with the integrated circuit.

[0005] In the prior art, such electronic sensor units are often mounted on the inside surface of a pneumatic tire that defines the cavity that contains the inflation gas. Such an arrangement does not interfere with the structure of the tire and allows the sensor unit to continuously sense parameters such as temperature and pressure inside the tire cavity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,500,065 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,573,610 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,255,940 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,534,711 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 6,630,885 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 6,637,276 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 6,668,884 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 6,732,590 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 6,788,192 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 6,807,853 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 6,868,717 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 6,885,291 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 6,951,143 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent No. 7,040,154 [Patent Document 15] U.S. Patent No. 7,132,930 [Patent Document 16] U.S. Patent No. 7,161,476 [Patent Document 17] U.S. Patent No. 7,196,637 [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent No. 7,343,787 [Patent Document 19] U.S. Patent No. 7,592,902 [Patent Document 20] U.S. Patent No. 7,598,877 [Patent Document 21] U.S. Patent No. 7,679,570 [Patent Document 22] U.S. Patent No. 7,900,666 [Patent Document 23] U.S. Patent No. 8,051,705 [Patent Document 24] U.S. Patent No. 8,365,590 [Patent Document 25] U.S. Patent No. 8,373,551 [Patent Document 26] U.S. Patent No. 8,685,527 [Patent Document 27] U.S. Patent No. 8,686,550 [Patent Document 28] U.S. Patent No. 8,776,590 [Patent Document 29] U.S. Patent No. 9,146,170 [Patent Document 30] U.S. Patent No. 9,623,591 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] While such prior art sensor units are acceptable for many applications, it is desirable to monitor the actual temperature and other parameters at specific structural locations within the tire structure during use in a vehicle, which is not possible with cavity-based sensors. For example, monitoring the actual temperature at the edge of the belt within the belt package would be advantageous in predicting ongoing tire performance and possible tire replacement, as well as providing immediate information to the driver or manager to adjust the vehicle speed before possible heat damage occurs to the tire. However, accurate measurement of the actual temperature at such locations requires the sensor unit to be permanently embedded within the tire structure.

[0008] Additionally, as the demand for monitoring data increases, the size of the sensor unit components often increases. For example, the size of the sensor often increases to collect more data and / or to monitor parameters with greater sensitivity. Increased power requirements for increased monitoring and transmission increase the size of power-related components. Increased timing and / or range of transmission increase the size of input / output components.

[0009] Prior art embedded sensor units suffer from disadvantages, particularly those that require increased size of such components. More particularly, prior art sensor units are unable to withstand tire curing or tire operating conditions. For example, prior art sensor units undesirably experience component and / or substrate separation or cracking during tire curing or operation, thereby shortening the lifespan of the sensor unit.

[0010] As a result, it is desirable to develop a sensor unit having a structure that allows the unit to be embedded within the tire structure, which preserves the durability of the tire and the life of the sensor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated sensor unit for embedding within a tire includes a sensor portion and an antenna portion, a first encapsulation layer disposed about the sensor portion, a second encapsulation layer disposed about the first encapsulation layer and the antenna portion, and a third encapsulation layer disposed about the second encapsulation layer.

[0012] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a tire includes an encapsulated sensor unit. The tire and encapsulated sensor unit combination includes a tire, the tire including, in order, a pair of bead regions, sidewalls extending from each of the bead regions to a tread, a carcass extending annularly between each of the bead regions, and a belt reinforcement package disposed between the tread and the carcass. The encapsulated sensor unit is embedded within the tire. The encapsulated sensor unit includes a sensor portion and an antenna portion. A first encapsulation layer is disposed around the sensor portion, and a second encapsulation layer is disposed around the first encapsulation layer and the antenna portion. A third encapsulation layer is disposed around the second encapsulation layer.

[0013] [Definition] "Axial" and "axially" mean lines or directions that are parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0014] "Axial inner" and "axially inward" refer to directions axially toward the axial center of the tire.

[0015] "Axially outer" and "axially outward" refer to directions axially away from the axial center of the tire.

[0016] "Bead" means that portion of a tire that includes an annular tensile member wrapped by ply cords and that may or may not have other reinforcing elements such as flippers, chippers, apex, toe guards and chafers, and that is shaped to fit the designed rim.

[0017] "Carcass" means the tire structure apart from the belt structure, tread, undertread, and sidewall rubber over the plies, but including the beads.

[0018] "Circumferential" means lines or directions extending along the perimeter of the surface of the annular tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0019] "Cord" means one of the reinforcing strands comprising a ply within a tire.

[0020] "Crown" means that portion of the tread area between the shoulders of the tire.

[0021] "Equatorial Plane (EP)" means the plane perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation and passing through the center of its tread.

[0022] "Footprint" means the contact patch or area of ​​contact of the tire tread with a flat surface as the tire rolls or rolls.

[0023] "Groove" means an elongated void area in a tread that may extend circumferentially or laterally or at an angle about the tread, in a straight or curved or zigzag configuration.

[0024] "Inboard side" means the side of the tire nearest the vehicle when the tire is mounted on a wheel and the wheel is mounted on the vehicle.

[0025] "Inner" means toward the inside of the tire.

[0026] "Innerliner" means the layer or layers of elastomer or other material that form the inside surface of a tubeless tire and that contain the inflating fluid within the tire.

[0027] "Lateral" and "laterally" are used to refer to the axial direction across the tread of the tire.

[0028] "Outboard side" means the side of the tire farthest from the vehicle when the tire is mounted on a wheel and the wheel is mounted on the vehicle.

[0029] "Outer" means toward the outside of the tire.

[0030] "Radial" and "radially" mean lines or directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0031] "Radially inner" and "radially inward" refer to directions radially toward the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0032] "Radially outer" and "radially outward" refer to directions radially away from the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0033] "Radial ply tire" means a belted or circumferentially restrained pneumatic tire having ply cords extending from bead to bead arranged at cord angles between about 65 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the equatorial plane of the tire.

[0034] "Rib" means a circumferentially extending strip of rubber on the tread defined by at least one circumferential groove and by any secondary such groove or lateral edge, which strip is not divided laterally by a full depth groove.

[0035] "Shoulder" means the area of ​​the exterior of the tire formed by the juncture of the tread and sidewall.

[0036] "Tread" means the rubber molding which includes that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road under normal inflation and load. The tread usually has a depth measured from the outer surface of the tread to the bottom of the deepest groove on the tire.

[0037] "Tread block" or "tread element" means a rib or block element defined by a shape having a plurality of adjacent grooves. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a tire having a sensor unit mounted in a cavity of the prior art. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tire structure shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of the integrated sensor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the integrated sensor unit shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor unit for a tire of the present invention, including a first encapsulation layer. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor unit for a tire of the present invention, including first and second encapsulation layers. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor unit for a tire of the present invention, including first, second and third encapsulation layers. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a tire configuration in which the encapsulated sensor unit shown in FIG. 7 is embedded in the tire structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the drawings. As a premise for the encapsulated sensor unit for a tire of the present invention, Figures 1 to 4 show prior art sensor structures and tires. Referring to Figure 1, the tire 10 includes a pair of bead areas 12 (only one shown) and a bead core 14 embedded in each bead area. Each of a pair of sidewalls 16 extends radially outward from the respective bead area 12 to a ground-contacting or ground-engaging tread 18. The tire 10 is reinforced by a carcass 20 that extends annularly from one bead area 12 to the other bead area. The carcass 20 preferably includes at least one ply 22 wrapped around each bead core 14. An inner liner 24 is formed on the inside or inner surface of the carcass 20. The tire 10 is mounted to a flange of a wheel or rim 26 as is known in the art.

[0040] When the tire 10 is mounted on a wheel 26, a cavity 28 is formed and filled with a pressurized fluid, such as air. An integrated sensor, such as a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor unit 30, may be mounted on the innerliner 24 to measure the pressure and / or temperature within the cavity 28.

[0041] 2, a belt reinforcement package 32 is disposed between the carcass 20 and the tread 18. The belt reinforcement package 32 may have a particular configuration as desired. For example, the belt reinforcement package 32 may include at least one of a radially outer belt structure 34 and a radially inner belt structure 36, and an intermediate belt structure 38 disposed between the radially outer belt structure and the radially inner belt structure.

[0042] As previously discussed, in the prior art, an integrated TPMS sensor unit 30 is attached to the innerliner 24, allowing the sensor to continuously sense parameters such as temperature and pressure inside the tire cavity 28 without interfering with the structure of the tire 10. However, the TPMS sensor unit 30 is unable to monitor actual temperature and other parameters at specific structural locations inside the tire 10, such as the edges of the belt structures 34, 36, 38 within the belt package 32, during use in the vehicle.

[0043] 3 and 4, a prior art sensor unit 40 is shown that may be embedded within the structure (FIG. 2) of the tire 10. The prior art sensor unit 40 is disposed between the belt package 32 and the tread 18, between the belt package and the carcass 20, or between multiple belts 34, 36 and / or 38 within the belt package. The prior art sensor unit 40 includes a substrate 54 on which multiple electronically interconnected components are formed.

[0044] For example, a prior art sensor unit 40 includes a temperature sensor 42 and a power source 44, such as an energy harvesting unit or power harvesting unit. A boost converter 46, which is a power converter that regulates the voltage and / or current between the power source 44 and the temperature sensor 42 and other powered components, is also included. A microcontroller unit (MCU) 48 receives data from the temperature sensor 42 and processes it for transmission. A radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit 50 contains information for identifying the sensor unit 40.

[0045] Antenna 52 transmits data from sensor unit 40 to an external reader and / or processor, as known to those skilled in the art. Antenna 52 may receive signals to activate sensor unit 40 and may receive radio frequency power signals for power source 44.

[0046] The temperature sensor 42, power supply 44, boost converter 46, microcontroller unit 48, and RFID integrated circuit are typically mounted to a first portion 54A of the substrate 54. The antenna 52 is mounted to a second portion 54B of the substrate 54 spaced from and adjacent to the first portion 54A of the substrate.

[0047] As previously discussed, prior art sensor units 40 experience disadvantages when embedded within the structure of the tire 10 prior to tire curing. Such prior art sensor units 40 often undesirably experience separation or cracking of components and / or substrate 54 during curing of the tire 10 or during operation, resulting in a shortened life span of the sensor unit.

[0048] 5-8, an exemplary embodiment of an encapsulated sensor unit for a tire of the present invention is shown at 100. The encapsulated sensor unit 100 may include the same components as the sensor unit 40 (FIG. 4) previously described. More specifically, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 may include a temperature sensor 42, a power supply 44, a boost converter 46, a microcontroller unit 48, and an RFID integrated circuit 50, which are mounted to a first portion 54A of the substrate 54 and are referred to as the sensor portion 102 of the encapsulated sensor unit. The encapsulated sensor unit 100 also preferably includes an antenna 52, which is mounted to a second portion 54B of the substrate 54 and are referred to as the antenna portion 104 of the encapsulated sensor unit.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, a first encapsulation layer 106 is disposed around the sensor portion 102 of the encapsulated sensor unit 100. The first encapsulation layer 106 preferably surrounds the sensor portion 102 and terminates at a junction 108 between the sensor portion and the antenna portion 104. The first encapsulation layer 106 includes an exterior surface 110. Preferably, the first encapsulation layer 106 is comprised of a thermosetting polymer, such as an epoxy resin. The thermosetting polymer can be poured into the first encapsulation layer 106, such that the first encapsulation layer can be easily formed around the sensor portion 102 and can be cured to form a strong layer that still has some elasticity. In this manner, the first encapsulation layer 106 protects and maintains the position of components such as the temperature sensor 42, the power supply 44, the boost converter 46, the microcontroller unit 48, and the RFID integrated circuit 50.

[0050] As previously discussed, the first encapsulation layer 106 preferably terminates at the junction 108 and therefore does not encapsulate the antenna portion 104. Because the antenna 52 is disposed within the antenna portion 104, radio signals must be transmitted from and to the antenna portion of the encapsulated sensor unit 100. The thermosetting polymer used to form the first encapsulation layer 106 may impede such transmission and therefore does not encapsulate the antenna portion 104. Additionally, the antenna 52 can withstand greater flexing than components attached to the sensor portion 102, eliminating the need to encapsulate the antenna portion 104 with a thermosetting polymer.

[0051] 6, a second encapsulation layer 112 is disposed around the outer surface 110 of the first encapsulation layer 106 and around the antenna portion 104. The second encapsulation layer 112 thus surrounds the sensor portion 102 and the antenna portion 104 and includes the outer surface 114. Preferably, the second encapsulation layer 112 is made of a vulcanizing adhesive that bonds strongly with rubber. By way of example, one such vulcanizing adhesive is sold under the name Chemlok, which is a registered trademark of Lord Corporation. By surrounding the first encapsulation layer 106 disposed around the sensor portion 102 and the antenna portion 104, the second encapsulation layer improves adhesion with the third encapsulation layer 116.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the third encapsulation layer 116 is disposed around the outer surface 114 of the second encapsulation layer 112. Thus, the third encapsulation layer 116 encapsulates both the sensor portion 102 and the antenna portion 104. Preferably, the third encapsulation layer 116 is made of a soft rubber-like material. By being made of soft rubber, the third encapsulation layer 116 acts as a cushion to protect the electronic components of the sensor portion 102 and the antenna 52 of the antenna portion 104 from large stresses. Furthermore, the soft rubber of the third encapsulation layer 116 allows the encapsulated sensor unit 100 to bond with the rubber components of the tire structure during tire curing.

[0053] Additionally, the soft rubber of the third encapsulation layer 116 is preferably of a type that allows the passage of radio frequency signals and / or wireless power signals, allowing efficient signal and / or energy transmission to and from the antenna 52 disposed within the antenna portion 104 of the encapsulated sensor unit 100. Such signal transmission allows the encapsulated sensor unit 100 to be a passive radio frequency unit that is activated by an external reader. For example, the microcontroller unit 48, the RFID integrated circuit 50, and other components may remain passive until an external reader is brought into close proximity to the sensor unit 100. Such proximity allows radio frequency signals to pass through the soft rubber of the third encapsulation layer 116, allowing the antenna 52 to receive signals from the reader that activate the microcontroller unit 48, the RFID integrated circuit 50, and other components. Similarly, data from the sensor components within the sensor portion 102 may be wirelessly transmitted using radio frequencies by the antenna 52 through the third encapsulation layer 116 to an external reader.

[0054] Referring now in particular to FIG. 8, the above-described structure of the encapsulated sensor unit 100 allows the unit to be inserted into a specific structural location within a tire 120 prior to curing. Similar to the tire 10 shown in FIG. 1, the tire 120 includes a pair of bead regions 12 (FIG. 1), a bead core 14 embedded in each bead region, and a sidewall 16 extending radially outward from each bead region 12 to a ground-engaging tread 18. The tire 120 is reinforced by a carcass 20 that extends annularly from one bead region 12 to the other bead region, with a belt reinforcing package 32 disposed between the carcass and the tread 18. The belt reinforcing package 32 may be a radially outer belt structure 34 and a radially inner belt structure 36, and an intermediate belt structure 38 disposed between the radially outer belt structure and the radially inner belt structure.

[0055] When the encapsulated sensor unit 100 is inserted into the tire 120 prior to curing, the sensor unit 100 can be used to sense the temperature profile within the tire during curing. In such a case, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 may be placed at the last portion of the tire 120 to be cured, which is referred to as the minimum cure point. By being placed at the minimum cure point of the tire 120, the sensor unit 100 can measure the actual build-up time and temperature history during the cure of the tire, which can be used to control the cycle time of the curing press. Such measurement of the actual temperature at the minimum cure point of the tire 120 by the sensor unit 100 can be more reliable than predictive techniques. Furthermore, because predictive techniques often add more cure time as a precautionary factor, measuring the actual temperature using the sensor unit 100 can reduce the cure time required for the tire 120, thereby increasing the efficiency of the curing process.

[0056] When the tire 120 is cured, the encapsulated sensor unit 100, particularly the third encapsulation layer 116 (FIG. 7), bonds with the rubber compounds of the carcass 20, the belt reinforcement package 32, and / or the tread 18, depending on the particular placement or treatment of the sensor unit within the tire structure. In this manner, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 is permanently positioned at a selected location inside the tire 120. The encapsulation structure of the sensor unit 100, including the sensor portion 102 encapsulated by the first, second, and third encapsulation layers 106, 112, and 116, and the antenna portion 104 encapsulated by the second and third encapsulation layers, allows for bonding of the sensor unit to the structure of the tire 120 without damaging the tire.

[0057] The encapsulated sensor unit 100 may be used to detect temperature within the tire 120 during use in a vehicle. For example, the sensor unit 100 may be placed at the edge of the belt reinforcement package 32 to measure the temperature at the edge of the belt. The temperature at the edge of the belt is often an indicator of performance and / or life issues in the tire 120, and by detecting the temperature within the structure at the edge of the belt reinforcement package 32, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 provides data indicating when tire replacement is recommended. The encapsulated sensor unit 100 may also track temperature versus time history at specific locations, such as the belt edge or belt seam, to provide data for predicting when the tire should be replaced. Additionally, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 may be placed in other structural areas of the tire 120 to monitor the temperature at those locations.

[0058] In this manner, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 provides a structure that can be embedded within the tire 120, preserving the durability of the tire and the lifespan of the sensor unit. The encapsulation structure of the sensor unit 100 also bonds with components of the tire 120, thereby preventing structural issues within the tire.

[0059] The present invention also includes a method of forming a tire 120 having an encapsulated sensor unit 100. The method includes steps according to the description presented above and illustrated in Figures 5-8.

[0060] It should be understood that the structure of the encapsulated sensor unit 100 and / or the tire 120 in which the sensor unit is embedded may be modified or rearranged, or components or steps known to those skilled in the art may be omitted or added, without affecting the overall concept or operation of the present invention. For example, the encapsulated sensor unit 100 may be located anywhere within the tire 120, two or more encapsulated sensor units may be located within the tire, and electronic structures other than those described above and / or types of sensors 110 other than those described above may be connected to or integrated with the encapsulated sensor unit. Furthermore, the present invention applies to all types of tires, including pneumatic tires, non-pneumatic tires, automobile tires, passenger tires, truck tires, commercial tires, off-the-road tires, aircraft tires, spacecraft tires, etc.

[0061] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Possible modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this description. It is to be understood that all such modifications and alterations are within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims or equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An encapsulated sensor unit for embedding in a tire, A sensor portion; The antenna part, a first encapsulation layer disposed around the sensor portion; a second encapsulation layer disposed about the first encapsulation layer and the antenna portion; and a third encapsulation layer disposed about the second encapsulation layer; and Including, An encapsulated sensor unit, wherein the first encapsulation layer is not disposed around the antenna portion.

2. 2. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the first encapsulation layer is made of a thermosetting polymer.

3. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 2 , wherein the thermosetting polymer comprises an epoxy resin.

4. 2. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 1, wherein said second encapsulation layer comprises a vulcanizable adhesive.

5. 2. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the third encapsulation layer is made of a soft rubber-like material.

6. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 1 , wherein the sensor portion includes at least one of a radio frequency identification integrated circuit, a microcontroller unit, a power supply, and a boost converter.

7. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 1 , wherein the sensor portion includes at least one sensor.

8. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 7 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor.

9. 2. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the antenna portion includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals.

10. 10. The encapsulated sensor unit of claim 9, wherein the antenna receives a radio frequency power signal.

11. In a tire including an enclosed sensor unit, The combination of the tire and the encapsulated sensor unit is a tire including a pair of bead areas, sidewalls extending from each bead area to a tread, a carcass extending annularly between each of said bead areas, and a belt reinforcing package disposed between said tread and said carcass; an encapsulated sensor unit embedded within the tire, the sensor unit including a sensor portion, an antenna portion, a first encapsulation layer disposed around the sensor portion, a second encapsulation layer disposed around the first encapsulation layer and the antenna portion, and a third encapsulation layer disposed around the second encapsulation layer; Including, A tire including an encapsulated sensor unit, wherein the first encapsulation layer is not disposed around the antenna portion.

12. The tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the first encapsulating layer is made of a thermosetting polymer.

13. The tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the second encapsulation layer is made of a vulcanizing adhesive.

14. The tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the third encapsulating layer is made of a soft rubber-like material.

15. 12. A tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor.

16. 12. The tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the encapsulated sensor unit is embedded between the tread and the belt reinforcement package or between the carcass and the belt reinforcement package.

17. 12. The tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the encapsulated sensor unit is disposed on an edge of the belt reinforcement package.

18. 12. The tire including an encapsulated sensor unit according to claim 11, wherein the encapsulated sensor unit is embedded between layers of the belt reinforcement package.

19. 12. A tire including an encapsulated sensor unit as recited in claim 11, wherein the encapsulated sensor unit is inserted into the tire prior to curing of the tire.

Images