Coiled RFID Antenna Mounting for Tire Flex Strain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Antennas in RFID devices connected to electronics in tires or similar products face fatigue failure due to mechanical stresses from movement or rotation, leading to circuit malfunctions at the connection points.

Innovation Solution

A coiled antenna design with varying coil pitches and an elastomeric material enclosure to distribute mechanical stress and provide protection, allowing for reduced strain at the connection point and improved durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna is rigidly connected to the electronics, then the connection is stable, but the antenna cannot accommodate mechanical strain from tire flexing and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate mechanical strainVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna connection transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The coiled configuration of the antenna elements allows them to deform and flex with tire movement, while the elastomeric material provides dynamic cushioning. This enables the connection to adapt to mechanical strain while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material is used to create a flexible protective structure around the antenna and electronics. This flexible shell allows the internal components to move and deform with tire flexing while maintaining structural integrity and electrical connections, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna is coiled to accommodate strain, then mechanical flexibility is improved, but the connection point experiences concentrated stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical flexibilityVSAvoidstress concentration at connection point

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric material is positioned around the antenna and connection points before mechanical stress occurs, providing preemptive cushioning and stress distribution. This prevents stress concentration at the connection points by absorbing and distributing mechanical forces before they can concentrate on the electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system combines different materials with complementary properties: the coiled antenna elements provide flexibility, while the elastomeric material provides stress distribution and protection. This composite structure allows the system to accommodate strain while protecting the connection points from stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the antenna elements are rigid, then electrical connection is stable, but fatigue failure occurs due to repeated bending and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidservice life under mechanical cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna elements are designed with coiled configurations that allow dynamic deformation during tire operation. This dynamic flexibility enables the antenna to withstand repeated bending and twisting cycles without fatigue failure, while the elastomeric material further protects the connections, extending the service life of the electrical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coiled antenna design with elastomeric protection effectively reduces stress and strain on the antenna connection, enhancing resistance to fatigue failure and maintaining reliable data transmission under mechanical stress.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric material may be configured around the antenna and the RFID circuit so as to create a protective region for the antenna and RFID device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8138924B2Robust mounting for RFID transponder antenna

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A strain-resistant electrical connection and a method of making the same is provided. An antenna (36, 38) or other conductive lead is connected to a circuit (32) in a manner that makes the connection more resistant to mechanical stresses such as movement or rotation of the antenna (36, 38) or conductive lead relative to the circuit (32). The antenna (36, 38) or conductive lead is at least partially coiled to provide additional ability to withstand mechanical stresses. The antenna (36, 38) or conductive lead may be encase along with is connected circuit in an elastomeric material.