Elastomeric Sensor Module With Surface Booster Antenna

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elastomeric sensor components embedded in rubber materials face manufacturing defects due to large size and fine structures, and have limited reading ranges due to the absence of secondary radiating or booster antennas.

Innovation Solution

An elastomeric sensor component with a sensor module embedded in an elastomer body, featuring a loop antenna and a booster antenna loop, where the booster antenna is deposited on the surface for near-field data communication and energy transfer, allowing for a compact design that withstands vulcanization processes and reduces manufacturing defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large-sized sensor module with fine structures is embedded in elastomer material, then sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to bubbles and defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing defects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two separate parts: a compact sensor module that can be easily embedded in elastomer material, and a separate booster antenna that is applied afterward. This segmentation allows the sensor module to be small and simple (reducing manufacturing defects) while the booster antenna provides the necessary communication range (maintaining sensing capability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor module is embedded in the elastomer material before vulcanization, allowing it to withstand the high temperatures and pressures of the vulcanization process. The booster antenna is then applied afterward, avoiding exposure to harsh manufacturing conditions and preventing manufacturing defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a compact sensor module is embedded in elastomer material, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reading range deteriorates due to limited communication distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing defectsVSAvoidreading range
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The booster antenna acts as an intermediary between the compact sensor module and external reading devices. It receives electromagnetic signals from the sensor module and retransmits them with increased power, extending the reading range without requiring the sensor module itself to be large or complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a sensor module is embedded deep within elastomer material, then protection is improved, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates due to signal attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The booster antenna serves as an intermediary that compensates for signal attenuation caused by deep embedding. It receives weak signals from the sensor module and amplifies them for external transmission, maintaining data transfer efficiency despite the sensor module's protected position within the elastomer material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables cost-effective manufacturing with reduced defects and enhanced reading range through optimal data and energy transfer, utilizing a compact and robust sensor module design with a booster antenna that can withstand high temperatures and pressures during elastomer processing.

Implementation Method 1

a booster antenna loop (71), wherein the booster antenna loop (71) is deposited (e.g. by printing) on a surface of the component body in order to allow near field data communication and energy transfer with the loop antenna (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field electromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4179465B1Elastomeric sensor component with an integrated sensor module
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 DATWYLER SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP4179465B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4179465B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Elastomeric sensor component (1) comprising a component body (2) made of elastomer material and a sensor module (3) embedded within the component body (2), the sensor module (3) comprising a sensor chip (4), a radiofrequency transponder chip (5) electrically connected to the sensor chip (4), and a loop antenna (6) electrically connected to the radiofrequency transponder chip (5); wherein the elastomeric sensor component (1) further comprises a booster antenna (7) comprising a booster antenna loop (71), wherein the booster antenna loop (71) is deposited on a surface of the component body (2) in order to allow near field data communication and energy transfer with the loop antenna (6).