Foam-Based RFID Label for Tire Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adhesive-based labels degrade during the vulcanization process and suffer from 'line of sight' limitations, failing to remain attached to vulcanized tires and providing reliable identification and tracking throughout the tire's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A foam-based RFID label is integrated between foam layers and a face material, allowing it to be affixed to vulcanized tires, remaining integral and operational despite temperature and stress changes, and enabling wireless identification and tracking without 'line of sight' restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-based labels are applied to green rubber-based articles before vulcanization, then the labels can provide information during manufacture, but the labels degrade during vulcanization due to high temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
A foam layer is introduced as an intermediary between the adhesive label and the tire surface. This foam layer acts as a protective mediator that isolates the adhesive label from the harsh vulcanization environment (high temperature and pressure), preventing degradation while allowing the label to remain functional throughout the vulcanization process and beyond
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the label structure by incorporating a foam layer with specific properties (flexibility, thermal resistance). This structural parameter change enables the label to withstand vulcanization conditions that would otherwise degrade conventional adhesive labels, transforming the label from a rigid, temperature-sensitive component to a resilient, temperature-resistant system
2Reliability
If adhesive-based labels are applied post-vulcanization, then the labels avoid degradation during vulcanization, but the labels fail to remain attached due to constant flexing, expansion, and contraction of the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer serves as a flexible shell that envelops the adhesive label. This flexible foam structure allows the label assembly to dynamically adapt to the tire's constant flexing, expansion, and contraction during use. The foam's elasticity enables it to stretch and compress with the tire without compromising the adhesive bond or causing label failure, thereby maintaining reliable attachment throughout the tire's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer provides beforehand cushioning protection to the adhesive label against the mechanical stresses of tire usage. By pre-positioning this protective flexible layer, the system anticipates and buffers against the cumulative effects of flexing, expansion, and contraction that would otherwise degrade the adhesive bond and cause label failure over time
3Ease of operation
If conventional adhesive labels are used, then the labels can be applied easily to the tire, but the labels suffer from line of sight limitations requiring direct placement over the barcode for reading
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical barcode reading system with an RFID electromagnetic field-based reading system. The RFID tag embedded in the foam layer communicates wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight contact between a scanner and the identification element. This substitution maintains ease of label application while dramatically improving reading accessibility, allowing identification from various distances and angles without requiring precise alignment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A foam based RFID label and a method of installing the same. The method includes of forming a recess having a predetermined shape on an outermost or innermost surface of the tire; providing the foam-based RFID label configured to identify the tire and/or to sense conditions of the tire and communicate the same to an RFID reader; and affixing the foam-based RFID label within the recess of the tire by contacting and adhering an adhesive surface of the foam-based RFID label to a surface of the recess to identify the tire and/or sense conditions of the tire.