Mesh RFID Tire Label Structure for Vulcanization-Resistant Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesive-based and RFID-equipped tire labels fail to maintain operability during and after vulcanization due to delamination, antenna detachment, and exposure to external forces, leading to unreadable barcodes and inoperable RFID devices, which compromise tire integrity and tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Chemically treated, RFID-equipped mesh tire labels with a mesh face and backing layer, integrated with a flexible RFID device, that are designed to withstand vulcanization processes by using functionalized latex for bonding and flexible stainless steel antennas, ensuring RFID readability and structural integrity throughout the tire's life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-based labels are applied to the exterior of green tires to maintain operable performance, then the labels can be read during manufacturing, but the labels delaminate during tire production and post-tire production due to harsh vulcanization conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the identification function from the exterior surface and embeds the RFID device within the tire structure itself. The RFID tag is incorporated into the tire layers during manufacturing, removing it from the vulnerable exterior environment while maintaining identification capability throughout the tire's lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID device is nested within the multi-layer construction of the tire, specifically positioned between the bead and the tire body. This nesting approach integrates the identification system into the tire's structural layers, protecting it from external damage while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If rigid RFID devices with coiled antennas are directly embedded into unvulcanized tire layers, then the devices can provide identification, but the antennas detach during or post-vulcanization rendering the devices inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid coiled antennas with flexible printed circuit board (PCB) antennas that can conform to the tire's curvature and flex with the tire structure. This flexibility prevents detachment during vulcanization and maintains electrical connectivity throughout the tire's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID device combines the flexible PCB antenna with adhesive layers and protective encapsulation materials to create a composite structure that maintains strength and flexibility simultaneously. This composite construction ensures the antenna remains firmly attached while accommodating tire deformation.
3Reliability
If rigid RFID devices are embedded in tires, then identification is provided, but microbubble and macrobubble formation occurs during vulcanization weakening tire integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PCB antenna and thin-film construction of the RFID device allow the structure to conform to the tire's curvature during vulcanization without creating voids or bubbles. The flexibility enables the device to adapt to pressure changes and material flow, preventing microbubble and macrobubble formation.
4Measurement precision
If adhesive barcoded labels are used on tires, then initial identification is possible, but barcodes are damaged during tire manufacture and lifetime exposing to external forces, rendering them unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical barcode system (which requires line-of-sight reading and is vulnerable to physical damage) with an RFID electromagnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for visible barcodes on the tire surface, as identification occurs through wireless communication, making it immune to physical damage and environmental exposure.
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 mesh tire labels maintain RFID performance and structural integrity during and after vulcanization, allowing simultaneous identification of multiple tires without external visibility, surviving extreme stress and maintaining readable RFID signals even after catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the mesh face and mesh backing layers is chemically treated on its outer surface(s) with a functionalized latex to facilitate bonding (and/or to further minimize and/or prevent microbubble and/or macrobubble formation) of the label to a tire during vulcanization
Implementation Method 2
Vulcanization modifies the rubber-based composition by forming an extensive network of crosslinks within the rubber matrix, thereby significantly increasing the strength and durability of the article
Implementation Method 3
nearly all vulcanization techniques include the application of high pressure and elevated temperatures to the 'green,' i.e., non-vulcanized, rubber-based article to facilitate vulcanization reactions
Data Source
AI summary
A chemically treated, RFID equipped mesh tire label configured to be integrally incorporated within a vulcanized tire and to provide unique identifier(s) and/or other information about the vulcanized tire during and post tire vulcanization, the label comprising:a mesh face layer configured to be adhered to an outer surface of an unvulcanized tire;a mesh backing layer attached to the mesh face layer and adapted to be integrally incorporated in a vulcanized tire after subjecting a green tire to a vulcanization process; andan RFID device affixed between the mesh face and mesh backing layers, the RFID device that is configured to provide unique identifier(s) and/or other information upon being read with an RFID reader during and post tire vulcanization.