Monobloc Elastomer Profile for Precise Electronic Module Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coating electronic devices in semi-finished articles, such as tires, require precise alignment and synchronization of rubber strips to ensure proper coverage, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece profiled strip made of elastomeric material with a reception area and a deformable flap is used to coat electronic devices, allowing for precise positioning and complete coverage without the need for complex alignment, using an application force to plastically deform the flap and embed the device in the rubber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple rubber strips are used to coat the electronic device, then complete coverage is achieved, but alignment and synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating coverageVSAvoidalignment and synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple rubber strips into a single monobloc profile that integrates multiple coating functions. The monobloc profile includes a first rubber strip portion and a second rubber strip portion that are structurally integrated rather than separate, eliminating the need for alignment and synchronization between multiple strips while maintaining complete coverage of the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If rubber strips are used with high dielectric constant, then mechanical strength is improved, but signal transmission quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a pre-coating layer with different material properties than the main rubber structure. The pre-coating layer has low dielectric constant to protect signal transmission, while the main monobloc profile provides mechanical strength. This allows different regions of the rubber structure to have optimized properties for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This method simplifies the coating process by ensuring complete coverage of electronic devices with minimal manual intervention, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of misalignment while maintaining a low dielectric constant for effective signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

capable of being plastically deformed by application of an application force in a predetermined direction so as to enclose the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

the higher the dielectric constant of the rubber coating the electronic device, the more the electrical signal received and transmitted by the device is attenuated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric attenuation: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP3953162B1Monobloc profile for encapsulating an electronic module and method for encapsulating an electronic module
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3953162B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3953162B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3953162B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a single piece profiled strip (1) for encapsulating electronic devices (5) and to a method for encapsulating an electronic device.