RF Transponder Insertion into Rubber Sleeves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating radio-frequency electronic devices, such as transponders, into rubber sleeves for smart tires are either costly or prone to detachment due to cyclical deformations, and existing manufacturing processes are not efficient or inexpensive.

Innovation Solution

A processing method involving a conveyor system that feeds a rubber belt with a transponder and covers it with a second rubber sheet, using pressure rollers to secure and cut the rubber into sleeves, ensuring efficient and precise insertion while minimizing material waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a transponder is glued onto the inner or external surface of a pneumatic tire sidewall, then the design is simple and applicable to existing tires, but the transponder may detach following cyclical deformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidtransponder attachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transponder is inserted inside a rubber sleeve that is then integrated into the pneumatic tire structure. This nesting approach protects the transponder from detachment while maintaining design simplicity and applicability to existing tires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder is pre-inserted into the rubber sleeve before the sleeve is integrated into the pneumatic tire. This preliminary action ensures the transponder is securely positioned and protected from cyclical deformations before the tire is put into service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the transponder is inserted into a rubber sleeve using traditional methods, then the transponder is protected, but the manufacturing process is costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransponder protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The production of the rubber sleeve and the insertion of the transponder are merged into a single integrated process. The rubber sleeve is produced with pre-formed pockets, and transponders are inserted during the same manufacturing cycle, eliminating separate operations and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber sleeve serves multiple functions: it protects the transponder, provides structural integration with the tire, and enables efficient radio frequency signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional transponder insertion methods are used, then the transponder is secured, but material waste is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransponder securingVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber sleeve is divided into multiple pockets, each designed to accommodate a specific transponder. This segmentation allows precise placement of transponders without requiring excess rubber material, minimizing waste while ensuring secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dimensions and shape of the rubber sleeve pockets are optimized to match the transponder specifications exactly. By adjusting the geometric parameters of the pockets, the design achieves secure transponder retention with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 and cost-reduces the manufacturing process, ensuring high precision and stability of transponder insertion within rubber sleeves, reducing the risk of detachment and material waste compared to previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

such a rubber sleeve has the function of both allowing the radio frequency signals to be emitted and received more efficiently, exploiting the dielectric properties of the rubber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric properties: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12017426B2Processing method for inserting electronic devices that are suitable for communicating in radio frequency into respective rubber sleeves

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

AI summary

Processing method for inserting electronic devices that are suitable for communicating in radio frequency into respective rubber sleeves (5); are provided: a conveyor (9) for advancing a first rubber belt (10) arranged along an insertion path; a first feed device (12) for placing the transponder (1) upon an upper surface of the first rubber belt (10); a second feed device (13) for placing upon the upper surface of the first rubber belt (10) and upon each previously placed transponder (1) a corresponding sheet of green rubber (14) that completely covers the transponder (1); and a cutting device (16) arranged downstream of the second feed device (13) along the direction of travel of the first rubber belt (10) for cutting out at least the first rubber belt (10) by performing a cut of a rectangular shape around each transponder (1) in order to separate each sleeve (5) from the rubber belt.