Heat-Sealed RFID Tire Tag Assembly for Vulcanization Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive-based RFID tags detach from rubber-based articles like tires during and after vulcanization due to high temperatures and mechanical stresses, and positioning in non-flexing zones does not provide a complete solution, while metal rim interference hampers RFID chip reading.
Innovation Solution
A three-layer RFID tag assembly with a polyester structure, including a second layer with an etched antenna and RFID chip, secured by a third polyester layer to the tire's innerliner through heat, ensuring durability and adhesion during vulcanization and tire use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive-based RFID tags are applied to green rubber-based articles, then the RFID tags can be attached during manufacturing, but the tags detach during and after vulcanization due to high temperatures and mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag uses a flexible polyester substrate that can accommodate the flexibility of rubber during tire-build processes and fitting operations. This flexible film structure prevents detachment caused by stiffness while maintaining reliable attachment through heat sealing to the innerliner.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the attachment method from adhesive-based to heat-sealing-based, fundamentally altering the bonding mechanism to withstand high temperatures during vulcanization. The heat-sealing process creates a permanent bond that remains stable under thermal and mechanical stress conditions.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are positioned in non-flexing zones, then detachment is reduced to some degree, but this does not provide a complete solution and may impede RFID reading
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polyester substrate allows the RFID tag to be positioned in areas that require flexibility (such as the bead area) without compromising tag retention. The material's flexibility accommodates deformation during fitting and use, enabling reliable attachment in previously problematic zones while maintaining RFID reading capability.
3Reliability
If RFID tags are located behind the metal rim post-fitting, then the tags remain attached, but the ability to read the RFID chip from a useful distance is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the RFID tag on the outer surface of the tire (on the innerliner facing outward) rather than behind the rim, utilizing the three-dimensional space available on the tire structure. This dimensional repositioning maintains secure attachment while dramatically improving RFID reading accessibility from a useful distance.
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 RFID tag assembly remains attached and functional throughout tire production, distribution, and lifetime, maintaining effective RFID reading despite thermal and mechanical stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The third polyester layer surrounds part of the first and second layers and is secured by heat to an innerliner of the tire
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A RFID tag assembly for attaching to a tire and a respective tire is disclosed. The RFID tag assembly consists of a first polyester layer (211); a second polyester layer (212) adjacent the first polyester layer (211), the second polyester layer including an etched antenna and an RFID chip; and a third polyester layer (213) adjacent the second polyester layer (212), the third polyester layer surrounding at least a part of the first and second layers (211, 212) and being configured for being secured by heat to an innerliner (11) of the tire.