Robotic Tire Sensor Bonding on Preconditioned Inner Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing sensors on the inner surface of tires are inefficient and lack a standardized, automated process for ensuring secure adhesion, which is crucial for effective tire pressure monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving robotic deglazing of the tire's inner surface using lasers, mechanical brushes, or chemical wipes to create a preconditioned surface, followed by robotic selection and cleaning of the sensor, application of adhesive, and a wet-out operation to securely affix the sensor using a predetermined pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sensor installation methods are used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation efficiency and adhesion consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses robotic automation to perform deglazing, adhesive application, and sensor placement operations that would otherwise require manual intervention. The robot autonomously navigates the tire interior, positions the sensor, and applies adhesive with consistent precision, eliminating manual labor while maintaining process control through automated feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a robotic system that integrates laser deglazing, automated adhesive dispensing, and precision sensor placement. The robotic arm substitutes human hands for all critical installation steps, while integrated sensors and controllers replace manual inspection and positioning methods.
2Reliability
If standardized automated installation process is implemented, then adhesion consistency improves, but installation process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs deglazing of the tire inner surface before adhesive application, creating an optimized surface for maximum adhesion. The system also pre-mixes and pre-heats adhesive materials to specific temperatures and viscosities, ensuring consistent bonding conditions before the actual sensor attachment occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls critical parameters including adhesive temperature, viscosity, application rate, and curing conditions through automated systems. The robotic arm adjusts positioning precision, force application, and exposure time to optimized values, while environmental controls maintain temperature and humidity within specified ranges for consistent adhesion results.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser deglazing is used, then surface preparation quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system applies energy selectively only to the specific areas of the tire inner surface that require deglazing, rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. The robotic arm positions the laser to focus on localized zones around the sensor installation site, concentrating energy where needed and minimizing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser operates in pulsed or intermittent mode rather than continuous operation, activating only when the robotic arm positions it over the target surface area. This periodic activation reduces total energy consumption while maintaining effective deglazing quality through high-intensity brief pulses that achieve surface preparation in short time intervals.
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 ensures a secure and efficient installation of sensors on the tire's inner surface, enhancing the reliability of tire pressure monitoring systems by maximizing adhesion and minimizing installation time and variability.
Implementation Method 1
robotically deglazing at least a portion of the inner surface of the tire, defining a preconditioned surface
Implementation Method 2
applying an adhesive to a least a portion of the target surface of the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for installing a sensor (10) onto an inner surface (TSI) of a tire (T) is generally disclosed. The method includes robotically deglazing at least a portion of the inner surface (TSI) of the tire (T), defining a preconditioned surface (32). The sensor (10) is robotically selected and a target surface (12) of the sensor (10) is cleaned. An adhesive (52) is applied to at least a portion of the target surface (12) of the sensor (10). In some embodiments, the adhesive (52) is applied to a portion of the preconditioned surface (32). The sensor (10) is robotically positioned, wherein the target surface (12) of the sensor (10) abuts the preconditioned surface (32). A wet-out operation is performed, wherein a predetermined pressure is applied to the sensor (10) for a predetermined period of time to affix the sensor (10) to the preconditioned surface (32).