Rubber-Embedded Sensor Layout for Accurate Ambient Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber products with sensors for moving applications are costly and provide limited information about ambient environmental values, and existing sensor arrangements are not optimally designed for accurate and efficient measurement of these values.

Innovation Solution

A rubber product with a sensor protruding from its outer surface, preferably an RFID sensor combining temperature and humidity sensing, is integrated into the rubber product, allowing for precise measurement of ambient values while being protected from environmental conditions, with additional internal sensors for error correction and simple signal output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor is completely enclosed in the rubber product, then the sensor is protected from environmental conditions, but the measurement of ambient values is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidambient value measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into two functional zones: an enclosed region for protection and a protruding region for measurement. This segmentation allows the sensor to simultaneously benefit from protection while maintaining measurement capability through the exposed portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sensor have different properties: the main body is enclosed for protection while specific sensing elements protrude for measurement. This local differentiation of quality enables simultaneous protection and measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the sensor protrudes from the outer surface, then the measurement of ambient values is improved, but the sensor is exposed to environmental damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient value measurementVSAvoidsensor protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor structure is segmented into protected and exposed zones, allowing the measurement elements to protrude while the majority remains enclosed for protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor has differentiated local properties where specific sensing regions are exposed for measurement while other regions remain enclosed for protection, optimizing both measurement and protection simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If multiple sensors are integrated into the rubber product, then the information value about ambient conditions is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation valueVSAvoidsensor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor functions (temperature, humidity, pressure) are merged into a single integrated sensor module that is collectively enclosed in the rubber product, reducing individual component complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor module provides multiple measurement functions simultaneously, making the system more information-rich without proportionally increasing complexity, as the sensors work together as a unified multi-functional unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor is integrated into the rubber product, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the cost of manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is integrated into the rubber product during the molding process itself, rather than as a post-manufacturing assembly step. This preliminary integration maintains structural integrity while avoiding the need for separate mounting operations, potentially reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4197768B1Rubber product for moving applications with a sensor
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4197768B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Rubber product (1) for moving applications with a sensor (3) and a device comprising a rubber product (1), wherein the sensor (3) is arranged at an outer surface (11) of the rubber product (1) and protrudes in partial areas (10) from the outer surface (11) of the rubber product (1). The Rubber product (1) is used for a method for determining ambient values and regulating parameters.