Unvulcanized Rubber Strip RFID Integration via Single-Web Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing material strips with integrated RFID chips require significant space and complexity due to the need for separate unwinding and feeding of two material webs, which complicates the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A method where a single material web of unvulcanized rubber is unwound and cut into two pieces, with an RFID chip placed between them, allowing for simplified production by eliminating the need for a second unwinding device and enabling space-efficient manufacturing by using only one material web, which are then connected through adhesive contact or lamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate material webs are unwound and laminated to integrate RFID chips, then the RFID chip integration is achieved, but the space required for production facilities increases and the workflow becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRFID chip integrationVSAvoidproduction facility space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of two separate material webs into a single material web. The single web is folded back onto itself to create the sandwich structure (first piece, RFID chip, second piece) that was previously achieved by laminating two separate webs. This eliminates the need for a second unwinding device and reduces production facility space while maintaining RFID chip integration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If two separate material webs are unwound and laminated to integrate RFID chips, then the RFID chip integration is achieved, but the device complexity and workflow complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRFID chip integrationVSAvoidproduction line complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The production process is simplified by combining two separate material web handling operations into one. A single unwinding device feeds one material web that is folded back onto itself, eliminating the complexity of coordinating two separate unwinding and lamination operations. The folding mechanism replaces the more complex two-web lamination system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If two separate material webs are unwound and laminated to integrate RFID chips, then the RFID chip integration is achieved, but the number of unwinding devices and feeding operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRFID chip integrationVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the unwinding and feeding functions for two material webs into a single unwinding device that handles one material web. The folded configuration of the single web replaces the need for two separate webs, reducing the number of unwinding devices from two to one and simplifying the feeding operation while maintaining the sandwich structure formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces space requirements and simplifies the manufacturing process by using a single material web, allowing for efficient production of material strips with integrated RFID chips, which can be easily integrated into tire production, while maintaining the functionality of the RFID chip for data exchange and energy supply.

Implementation Method 1

The material pieces can be bonded together by placing them on top of each other, provided they have sufficiently adhesive contact surfaces.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive contact: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the first and second pieces can also be additionally bonded or laminated to create a material strip with an integrated electronic component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentEP4119349B1Method for manufacturing a strip of material with integrated electronic components
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 TEXMAG GMBH VERTRIEBS
  • EP4119349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4119349B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4119349B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

According to the present invention, the method for manufacturing a material strip with an integrated electronic component comprises the following steps: feeding a material web, cutting a first piece of material from the material web, lifting the first piece of material, placing an electronic component onto the material web, feeding the material web with the electronic component on it again, cutting a piece of material from the material web to obtain a second piece of material on which the electronic component is located, placing the first piece of material onto the second piece of material so that the electronic component is contained between the first piece of material and the second piece of material, wherein the first piece of material and the second piece of material comprise or consist of unvulcanized rubber.