Rubber Support Member for Tire-Mounted Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching electronic devices, such as pressure sensors, to vehicle tires disrupt the mechanical behavior of the tire due to their rigidity, leading to inadequate mechanical decoupling and reduced endurance of the attachment.

Innovation Solution

A rubber member with a recessed design that provides mechanical decoupling by separating the device from direct contact with the tire, featuring a supporting surface that stiffens the rubber mass while minimizing contact, and a channel for fluidic communication to prevent pressure differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid electronic device is attached directly to the tyre, then the device is securely positioned, but the mechanical behaviour of the tyre is disrupted when it deforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure positioning of deviceVSAvoiddisruption of tyre mechanical behaviour

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A rubber member with a recess is introduced as an intermediary between the rigid electronic device and the tyre. The device is mounted in the recess of the rubber member, which is then bonded to the tyre surface. This intermediary structure allows the rigid device to be securely positioned while the flexible rubber member absorbs deformation stresses, preventing disruption to the tyre's mechanical behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a rubber member is used to bond the device to the tyre surface, then mechanical decoupling is produced, but the endurance of the assembly is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical decouplingVSAvoidendurance of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber member features a recess that creates local quality differentiation: the region around the recess provides enhanced mechanical decoupling by isolating the device from tyre deformation, while the surrounding rubber material maintains strong bonding to the tyre surface. This localized structural modification improves both decoupling effectiveness and assembly endurance without requiring complete redesign of the entire member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the opening in the connecting surface is enlarged to improve decoupling, then mechanical decoupling is enhanced, but the surface area of contact between the mass and the tyre is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical decouplingVSAvoidcontact surface area with tyre

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The design optimizes the parameters of the opening in the connecting surface, specifically controlling its size and position to achieve the desired balance. The opening is dimensioned and positioned such that it provides sufficient mechanical decoupling for the device while maintaining adequate contact surface area between the rubber member and the tyre. This parameter optimization ensures both decoupling effectiveness and bonding strength without requiring extreme geometric modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8685527B2Member forming a support for a device, and tire and apparatus comprising such a member

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A member a support for a device includes a mass of rubber delimited by two substantially parallel opposite surfaces forming respectively a supporting surface and a surface for connection with a tire. The mass includes an opening arranged in the connecting surface delimiting a recess arranged in the mass, and the opening does not lead to outside of the connecting surface.