Runflat Tire Electronic Component Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of electronic components, such as radiofrequency transponders, into tires capable of running flat is challenging due to mechanical stresses and electromagnetic interference, which affects their durability and communication quality.

Innovation Solution

Embedding the electronic component inside a sidewall insert with high rigidity, positioned between two rubber masses, and using a primary antenna for inductive coupling to minimize mechanical stress and enhance communication, while ensuring a radial distance from the tire's metal components to reduce electromagnetic disturbance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic component is embedded in the sidewall insert, then the fatigue resistance and protection from pavement abrasions are improved, but the positioning precision and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefatigue resistanceVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic component is nested within the sidewall insert, which itself is integrated into the tire structure. This hierarchical nesting provides mechanical protection and reduces vibrations while maintaining a compact arrangement that simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sidewall insert acts as an intermediary structure between the electronic component and the harsh external environment. It provides a buffered positioning environment that reduces mechanical stresses while maintaining precise electromagnetic characteristics for RFID communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electronic component is positioned away from metal components, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the available space and structural support decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidstructural support
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewall insert is designed with locally optimized properties: it maintains electrical insulation to minimize electromagnetic interference with metal components, while simultaneously providing adequate mechanical support through its reinforced rubber construction and strategic positioning within the tire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the sidewall insert has high rigidity, then the electronic component is protected from deformations, but the flexibility and comfort of the tire are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from deformationsVSAvoidtire flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewall insert provides localized high rigidity specifically where the electronic component is positioned, while the rest of the tire structure maintains its inherent flexibility and compliance. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties protects the electronic component without compromising overall tire performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enhances the fatigue resistance and communication quality of the electronic component, protecting it from pavement abrasions and deformations, and maintains effective radiofrequency communication with external receivers.

Implementation Method 1

using a primary antenna for inductive coupling to minimize mechanical stress and enhance communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3642055B1Tire adapted for runflat operation and embedding an electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3642055B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642055B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642055B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A tyre suitable for running flat, comprising a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in each bead and a sidewall insert arranged in each of the two sidewalls, axially inwards relative to the carcass reinforcement, such that it is provided with an electronic unit comprising at least one radiofrequency transponder and such that the electronic unit is embedded inside one of the sidewall inserts.