Tire Antenna Brass Coating Thickness Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic components for tires, particularly antennas, face challenges in achieving optimal electromagnetic conduction and manufacturing efficiency at UHF frequencies, with thick brass coatings leading to heterogeneities and increased costs, while thin coatings compromise conduction, and current radio frequency communication in rubber masses is unsatisfactory beyond 1GHz.

Innovation Solution

A half-wave radiating dipole antenna with a brass coating thickness between 0.5 and 4.0 µm, preferably 1 to 2 µm, integrated into a tire, utilizing a steel core with low carbon content and an external adhesion layer for secure integration, along with a primary antenna for inductive coupling to enhance communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the thickness of the brass coating is increased to ensure sufficient electromagnetic conduction at UHF frequencies, then the electromagnetic conductivity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and heterogeneities appear in the coating layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic conductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and coating consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the critical parameter of brass coating thickness from the conventional minimum of 4.4 μm to a reduced range of 0.5-4.0 μm (preferably 1.0-2.0 μm). This parameter change is made possible by optimizing the electrolytic coating process to achieve uniform thin coatings that maintain sufficient electromagnetic conductivity while reducing material consumption, manufacturing cost, and coating heterogeneities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the thickness of the brass coating is reduced to lower manufacturing costs, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the electromagnetic conduction becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidelectromagnetic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a new parameter range for brass coating thickness (0.5-4.0 μm, preferably 1.0-2.0 μm) that balances manufacturing cost reduction with maintained electromagnetic conductivity. This is achieved through optimized electrolytic coating processes that ensure uniform coverage and adequate conductive properties even at reduced thickness levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the frequency range is extended above 1 GHz for better communication performance, then the communication speed is improved, but the radio communication in rubber mass becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidradio communication quality in rubber
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the operating frequency parameter to the 860-960 MHz range, specifically targeting 915 MHz for UHF applications. This frequency optimization ensures reliable radio communication through rubber masses while achieving adequate data transmission speeds for tire monitoring applications, avoiding the communication degradation that occurs at frequencies above 1 GHz in rubber environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution ensures sufficient electromagnetic conduction and cost-effective manufacturing, optimizing radio frequency communication within the 860 MHz to 960 MHz frequency range, allowing for robust and reliable communication with external readers while minimizing mechanical stress and improving energy transfer efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic conduction for such an antenna occurs primarily through the skin effect, meaning that it is mainly carried out in the outer layers of the antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSkin effect: Skin Effect

Implementation Method 2

The coating process is carried out in an electrolytic bath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentEP3662535B1Antenna for an electronic member of a tyre
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3662535B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3662535B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3662535B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a half-wave radiating antenna for an electronic member of a tyre, the length of which is adapted to operate in the frequency range between 860 MHz and 960 MHz, comprising a core coated with a brass coating, such that the thickness of the brass coating is between 1.0 and 2.0 μm.