Pneumatic Tire Electronic Unit Antenna Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating electronic units, such as radiofrequency transponders, into tyre casings poses challenges including degradation of the casing, interference with radiofrequency communication, and thermomechanical stress, with existing solutions not optimally addressing radiocommunication performance and physical integrity.

Innovation Solution

The electronic unit is positioned radially externally with a primary antenna electromagnetically coupled to a single-strand helical spring radiating antenna, minimizing mechanical stress and interference, and is encapsulated in an electrically insulating rubber to enhance energy efficiency and communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic unit is integrated into the tyre casing structure, then the radiocommunication performance is improved, but the physical integrity of the tyre casing and electronic unit deteriorates due to thermomechanical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiocommunication performanceVSAvoidphysical integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic unit is separated into two functional parts: a primary antenna integrated into the tyre casing and a radiating antenna positioned externally or in a less stressed region. This segmentation allows the electronic unit to maintain radiocommunication functionality while protecting the integrated components from excessive thermomechanical stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The primary antenna is integrated within the tyre casing structure, nested among the reinforcing threads and rubber layers. This nesting provides mechanical protection and stable positioning while maintaining the structural integrity of the tyre casing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the electronic unit is positioned to withstand thermomechanical stresses, then the physical integrity is improved, but the radiocommunication performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical integrityVSAvoidradiocommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is divided into a primary antenna integrated in the tyre casing (withstanding thermomechanical stresses) and a radiating antenna positioned in a location with less mechanical stress. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function: mechanical durability for the integrated antenna and radiocommunication performance for the radiating antenna

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection between the primary and radiating antennas is replaced with electromagnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates mechanical stress transmission to the radiating antenna while maintaining functional connectivity for radiocommunication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces the risk of electronic unit deterioration, improves radiocommunication performance, and maintains the physical integrity of the tyre casing by minimizing mechanical stress and interference, while allowing for efficient energy transfer and robust integration within the tyre casing.

Implementation Method 1

the primary antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the radiating antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11548331B2Pneumatic tire equipped with an electronic member

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A tire casing is equipped with a radiofrequency transponder and includes a crown, two sidewalls and two beads revolving around a reference axis, first threads forming outward segments and return segments that are arranged adjacently, aligned circumferentially, anchored in the two beads with, in each bead, loops in each case linking an outward segment to a return segment and, in each bead, means for anchoring the first threads, comprising second threads oriented circumferentially axially bordering the first threads and forming at least one spiral, the first threads forming at least one circumferential alignment defining the carcass ply that separates said tire casing into two zones, inside and outside with respect to this carcass ply. The radiofrequency transponder comprises at least one electronic chip and a radiating radiocommunication antenna and is positioned radially externally in relation to the at least one spiral, characterized in that the radiofrequency transponder comprises a primary antenna electrically connected to the electronic chip, in that the primary antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the radiating antenna, and in that the radiating antenna is formed by a single-strand helical spring defining a first longitudinal axis.