Embedded Tire Electronics Cover Rubber for Separation Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic tires with embedded electronic components suffer from durability issues due to direct contact between the electronic components and the carcass cords or butyl rubber layer, leading to separation and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The electronic component is covered by a cover rubber with an inner and outer layer, ensuring it is separated from the carcass cords and butyl rubber layer, and positioned to avoid interference with metal components, with specific spacing and dimensions to enhance durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the electronic component is directly embedded between the carcass layer and inner liner layer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to direct contact causing separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembedding structureVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cover rubber layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electronic component and the surrounding tire structures (carcass layer and inner liner layer). This cover rubber prevents direct contact that would cause separation, while still allowing the electronic component to be embedded within the tire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover rubber is divided into multiple layers (first cover rubber layer and second cover rubber layer) that wrap around the electronic component. This segmentation provides comprehensive protection while maintaining the integrated embedding structure within the tire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the electronic component is covered with a single layer of rubber composition, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the reliability is insufficient to prevent separation from carcass cords

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecovering processVSAvoidseparation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover rubber is segmented into multiple layers (first cover rubber layer in contact with electronic component, second cover rubber layer providing external protection). This multi-layer structure enhances separation resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sequential application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover rubber layers are made from rubber composition containing specific materials (carbon black content: 10-50 mass parts per 100 mass parts of rubber component) to create a composite material structure that provides both adhesion to the electronic component and resistance to separation from carcass cords.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If the electronic component is positioned closer to metal components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning structureVSAvoidinterference resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover rubber acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic component and metal components (carcass cords, belt cords). This intermediary layer prevents direct contact and potential electromagnetic interference or physical damage, while the overall tire structure remains compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4342691B1Pneumatic tire
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4342691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4342691B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4342691B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pneumatic tire of the present invention includes a tread portion, sidewall portions, bead portions, a carcass, and an inner liner layer. The carcass includes a plurality of carcass cords and a topping rubber layer. The inner liner layer includes a butyl rubber layer and an adhesive rubber layer. An electronic module is disposed between the carcass and the adhesive rubber layer. The electronic module includes an electronic component and a cover rubber. The cover rubber includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The electronic component is covered between the inner layer and the outer layer of the cover rubber.