Tire Vulcanization Mold Sensor Layout for Wireless In-Mold Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire vulcanization molds face challenges in accurately measuring parameters due to the harsh environmental conditions, which degrade sensors, and wired data and power transmission is complex and not durable.

Innovation Solution

A tire vulcanization mold with metallic components incorporating a sensor enclosed within a movable part, using electromagnetic waves for data and energy transfer through an air gap, enabling precise parameter measurement with high durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are exposed to harsh environmental conditions in the tire vulcanization mold, then parameter measurement capability is achieved, but sensor service life and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is enclosed within a cavity in the movable mold part, with the antenna positioned in a recess. This nested structure protects the sensor and antenna from direct exposure to harsh environmental conditions (high temperature, pressure, chemical exposure) while maintaining their measurement and communication functions. The sensor remains shielded inside the mold part cavity during the vulcanization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary medium between the sensor/antenna and the harsh environment. The sensor and antenna are positioned within cavities that create an air-filled space, isolating them from direct contact with the extreme conditions inside the mold. This air gap acts as a protective barrier that maintains sensor reliability while enabling parameter measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If wired data and power transmission is implemented to sensors in movable mold parts, then data transmission capability is achieved, but device complexity and durability worsen due to cabling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired transmission system with an electromagnetic wave-based wireless system. An antenna is integrated into the movable mold part, allowing data and power transmission via electromagnetic waves through the air gap, eliminating the need for complex cabling connections in movable components. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are positioned close to functional surfaces for accurate measurement, then measurement precision improves, but sensor exposure to harsh conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidexposure to harsh conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within a cavity in the movable mold part, positioned close to the functional surface through the cavity structure. This allows the sensor to be in close proximity to the measurement point (functional surface) for accurate parameter detection, while the cavity walls provide protection from harsh environmental conditions. The sensor achieves both measurement accuracy and environmental protection through this nested configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 allows for accurate parameter measurement, particularly of temperature, with high durability and simplicity in maintaining continuous data and power transmission, using electromagnetic waves across an air gap, ensuring sensor durability and sensor data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic waves are provided for data transmission and energy transmission via an air gap within the tire vulcanization mold from a transmitter-receiver unit located in the tire vulcanization mold to an antenna connected to the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4309884B1Tire vulcanization mold with metallic vulcanization molding parts
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4309884B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a tire vulcanization mold (1) with metallic vulcanization mold parts (3), wherein a movable vulcanization mold part (3) has a sensor (2), the sensor (2) being enclosed by the movable vulcanization mold part (3) and positioned in the area of ​​a functional surface (6), wherein electromagnetic waves for data transmission and energy transmission via an air gap within a tire vulcanization mold (1) are provided from a transmitter-receiver unit (10) to an antenna (11) connected to the sensor (2) and movable relative to the transmitter-receiver unit (10). The invention further relates to a method for determining a parameter of a tire vulcanization mold (1).