Tire RFID Enclosure Using Staged Rubber Cure Times

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire manufacturing methods face challenges in securely integrating RFID devices between rubber layers without causing movement or exposure during the curing process, which can lead to damage or improper positioning.

Innovation Solution

Positioning an RFID device between two rubber layers with different T50 cure times, where the second rubber layer has a longer cure time than the first, ensuring the device remains enclosed and stable during the curing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the RFID device is positioned between rubber layers with the same cure time, then the curing process is simplified, but the device may move or become exposed during curing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring process simplicityVSAvoiddevice positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using rubber layers with different cure times at different positions. The first rubber layer has a shorter cure time to secure the RFID device quickly, while the second rubber layer has a longer cure time to allow proper positioning. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the first rubber layer cure before the second rubber layer. This sequential curing ensures that the RFID device is initially secured by the first layer, preventing movement or exposure during the subsequent curing of the second layer, thus maintaining positioning stability while keeping the overall process manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the RFID device is enclosed between rubber layers with different T50 cure times, then the device positioning stability is improved, but the curing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice positioning stabilityVSAvoidcuring process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the curing process into two distinct stages corresponding to two rubber layers with different cure times. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function (first layer for immediate securing, second layer for final encapsulation) without interfering with the other, thereby maintaining positioning stability while managing process complexity through structured division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the rubber layers by using different T50 cure times. This parameter differentiation enables the first layer to set quickly and secure the RFID device, while the second layer cures more slowly to complete the encapsulation without causing movement, thus achieving positioning stability with controlled process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the RFID device is attached to the tire surface, then the device is easily accessible, but the device is vulnerable to damage and exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoiddevice protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by enclosing the RFID device between two rubber layers, effectively embedding it within the tire structure. This nested configuration protects the device from damage and exposure while maintaining its functional accessibility through the tire material, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber layers serve as an intermediary medium between the RFID device and the external environment. This intermediary layer provides mechanical protection and structural integration, shielding the device from damage while allowing it to remain functional, thus balancing accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively maintains the RFID device's position within the tire, reducing the risk of exposure or sinking into the rubber layers, thereby enhancing its durability and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The first rubber layer is comprised of 100 parts of at least one diene-based rubber, at least one filler, and a cure package and the first rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160° C. of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Implementation Method 2

the uncured tire carcass is cured together with the enclosed radio device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentUS20260054524A1Tire with RFID enclosed in different rubber layers and related methods
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a tire having an electronic communication module including a radio device where the radio device is positioned between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, with the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer. Also disclosed are related methods for curing a tire with an electronic communication module including a radio device positioned between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, with the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer.