RFID Tire Transmitter Embedding and Rotation Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire manufacturing and usage lack a reliable method for definitive tire identification and data collection, such as air pressure, wear, and mileage, which affects quality control and warranty issues.

Innovation Solution

An RFID device is permanently embedded in the tire during manufacturing, utilizing a magnetic sensor to count tire rotations and transmit a serial number for identification, enabling accurate tracking and quality inspections, with a directional antenna for precise component placement and long-range data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a passive magnetic sensor is used to detect tire rotations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of rotation counting is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidrotation counting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a magnetic sensor with a magnetically distinguishable feature (such as a magnetic bead or marker) attached to the tire. The sensor detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the rotating feature, generating precise rotation counts. This merging of sensing and magnetic marking elements resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple device architecture while achieving high measurement precision through the magnetic field interaction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the RFID device is mounted on the inner wall of the tire at any desired location, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision and consistent positioning of components is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidcomponent positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a magnetically distinguishable feature directly into the tire structure during the manufacturing process, before the RFID device is mounted. This preliminary placement of the magnetic feature establishes a fixed reference point that guides subsequent RFID device positioning. The feature is integrated into the tire mold or structure during vulcanization, ensuring precise and consistent positioning without requiring complex post-manufacturing alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetically distinguishable feature acts as an intermediary element between the tire structure and the RFID device. It provides a magnetic field reference that enables the RFID system to accurately determine tire rotation and position without requiring direct mechanical coupling or complex positioning mechanisms. This intermediary magnetic marker simplifies mounting while maintaining high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the transmitter generates electromagnetic flux lines that cross the overall width of the tire, then the long-range transmission capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic electromagnetic transmission rather than continuous transmission. The transmitter emits electromagnetic flux lines in periodic bursts that are sufficient to induce current in the RFID device across the tire width. This periodic action maintains long-range transmission capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous emission. The transmission occurs at intervals synchronized with tire rotation or at predetermined moments in the tire's operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides tamper-proof, accurate tire identification and data recording, improving quality inspections and warranty tracking, enabling efficient sorting and sequencing in manufacturing and logistics, and allowing for precise location of defective tires.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter which generates the electromagnetic field for inducing electric current in the RFID device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

means for sensing the earth magnetic field, disposed in the wheel and comprising a magnetic field sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP1875551B1RFID transmitter for tires and method of manufacture
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
  • EP1875551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1875551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1875551B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An RFID device is embedded in a precise location in tires during manufacture. The RFID device can provide extensive data regarding the tire such as identification number, date of manufacture and rotational count of the tire in use. During manufacture, the RFID device is placed on the carcass, the carcass is then positioned within the band layer and is thereafter expanded into sealing engagement with the band layer.