Tire Sensor Reservoir Mounting for Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting electronic sensors to tire innerliners is complex and expensive due to material differences and harsh conditions within the tire, such as high temperatures and rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
A tire with a compound ring that defines a reservoir for a sensor adhesive, allowing for secure attachment of sensors to the innerliner, using a compatible elastomer compound and vulcanization process to ensure durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used to attach sensors to the tire innerliner, then the sensor can be mounted, but the attachment process becomes complex and expensive due to material differences and harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure consisting of a adhesive layer and a mounting ring that mediates between the sensor and the tire innerliner. This intermediary system simplifies the attachment process while ensuring reliable mounting under harsh tire conditions, resolving the contradiction between attachment durability and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a adhesive layer for bonding, a mounting ring for structural support and positioning, and the sensor unit itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used to attach sensors to the tire innerliner, then the sensor can be mounted, but the cost increases due to different materials and harsh environment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ring is constructed from materials that are homogeneous or compatible with the tire innerliner, eliminating the need for specialized expensive materials. This approach reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring the mounting structure can withstand the harsh tire environment, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost
3Device complexity
If the sensor is attached directly to the innerliner without a reservoir, then the attachment is simpler, but the adhesive cannot withstand high temperatures and rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir structure provides beforehand protection for the adhesive layer, containing it within a defined space that protects the adhesive from the harsh effects of high temperatures and rotational speeds. This prior cushioning allows the use of a simpler adhesive application process while ensuring the adhesive bond remains durable under extreme conditions
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 enables simple, economical, and durable attachment of sensors to the tire innerliner, maintaining sensor integrity and functionality even at high vehicle speeds, with the sensor remaining operational and securely attached during testing.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor adhesive is disposed in the reservoir and a sensor is secured to the tire innerliner by the sensor adhesive
Implementation Method 2
A compound ring is secured to the innerliner, and the compound ring defines a reservoir upon being secured to the innerliner
Data Source
AI summary
A tire with a sensor attachment reservoir is provided. The tire includes a pair of bead areas, a sidewall extending from each respective bead area to a tread, a carcass extending toroidally between each of the bead areas, and an innerliner disposed inwardly of the carcass. A compound ring is secured to the innerliner, and the compound ring defines a reservoir upon being secured to the innerliner. A sensor adhesive is disposed in the reservoir and a sensor is secured to the tire innerliner by the sensor adhesive. A corresponding method of attaching a sensor to a tire is also provided.