Tire Sidewall Carcass Layout for Embedded RF Tag Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tires with embedded communication devices, such as RF tags, are prone to damage due to applied loads, necessitating an improvement in the durability of these devices.

Innovation Solution

A tire design that embeds the communication device in a specific location within the sidewall portion, utilizing a longer first carcass foldback portion and shorter second foldback portion to enhance rigidity and protect the device from deformation and interference, while minimizing weight gain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a communication device is embedded in a tire sidewall, then the tire can provide communication functions, but the communication device may be damaged due to applied loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of communication deviceVSAvoiddamage from applied loads
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the carcass foldback portions with different lengths on opposite sides of the tire. Specifically, the first carcass foldback portion is extended in the tire width direction while the second carcass foldback portion is shortened, creating an asymmetric structure that positions the communication device in a low-stress zone. This asymmetric configuration protects the communication device from damage due to applied loads while maintaining tire functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the first carcass foldback portion is extended to protect the communication device, then durability is improved, but the tire weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of communication deviceVSAvoidtire weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the weight-durability contradiction through asymmetric configuration of the carcass foldback portions. By extending only the first carcass foldback portion on the side where the communication device is positioned, and shortening the second carcass foldback portion on the opposite side, the design provides targeted protection where needed while minimizing additional weight. This selective extension creates an asymmetric structure that optimizes the balance between durability and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the communication device is positioned in the sidewall portion, then it can perform communication functions, but it becomes susceptible to deformation under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidresistance to deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the asymmetrically configured first carcass foldback portion as an intermediary protective structure. This foldback portion acts as a mediator between the external applied loads and the communication device, absorbing and distributing stresses before they reach the communication device. The extended first carcass foldback portion creates a protective barrier that shields the communication device from deformation while allowing the device to maintain its communication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4364965B1tire
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP4364965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4364965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4364965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tire according to the present disclosure includes a first half portion on a vehicle installation outer side and a second half portion on a vehicle installation inner side, with respect to a tire equatorial plane, the tire comprising: a carcass that extends between a first bead core positioned in the first half portion and a second bead core positioned in the second half portion. The carcass comprises a carcass body portion that extends between the first bead core and the second bead core, a first carcass foldback portion that extends from the carcass body portion and folds back around a perimeter of the first bead core, and a second carcass foldback portion that extends from the carcass body portion and folds back around a perimeter of the second bead core. A first end of the first carcass foldback portion is positioned further to the tire radial direction outer side than a second end of the second carcass foldback portion in the tire radial direction. A communication device is embedded in a sidewall portion of the first half portion, further to the tire radial direction inner side than the first end and further to the tire radial direction outer side than the second end.