Tire Sidewall RFID Structure Without Mechanical Chip Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF tags embedded in tires face durability issues due to mechanical connections, which can lead to wire breakage and structural complexity when reinforced with rubber or resin.
Innovation Solution
A tire design with a conductive member made of conductive fibers forming a strip and embedded in the sidewall and bead portions, where an IC chip contacts the conductive member without mechanical connection, functioning as an antenna for wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an RF tag with mechanically connected IC chip and antenna is embedded in the tire, then the communication device can be integrated into the tire structure, but the durability deteriorates due to wire breakage and connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection (soldering, wires, or other physical connectors) between the IC chip and antenna with a non-mechanical coupling method. The IC chip and antenna are positioned in close proximity within the tire sidewall, allowing electromagnetic field coupling without physical contact, thereby eliminating wire breakage and connection failures while improving durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the tire sidewall material itself as an intermediary medium that provides both mechanical support and electromagnetic coupling environment. The sidewall rubber or polymer material serves as the embedding medium that holds both the IC chip and antenna in proper positions while allowing non-mechanical electromagnetic interaction between them
2Reliability
If the RF tag is reinforced with rubber or resin coating, then the durability improves, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing requires advanced technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna structure with the conductive members already present in the tire (such as bead wires or reinforcement elements). By utilizing existing conductive components in the tire structure as the antenna, the design eliminates the need for separate RF tag housing, coating, and reinforcement structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the conductive members in the tire serve dual functions: structural reinforcement of the tire and antenna elements for RF communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated RF tag components and their protective coatings, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving integration and durability
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 design enhances the durability of the communication device by eliminating mechanical connections and simplifying the structure, improving reliability and communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member embedded in a tire side portion comprised of the sidewall portion and the bead portion, either outside or inside the carcass in the tire width direction, and extending over at least partial area in the tire circumferential direction and at least partial area in the tire radial direction in the tire side portion; and at least one IC chip embedded in the tire side portion, wherein at least one of the at least one IC chip is a contact IC chip that contacts the conductive member without a mechanical connection, wherein the conductive member is made of a plurality of conductive fibers in contact with each other to form a strip
Data Source
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AI summary
The tire 1 according to this disclosure is a tire having a carcass 3 comprised of at least one carcass ply 3a extending between a pair of bead portions 13 through a pair of sidewall portions 12. The tire 1 comprises: a conductive member 21 embedded in a tire side portion 14 comprised of the sidewall portion 12 and the bead portion 13, either outside or inside the carcass 3 in the tire width direction, and extending over at least partial area in the tire circumferential direction and at least partial area in the tire radial direction in the tire side portion 14; and at least one IC chip 22 embedded in the tire side portion 14, and at least one of the at least one IC chip 22 is a contact IC chip 22c that contacts the conductive member without a mechanical connection.