Tire Transponder Coating Step Structure to Prevent Vulcanization Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of an RFID transponder coated with a coating layer into pneumatic tires often results in vulcanization defects due to gaps between the coating layer and the rubber members, leading to reduced tire durability and communication performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a coating layer with a step formation at the end portions, where the positions of the top and back surface layers do not coincide, is applied to the transponder, allowing it to be embedded in an unvulcanized tire, thereby reducing gaps between the coating layer and the rubber member and suppressing vulcanization defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transponder is coated with a coating layer and embedded in a tire, then the transponder is protected and communication performance is improved, but gaps are generated between the coating layer and rubber member causing vulcanization defects
Solution Approach 1:
A groove is formed in advance at the end portion of the coating layer before embedding the transponder in the tire. This preliminary structural preparation allows the rubber member to flow into the groove during vulcanization, preventing gap formation between the coating layer and rubber member, thereby eliminating vulcanization defects while maintaining communication performance
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary element between the coating layer and the rubber member. It provides a transition zone that facilitates proper bonding during vulcanization, allowing the rubber to interlock with the coating layer edge, thus preventing defect formation without compromising the transponder's communication function
2Manufacturing precision
If the coating layer is made thinner to reduce gaps, then vulcanization defects are reduced, but communication performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of solving the gap problem by reducing coating thickness in the radial direction, the invention introduces a dimensional feature (groove) at the end portion of the coating layer in the circumferential direction. This allows adequate coating thickness to be maintained for communication performance while the groove provides the necessary interface for preventing vulcanization defects
3Reliability
If the coating layer thickness is increased to improve communication performance, then transponder performance is improved, but gaps between coating layer and rubber member are enlarged causing more vulcanization defects
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is formed in advance at the end portion of the thicker coating layer, providing a dedicated space for rubber flow that compensates for the increased thickness. This preliminary structural feature ensures that even with increased coating thickness for improved communication, the groove prevents gap formation and vulcanization defects
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a pneumatic tire is provided. A coating layer coating a transponder is caused to have, in a thickness direction thereof, a top surface layer located on a top surface side of the transponder and a back surface layer located on a back surface side of the transponder. A step is formed at least at an end portion on one side of both end portions of the coating layer in a width direction such that positions of end portions of the top surface layer and the back surface layer do not coincide with each other. The transponder coated with the coating layer having the step is embedded in an unvulcanized tire. The unvulcanized tire is vulcanized.