Electronic Module Mechanical Fixing for Tire Wire Stress

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic modules integrated into vehicle tires face challenges in achieving a reliable mechanical and electrical connection with wires due to the sensitivity of the junction to stresses caused by tire deformations, with soldering and crimping methods failing to provide a robust and consistent connection.

Innovation Solution

An electronic module with separate mechanical and electrical connection members, where the mechanical fixing member absorbs forces and includes crimping, snap-fastening, or gluing means, and a protective casing to distribute stresses and prevent solder rise, ensuring a robust and reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wire is connected to the electrical connection member by soldering, then a reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the joint is not robust enough to withstand repeated mechanical stresses from tire deformations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidjoint mechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two separate members: an electrical connection member for soldering and a mechanical fixing member for crimping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the mechanical fixing member absorbing stresses and protecting the soldered electrical connection from mechanical loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical fixing member acts as an intermediary between the wire and the electrical connection member. It provides mechanical support and stress absorption, shielding the delicate soldered joint from direct mechanical stresses while allowing the electrical connection to function reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the wire is connected to the electrical connection member by crimping, then good mechanical fixing is achieved, but a reliable electrical connection is not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical fixing strengthVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two separate members: an electrical connection member for soldering and a mechanical fixing member for crimping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the mechanical fixing member providing robust mechanical attachment and the electrical connection member ensuring reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two connection methods (soldering and crimping) into a single integrated solution where both techniques are applied to the same wire connection point. The mechanical fixing member and electrical connection member work together to provide both mechanical strength and electrical reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the wire is embedded in rubbery material to reduce wire deformation, then wire flexibility is maintained, but the complexity of the module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire deformation resistanceVSAvoidmodule structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wire protection function from the rubbery material embedding approach and implements it through a dedicated mechanical fixing member with crimping capability. This separate component provides wire deformation resistance without requiring the wire to be embedded in rubbery material, thereby reducing overall module complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides a reliable electrical and mechanical connection that withstands tire deformation stresses, maintaining the flexibility of the wire and ensuring a durable weld, while the protective casing distributes forces and minimizes disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

the mechanical fixing member of the wire comprises crimping means. The crimping means indeed allow rapid and effective mechanical fastening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrimping: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

the solder tends to rise between these strands by capillarity and thus to stiffen the assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillarity: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The mechanical fixing member of the wire then prevents this rise of solder, which allows the wire to retain its full flexibility potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillarity blockage: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

the member for mechanical fixing of the wire comprises snap-fastening means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap-fastening: Elasticity

Implementation Method 5

the member for mechanical fixing of the wire comprises gluing means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP1858121B1Electronic module meant to be integrated in a pneumatic tire and method for producing it
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP1858121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The module (14) has a functional part (20) e.g. temperature transducer, carried by a support (18). The support has electric connection parts (22a, 22b) electrically connecting wires (16a, 16b) with the functional part and constituted of electrically conductive bands. The wires respectively have sections (26a, 26b) connected to the module and free sections (28a, 28b). The support has crimping rings (24a, 24b) distinct from the electric connection parts and mechanically fixing the wires with the support. The rings are positioned on a passage in upstream of the electric connection parts. An independent claim is also included for a method of obtaining an electronic device integrated to a tire.