Wireless Sensor Integration in Vehicle Tyre Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle tire sensor arrangements face challenges in ensuring permanent and reliable data transmission and energy supply due to dynamic loads, steel mesh interference, and limited installation space, which affects durability and tire properties.

Innovation Solution

A sensor supply line is integrated into the tire structure, connecting the sensor module to a central sensor module, allowing for wired data and energy transmission without penetrating the steel mesh, ensuring durability and minimal space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensor module is integrated into tire structure and connected via insulated copper wires to central sensor module on inner liner, then data transmission is achieved, but the soldered connection cannot withstand dynamic loads and copper cables cannot be permanently incorporated into tire structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection durabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical soldered connection system with a wireless transmission system. The sensor module integrated in the tire structure transmits data and receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical copper cables and soldered connections that cannot withstand dynamic tire loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission system between the sensor module in the tire structure and the central sensor module on the inner liner. This intermediary system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit data and power without direct physical contact, avoiding the limitations of copper cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wireless transmission is used through steel mesh in carcass, then data transmission is achieved, but steel mesh causes signal separation and requires complex filtering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidfiltering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wireless transmission path from the steel mesh environment by positioning the transmitter and receiver on opposite sides of the tire, using the tire air cavity as a transmission medium. This avoids the steel mesh interference problem entirely, eliminating the need for complex filtering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If sensor arrangement is completely incorporated in carcass area, then integration is achieved, but installation space is limited and tire properties are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangement integrationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the sensor module from a two-dimensional planar arrangement in the carcass area to a three-dimensional configuration utilizing the tire air cavity volume. The central sensor module is positioned in the interior space, allowing adequate installation space without impairing tire properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Use of energy by moving object

If piezoelectric element is used for energy supply, then energy is generated during tire operation, but energy supply is insufficient when vehicle is stationary and additional energy supply modules increase space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supplyVSAvoidsensor arrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the wireless transmission system multi-functional by designing it to serve both data transmission and power supply functions. The same electromagnetic coupling mechanism that transmits data also transfers power from the central sensor module to the sensor module in the tire structure, eliminating the need for separate energy supply modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3489043B1Vehicle tyre with a sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3489043B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3489043B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Vehicle tire (2) with a sensor arrangement (5), wherein the sensor arrangement (5) comprises a sensor module (5a) for detecting a measured quantity, a central sensor module (5c) for processing and/or transmitting the measured quantity detected by the sensor module (5a), and a sensor lead (5b) for connecting the sensor module (5a) to the central sensor module (5c), wherein the sensor module (5a) is at least partially embedded in a tire structure (2a, 2c, 2e, 2h) of the vehicle tire (2), the sensor lead (5b) is at least partially integrated in the tire structure (2a, 2c, 2e, 2h) and extends from the sensor module (5a) at least partially embedded in the vehicle tire (2) towards an outer surface (6) of the vehicle tire (2) and is led along this surface to an inner surface (7) of the vehicle tire (2) and along this surface to the sensor module (5a) located in an interior (4) of the vehicle tire. (2) arranged sensor central module (5c) runs.