Combination monitoring device and patch for a pneumatic tire and method of installing the same with a coupled antenna.

摘要

A monitoring device (14) and patch (16) combination used to monitor the conditions of a pneumatic tire having an innerliner includes a monitoring device and a patch. The monitoring device includes at least one sensing element (18) that is adapted to sense a condition of the pneumatic tire. The monitoring device also includes a first electrical pad connected to the sensing element. The monitoring device and first electrical pad (26) are preferably encapsulated in an encapsulation material (30). The patch (16) is adapted to carry the monitoring device (14) and mount the monitoring device on the innerliner of the tire. An antenna (34) is embedded within the patch and a second electrical pad (36) is connected to the antenna. The monitoring device is disposed on the patch in a manner such that the first and second electrical pads are aligned to provide electrical coupling between the pads. The antenna (34) is in communication with the sensing element (18) through the electrical coupling between the pads. The monitoring device and patch may be manufactured in separate facilities and then brought together when they are connected to the innerliner of the tire without the requirement of a physical connection between the sensing element and the antenna. IMAGE