ISOLATE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed invention is generally directed to tire sensors and tire electronics. More particularly, the presently disclosed invention is directed to piezoelectric-based devices, systems and methods for assessing tire characteristics before, during and after tire operation.

BACKGROUND

The incorporation of electronic devices with tire structures has been shown to yield many practical advantages. Tire electronics may provide their own power source whose operation depends on tire-related phenomena and may also include sensors and other components for obtaining information regarding various physical and performance parameters of a tire.

Piezoelectric devices have been used to acquire data, such as piezoelectric signals indicative of the time- varying shape of a rolling tire at the location of the piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric signals can be analyzed to assess various parameters of a tire, such as contact patch length. Such information may be useful in tire monitoring and warning systems as well as in tire testing and design.

Piezoelectric devices have been incorporated with tire patches to provide a power source for various sensors and other components of a tire mountable apparatus used to measure tire parameters. Sensors using piezoelectric-based technology have been employed in various tire embodiments for a variety of purposes. For example, piezoelectric sensors have been used to function as a revolution counter within a tire and have also been used to determine deflection, speed and other parameters, including but not limited to temperature, pressure, tire rotation speed, etc. Such information may be useful in tire monitoring and warning systems and may even be employed with feedback systems (e.g., to monitor and display proper tire pressure levels on one or more user interfaces). Exemplary embodiments of such devices and demonstrations of their use are disclosed by co-owned and co-pending PCT Publication No. WO2014/077816 for a ONE UP, ONE DOWN CONNECTION STRUCTURE FOR PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE IN TIRE PATCH, filed 15 November 2012; PCT Publication No. WO2013/101064 for a SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TIRE UNIFORMITY PARAMETERS FROM PIEZOELECTRIC MEASUREMENTS IN THE TIRE COUNTER-DEFLECTION ZONE, filed 29 December 2011 ; and US Publication No. 2013/0278406 for a PIEZOELECTRIC BASED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TIRE LOAD, filed 28 June 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Exemplary embodiments of such devices and demonstrations of their use are also disclosed by co-owned US Patent No. 8,742,265 for a 1-D TIRE PATCH APPARATUS AND METHODOLOGY, issued 3 June 2014; and US Patent No. 8,476,808 for a 1-D TIRE APPARATUS, issued 2 July 2013, the entire disclosures of which are also incorporated by reference herein.

Complexity exists in the design, manufacture and installation of connectors that are amenable to global deployment. Successful operation of tire-mountable electronics must be ensured in the regions where the electronics are employed, and the operative elements must remain compliant with all local regulations. In some solutions, connector design may be based upon piezo pack fabrication capability. The fabrication capability often inherently limits the solutions to various connector failure modes and therefore itself introduces design complexity.

Therefore, reliable and cost-effective connections are demanded that ensure repeatable and predictable positioning of connectors during data collection.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed invention provides a tire mountable module to collectively rigidify elements of the module respective to one another. The module includes a substrate having one or more piezoelectric elements and a fastening platform through which at least a pair of opposed outboard apertures is provided in co-linear alignment with one or more median apertures. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided along with a spacer insert disposed intermediate an upper substrate surface and a bottom PCB surface. The spacer insert includes a spacer bar portion disposed generally centrally relative to one or more stress areas integral therewith. At least a pair of opposed apertures is provided through the spacer bar portion in concentric alignment with corresponding opposed outboard apertures of the fastening platform and in co-linear alignment with one or more path apertures therebetween that are in concentric alignment with corresponding median apertures of the fastening platform upon assembly of the module.

In some embodiments, the module may include at least one of an elastomeric patch and a subspacer bar. The elastomeric patch may have a base with a raised mesa portion extending from a top surface thereof and the mesa portion including a support floor that supports a bottom substrate surface thereby. The subspacer bar may be disposed in a recess of the support floor and may include at least a pair of opposed outward apertures in concentric alignment with the outboard apertures of the fastening platform and in co-linear alignment with one or more inward apertures therebetween that are in concentric alignment with corresponding median apertures of the fastening platform upon assembly of the module. The elastomeric patch may be fabricated from an elastomeric material selected from one or more rubber materials normally employed as sidewall materials in construction of pneumatic tires.

In some embodiments, the PCB is electrically coupled to a plurality of conductive terminals receivable by corresponding path apertures of the spacer insert, corresponding median apertures of the fastening platform and corresponding inward apertures of the subspacer bar.

In some embodiments, at least one of the subspacer bar and the spacer insert is fabricated by rapid prototyping.

An assembly is also provided that includes a tire having an interior tire surface and at least one tire mountable module as presently disclosed.

A method is also provided for manufacturing a tire mountable module. The method includes providing a tire mountable module as presently disclosed. The method also includes providing at least one of an elastomeric patch and a subspacer bar as presently disclosed.

A kit is also provided for providing feedback representative of a tire's characteristics during use. The kit includes one or more tire mounting modules as presently disclosed with at least one tire mounting module detecting performance characteristics of at least one target tire. At least one tire mounting module is a network-connected device in communication with one or more computing devices running at least data acquisition application thereon.

Other aspects of the presently disclosed invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and various advantages of the presently disclosed invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary tire mountable module as presently disclosed.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the tire mountable module of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary piezoelectric substrate that may be used therewith.

FIG. 3 shows a representative tire and an exemplary mounting position therein for a tire mountable module as presently disclosed.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary sectional view of the tire mountable module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a partial schematic view of an exemplary electrical connection structure for a tire mountable module as presently disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation and not by limitation of the presently disclosed invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with one or more other embodiments to yield at least one further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The presently disclosed electrical signal connector separates mechanical from electrical function among pins connecting a PCB to a piezo pack. While employing a substantially linear pin arrangement mechanically stabilized to limit fatigue in a running tire, the presently disclosed device permits many more signal paths between the PCB and a flexing patch. Improved performance is realized not only in manufacturing simplification but also with improved reliability and reduced cost. In addition, ease of field use is realized by reducing the level of technical expertise required by field personnel without compromising signal reliability, which can be adversely affected by incorrect installation. Along with separation of mechanical from electrical functions among the pins, the presently disclosed invention replaces relatively fragile solder interfaces with industry standard pin and socket connectors. Aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter may be considered with respect to one or more embodiments of a 1 -D tire mountable apparatus having a length and width related to certain aspects of the tires in which the apparatus may be mounted. It is understood that such an apparatus may be generally limited to generation of an output signal as a result of strain applied principally from only one dimension (i.e., the relatively longer length dimension of the device). For example, a width W being significantly less than a length L substantially eliminates any bending and, consequently, signal production based on minimal or no bending in the width dimension. Further, when employed as a support structure for printed circuit board mounted electronics, such an apparatus provides a substantially strain free mounting arrangement for such printed circuit boards. These concepts are more fully explained by co-owned U.S. Patent No. 8,742,265, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. It should be appreciated that the term "1-D" represents that the tire mountable apparatus of the present technology is so designated without any further limitations read into such term.

Further, it should be appreciated that the term "generator" as used herein is meant to convey that flexure of a piezoelectric device as may be associated with the presently disclosed subject matter will produce an output voltage across output terminals provided on the device. Further still, as the piezoelectric device associated with the present technology may be employed as a sensor as well as a generator either separately or concurrently, the terms generator and sensor may be used hereinafter interchangeably.

The presently disclosed subject matter may incorporate a conductive terminal structure for a piezoelectric device used as part of a tire mountable apparatus, such as a tire patch that can be incorporated with a tire to measure various parameters of the tire. In particular, a

piezoelectric device can include one or more piezoelectric components that are used to harvest energy and/or to provide signals indicative of tire performance/behavior. The piezoelectric components can have a sandwich structure that includes a piezoelectric layer, such as a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) layer, arranged between a pair of conductive layers. The piezoelectric components can be arranged between a pair of insulating layers, such as FR4 layers. The piezoelectric device can be implemented as a substrate or can take any other suitable form, such as a film. An electrical connection structure can be provided in the piezoelectric device to electrically connect the piezoelectric components to a printed circuit board or other device used as part of the tire patch. The piezoelectric components can provide energy and/or signals through the electrical connection structure to various devices located on the printed circuit board.

An electrical connection structure according to aspects of the present disclosure may be arranged in a one up, one down configuration in which at least one conductive terminal that is electrically coupled to a top conductive layer of a piezoelectric component is exposed through a top insulating layer of the substrate. In addition, at least one conductive terminal that is electrically coupled to a bottom conductive layer of a piezoelectric component may be exposed through a bottom insulating layer of the substrate. As a result, at least one pair of conductive terminals of the electrical connection structure is exposed for electrical connection through opposite surfaces of the substrate such that there is at least one "up" conductive terminal and one "down" conductive terminal. Exemplary embodiments of such connection structures are disclosed by co-owned and co-pending PCT Publication WO2014/077816 entitled ONE UP, ONE DOWN CONNECTION STRUCTURE FOR PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE IN TIRE PATCH, filed 15 November 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, an exemplary tire mountable module 10 is provided that includes a substrate 12 having a predetermined length and a predetermined width. In the embodiment shown, the width may be significantly less than the length (e.g., in some embodiments, the length may be at least twice the width). It is appreciated that such geometric relationship may not be required for all applications of module 10. For example, as disclosed by co-owned U.S. Patent 8,476,808 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein), the width may be selected to fall within one or more transition areas immediately preceding and following the contact patch where the radius of curvature of a tire operating under rated pressure and rated load changes from a substantially constant radius to a generally flat or infinite radius. Although substrate 12 is depicted in an exemplary embodiment as having a generally elliptical geometry, it is understood that the substrate can assume any geometry amenable to practice of the presently disclosed invention.

Substrate 12 may be removably secured to an elastomeric patch 14 that includes a base portion 14a having a lower surface 14a' and a top surface 14a" from which a raised mesa portion 14b extends by a predetermined height. Mesa portion 14b includes a support floor 14b' upon which substrate 12 is removably secured. Elastomeric patch 14 can be formed from an elastomeric material, including one or more rubber materials normally employed as sidewall materials in the construction of pneumatic tires. Such materials are generally oxidation resistant compounds.

Elastomeric patch 14 offers modular structure for module 10 and also provides a base for suitable integration with an interior tire surface. An example of such integration is shown in FIG. 3, in which module 10 is shown in relation to a tire T and particularly an inner tire surface Ti thereof. Module 10 may be positioned at a variety of locations with respect to tire T and is not limited to the position shown herein. In some embodiments, module 10 may be positioned at a variety of locations where the piezoelectric elements will be subjected to various tire stress levels (e.g., along a lateral centerline of the tire width). Elastomeric patch 14 may be attached to, integrated with or otherwise coupled with inner tire surface Tj using one or more curing techniques, one or more adhesives, one or more fastening means and any equivalent and combination thereof that is amenable to practice of the presently disclosed invention.

Elastomeric patch 14 may be provided with surfaces having minimized curvatures to mitigate local fatigue in module 10.

In some exemplary embodiments, substrate may be secured directly to the inner liner of a tire using only an amenable adhesive (e.g., an adhesive designated by the mark CHEMLOCK™) without the use of an intermediary elastomeric material. It should also be appreciated that a module as constructed in accordance with the present disclosure may be operatively mounted with respect to additional mobility devices, including but not limited to non-pneumatic tire and wheel combinations (e.g., such as those disclosed by co-owned U.S. Patent Nos. 7,201,194, 7,650,919 and 7,418,988).

Substrate 12 includes a bottom surface 12a adjacent support floor 14b' and an opposed top surface 12b. Substrate 12 has a geometry generally corresponding to that of support floor 14b 'which geometry may include a predetermined length, a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness. As shown herein, opposed extents 12c of substrate 12 may have radiused portions corresponding to adjacent radiused extents 14b" of support floor 14b', although it is understood that such geometries are not limited to those shown and described herein as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Securement of substrate 12 may be effected by one or more means as known in the art, including but not limited to the use of adhesives and/or epoxies (e.g., coating at least one of substrate 12 and support floor 14b' with an adhesive). Alternatively, a specially designed mold that accommodates substrate 12 may be filled with elastomeric material and cured to create an assembly of elastomeric patch 14 and substrate 12. Also, frictional fit, one or more complementary notches and recesses and equivalent means as known in the art may be employed. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a lip 14d extends upwardly from support floor 14b'that accommodates an outer periphery of substrate 12 and provides both visual and tactile indicia of proper placement of the substrate relative to elastomeric patch 14.

As illustrated in FIG 2A, substrate 12 may include one or more piezoelectric elements 16, 18. In some exemplary embodiments, a piezoelectric sensor element 16 functions as a piezoelectric sensor, while a piezoelectric power element 18 functions as a power source. The electrical signals provided by piezoelectric sensor element 16 can be analyzed, for instance, to determine characteristics of a tire's contact patch or to count revolutions of a tire. An electric current generated by piezoelectric power element 18 may be conditioned and stored within a rechargeable battery (e.g., a battery stored by battery holder 40 as further described

hereinbelow), capacitor or other energy source, which then can be coupled to one or more electronic components (e.g., one or more temperature sensors, pressure sensors, microprocessors and/or transceivers, not shown).

Each of piezoelectric elements 16, 18 may exhibit a sandwich structure that includes a piezoelectric layer arranged between two conductive layers. An exemplary piezoelectric element may include a piezoelectric layer formed from any suitable piezoelectric material corresponding to a variety of piezoelectric structures, including but not limited to piezoelectric crystals, composite fiber structures, piezoelectric modules and other devices fabricated from piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material may include one or more of berlinite, quartz, topaz, tourmaline- group minerals, dentin, gallium orthophosphate, langasite, barium titanate, lead titanate, lead zirconate titanate (PZT), potassium niobate, lithium niobate, lithium tantalite, sodium tungstate, sodium potassium niobate, bismuth ferrite, sodium niobate, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The piezoelectric layer may be arranged between conductive layers formed from any suitable conductive material (including but not limited to copper, nickel, gold, silver, aluminum and the like) supported by an insulating support layer such as fire resistant FR4 and/or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric layer may be arranged between insulating layers. Multiple piezoelectric layers may all be encased in additional protective material, such as a thin casing of fiberglass on the top and bottom of the piezoelectric elements.

Referring again to FIG. 2, module 10 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 20 having a bottom surface 20a proximate substrate 12 and an opposed top surface 20b. PCB 20 may incorporate various components and devices, including but not limited to a microprocessor, a memory, temperature and/or pressure sensors, filter circuits, communication circuits, one or more batteries, one or more antennas for communicating information to remote devices and other devices. Piezoelectric power element 18 can provide energy upon flexure of piezoelectric sensor element 16 to power various components of PCB 20. Piezoelectric sensor element 16 may provide signals associated with strain induced in a tire upon flexure thereof to PCB 20 for analysis. PCB 20 may be selected from a plurality of commercially available PCB configurations or customized pursuant to the desired characteristics of the connector performance and the tire with which the connector may be used.

As further shown in FIG. 2 A, substrate 12 further includes a fastening platform 12d through which at least a pair of opposed outboard apertures 12d' is provided in co-linear alignment with one or more median apertures 12d", which median apertures may be plated through apertures that facilitate electrical connectivity (as used herein, "median apertures" is understood to include one or more plated through apertures as known to a person of ordinary skill). When substrate 12 is disposed adjacent support floor 14b', fastening platform 12d is desirably in alignment with a subspacer bar 22 disposed in a recess 14e of the support floor. Subspacer bar 22 includes at least a pair of opposed outward apertures 22a in concentric alignment with outboard apertures 12d' of fastening platform 12d. Subspacer bar 22 also includes inward apertures 22a' in concentric alignment with one or more median apertures 12d"of fastening platform 12d. Outward apertures 22a of subspacer bar 22 may be threaded along at least a portion thereof to accommodate threaded securement as further described hereinbelow.

As further shown in FIG. 4, disposed adjacent upper substrate surface 12b is a spacer insert 24 and particularly a bottom surface 24a thereof. A top surface 24b of spacer insert 24 includes a spacer bar portion 24c protruding generally upwardly therefrom and terminating in a landing pad 24d. Spacer bar portion 24c may incorporate a length generally corresponding to that of fastening platform 12d and subspacer bar 22. At least a pair of opposed apertures 24c' are delineated through spacer bar portion 24c in co-linear alignment with one or more path apertures 24c" therebetween. Spacer bar portion 24c may be disposed generally centrally relative to landing pad 24d and particularly stress areas 24e integral therewith to form a stress relief profile. Spacer insert 24 can provide a compressive load to the connection structure, and this compressive load can be used to ensure the integrity of the electrical connection between PCB 20 and the electrical connection structure without the need for solder connections as presently taught in the art. Although stress areas 24e are shown as being generally symmetrical, it is understood that the presently disclosed invention contemplates non-symmetrical

embodiments.

Any of the presently disclosed elements, including but not limited to spacer insert 24, is amenable to fabrication by rapid prototyping and equivalent and complementary processes. The use of rapid prototyping materials enables the fabrication of complex geometries that operate under high compressive loading. For example, the cross-sectional profile of spacer insert 24 as shown and described herein is an exemplary geometry that redistributes stress along the entire insert profile and particularly along stress areas 24e thereof. Such benefits are realized by rapid prototyping methodologies, materials and practices as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, PCB 20 may be electrically coupled to piezoelectric elements 16, 18 through an electrical connection structure that may include a plurality of conductive terminals electrically coupled to a conductive layer (e.g., via a suitable conductive trace). Such conductive terminals may include one or more conductive pins 30 having insertion extents 30a receivable by corresponding path apertures 24c" and one or more optional sleeves 31. Opposed extents 30b of pin insertion extents 30a may be received by corresponding apertures (not shown) in PCB 20 and removably secured therein as known in the art (e.g., by frictional fit, with an epoxy, etc.). The electrical connection structure can be arranged with any number of conductive terminals and is not limited to any specific number of terminals or pins as currently disclosed by the exemplary embodiments.

It is understood that the present disclosure contemplates the use of more or fewer conductive terminals without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, spacer bar portion 24c may incorporate multiple path apertures 24c"to accommodate variable numbers of conductive terminals and therefore enable multiple electrical connection structures. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, conductive terminals such as pins 30 can be arranged in a generally linear relationship, although it is understood that there may be a variation in alignment from a perfect linear relationship. Conductive terminals may be arranged along a line perpendicular to a length of substrate 12 so as to reduce mechanical strain applied to the conductive terminals during use. A total rigid assembly is attained thereby wherein each element of the assembly remains rigid relative to every other element. The presently disclosed module thereby enables an increased number and variety of signal paths while ensuring the signal integrity of such paths.

Pin insertion extents 30a protrude from bottom surface 24a of spacer insert 24 for ready engagement by corresponding median apertures 12d" of fastening platform 12d. The number of median apertures 12c" in fastening platform 12d should accommodate the selected number of connection terminals (e.g., pins 30) and be in concentric alignment with corresponding path apertures 24c" of spacer bar portion 24c. Securement of pin insertion extents 30a is effected upon terminal engagement of the pin insertion extents with corresponding inward apertures 22a' of subspacer bar 22. The number of inward apertures should accommodate the selected number of connection terminals and be in concentric alignment with median apertures 12d" of fastening platform 12d. In this manner, proper alignment is always ensured, thereby enabling electrical connectivity in a variable number of electrical connection structures. In some embodiments, such structure may further one or more of an asymmetrical packaging and a complementary key and recess structure to further assure proper positioning and alignment of the presently disclosed module elements.

Connection terminals such as pins 30 shown herein may be in further electrical communication with a battery (not shown) disposed in a battery holder 40. Battery holder 40 includes at least a pair of opposed securement apertures 40a that are in substantial concentric alignment with opposed outward apertures 24c' of spacer insert 24. Each of securement apertures 40a accommodates insertion of a corresponding threaded fastener 41 therethrough, each of which fastener may include a fastener head 41a and a fastener shank 41b. Securement apertures 40a may be in communication with a recessed floor portion 40b offset from a seat portion 40c that supports a battery thereby. Recessed floor portion 40b facilitates positioning of fastener heads 41a without interference with the battery engaged by seat portion 40c.

Battery holder 40 further incorporates one or more threads 40d along an exterior of a generally cylindrical wall 40e extending normally from seat portion 40c. A battery cover 43 has a generally cylindrical wall 43 a along the interior surface of which corresponding complementary threads (not shown) are provided. Battery holder threads 40d may engage the complementary threads of battery cover 43 to ensure securement of a battery intermediate seat portion 40c of battery holder 40 and an interior space defined by the interior surface of cover wall 43a.

Battery holder 40 may be positioned such that its mass contributes to an elevated center of gravity for module 10. Inertia is therefore located at or near the so that mass associated with prior use of epoxy may be eliminated. Module 10, however, remains capable of withstanding tremendous force. A high interference fit is desired between the threads of battery holder 40 and those of battery cover 43 to prevent movement of the battery therebetween. In some

embodiments, a change in thread interference may be effected by including disparate thread profiles that enable tighter interference with progression. For example, respective corresponding and complementary threads incorporated on each of battery holder 40 and battery cover 43 may engage one another such that the last two turns are high interference. In some embodiments, a multi-pitch thread may be employed to effect progressive interference. In this manner, a graduated interference may be employed that prevents cross-threading in the initial threads yet ensures locking of the battery cover to the battery holder. A high velocity, high G battery container is ensured thereby, further ensuring signal integrity of the module for long-term use.

It is recalled that outward apertures 24c' of spacer insert 24 are in concentric alignment with opposed outboard apertures 12d' of fastener platform 12c and opposed outward apertures 22a of subspacer bar 22. During assembly of module 10, insertion of fasteners 41 in

corresponding securement apertures 40a of battery holder 40 ensures aligned insertion of the fasteners through the outboard apertures of fastener platform 12c until mechanical connection is terminated at opposed outward apertures 22a of subspacer bar 22. In some embodiments, there may be a center-to-center distance of about 18mm for the mechanical connectors (e.g., fasteners 41). It is understood that the center-to-center distance may be larger or smaller, depending upon the specific module application. For example, the center-to-center distance may be on a scale suitable for micro applications.

Mechanical securement of fasteners 41 (or like fastening means) correspondingly effects electrical contact via pins 30 (or like connection terminals), thereby obviating the need for soldering and eliminating estimates of sufficient torque required to effect the mechanical and electrical connections. The presently disclosed module contemplates the employment of torque as a tuning parameter due to the assurance of signal integrity, since leads from the battery "push" readily into corresponding receptacles to ensure against loss of signal. Such configuration inherently reduces any risk associated with incorrect fabrication, assembly and/or installation of known modules and enables repeated use of the presently disclosed module with a variety of tires. Such configuration further enables an increased number of signal paths, all of which have electrical integrity ensured by the successful isolation of the module' s mechanical connection from its electrical connection.

The presently disclosed module further contemplates the creation of customizable arrays that are enabled by multi-pin connections. Such exemplary arrays may be included on a tape that adheres to an interior surface and follows the contour thereof while respecting the orthogonal nature of the module (i.e., the connector terminals still lie along a line that is perpendicular to the flexing of the patch). Multiple sensors and sensor types may therefore be employed

simultaneously for holistic data acquisitions, including but not limited to temperature probes, pressure probes, humidity probes, etc.

In order to employ various transducers and a variety of arrays in accordance with the methods, devices and systems described herein, one or more modules may be required.

Therefore, one or more kits may be provided containing one more different patches, substrates, PCBs, spacer inserts, subspacer bars, connection terminals and/or battery holders and covers. A kit of this type may include a plurality of pre-assembled modules with each device being pre- tuned to facilitate proper data acquisition relative to one or more selected tires. One or more kits may include, along with one or more modules, accompanying interactive software applications that may be downloaded on a desktop or uploaded from a remote site onto a mobile device. Instructions for use of the software applications may also be included in the kit along with resources for accessing any remote platforms that provide one or more users with an interface for collaboration with others. The kit may optionally include a mobile device having the software applications pre-loaded for ready use.

At least some of the various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. For example, electrical data processing functionality may be used to implement any aspect of discriminator derivation and index computation, including implementation in connection with a computing device (including a mobile networking apparatus) that includes hardware, software, or, where appropriate, a combination of both. The processing functionality may correspond to any type of computing device that includes one or more processing devices. The computing device can include any type of computer, computer system or other programmable electronic device, including a client computer, a server computer, a portable computer (including a laptop and a tablet), a handheld computer, a mobile phone (including a smart phone), a gaming device, an embedded controller, a near-field communication device, a device with applications implemented at least partly using a cloud service, and any combination and/or equivalent thereof (including touchless devices). Moreover, the computing device may be implemented using one or more networked computers, e.g., in a cluster or other distributed computing system. The network may be a LAN, a WAN, a SAN, a wireless network, a cellular network, radio links, optical links and/or the Internet, although the network is not limited to these network selections.

A server may be further configured to facilitate communication between at least one module as presently disclosed and one or more of the computing devices. A database may be built and accessed that includes stored data (e.g., pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.) and calculated data forecasts that can be generated for intended tire integrity.

It is further understood that the presently disclosed methods are contemplated for use on tires that have previously been subject to one or more retread processes, either as disclosed herein or according to one or more other amenable retreading methods. It is understood, however, that the presently disclosed methods may be employed on tires that have never been retread. The presently disclosed invention may be utilized in association with retreaded heavy duty truck or trailer tires and any other tire type, including but not limited to light truck, off -road, ATV, bus, aircraft, agricultural, mining, bicycle, motorcycle and passenger vehicle tires.

Selected combinations of aspects of the disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the present subject matter. Features or steps illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodiment to yield yet further embodiments.

Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned which perform the same or similar function. The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm." Also, the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not limited to a specified unit of measurement. For example, dimensions expressed in English units are understood to include equivalent dimensions in metric and other units (e.g., a dimension disclosed as "1 inch" is intended to mean an equivalent dimension of "2.5 cm").

As used herein, the term "method" or "process" refers to one or more steps that may be performed in other ordering than shown without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed invention. As used herein, the term "method" or "process" may include one or more steps performed at least by one electronic or computer-based apparatus. Any sequence of steps is exemplary and is not intended to limit methods described herein to any particular sequence, nor is it intended to preclude adding steps, omitting steps, repeating steps, or performing steps simultaneously. As used herein, the term "method" or "process" may include one or more steps performed at least by one electronic or computer-based apparatus having a processor for executing instructions that carry out the steps.

The terms "a," "an," and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Ranges that are described as being "between a and b" are inclusive of the values for "a" and "b."

Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the disclosed apparatus have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes, additions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, no limitation should be imposed on the scope of the presently disclosed invention, except as set forth in the accompanying claims.