A near-field RFID sensor network for the realtime monitoring of tire vulcanization

The feasibility of a passive RFID sensing network for real time monitoring of tire vulcanization is here investigated for the first time. The system is aimed at measuring temperature inside rubber compounds all along the process such to optimize the curing procedure and reduce time and energy waste. The considered network comprises RFID sensor tags inserted into the tire and one ore more reader antennas properly integrated into the mold structure. The electromagnetic challenge concerns the possibility to establish a robust RFID link inside the mold cavity, in spite of the high losses produced by the tire rubbers and by the vulcanization fluids (nitrogen and water vapor). Contemporarily, the system must be fully compliant with the vulcanization machinery such to not alter the demanding mechanical performance of the tire. Simulations and measurement permitted to derive the upper-bound performance and to estimate the required power budget. The idea is finally demonstrated by means of a proof of concept in a realistic condition.