VEHICLE SPARE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY WITH BATTERY

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed that includes a spare wheel and tire assembly. The wheel and tire assembly may include a tire and a wheel. The vehicle may further include a battery cell mounted within the wheel and tire assembly. The battery cell can store and provide power. In some aspects, the battery cell may be removable and mounted within the spare wheel and tire assembly. In other aspects, the battery cell may be integrated into the spare wheel and tire assembly.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles and in particular to a wheel and tire assembly of a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs), the EV landscape is developing rapidly. An EV is powered by electricity, and the user must regularly charge the battery to ensure uninterrupted operation.

[0003] Generally, an overland experience involves unexpectedly high energy consumption, which can lead to a reduced EV range and create range anxiety for the vehicle user. The fear of potentially being stranded in a vehicle without power and without access to a charging point can contribute to range anxiety. In some scenarios, vehicle users may require additional power / energy in the vehicle to complete the trip / experience.

[0004] Furthermore, long-distance travel may require one or more spare wheel and tire assemblies. The spare wheel and tire assembly is generally located within the vehicle (e.g., on or under a truck bed or on a tailgate). SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure describes a spare wheel and tire assembly of a vehicle with one or more battery cells mounted within the spare wheel and tire assembly. The spare wheel and tire assembly may include a wheel and a tire. In some aspects, the battery cells may be removable within the spare wheel and tire assembly. For example, the battery cells may be removable within the wheel. Alternatively, the battery cells may be integrated into the spare wheel and tire assembly. For example, the battery cells may be removable within the tire.

[0006] In some versions, the battery cells can be assembled in a battery pack that can be removable and mounted inside the wheel. The battery pack can be circular, with the battery cells evenly distributed within it. A battery pack diameter can be smaller than a wheel diameter, allowing for easy insertion into the wheel. In some versions, the battery pack may include a battery hub interface that engages with a wheel hub interface to secure the battery pack to the wheel. The battery hub interface may include a central section and a number of wheel bolt holes surrounding it, similar to the wheel hub interface.

[0007] The battery pack can be detachably connected to the wheel in various ways, allowing the user to remove the battery pack from the spare tire assembly and, furthermore, to remove the spare tire assembly from a vehicle component without the battery pack. The vehicle component could be, for example, a vehicle cargo bed, a vehicle carrier, or a roll bar, located on a rear section of the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle tailgate), a lower section of the vehicle (e.g., near the vehicle chassis), and / or the like. Such a connection allows the user to attach the spare tire assembly to a vehicle hub (connecting the wheel to a vehicle axle) without the battery pack (i.e., like a conventional / standard spare tire assembly without the battery pack).Alternatively, the spare wheel tire assembly can be connected to the vehicle hub as a single unit with the battery pack.

[0008] In some aspects, the vehicle component described above may include a retention mechanism that allows the user to retain the battery pack attached to the vehicle component when removing the spare tire assembly from the vehicle component. For example, the spare tire assembly may be attached to the vehicle component using a first set of bolts, and the battery pack may be attached to the vehicle component using a second set of holes. To remove the spare tire assembly from the vehicle component without the battery pack, the user can loosen only the first set of bolts and not the second set. In this way, the user can remove the spare tire assembly from the vehicle component without the battery pack, while the battery pack remains retained by the vehicle component.

[0009] In other aspects, the battery cells can be integrated into the tires, as described above. For example, the battery cells can be molded within the tire. In this case, electrical conductors associated with the battery cells can also be molded within the tire. In other aspects, tires and electrical communicators can also be 3D printed around the battery cells. In further aspects, the spare tire assembly can include a protective element (e.g., a ring) that surrounds the battery cells to protect them (e.g., when the spare tire assembly is in use or connected to the vehicle hub). In other aspects, the tire can include a variety of fluid or air channels that can cool the battery cells.

[0010] In some aspects, the battery pack (or battery cells) can transfer power / energy to a vehicle's main battery or any other vehicle component. In some aspects, the battery pack (or battery cells) can provide power to the vehicle's main battery (or other vehicle components) via cables or connectors. In other aspects, the battery pack (or battery cells) can provide power to the vehicle's main battery (or other vehicle components) wirelessly.

[0011] The present disclosure reveals a system that can house the battery cells within the spare wheel assembly (instead of storing the battery cells and the wheel assembly separately), thus saving space in the vehicle. The battery cells can provide additional energy and offer a portable power solution. The user can quickly and conveniently connect or disconnect the battery cells from the wheel, which allows the user to remove the battery cells from the spare wheel assembly and use the spare wheel assembly as a conventional / standard wheel assembly without the battery cells. Furthermore, the spare wheel assembly with the battery cells can function as a self-contained power source that can supply power to other devices (e.g., other than the vehicle) or other vehicles.Additionally, the spare tire assembly with the battery cells can be attached to the vehicle component (which may be located at the rear of the vehicle or at the rear end) to provide weight balancing for racing applications or off-road driving. In some cases, the vehicle can mount two spare tire assemblies to the vehicle component simultaneously.

[0012] These and other benefits of the present revelation are provided in detail in this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different embodiments may use different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural expressions may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows front and cross-sectional views of a spare wheel and tire assembly and a battery pack according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 shows front and cross-sectional views of an assembled spare wheel and tire assembly and a battery pack according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary first connection mechanism for connecting a battery pack to a wheel according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 presents an exemplary second connection mechanism for connecting a battery pack to a wheel according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 presents an exemplary third connection mechanism for connecting a battery pack to a wheel according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 shows front and cross-sectional views of a spare wheel and tire assembly with integrated battery cells according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary vehicle 100 according to the present disclosure. During the explanation of Fig. 1 will be applied to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 referenced.

[0016] Vehicle 100 can take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, work vehicle, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. Vehicle 100 can also be a manually driven vehicle and / or be configured to operate in a fully autonomous (e.g., driverless) mode and / or a semi-autonomous mode. In some aspects, Vehicle 100 can be an internal combustion engine vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an electric vehicle (EV).

[0017] The vehicle 100 may include four main wheel / tire assemblies 102a, 102b, 102c, etc. (hereinafter referred to as main wheel / tire assembly 102), which may be connected to a respective vehicle axle. The vehicle 100 may further include a spare wheel / tire assembly 104 (or spare wheel and tire assembly 104), which may be positioned at any location on the vehicle 100 and may be connected to the vehicle axle if necessary (e.g., if any one main wheel / tire assembly 102 may not function as required). In some aspects, the spare wheel / tire assembly 104 may be positioned / mounted on a vehicle component, including, but not limited to, a vehicle loading platform, vehicle carrier, or roll bar, which is located on a rear section of the vehicle (e.g., a tailgate of the vehicle), a lower section of the vehicle (e.g., a rear bumper), or a rear section of the vehicle.located near the vehicle chassis) and / or the like. The examples of vehicle components described in this document should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0018] Each of the main wheel / tire assembly 102 and the spare wheel / tire assembly 104 can include a wheel 106 and a tire 108. In some aspects, the wheel 106 can include a variety of components, including, but not limited to, a rim, spokes, a wheel hub interface 110, and / or the like. The wheel 106 can be attached to a vehicle hub (not shown) via the wheel hub interface 110. In other aspects, the wheel 106 can be attached to the vehicle component described above via the wheel hub interface 110. In one exemplary aspect, the wheel hub interface 110 can be a circular body located on a wheel center section and can include a first center section 112 and first wheel bolt holes 114 (or a plurality of first wheel bolt holes) surrounding the first center section 112, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the first center section 112 may include a cap that can be positioned on a wheel front section. As described above, the wheel hub interface 110 can engage a vehicle hub (which connects the wheel 106 to the vehicle axle) to connect the wheel 106 to the vehicle axle, or it can engage the vehicle component to connect the wheel 106 to the vehicle components (e.g., when the spare wheel assembly 104 is not in use). In some aspects, the vehicle hub and / or the vehicle component may include a variety of pins that can be positioned in the wheel hub interface 110 in a manner similar to the first wheel bolt holes 114. A vehicle owner (or user) can engage (e.g., insert) the pins with the first wheel bolt holes 114 and use wheel nuts to secure the wheel 106 to the vehicle hub or the vehicle component.

[0019] The tire 108 can be a rubber or composite component that covers / surrounds the wheel 106 and provides traction, damping, and grip on the road surface. In some aspects, the tire 108 can be a non-pneumatic tire. In other aspects, the tire 108 can be a pneumatic tire.

[0020] In some aspects, the spare wheel tire assembly 104 may include one or more battery cells 116 mounted within the spare wheel tire assembly 104 (as in Fig. (1 shown). The battery cells 116 can be lithium-ion battery cells that store power / energy and can provide 100 power / energy to the vehicle when the vehicle requires 100 additional power / energy. It is understood that the battery cells can be other than lithium-ion cells. In some aspects, the battery cells 116 can function as an emergency power source that can provide additional power to a vehicle's main battery when needed (e.g., if the vehicle's main battery has a state of charge (SOC) that is lower than a predefined threshold). The vehicle's main battery can be a traction battery (e.g., a lithium-ion traction battery) that can provide 100 power to the vehicle's electric motors.In some aspects, the vehicle's main battery can provide power / energy to all vehicle components to enable their operation, and the vehicle can only use the battery cells when additional energy is needed or when the main battery's SOC is low.

[0021] In one exemplary aspect, the battery cells 116 can have a total capacity in the range of 4 kWh to 15 kWh, which can provide the vehicle 100 with an incremental / additional range of 10-50 miles. In other aspects, the battery cells 116 can provide power to other vehicle components (e.g., the vehicle's HVAC unit, lighting system, etc.) and can be used for more than just increasing the vehicle's range. Since the battery cells 116 are mounted / packaged within the spare wheel assembly 104, they do not occupy any additional storage space in the vehicle 100 (e.g., in the vehicle's cargo bed).

[0022] In some aspects, the battery cells 116 can be removablely mounted in the spare wheel assembly 104. In particular, in one exemplary aspect, the battery cells 116 can be removablely connected to the wheel 106. It can be understood that a removable connection between the battery cells 116 and the wheel 106 can allow the user to use either the battery cells 116 or the spare wheel assembly 104, based on the specific requirements of the user or the vehicle. In some aspects, the battery cells 116 can be mounted in a battery pack 118 (as in Fig. (2 shown) can be assembled and detachably connected to the wheel 106. The battery pack 118 can be configured to be removable from the spare wheel assembly 104 (e.g., from the wheel 106), allowing the user to conveniently remove the battery pack 118 from the spare wheel assembly 104 when needed. For example, the user can remove the battery pack 118 from the spare wheel assembly 104 if they wish to connect the spare wheel assembly 104 instead of the main wheel assembly, or if they wish to connect the spare wheel assembly 104 to the vehicle hub. Additionally, the battery pack 118 can provide simple or convenient storage for the battery cells 116 within the spare wheel assembly 104.

[0023] In addition, the user can also use the spare wheel assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 (or without removing the battery pack 118 from the spare wheel assembly 104). In this case, the user can connect the spare wheel assembly 104 and the battery pack 118 to the vehicle hub as a single device / unit.

[0024] The battery pack 118 can be a circular pack / structure in which the battery cells 116 can be evenly distributed. The battery pack 118 can have dimensions that correspond to wheel dimensions. For example, a battery pack diameter can be slightly smaller than or equal to a wheel diameter (e.g., a rim diameter) to allow the battery pack 118 to be securely mounted in the wheel 106 (e.g., between the wheel hub interface 110 and the rim associated with the wheel 106). A wheel circumference (or the rim) can surround a battery pack circumference when the battery pack 118 is mounted inside the wheel 106.

[0025] In some aspects, the battery pack 118 may include a battery pack hub interface 120 (hereinafter referred to as battery hub interface 120), which may be located on a battery pack center section. The battery hub interface 120 can connect the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106 (e.g., to the wheel hub interface 110). In particular, the user can connect the battery hub interface 120 to the wheel hub interface 110 to connect the battery pack 118 (including the battery cells 116) to the wheel 106. The battery hub interface 120 may be a circular body located on the battery pack center section. In some aspects, the battery hub interface 120 may include a second center section 122 and second wheel bolt holes 124 surrounding the second center section 122.The battery hub interface 120 may further include one or more pins (not shown) that allow the user to attach the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106. In some aspects, the battery cells 116 may be arranged between the battery hub interface 120 (in particular between an outer boundary / circumference of the battery hub interface 120) and an outer boundary / circumference of the battery pack 118.

[0026] The battery hub interface 120 can be configured similarly to the wheel hub interface 110. For example, the diameter of the battery hub interface can be the same as the diameter of the wheel hub interface. Furthermore, the second wheel bolt holes 124 can be arranged in a similar manner / pattern to the first wheel bolt holes 114, so that the second wheel bolt holes 124 can overlap or align with the first wheel bolt holes 114 when the user places the battery pack 118 on the wheel 106, thus enabling quick attachment of the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106. In some aspects, the number of first wheel bolt holes 114 can be the same as the number of second wheel bolt holes 124. Alternatively, the number of first wheel bolt holes 114 can differ from the number of second wheel bolt holes 124.Furthermore, the second central section 122 can overlap with and be aligned with the first central section 112 when the user places the battery pack 118 on the wheel 106 to enable efficient attachment of the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106. A front view 126 and a cross-sectional view 128 of an assembled structure of the battery pack 118 and the wheel 106 (e.g., when the battery pack 118 is mounted inside the wheel 106 or the spare wheel assembly 104) are shown in . Fig. 3 shown.

[0027] The battery pack 118 can be detachably connected to the wheel 106 in various ways, which may allow the user to remove the battery pack 118 from the spare wheel assembly 104, and may further allow the user to remove the spare wheel assembly 104 from the vehicle component without the battery pack 118 (e.g., if the user intends to use the spare wheel assembly 104 without the battery pack 118). Such a detachable connection may also allow the user to connect the spare wheel assembly 104 to the vehicle hub without the battery pack 118 (i.e., like a normal spare wheel assembly without the battery pack 118). Examples of how the battery pack 118 can be detachably connected to the wheel 106 are described below.The examples described below should not be interpreted as limiting and the battery pack 118 may also be removablely connected to the wheel 106 in other ways without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] In a first example, the wheel 106 (e.g., the wheel hub interface 110) can include a spindle 130, which can be located on a wheel center section, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows that, in one exemplary aspect, the spindle 130 can be located at the wheel hub interface 110. The spindle 130 can be a threaded stud or a rigid cylindrical threaded rod (with an external thread) that can be mounted on the wheel center section. In some aspects, the spindle 130 can be integrated into the wheel 106. In other aspects, the spindle 130 can be removable and mounted on the wheel 106.

[0029] In some aspects, the battery hub interface 120 can engage the spindle 130 to provide a removable connection between the battery pack 118 and the wheel 106 (or to secure the battery pack 118 within the wheel 106). For example, in this case, the second central section 122 in the battery hub interface 120 can include a hole / opening with a diameter equal to the spindle diameter. The second central section 122 (or the hole) can accommodate the spindle 130 when the user inserts the battery pack 118 into the wheel 106. When the user inserts the battery pack 118 into the wheel 106, the user can use a fastening element, such as a nut 132 (e.g., a wing nut 132 with internal thread) or other locking / retaining device, to engage the spindle 130, thereby locking / securing the battery pack 118 within the wheel 106, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0030] In one exemplary aspect, the wing nut 132 can be a wing nut with two large metal wings, one on each side, allowing the user to tighten or loosen the nut 132 by hand without the use of tools. By using the wing nut 132, the user can quickly and conveniently connect or disconnect the battery pack 118 from the wheel 106. In operation, the user can align the spindle 130 with the second center section 122 and then insert the battery pack 118 into the wheel 106 so that the spindle 130 can cross / pass through the second center section 122 (with the hole / opening as described above). When the user inserts the battery pack 118 into the wheel 106, the user can engage the nut 132 with the spindle 130 to lock the battery pack 118 in the wheel 106.

[0031] In this case, the wheel 106 can include standard or conventional hub features (e.g., the first wheel bolt holes 114) that allow the wheel 106 to be connected to the vehicle hub (e.g., when used as the main wheel / tire assembly) or the vehicle component (e.g., when used as the spare wheel / tire assembly and not connected to the vehicle hub / axle). The user can connect the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106 via a first attachment mechanism (e.g., using the spindle 130 and the wing nut 132, as described above) and connect the wheel 106 to the vehicle hub / vehicle component via a second attachment mechanism (e.g., using the first wheel bolt holes 114). The use of separate connection mechanisms (e.g.,of the first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism) can enable the user to remove the battery pack 118 from the spare wheel tire assembly 104 (e.g. by releasing the first mounting mechanism without affecting the connection of the wheel to the vehicle component), and further enable the user to remove the spare wheel tire assembly 104 from the vehicle component without the battery pack 118 (e.g. by releasing the second mounting mechanism).

[0032] In a second example, the wheel 106 (e.g., the wheel hub interface 110) can include a first set of holes 134 and a second set of holes 136, which together can be part of the first wheel bolt holes 114, as in Fig. 5 shown. The first set of holes 134 (or “primary holes”) can engage the vehicle hub or vehicle component to allow a connection between the wheel 106 and the respective vehicle hub. For example, the pins associated with the vehicle hub or vehicle component can pass through the first set of holes 134, and a first set of wheel nuts can then engage the pins to secure the wheel 106 to the vehicle hub / vehicle component. The second set of holes 136 (or secondary holes) can engage the battery pack 118 to allow a connection between the wheel 106 and the battery pack 118. In some aspects, the battery hub interface 120 can accommodate a variety of pins (e.g.,Threaded studs (in place of the second wheel bolt holes 124) can be used, which can pass through the second set of holes 136, and a second set of wheel nuts can then engage the pins of the battery hub interface 120 to secure the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106. In this way, the first and second sets of holes 134, 136 of the wheel 106 and the corresponding pins of the vehicle hub / vehicle component and the battery hub interface 120 can provide a removable connection between the wheel 106 and the battery pack 118.

[0033] In some aspects, a first hole dimension (e.g., a first hole diameter) can be the same as a second hole dimension (e.g., a second hole diameter). Alternatively, the first hole dimension can differ from the second hole dimension. The number of the first set of holes 134 can be the same as, or different from, the number of the second set of holes 136. Furthermore, the first set of holes 134 and the second set of holes 136 can be aligned and positioned in a circular arrangement in the wheel hub interface 110, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the first set of holes 134 can be positioned relative to the second set of holes 136 in any way. For example, each hole assigned to the second set of holes 136 can be positioned between two holes assigned to the first set of holes 134.

[0034] During operation, the user can first align and insert the threaded studs associated with the vehicle hub / vehicle component using the first set of holes 134, and align and insert the threaded studs associated with the battery hub interface 120 using the second set of holes 136. The user can then engage the first set of wheel nuts and the second set of wheel nuts with their respective studs to separately secure the wheel 106 to the battery pack 118 and the vehicle hub / vehicle component.

[0035] In this way, the user can connect the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106 via a first mounting mechanism (e.g., using the second set of holes 136) and to the vehicle hub / vehicle component via a second mounting mechanism (e.g., using the first set of holes 134). As described above, the use of separate connection mechanisms (e.g., the first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism) allows the user to remove the battery pack 118 from the spare wheel assembly 104 and further allows the user to remove the spare wheel assembly 104 from the vehicle component without the battery pack 118.

[0036] In a third example, the wheel 106 can have a bead retaining ring 138 (in Fig. 6) include, which can engage the battery pack 118 and connect the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106. It is understood that the bead retaining ring 138 is typically used to connect a tire bead (or tire edge) associated with the tire 108 to the wheel 106 using washers 140 and bolts 142, which in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the bead retaining ring 138 can be a circular ring that is clamped onto the tire bead to prevent the tire 108 from slipping off the rim associated with the wheel 106. The bead retaining ring 138 can include holes (e.g., threaded holes) that can accommodate the bolts 142.

[0037] The bead retaining ring 138 can be removably attached to the rim associated with the wheel 106, which can lock / secure the tire bead to the wheel 106. The bead retaining ring 138 can removably connect a rear battery pack edge, associated with the battery pack 118, to the rim. In operation, the user can position the battery pack 118 between the rim and the bead retaining ring 138 and insert the battery pack 118 into the rim. The user can then connect the rear battery pack edge to the rim via the bead retaining ring 138, the washers 140, and the bolts 142. The user can connect the wheel 106 to the vehicle hub or vehicle component using the standard hub features.

[0038] In this case, the user can connect the battery pack 118 to the wheel 106 via a first attachment mechanism (e.g. using the bead retaining ring 138) and to the vehicle hub / vehicle component via a second attachment mechanism (e.g. using the first wheel bolt holes 114).

[0039] In other aspects, the user can connect the spare wheel assembly 104 and the battery pack 118 separately (i.e., independently of each other) to the vehicle component. Likewise, the user can remove the spare wheel assembly 104 and the battery pack 118 separately (i.e., independently of each other) from the vehicle component. In this way, the user can remove the spare wheel assembly 104 from the vehicle component and use the spare wheel assembly 104 without the battery pack 118. In some aspects, the user can remove the spare wheel assembly 104 separately from the vehicle component while retaining the battery pack 118 attached to the vehicle component.In such scenarios, the vehicle component has a retention mechanism that allows the user to retain the battery pack 118 on the vehicle component when the user removes the spare wheel tire assembly 104 from the vehicle components without the battery pack 118.

[0040] As an example, the battery pack 118 in this case can be bolted separately from the spare wheel assembly 104 to a vehicle carrier (located on a rear section or tailgate of the vehicle). For example, the spare wheel assembly 104 can be bolted to the vehicle carrier using primary bolts, and the battery pack 118 can be bolted to the vehicle carrier using secondary bolts. As another example, the battery pack 118 can be bolted / connected separately from the spare wheel assembly 104 to a vehicle roll bar (located on the vehicle's cargo bed or rear section / tailgate). As yet another example, the spare wheel assembly 104 can be bolted to a lower section of the vehicle (e.g.,The battery pack 118 can be connected to the lower section of the vehicle (under the vehicle, near a vehicle chassis) using a primary lifting device, and it can be connected to the lower section of the vehicle using a secondary lifting device. Because the battery pack 118 and the spare wheel assembly 104 are connected using separate mechanisms, the user can conveniently remove the spare wheel assembly 104 without the battery pack 118, and the battery pack 118 can still be connected to (or retained by) the corresponding vehicle component. The user can then use the spare wheel assembly 104 without the battery pack 118 or connect the spare wheel assembly 104 to the vehicle hub without the battery pack 118.

[0041] In other aspects, the battery pack 118 can be a reconfigurable battery pack, allowing the user to insert a different number of battery cells (e.g., a first number of battery cells or a second number of battery cells) into the spare wheel assembly 104 according to a user preference / requirement. For example, the user can insert a large number of battery cells 116 into the spare wheel assembly 104 if the user wants to drive to a distant location and may require additional range.

[0042] Alternatively, the spare wheel assembly 104 and the battery pack 118 can be connected to the vehicle component as a single unit, and both can be removed from the vehicle component together. In other words, the spare wheel assembly 104 and the battery pack 118 can be connected to the vehicle component using a single connection mechanism. In this case, when the user detaches / removes the spare wheel assembly 104 from the vehicle component, the battery pack 118 can also be automatically removed from the vehicle component.In response to the removal of the "connected structure" of the spare wheel assembly 104 and the battery pack 118 from the vehicle component, the user can connect the "connected structure" to the vehicle hub to use the spare wheel assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 as the main wheel assembly. In some aspects, the battery pack 118 in this case may include an interface between the hub center and the wheel nut (such as the battery hub interface 120) and may utilize modified wheel nuts to allow the battery pack 118 to be attached to the vehicle hub, possibly supplemented by the wheel hub interface 110 for support.

[0043] In some aspects, instead of or in addition to attaching the "connected structure" to the vehicle hub as described above, the user can use the spare tire assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 as a power source to supply power / energy to any other device (e.g., not the vehicle 100) when the spare tire assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 is located away from the vehicle 100. In such scenarios, the user can use the tire as an external tool to move (roll) the connected structure of the spare tire assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 from a first location to a second location where the user can draw energy from the battery pack 118 to power the other device. In some aspects, the external tool can be a wheelbarrow carrying a first hose (e.g., an "L-shaped" hose) and a second hose (e.g., a 1-inch hose).(a different “L-shaped” hose) that can engage the spare wheel assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 (e.g., with the wheel hub interface 110 and the battery hub interface 120) to allow the user to conveniently move the spare wheel assembly 104 with the battery pack 118 from the first location to the second location (e.g., from a vehicle location to a camping location). In other aspects, the external tool can be any other movement-enabling tool that allows the user to conveniently move the connected structure from the first location to the second location, such methods including, but not limited to, a transport cart, a conventional wheelbarrow, single or multi-person transport devices, or another vehicle.

[0044] In other aspects, the battery cells 116 (or the battery pack 118) can be integrated with the spare wheel assembly 104, instead of being removable and attached to the spare wheel assembly 104 (e.g., the wheel 106). In this case, the battery cells 116 can be integrated with the tire 108 in one exemplary aspect (e.g., with an inner surface of the tire facing the wheel 106), as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows that in some aspects, the battery cells 116 can be formed within the tire 108. Additionally, electrical conductors associated with the battery cells 116 can also be formed within the tire 108. Furthermore, the tire and electrical communicators can also be 3D printed around the battery cells 116.

[0045] In some aspects, the battery cells 116 can be located between the wheel 106 (e.g., the rim associated with the wheel 106) and the tire 108, if the battery cells 116 can be integrated into the tire 108, as in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the battery cells 116 can be arranged in a circular configuration along the circumference of a tire. The number of battery cells 116 can be based on the tire volume that can accommodate them. In some aspects, each battery cell can be arranged at a predetermined distance from adjacent battery cells, which may be smaller than a threshold value, to accommodate a large number of battery cells in the spare wheel assembly 104. In other aspects, the battery cells 116 can be packaged within the spare wheel assembly 104 to protect them (e.g., when the spare wheel assembly 104 is in use or connected to the vehicle hub).

[0046] In further aspects, the spare wheel assembly 104 may include a protective element that can surround the battery cells 116 to protect them (e.g., when the spare wheel assembly 104 is in use or connected to the vehicle hub). In one exemplary aspect, the protective element may be a ring 144 that can surround the battery cells 116. In some aspects, the ring 144 may be molded or printed within the spare wheel assembly 104 to protect the battery cells 116. The ring 144 may be a circular ring having a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tire and may be positioned between the battery cell assembly and the inner surface of the tire, as shown in Fig. 7 shown.

[0047] In other aspects, the tire 108 may include a variety of fluid or air channels (not shown) that can cool the battery cells 116. In some aspects, the fluid / air channels on the tire 108 may be shaped to promote fluid or air circulation to cool the battery cells 116. In this way, the fluid or air channels can maintain the temperature of the battery cells 116. In some aspects, the fluid or air channels may be located on tire sidewalls. The fluid or air channels may have any size and / or shape and may be arranged in any pattern on the tire 108.

[0048] In some aspects, the battery pack 118 (or the battery cells 116) can be configured to transfer (or exchange) power / energy with a vehicle main battery or any other vehicle component or external component. In some aspects, the battery pack 118 (or the battery cells 116) can provide power to the vehicle main battery (or other vehicle components) via cables or connectors. In one exemplary aspect, the battery pack 118 (or the battery cells 116) can provide power to the vehicle main battery via the cables / connectors if the battery pack 118 (or the battery cells 116) is possibly connected to the vehicle component and not to the vehicle hub (via the spare wheel assembly 104).In some aspects, communication with the battery pack 118 for providing power instructions can be achieved via a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) / Controller Area Network (CAN) / Ethernet, etc. In other aspects, for vehicles with sensors for a bidirectional tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy-based TPMS sensors), the TPMS sensor can also be used as a power control gateway interface when communicating with the battery pack 118 to provide wireless power input or output instructions. Furthermore, the battery pack 118 can charge the vehicle's main battery by operating a DC-to-DC charger in reverse to prevent adverse situations.

[0049] In some aspects, to enable power transfer from battery pack 118 (or battery cells 116) to the vehicle's main battery, the user can press a mechanical button or push button located at a vehicle charging port (not shown). This causes battery pack 118 (or battery cells 116) to power up. The vehicle 100 knows to power up battery pack 118 (or battery cells 116) by monitoring the state of charge (SOC) of the main battery and the state of charge (SOC) of battery pack 118 (or battery cells 116). When the user presses the mechanical button, battery pack 118 (or battery cells 116) activates the high-current output connected to an electrical system dedicated to the vehicle's main battery, and the DC-to-DC main charger switches to reverse operation, charging the vehicle's main battery.If the vehicle 100 can be connected to a charging device, the vehicle 100 first charges (before the vehicle main battery) the battery pack 118 (or the battery cells 116) to ensure that it is ready for operation.

[0050] Alternatively, the battery pack 118 (or the battery cells 116) can wirelessly supply power to the vehicle's main battery (or other vehicle components). For example, the battery cells 116 can wirelessly supply power to the vehicle's main battery when the spare wheel assembly 104, containing the battery cells 116, is possibly attached to the vehicle hub, or when the spare wheel assembly 104, containing the battery cells 116, is possibly in use and rotating (as the main wheel assembly).

[0051] In other aspects, the vehicle 100 may include a vehicle sensor (e.g., a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), not shown) that monitors the air pressure within the tire 108. The vehicle 100 may also include a vehicle processor that can receive input from the vehicle sensor and issue an initial notification via the vehicle's human-machine interface (HMI) when the air pressure in the tire 108 falls below a threshold. The initial notification may inform the user that a main tire assembly may have an air pressure below the threshold and that the user should therefore replace it with the spare tire assembly 104.

[0052] In some aspects, the vehicle processor can further cause the battery cells 116 to transfer power to the vehicle main battery (or other vehicle battery packs) in response to the initial notification. The vehicle processor can cause the battery cells 116 to automatically transfer power to the vehicle main battery (or other vehicle battery packs) before the user removes / disconnects the spare wheel assembly 104 (containing the battery cells 116) from the vehicle component and connects it to the vehicle hub. In some aspects, the vehicle processor can issue a second notification on the vehicle MMS to inform the user that the vehicle processor can initiate the power transfer and that the user should therefore wait to remove the spare wheel assembly 104 until the power transfer is complete.

[0053] In further aspects, the spare wheel assembly 104, which includes the battery cells 116, can incorporate inverters / plugs / connectors to enable it to function as an independent power source capable of supplying power to other devices (e.g., not the vehicle 100). Additionally, the spare wheel assembly 104, which includes the battery cells 116, can function as a power unit for wheel-side electric motor technologies where power can be communicated via inductive or conductive means.

[0054] In other aspects, the vehicle component (e.g., a roll bar) may include electrical conductors that enable power exchange between the vehicle's main battery and the battery cells 116. The electrical conductors may be integrated into the roll bar. The spare wheel assembly 104, which contains the battery cells 116, may electrically engage the conductors in the roll bar to transfer power from the battery cells 116 to the vehicle's main battery (or other vehicle components) when the spare wheel assembly 104 with the battery cells 116 is not in use. In other aspects, the spare wheel assembly 104, which contains the battery cells 116 (and other vehicle components, such as roll bars), may include inductive or wireless chargers that have wireless charging or power transfer capabilities.

[0055] In additional aspects, the vehicle 100 can allow the user (or the vehicle processor) to select a direction of energy transfer to and from the battery cells 116 based on the requirement. For example, the user (or the vehicle processor) can initiate a power transfer from the vehicle's main battery to the battery cells 116 when the vehicle 100 approaches a campsite (whereby the user can use the battery cells 116 or the battery pack 118 as an independent power source). Alternatively, the battery cells 116 can supply power to the vehicle's main battery when the main battery's state of charge (SOC) is lower than a threshold SOC value.

[0056] The preceding disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure can be practically implemented. It is understood that other implementations may be used and structural modifications made without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the description to "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or property, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or property. Furthermore, such formulations do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure or property is described in connection with an embodiment, the person skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure or property in connection with other embodiments, whether this is expressly described or not.

[0057] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to execute one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout this description and in the claims refer to specific system components. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the components may be designated by other names. This document does not distinguish between components that differ in name but do not differentiate in function.

[0058] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0059] A computer-readable medium (also called a processor-readable medium) comprises any non-transient (e.g., physical) medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including non-volatile and volatile media. Computing devices can contain computer-executable instructions, which can be executed by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and can be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0060] With regard to the processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc., described in this document, it is understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a specific, ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice, with the described steps being carried out in a sequence that differs from the sequence described in this document. Furthermore, it is understood that certain steps could be carried out simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this document could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this document serve the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the patent claims.

[0061] Accordingly, it is understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many other embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent from reading the preceding description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the attached claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims entitle. It is expected and intended that there will be future developments in the technologies discussed in this document and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application may be modified and varied.

[0062] All terms used in the patent claims shall have their general meanings as known to a person skilled in the art in the field of the technologies described herein, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a," "an," "the," "a," "a," etc., shall be understood to mean that one or more of the specified elements are named, unless a patent claim expressly limits this to the contrary. Phrases expressing conditional relationships, such as "may," "could," "may," or "could," are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, whereas other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or the context makes it clear otherwise.Therefore, such formulations, which express conditional relationships, should generally not imply that features, elements and / or steps are required in any way for one or more embodiments.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the foregoing invention is further characterized by a main battery, wherein the battery cell is configured to transfer power to the main battery.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the above invention, the battery cell is configured to wirelessly transmit power to the main battery.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the foregoing invention, the battery cell is configured to transfer power to the main battery via instructions received from a sensor of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

[0066] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided which has: a wheel and tire assembly comprising a tire and a wheel; and a battery cell mounted in the wheel and tire assembly, wherein the battery cell is configured to provide or store power, and wherein the battery cell is removably mounted with the wheel and tire assembly.

[0067] According to the present invention, a wheel for a vehicle is provided which has the following: a battery cell which is removably mounted in the wheel, wherein the battery cell is configured to provide or store power, and wherein the battery cell is part of a battery pack which has a battery pack hub interface, and wherein the battery pack hub interface is configured to connect the battery pack to a wheel hub interface of the wheel.

Claims

[1] Vehicle, comprising: a wheel and tire assembly comprising a tire and a wheel; and a battery cell that is mounted in the wheel and tire assembly, wherein the battery cell is configured to provide or store power. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell is removable and mounted on the wheel. [3] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell is part of a battery pack having a battery pack hub interface, and wherein the battery pack hub interface is configured to connect the battery pack to a wheel hub interface of the wheel. [4] Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the wheel hub interface comprises a spindle configured to engage the battery pack hub interface, and wherein the spindle is configured to engage a fastening element to secure the battery pack inside the wheel. [5] Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the wheel hub interface comprises a first set of holes configured to engage a vehicle hub and a second set of holes configured to engage the battery pack hub interface. [6] Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the wheel comprises a bead retaining ring configured to engage the battery pack and connect the battery pack to the wheel. [7] Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the wheel and tire assembly and the battery pack are separately connected to a vehicle component and the wheel and tire assembly and the battery pack are configured to be removed separately from the vehicle component. [8] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle component comprises a retention mechanism to retain the battery pack on the vehicle component when the wheel and tire assembly is removed from the vehicle component without the battery pack. [9] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the wheel and tire assembly and the battery pack are connected together as a single unit to the vehicle component and the wheel and tire assembly and the battery pack are configured to be removed together from the vehicle component. [10] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the tire is a pneumatic tire. [11] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the tire is a non-pneumatic tire. [12] Vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the battery cell is integrated into the tire. [13] Vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the battery cell is formed in the tire. [14] Vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the battery cell is surrounded by a ring and wherein the ring is arranged between the battery cell and the tire. [15] Vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the tire comprises one or more fluid or air channels to maintain the temperature of the battery cell.

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