Energy for in-tire use is generated from the load induced reciprocating deflection of the tire inner walls above the tire-to-road
contact patch adjacent to the shoulder of the tire. This energy is used to power in-tire monitoring
electronics. For pulsatile energy generation with capacitive capture, the
capacitor is optimally selected in real-time as a function of pulse width to maximize energy capture, or as a function of the pulse-captured energy. The resulting energy pulses are also used to measure the
time duration of the
contact patch from which the
contact patch length is determined thus providing real-time tire geometry and, with
tire pressure, real time tire load and, with temperature, tire air
molar content. The loads on all tires provide real time vehicle
mass and
mass distribution. For electrical energy generation,
magnet-coil, piezo-electric, and other power conversions are applicable. For non-
electric energy generation, fluid
bellows,
rotary pump, and other power conversions are applicable. Further, run flat tires are designed with a cutout to accommodate and protect electronic devices mounted on an inner surface when running flat.