Electroacoustic Tire Pressure Sensor Wireless Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power transmission methods, such as electromagnetic induction, face limitations including inefficiency, interference with other devices, and safety concerns due to electromagnetic interference, and existing tire pressure monitoring systems are unreliable and require frequent battery replacements.

Innovation Solution

A direct tire pressure monitoring system using electroacoustic technology, where a stationary transceiver on a non-rotating axle generates ultrasonic energy that is received by a movable transponder on the wheel rim, converting it into electrical energy to power sensors, and transmitting tire pressure data wirelessly using electromagnetic or radio frequency waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electromagnetic induction is used for wireless power transmission, then power can be transmitted wirelessly to devices, but electromagnetic interference occurs and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power transmissionVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic fields with acoustic fields (sound waves) for wireless power transmission. The transmitter converts electrical signals to acoustic waves that propagate through air to the receiver, which then converts the acoustic energy back to electrical energy. This substitution of the transmission medium from electromagnetic to acoustic eliminates electromagnetic interference while maintaining wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for power transmission. Instead of direct electromagnetic coupling, the system uses sound waves traveling through air as the intermediary carrier of energy from transmitter to receiver, thereby avoiding electromagnetic interference with other devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic induction charging is used, then wireless charging is achieved, but power is spread out and only a tiny fraction reaches the receiver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless chargingVSAvoidenergy diffusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent focuses acoustic energy into a directed beam that targets the receiver locally rather than radiating energy in all directions. By using acoustic waves with directional propagation characteristics, the system concentrates energy delivery to the specific receiver location, minimizing energy loss through diffusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If direct TPMS with batteries is used, then tire pressure monitoring is achieved, but batteries require frequent replacement due to harsh environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire pressure monitoringVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements wireless power transmission that allows the TPMS receiver to recharge its power supply continuously or periodically without manual intervention. The acoustic power transmission system provides ongoing energy supply to the receiver, enabling it to service its own power needs and eliminating the need for battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Power

If electromagnetic induction charging uses high power levels, then sufficient power reaches the receiver, but physical size of antennas becomes impractically large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission levelVSAvoidantenna size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the transmission medium from electromagnetic waves to acoustic waves. Acoustic waves have different propagation characteristics and can be transmitted effectively with smaller transducers, allowing high power transmission without requiring impractically large antenna sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system provides a reliable and efficient method for monitoring tire pressure without battery replacement, reducing electromagnetic interference, and ensuring continuous operation, while enhancing safety by eliminating the need for electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

electroacoustic technology, where a stationary transceiver on a non-rotating axle generates ultrasonic energy that is received by a movable transponder on the wheel rim, converting it into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

transmitting tire pressure data wirelessly using electromagnetic or radio frequency waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9764606B2Electro-acoustic sensors
Publication Date: 2017.09.19 ULTRAPOWER INC
  • US9764606B2 patent drawing
  • US9764606B2 patent drawing
  • US9764606B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Ultrasonic transmitting elements in an electroacoustical transceiver transmit acoustic energy to an electroacoustical transponder, which includes ultrasonic receiving elements to convert the acoustic energy into electrical power for the purposes of powering one or more sensors that are electrically coupled to the electroacoustical transponder. The electroacoustical transponder transmits data collected by the sensor(s) back to the electroacoustical transceiver wirelessly, such as through impedance modulation or electromagnetic waves. A feedback control loop can be used to adjust system parameters so that the electroacoustical transponder operates at an impedance minimum. An implementation of the system can be used to collect data in a vehicle, such as the tire air pressure.