In-Wheel Sensor Power Transfer for Heavy-Duty Vehicle Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-wheel sensor systems for heavy-duty vehicles face challenges in providing continuous power supply and reliable data transmission due to the rotating motion of wheels, limiting their ability to support advanced sensor functionalities.
Innovation Solution
An in-wheel sensor system with a power supply located partly external to the wheel, utilizing generators with magnets on non-rotating fixtures and coils on the wheel, or slip rings for power transfer, combined with a control unit inside the wheel for data processing and wireless communication to an external device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional TPMS in-wheel sensors with batteries and energy harvesting methods are used, then the system can meet tire lifetime requirements, but the power supply falls short for advanced sensor functionalities that demand continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary power transfer mechanism between the stationary vehicle body and the rotating wheel. Magnets mounted on the stationary body and coils on the wheel (or vice versa) enable wireless power transfer through magnetic induction, providing continuous power to advanced sensors without requiring batteries or energy harvesting components inside the wheel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transfer methods (batteries, generators, shafts) with electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer. This substitution eliminates the need for rotating electrical connections and mechanical power transmission components, enabling continuous power supply to advanced sensor functionalities
2Reliability
If in-wheel sensors are integrated with the wheel, then sensor data can be obtained, but the rotating motion of wheels introduces challenges in providing power supply and data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic coupling serves as an intermediary that transfers both power and data signals across the air gap between stationary and rotating components. This mediator enables reliable communication and power transfer without direct mechanical or electrical connections, solving the rotating motion challenge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply and data transmission interface from the rotating wheel assembly and relocates it to stationary components on the vehicle body. By taking out the complex rotating electrical connections and placing magnets/coils on stationary fixtures, the system achieves simpler, more reliable power and data transfer
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
Enables continuous power delivery and efficient data transmission, supporting advanced sensor operations and enhancing vehicle safety and reliability by reducing maintenance needs and improving data accuracy through sensor fusion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply comprises a generator, said generator including magnets arranged externally to the wheel on a non-rotating fixture of the vehicle and one or more coils mounted on or inside the wheel, configured to generate electrical power through magnetic induction when the wheel is rotating
Implementation Method 2
the power supply comprises a slip ring configured to transfer electrical power from an external power supply to the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An in-wheel sensor system for a heavy-duty vehicle is integrated with a wheel. One or more in-wheel sensors are attached to or mounted inside the wheel to obtain in-wheel sensor data. A control unit is mounted inside the wheel to process the obtained in-wheel sensor data and transmit the processed data to an external device. A power supply transfers electrical power to the in-wheel system, and is at least partly located external to the wheel.