Light-Up Wheel Hub With Sealed LEDs and Self-Generated Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light up wheel hubs lack protection for lighting elements, are not adjustable for sinusoidal wheel rims, and rely on external power sources, limiting their application and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a light up wheel hub that encloses lighting elements within a protective outer shell, generates power through wheel rotation, and is adjustable for various rim shapes, including sinusoidal rims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting elements are exposed in the wheel hub, then the aesthetic appearance and visibility are improved, but the lighting elements become vulnerable to water, dirt, and physical impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent or translucent outer shell that acts as a protective barrier while allowing light to pass through. This shell encloses the lighting elements, protecting them from water, dirt, and physical impacts while maintaining their visibility and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements are nested within the wheel hub structure, specifically enclosed by the outer shell. This nesting arrangement allows the lighting elements to be protected inside the hub while still providing visible light emission, resolving the contradiction between exposure and protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wheel hub structure is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the wheel hub cannot accommodate alternatively shaped rims such as sinusoidal wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The light up ring is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to adapt to different rim shapes including sinusoidal configurations. The ring can be laterally offset or repositioned to accommodate various wheel designs while maintaining the same basic hub structure, thus achieving versatility without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub design incorporates a universal light up ring structure that can serve multiple functions and accommodate different rim types. By making the lighting component adjustable and adaptable, a single hub design can be used across various wheel configurations, enhancing versatility while keeping the base structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If external power sources are used for lighting elements, then the lighting functionality is ensured, but the device complexity and need for auxiliary components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub incorporates a generator body that converts the rotational motion of the wheel into electrical energy, which then powers the lighting elements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources such as batteries or wired connections, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable lighting functionality through motion-generated power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for external electrical power systems with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system. The generator body captures the mechanical energy of wheel rotation and converts it to electrical energy, substituting complex external power infrastructure with a simpler integrated mechanical solution.
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
Provides protection for lighting elements, extends their lifespan, allows compatibility with diverse rim shapes, and powers the lights independently using generated energy, enhancing visibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a generator body configured to be engaged with the ring body and in electrical communication with the plurality of light emitting devices; and rotation of the light up wheel hub about a wheel rotational axis is configured to generate electrical energy to power the plurality of light emitting devices
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly configured to be rotationally engaged with a supported structure, the wheel assembly having a light up wheel hub having a light up ring, the light up ring having at least one light emitting device and a generator body configured to be in electrical communication with each light emitting device and an outer shell configured to be engaged with the light up ring, such that each light emitting device is enclosed within the outer shell, wherein the rotation of the light up wheel hub about a wheel rotational axis is configured to generate electrical energy to power each light emitting device. Thus an advantage is that each light emitting device may be sealed within the outer shell, protecting it from debris, fluids and other hazards. The light up wheel hub may be configured to engage with sinusoidally shaped wheel rims through selective adjustment of light emitting device positioning.