Piezo Element Powered Tire Sensor Self-Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire sensors require energy supply methods that physically alter the tire structure, impairing its driving properties due to the need for electrical lines or battery replacement.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a piezo element within the tire's electromagnetic transmitting and receiving device, positioned between the cord insert and tread, generates electrical voltage through mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for structural changes and providing a self-sustaining energy source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an electrical line from an external energy source is used to power the sensor element, then the sensor element receives continuous energy supply, but the tire structure is physically altered and driving properties are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply to sensor elementVSAvoidtire structure modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric element generates its own operating energy through the mechanical deformation that naturally occurs during tire operation. The sensor system serves itself by converting the mechanical energy already present in the tire's operation into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power lines or batteries and avoiding structural modifications to the tire

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power transmission system (wires, connectors, external power sources) with a direct mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system using the piezoelectric effect. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical infrastructure within the tire while providing continuous power to the sensor element

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If a battery is integrated into the sensor element to ensure energy supply, then the sensor element can operate independently, but structural and mechanical measures must be taken to accommodate the battery, impairing driving properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply to sensor elementVSAvoidtire structure modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a stored energy source like a battery, the system continuously generates energy on-demand through the piezoelectric element. The mechanical deformation that occurs naturally during tire operation directly powers the sensor element, eliminating the need for battery integration and associated structural modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the energy supply parameter from stored chemical energy (battery) to generated electrical energy through mechanical deformation. This parameter change allows the sensor to be powered by the operational dynamics of the tire itself rather than requiring a separate energy storage component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If structural measures are taken to lay electrical lines inside the tire or replace batteries, then energy supply is ensured, but driving properties of the tire are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply to sensor elementVSAvoiddriving properties of tire
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric element harnesses the natural mechanical energy of tire operation to generate electrical power, requiring no structural modifications. This self-service approach maintains the tire's original structural integrity and driving properties while ensuring reliable energy supply to the sensor element throughout the tire's service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the energy generation function directly from the mechanical operation of the tire itself, rather than adding separate energy supply infrastructure. By taking out the need for wires, connectors, and batteries, the system preserves the tire's original design and performance characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enables a simple, cost-effective energy supply for tire sensors without compromising tire performance, as the piezo element generates voltage through deformation, powering the sensor and transmitter without requiring additional structural modifications.

Implementation Method 1

a deformation of the first area of the tread or of the area of the cord insert leads to such a deformation of the piezo element, that by means of the pieze element, due to its deformation, an electrical voltage is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3634781B1Tyre with a sensor and piezoelement
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3634781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3634781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3634781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tyre (1), having a cord inlay (7), a steel cord belt layer (8), and a tread (10), wherein the tyre (1) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (11) in a circumferential direction (12) and has a tyre zenith (13), wherein the tyre (1) comprises at least one electromagnetic transmitting and receiving device (14), wherein the at least one electromagnetic transmitting and receiving device (14) comprises at least one sensor element (15), wherein the at least one electromagnetic transmitting and receiving device (14) comprises a piezoelement (16), and wherein the at least one electromagnetic transmitting and receiving device (14) is arranged spatially between a region (17) of the cord inlay (7) and a first region (18) of the tread (10).