1-D Piezoelectric Tire Patch for Energy Harvesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire technologies lack a comprehensive design that simultaneously enhances endurance, operational characteristics, and energy harvesting capabilities while minimizing strain and extraneous signal generation.
Innovation Solution
A 1-D tire mountable apparatus with a substrate having a significantly longer length than width, featuring a sandwich structure with piezoelectric material, conductive layers, and support elements, is mounted within a tire to generate energy from the length dimension while minimizing strain and extraneous signal production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric generators are embedded in tire structures to harvest energy, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but strain and extraneous signal generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones within the tire structure: the piezoelectric generator is localized in the tread region where controlled strain occurs, while the sidewall region provides strain isolation. This spatial differentiation allows energy harvesting in specific locations without exposing the entire tire structure to harmful strain effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire structure is segmented into functionally distinct regions: an energy harvesting zone in the tread containing piezoelectric generators, and a strain isolation zone in the sidewall. This segmentation allows the system to harvest energy where needed while isolating sensitive components from extraneous strain signals.
2Reliability
If tire monitoring systems include multiple sensors and components, then operational characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the tread region provides both structural support and energy harvesting capability through embedded piezoelectric generators, while the sidewall provides both structural integrity and strain isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural tire components with the energy harvesting system by integrating piezoelectric generators directly into the tread region. This combination eliminates the need for separate housing and mounting structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Power
If piezoelectric material is subjected to high strain for energy generation, then power output is improved, but endurance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating strain application to specific piezoelectric elements in the tread region where controlled deformation occurs during tire operation, while protecting other piezoelectric elements from excessive strain. This localized strain management allows high power output from active elements without compromising the endurance of the entire piezoelectric array.
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 design enhances the endurance of tire patches and supported devices by minimizing strain and eliminating extraneous signal generation, leading to improved operational and endurance characteristics and accurate signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
using piezoelectric fiber composites to generate electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and method that includes a substrate defining a longitudinal direction, a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate has a plurality of conductor terminals arranged in a substantially linear relationship. A first support element is located below the bottom surface of the substrate and a second support element is located above the top surface of the substrate. The plurality of conductor terminals are positioned between the first and second support elements. The substrate may be a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric layer arranged between first and second conductive layers. The plurality of conductor terminals may be arranged in a substantially linear relationship along a line about 80° to about 100° to the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and the longitudinal direction of the substrate being substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tire.