Piezoelectric Tyre Structure for Battery-Free TPMS Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) rely on batteries, which have limited lifetime, high maintenance costs, and environmental concerns due to toxic heavy metals.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tyre equipped with a piezoelectric device that harnesses mechanical energy from tyre rotation using a piezoelectric polymer and conductive rubber composition, generating sufficient electrical energy to power a TPMS sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the TPMS sensor, then the sensor can operate continuously, but the battery has limited lifetime and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric device enables the TPMS system to power itself by harvesting mechanical energy from the tyre's cyclic deformation during rolling. The system converts mechanical strain energy into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external battery replacement and achieving self-sustained operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy supply parameter from chemical energy (battery) to mechanical energy (tyre deformation). By utilizing the cyclic mechanical parameters of tyre rolling, the system generates electrical energy dynamically, transforming the energy source fundamentally.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If a battery is used in the TPMS, then the sensor can be powered, but maintenance costs increase due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric energy harvesting system allows the TPMS to generate its own power from the tyre's mechanical motion, eliminating the need for battery replacement and reducing maintenance costs. The system serves itself by converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a battery is used in the TPMS, then the sensor can operate, but environmental impact increases due to toxic heavy metals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery component from the TPMS system by replacing it with a piezoelectric energy harvesting device. This removal of the battery eliminates the source of toxic heavy metals and their associated environmental hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the mechanical energy that would otherwise be wasted during tyre rolling into useful electrical energy. By transforming the kinetic energy of tyre deformation into electrical power, the system eliminates the need for harmful batteries while utilizing previously unused mechanical energy.
4Power
If piezoceramic material is used in the piezoelectric device, then high energy generation is achieved, but the material is incompatible with elastomeric tyre composites due to low elastic modulus and high weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures where piezoelectric particles or fibers are dispersed within an elastomeric polymer matrix. This composite approach combines the high piezoelectric coefficient of ceramic materials with the elastic properties and compatibility of polymers, enabling both high energy generation and compatibility with tyre composites.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric material is distributed locally within the elastomeric composite in the form of particles, fibers, or granules rather than using bulk ceramic material. This local distribution allows the material to maintain the flexibility and elastic modulus of the polymer matrix while providing piezoelectric energy generation at specific locations within the composite structure.
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
The piezoelectric device effectively converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, providing a sustainable power source for TPMS sensors, eliminating battery-related issues and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectricity is an effect that converts mechanical energy from the environment, i.e. vibration, motion, into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle tyre comprising a piezoelectric device, wherein the piezoelectric device comprises a layer of a piezoelectric polymer having first and second opposing sides, and a first and a second layer of conductive rubber provided adjacent to the first and second opposing sides of the layer of piezoelectric polymer.