Coaxial Ring Wheel Generator for Battery-Free Rim Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for electrifying lights on rotating vehicle wheel rims face issues such as weight imbalances from batteries, limited battery life, and durability challenges in harsh conditions, as well as the need for a structure that efficiently converts rotational energy into electrical energy without extensive modifications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight ring wheel generator comprising a coaxially aligned outer coil ring, intermediate magnet ring, and inner bracket ring, which converts rotational energy into electrical energy to power LED bulbs, featuring a serpentine coil and radially aligned disc magnets to induce an electric current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery is mounted on the wheel rim to power the light source, then the light source can be continuously powered, but the battery causes weight imbalance and has limited electrical charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the wheel rim assembly and relocates it to the vehicle's main battery system. The generator assembly mounted on the wheel hub converts mechanical energy from wheel rotation into electrical energy, which is then transmitted to the light source. This extraction eliminates the weight imbalance problem while maintaining continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a generator assembly as an intermediary component between the wheel's mechanical energy and the electrical lighting system. The generator includes a stator with coils and a rotor with magnets, converting rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy that powers the LEDs. This intermediary solution resolves both the power supply and weight balance issues.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an intermediate structure is used to connect the light source to the motor vehicle battery, then electrical power can be supplied, but the intermediate structure must be sufficiently durable to operate under wet, windy, and dirty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The generator assembly serves as a robust intermediary structure mounted on the wheel hub, designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The stator and rotor components are enclosed in a protective housing that shields them from wet, windy, and dirty conditions while maintaining efficient electrical energy conversion and transmission to the light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient, with all necessary components (stator, rotor, bearings, seals) integrated into a single unit that requires minimal maintenance. The system generates its own electrical power from the wheel's rotation and includes sealed bearings and protective coatings that enable it to operate autonomously in harsh conditions without frequent intervention.
3Weight of moving object
If a generator assembly is mounted on the wheel hub to convert rotational energy into electrical energy, then the light source can be powered without batteries on the wheel rim, but the generator assembly must be sufficiently durable to operate under wet, windy, and dirty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The generator assembly is designed as a durable intermediary system mounted on the wheel hub, with the stator fixed to the hub and the rotor rotating with the wheel. The assembly includes sealed bearings, protective housings, and corrosion-resistant materials that enable it to withstand wet, windy, and dirty conditions while maintaining reliable electrical energy conversion and wheel balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator assembly is engineered as a self-contained unit with integrated protective features including sealed bearings to prevent contaminant ingress, corrosion-resistant coatings on all metal surfaces, and a protective housing that shields internal components from environmental damage. This self-service design enables the system to operate reliably in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance.
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 a durable, efficient, and maintenance-free solution for powering wheel rim lights, utilizing rotational energy to create a persistence of vision effect, while avoiding weight imbalances and harsh condition vulnerabilities.
Implementation Method 1
As the wheel rim and wheel hub rotates, the outer coil ring rotates over the magnet ring and the bracket ring. As the wheel rim and wheel hub rotates, an electric current is induced in the coil wire.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular ring wheel generator designed to convert rotational energy into electrical energy or electrical energy into rotational motion. The invention features a novel three-ring coaxial assembly comprising an outer coil ring, an intermediate magnet ring, and an inner bracket ring. The outer coil ring includes a serpentine coil winding supported by radially aligned spacers, while the magnet ring rotates freely within a ball-bearing raceway housed in the bracket ring. This unique configuration enables efficient electromagnetic induction without direct contact between moving parts. The generator supports dual functionality: in one mode, it powers LED lights mounted on a wheel rim using the wheel's rotation; in another mode, it acts as a motor by converting electrical input into rotational motion. The system is compact, durable, and designed for easy integration into existing wheel assemblies, offering both aesthetic and functional enhancements through its use of persistence of vision lighting effects.