Smart Wheel Interconnect Ring Topology Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive sensor systems face challenges with power sourcing due to limited capacity and durability of lithium-ion batteries, leading to frequent replacements and increased maintenance costs, and struggle with data transmission through tires due to limited wireless range and interference from Faraday cages.
Innovation Solution
A smart wheel system with an interconnect ring topology that includes energy harvesting modules, such as piezoelectric components, and a valve stem interconnect structure using flexible printed circuit boards to transmit power and data through the tire, enhancing energy harvesting and communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used to power sensors in the tire, then the sensors can operate and transmit data, but the power source has limited capacity and durability leading to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs energy harvesting modules that automatically capture and convert mechanical energy from tire deformation during normal operation into electrical energy. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external battery replacements by continuously replenishing power through the tire's own operational movements, with the harvested energy stored in capacitors or rechargeable batteries.
2Power
If energy harvesters are mounted outside the bead area of the tire-wheel, then they can convert mechanical energy, but it is challenging to supply power inside the sealed area of the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) as intermediary components that extend through the valve stem to bridge the external energy harvesting modules and the internal sensor systems. These FPCBs serve as flexible conductors that can bend and flex with tire deformation while maintaining electrical connectivity, effectively delivering power and data signals across the tire boundary without compromising the sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect structure utilizes the valve stem as a vertical dimension pathway to route power and data interconnects from the external surface through the tire wall to internal components. This dimensional approach allows power delivery through the tire's thickness without requiring lateral penetration or compromising the tire's structural integrity or seal.
3Loss of information
If wireless transmission methods (BLE, 5G, 6G) are used to transmit sensor data, then data can be communicated, but the throughput is insufficient for meeting high bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges wired and wireless communication modalities into a hybrid architecture. High-bandwidth data streams are transmitted through wired FPCB interconnects to external communication modules, while wireless technologies handle lower-bandwidth telemetry and control signals. This combination leverages the high throughput of wired connections for bulk data transfer and the flexibility of wireless for remote communication, achieving both high productivity and information reliability.
4Length of stationary object
If external communication modules are placed on stationary structures further away, then wireless range is extended, but stronger wireless range is needed and communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: internal sensors communicate via wired FPCB to external communication modules mounted on the wheel, which then transmit to infrastructure. This segmentation allows each communication hop to operate at optimal ranges and powers, with wired connections handling short-range high-speed data and wireless handling longer-range lower-speed telemetry, maintaining overall system efficiency while extending effective communication range.
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 solution provides sustainable power sourcing and improved data transmission capabilities, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of sensor systems within the tire environment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy harvesting (EH) module that includes at least one EH component configured to convert a force acting on the at least one EH component into at least one first electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for smart wheel implementations are disclosed. In some embodiments, a smart wheel system includes: a first plurality of modules attached to a circumferential surface of a wheel, wherein the first plurality of modules are interconnected with one another in a ring configuration that spans along the circumferential surface of the wheel, wherein the first plurality of modules includes: at least one energy harvesting (EH) module comprising at least one EH component configured to convert a force acting on the at least one EH component into at least one electrical signal; and at least one dummy cavity module comprising at least one electronic module, wherein the at least one EH module and the at least one dummy cavity module are each electrically coupled to an electrical interface coupled to the wheel.