Tire Contact Charging Self-Power Generation Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire-based electric power generation systems, such as piezoelectric and heat-generated methods, face inefficiencies and short lifespan issues, making them unsuitable for permanent use and requiring external power sources for sensors.

Innovation Solution

A tire with a contact charging type self-power generation module that utilizes static electricity within a sound-absorbing material, featuring internal and external electrodes connected via a fixing bar and power source unit, to generate electricity for operating sensors without external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a piezoelectric method electric power system is applied to a tire, then electricity can be generated by using force from ground contact, but the system becomes expensive and has a short lifespan making it difficult to use permanently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidlifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the piezoelectric mechanical system with a friction-based electrostatic generation system. Instead of using piezoelectric materials that convert mechanical pressure directly to electricity, the invention uses friction between the tire and ground to generate static electricity, which is then collected through conductive elements embedded in the tire. This substitution eliminates the lifespan limitations of piezoelectric materials while maintaining electricity generation capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electricity generation from piezoelectric effect to electrostatic friction effect. By changing the generation mechanism from direct mechanical-to-electrical conversion to friction-based static electricity accumulation, the system achieves indefinite lifespan while maintaining functional effectiveness for powering tire sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If a piezo-generation method is used, then electricity can be generated from pressure, but the structure becomes complex requiring OP-AMP amplification circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex piezoelectric system with a simpler friction-based electrostatic system. The generated static electricity naturally accumulates sufficient voltage without requiring OP-AMP amplification circuits, thereby significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining electricity generation capability for sensor operation.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If heat generation from friction is used for electricity generation, then electricity can be produced, but efficiency drops in environments where frictional heat cannot fully occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal conversion system with a direct electrostatic generation system. Instead of converting frictional heat to electricity, the system directly converts frictional contact into static electricity accumulation. This substitution enables effective electricity generation in all environmental conditions where friction occurs, including cold or wet environments where thermal generation would be inefficient.

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

4Use of energy by moving object

If conventional power generation methods are used, then electricity can be generated, but external power sources are still required for operating sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidindependence from external power
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service power generation system where the tire itself generates electricity through its own friction with the ground during normal operation. The generated static electricity is collected and stored to power embedded sensors, eliminating the need for external power sources. The tire's movement during normal driving automatically charges the power source, enabling complete operational independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system efficiently generates electricity using static electricity, reduces the need for external power sources, enhances power generation capacity, and maintains noise reduction functions, while effectively removing static electricity, making it more economical and durable compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a contact charging type self-power generation module that generates electricity by charging static electricity occurring within a tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact charging: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3401128B1Tire including contact charging type self-power generation module
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 HANKOOK TIRE WORLDWIDE
  • EP3401128B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3401128B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3401128B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A tire including a contact charging type self-power generation module, and more particularly, a tire including a contact charging type self-power generation module that can generate electricity by charging static electricity occurring within a tire and a sound-absorbing material of the tire and that can operate a sensor using the generated electricity is provided. The tire including a contact charging type self-power generation module includes a sound-absorbing material provided within an inner liner of the tire; an internal electrode portion provided within the sound-absorbing material and extended in a length direction of the sound-absorbing material; and an external electrode portion having a first external electrode provided separately from the sound-absorbing material and provided parallel to the internal electrode portion, wherein when the tire moves, as the sound-absorbing material moves, the internal electrode portion and the external electrode portion are charged with electricity to generate electricity.