Tire-Integrated Power Paths for Battery-Free Tire Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in powering electronic devices within vehicle tires due to the limitations of battery life, size, and weight, as well as the difficulty in transmitting power through rotating tire and wheel assemblies, leading to wasted energy from regenerative braking.
Innovation Solution
A system that harnesses energy generated by regenerative braking to power electronic devices within vehicle tires through conductive elements and ground paths within the tire structure, connecting to a conductive wheel and grounding at the tire's contact patch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to power electronic devices within the tire, then the devices can be powered, but the batteries have shorter-than-desired life or are too large and heavy to be practically installed within the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the tire itself and places it externally (in the wheel hub or vehicle electrical system). The tire receives power through conductive elements that extend from the bead portions along the sidewalls to the tread region, where electronic devices are powered without requiring heavy batteries within the tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive elements as intermediaries to transfer electrical energy from the wheel hub (external power source) to the electronic devices within the tire. These conductive elements extend from the bead portions along the sidewalls and terminate in the tread region, providing a pathway for power transmission without requiring batteries in the tire.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wires are run from an external power source to the tire, then power can be supplied, but it is difficult to do so because the tire rotates relative to the vehicle and requires an air-tight seal with the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection system with the tire's existing structural components. The conductive elements are integrated into the tire structure, extending from the bead portions (which are already part of the tire-wheel interface) along the sidewalls to the tread region. This eliminates the need for separate rotating connectors or wire harnesses that would compromise the air-tight seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connectivity from the wheel hub to the electronic devices, while also being structurally integrated into the tire assembly. The elements extend through the tire structure (from bead portions along sidewalls to tread region) and provide both mechanical support and electrical conduction, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If excess energy from regenerative braking is bled off through resistors, then the vehicle battery charging limits are respected, but the energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing excess energy to a specific local application (powering electronic devices within the tire) rather than uniformly distributing it or wasting it. The conductive elements deliver power locally to sensors and devices in the tire, while the ground path in the contact patch provides a localized discharge path for excess energy, converting it to useful work rather than waste heat in resistors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful waste (excess energy being bled off through resistors) into a beneficial resource (power for tire electronic devices). The ground path extending through the tire thickness to the contact patch allows excess energy to be discharged through the tire-road interface, transforming waste energy into useful power for sensors and devices while respecting vehicle battery charging limits.
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
Enables efficient and reliable power supply to tire-mounted electronic devices, reducing the need for large batteries and minimizing energy waste by utilizing excess energy from regenerative braking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductive element extending from at least one of the pair of bead portions, and in contact with the inner surface along at least one of the pair of sidewalls, along at least one of the pair of shoulders, and terminating in the tread region
Implementation Method 2
at least one ground path extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread
Implementation Method 3
an electrical energy generator electrically connected to an electrically conductive vehicle wheel
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A system for powering an electronic device within a tire is provided, the system comprising: a generator electrically connected to an electrically conductive wheel, the tire being mounted upon the wheel; the tire including bead portions, sidewalls, shoulders, a tread oriented in a tread region, and an inner surface; at least one conductive element extending from a bead portion, and in contact with the inner surface along a sidewall, along a shoulder, and terminating in the tread region; at least one electronic device within the vehicle tire; and at least one ground path extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein the at least one electronic device is electrically connected to the at least one conductive element and the at least one ground path.