Tire-Embedded Power Paths for Regenerative Braking Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing electric power to electronic sensors and devices within vehicle tires and wheels is challenging due to the limitations of batteries and the difficulty of running wires through a rotating tire and wheel assembly, while excess energy generated by regenerative braking is often wasted.
Innovation Solution
A system that harnesses energy generated by regenerative braking to power electronic devices within vehicle tires by using an electrical energy generator connected to the wheel, conductive elements within the tire, and a ground path to direct electricity to electronic devices, including conductive pathways in the tire structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power electronic sensors and devices within the tire/wheel, then the electronic devices can be powered, but the batteries have shorter-than-desired life or are too large and heavy to be practically installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the tire/wheel assembly by using regenerative braking energy captured at the vehicle level. Instead of embedding batteries within the tire, the system routes electrical energy from the vehicle's regenerative braking system through the wheel hub and bearing to power electronic devices in the tire, thereby eliminating the need for heavy batteries while maintaining continuous power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection system consisting of conductive elements embedded in the tire and a bearing with integrated electrical pathways. This intermediary structure enables energy transfer from the wheel hub to the tire without requiring direct mechanical connection or heavy batteries, solving the weight problem while maintaining power delivery capability
2Use of energy by moving object
If wires are run from an external power source to the tire and wheel assembly, then power can be supplied to electronic devices, but it is difficult to run wires because the assembly rotates and requires an air-tight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection system with existing structural components of the wheel assembly. Conductive elements are embedded within the tire structure itself, and the bearing is designed with integrated electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate wire routing through rotating seals and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing components multi-functional: the bearing serves both its mechanical support function and an electrical conduction function, while the tire structure serves both its protective function and as a conduit for electrical energy delivery. This eliminates the need for dedicated wire routing systems and simplifies the overall design
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking energy is used to charge vehicle batteries, then vehicle batteries can be charged, but excess energy beyond the charging rate must be bled off through resistors and is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted excess regenerative braking energy into a useful resource by routing it through conductive elements in the tire to power electronic sensors and devices. Energy that would otherwise be dissipated through resistors is now harnessed to provide continuous power to tire monitoring systems, turning an energy loss into a beneficial power source
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the tire's electronic devices to power themselves using energy captured from the vehicle's regenerative braking system. The conductive elements embedded in the tire create a direct pathway for excess energy to serve the tire's own electronic needs, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional power sources or energy management infrastructure
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 power supply to electronic devices within vehicle tires, utilizing excess energy generated by regenerative braking and reducing the need for bulky batteries, thereby enhancing energy utilization and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy generator electrically connected to an electrically conductive vehicle wheel
Implementation Method 2
the at least one conductive element is a conductive rubber material oriented in a strip, extending radially from at least one of the pair of bead portions, in contact with the inner surface, and terminating in the tread region
Data Source
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.