Triboelectric Tire Sensor Layers for Self-Powered Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire technologies face challenges in measuring mechanical forces, such as lateral and braking forces, without the need for additional electrical power sources and with high sensitivity, while also being able to charge energy storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer apparatus comprising different electrode and intermediate materials, where the layers are arranged to generate a voltage through friction, allowing for the measurement of mechanical forces and electrical charging without external power, utilizing the difference in triboelectric affinity and dielectric conductivity of the materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted in the tire to measure mechanical forces, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (electrode layers, intermediate material layers, insulation layers) into a single integrated sensor assembly that can be mounted as one unit within the tire structure, reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: measuring mechanical forces, generating electrical energy through triboelectric effect, and providing insulation, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying overall device complexity
2Reliability
If additional electrical power sources are added to the tire, then sensor operation is enabled, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly generates its own electrical energy through the triboelectric effect between intermediate material layers, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries within the tire, thereby maintaining sensor operation while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical power system (batteries, wires, power sources) with a mechanical energy conversion system that uses friction and triboelectric effects to generate electricity, simplifying the power supply architecture
3Measurement precision
If the sensor size is increased to improve measurement capability, then measurement precision is improved, but installation difficulty and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly uses thin film-like layers for electrodes and intermediate materials that can be flexed and conform to the tire's curved surface, enabling adequate measurement precision while minimizing the volume and fitting within constrained tire spaces
4Power
If multiple layers with different materials are used to generate voltage, then energy generation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into distinct functional layers (electrode layers, intermediate material layers, insulation layers) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, making the complex multi-material structure more manageable and manufacturable
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
This solution enables sensitive measurement of mechanical forces and simultaneous electrical charging, enhancing the efficiency and functionality of tire-based force measurement systems without the need for additional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus comprises means for measuring the voltage between the first and fifth layers comprising a second electrode material, or between the layer comprising a first intermediate material and the layer comprising a second intermediate material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tire comprising an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a first, second, third, fourth and fifth layer, the third layer being optional, characterized in that: a) the first layer comprises a first electrode material, b) the second layer comprises a first intermediate material, c) the third layer comprises an insulation material, d) the fourth layer comprises a second intermediate material, and e) the fifth layer comprises a second electrode material, wherein the first intermediate material of the second layer and the second intermediate material of the fourth layer are different, the five layers are arranged one above the other according to the above sequence, and the surface of the second or fourth layer layers has a surface roughness Ra in the range from 0.1 μm to 500 μm, measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4288:1998. The invention relates to the uses of the apparatus.