Triboelectric Tire Sensor Powering via Layered Electrode and Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire sensors face challenges in efficiently charging energy storage devices due to the need for additional power sources and increased rolling resistance, and existing solutions require complex integration with piezoelectric elements.
Innovation Solution
A tire with an electrode layer and a rubber layer, where the electrode layer has high electrical conductivity and the rubber layer has low conductivity, arranged radially with the rubber layer in contact with the road surface, utilizing triboelectric effects to generate a voltage that can charge energy storage devices without additional modules or increased rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the wheel or tire to measure material properties, then measurement capability is improved, but rolling resistance increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor, power source, and energy storage device into an integrated system mounted on the wheel or tire. This merging eliminates the need for separate external power supplies and reduces the number of additional components that would increase rolling resistance, while maintaining measurement capability through the integrated sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel or tire structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural component for vehicle support and as a mounting platform for sensors and power systems. The tire itself becomes a multi-functional element that provides both mechanical function and sensor housing, reducing overall system complexity and energy loss.
2Ease of operation
If a power source is connected to sensors on the wheel or tire, then sensor operation is enabled, but installation complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source and energy storage device into a single integrated unit that is mounted on the wheel or tire along with the sensors. This combination simplifies installation by reducing the number of separate components and connections required, while ensuring continuous power supply for sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained, with the power source and energy storage device forming an autonomous power supply unit that requires no external connections. This self-service approach simplifies installation by eliminating the need for external power wiring and reduces device complexity by making the system independent of external power infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If additional modules are introduced to charge energy storage devices, then charging capability is improved, but device complexity and rolling resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is merged with the existing wheel and tire structure, utilizing the tire as both a structural component and a housing for the energy storage device. This integration eliminates the need for separate charging modules and reduces device complexity while maintaining charging capability through the integrated power management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel and tire assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, housing sensors, containing the power source, and enabling energy storage and charging. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for dedicated charging modules, reducing device complexity while maintaining full charging capability.
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 configuration allows for efficient charging of energy storage devices integrated into the tire, providing a power source for sensors without external power supplies and minimizing rolling resistance, with the ability to generate both alternating and direct current.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention appears to be based on triboelectric effects and not on piezoelectric effects. It is assumed that due to the periodic squeezing of the electrode layer and the rubber layer on the ground contact patch of a rolling tire according to the invention, a voltage change occurs in the electrode material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tire comprising a device, wherein the device comprises an electrode layer and a rubber layer, as well as contacts provided on the layers for tapping an electrical voltage present between the layers, characterized in that the electrode layer comprises an electrode material with an electrical conductivity of at least 0.001 S/m at 20 °C, and the rubber layer comprises rubber with an electrical conductivity of less than 10⁻⁵ S/m at 20 °C, wherein the electrode layer and the rubber layer are arranged one above the other, and the surface of the rubber layer opposite the electrode layer comprises at least a portion of the tire's ground contact area or at least a portion of the tire's rim contact area. The invention also relates to the use of the device in a tire or the use of the tire.