Tyre Force Sensor Layers Using Triboelectric Self-Powering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in measuring mechanical forces, such as side powers or brake forces, in tires without requiring an additional power source and ensuring sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising multiple layers, including first and second electrode materials, intermediate materials with high dielectric conductivity, and an optional insulating layer, which allows for the measurement of mechanical forces by generating an electrical signal through friction between the intermediate materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensors are installed in the tire to measure mechanical forces, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to requiring additional power sources and mounting infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical force measurementVSAvoidsensor installation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system generates its own electrical signals through the triboelectric effect by utilizing friction between tire components during normal operation. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex wiring infrastructure, allowing the sensor to be integrated directly into the tire structure without additional mounting requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional electronic sensing mechanisms that require power sources with a triboelectric generation system. Mechanical friction between tire components directly converts mechanical energy into electrical signals for measurement, substituting complex electronic systems with a simpler mechanical-to-electrical conversion approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If sensors are made smaller to reduce installation problems, then ease of installation is improved, but sensitivity and measurement capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor installationVSAvoidforce detection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor utilizes composite material structures within the tire, combining different materials with varying triboelectric properties to create effective sensing elements. This allows small sensor components to generate sufficient electrical signals through material composition rather than size, maintaining sensitivity while enabling easy integration into the tire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If additional power sources are added to enable sensor operation, then measurement functionality is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical force measurementVSAvoidpower source integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the power source component from the sensor system entirely. By utilizing the triboelectric effect generated during normal tire operation, the design removes batteries, power management circuits, and associated infrastructure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 device effectively measures mechanical forces and generates an electrical voltage without an external power source, enhancing sensitivity and power extraction, making it suitable for applications in tires and other technical rubber items.

Implementation Method 1

the first intermediate material of the second layer and the second intermediate material of the fourth layer are different... generating an electrical signal through friction between the intermediate materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

means for measuring the voltage between the first and the fifth layer comprising a second electrode material or between the layer comprising a first intermediate material and the layer comprising a second intermediate material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3775816B1Tyre comprising a device for measuring a mechanical force, and use of said device

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a tyre comprising a device, said device having a first, second, third, fourth and fifth layer, wherein said third layer is optional, characterised in that the first layer comprises a first electrode material, the second layer comprises a first intermediate material, the fourth layer comprises a second intermediate material and 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 four or five layers are arranged one over another in the sequence above, and the second and/or fourth layer additionally comprises at least one filler in addition to the intermediate material. The invention also relates to the uses of the device.