Wheel Assembly with Integrated Electromagnetic Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard electric power generators for vehicles are expensive, complex, and inefficient, making them unsuitable for effectively recharging batteries during operation, which is crucial for viable alternative power systems to internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly incorporating a carrier and a wheel with arrays of magnets and coils, where the rotation of the wheel generates electromagnetic energy that is harnessed by corresponding coils, and a spinner with aerofoils that rotate opposite to the wheel to enhance power generation, utilizing electromagnetic induction and aerodynamic interaction to generate electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional onboard electric power generators are used to recharge batteries during operation, then battery recharge capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function with the existing wheel structure by integrating magnets into the wheel and coils into the carrier housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate traditional generators, reducing device complexity while maintaining battery recharge capability through electromagnetic induction during wheel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel structure is given multiple functions: it serves both as the vehicle propulsion component and as part of the power generation system through integrated magnets. The carrier housing similarly serves structural support and electromagnetic induction functions through integrated coils, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
2Power
If traditional onboard electric power generators are used to generate electrical power, then power generation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses relatively simple and inexpensive components - standard magnets and coils - integrated into existing wheel and carrier structures, replacing expensive traditional generators. The design prioritizes cost-effective manufacturing by utilizing basic electromagnetic induction principles with readily available components rather than complex generator assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rotation, which is already necessary for vehicle propulsion, automatically serves the dual purpose of generating electrical power through the integrated magnets and coils. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power generation machinery, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining power generation capability during normal vehicle operation.
3Reliability
If traditional onboard electric power generators are used to recharge batteries, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated magnets and coils enable continuous power generation during every wheel rotation, providing uninterrupted energy self-sufficiency. The system maintains reliable battery recharging throughout vehicle operation without the intermittent operation or maintenance downtime associated with traditional generators, improving both reliability and efficiency through continuous useful action.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, efficient method for generating electrical power onboard vehicles, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and enhancing battery recharge capabilities, thus supporting the development of alternative energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of coils is carried by the other of the first side of the wheel and the carrier corresponding to the first array of magnets, the first array of coils spaced from and aligned with the first array of magnets
Implementation Method 2
An aerofoil is supported by the spinner and is adapted to interact with an air stream passing relative to the wheel in response to a rolling of the wheel relative to a surface in a first rotational direction for setting the spinner in rotational motion in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly includes a carrier and a wheel mounted adjacent to the carrier for rotation relative to the carrier. A first array of magnets is carried by one of the first side of the wheel and the carrier, and a first array of coils is carried by the other of the wheel and the carrier corresponding to the first array of magnets. A spinner is mounted adjacent to the wheel for rotation relative to the wheel. A second array of magnets is carried by one of the wheel and the carrier, and a second array of coils is carried by the other of the wheel and the spinner corresponding to the second array of magnets.