Wheel Hub Emblem Generator Layout for Tight Axial Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for illuminating vehicle wheel hubs with emblems face challenges due to limited space and high investment costs, particularly in generating electrical power to power LEDs, as they require significant axial space and costly components like magnetic cores and coils.

Innovation Solution

An emblem design featuring a rotor with a support disc and stator comprising connected printed circuit boards with windings, optimized for axial compatibility, including an eccentric weight for stability and a magnetic conducting layer to enhance power generation, integrated within a sealed housing that maintains a fixed position and powers LEDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a power generation unit with magnetic core and coils is used to power LEDs on the wheel hub, then electrical energy can be generated, but the axial space required becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidaxial space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic core from the power generation system, using only the coils and permanent magnets mounted on the wheel rim. This eliminates the bulky magnetic core while maintaining the electromagnetic induction principle for generating electrical energy to power the LEDs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent redistributes the power generation components from a compact axial arrangement to a radial arrangement. The permanent magnets are mounted on the outer rim of the wheel, and the coils are positioned radially inward, utilizing the radial dimension of the wheel structure to accommodate the power generation system without increasing axial space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional power generation components like magnetic cores and coils are used, then electrical power can be generated, but the investment cost becomes too high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidinvestment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive traditional power generation components with more economical alternatives. Instead of using costly magnetic cores and complex coil assemblies, the invention uses permanent magnets mounted on the wheel rim with simpler coil structures, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the expensive magnetic core component from the power generation system, relying instead on the interaction between permanent magnets on the wheel rim and stationary coils. This extraction of the magnetic core significantly reduces the bill of materials cost and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Illumination intensity

If the emblem is illuminated to improve visibility, then external appearance is enhanced, but the available space for power generation components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemblem visibilityVSAvoidavailable axial space
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the power generation components from the axial dimension to the radial dimension of the wheel hub. By mounting permanent magnets on the outer rim and positioning coils radially inward, the system generates power without occupying additional axial space, preserving the compact axial profile needed for emblem illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power generation function from the axial space occupied by traditional magnetic cores and relocates it to the radial space of the wheel structure. This allows the axial space to be dedicated to emblem illumination while the radial dimensions accommodate the power generation components.

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

This design efficiently generates electrical power within the constrained space of a vehicle wheel hub, providing consistent illumination while reducing costs and maintaining stability, ensuring the emblem remains visible under various lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical power generator that feeds electric power to the at least one lighting element, wherein the electrical power generator includes: a rotor comprising a support disc for at least one magnet; and a stator comprising at least one printed circuit board provided with windings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3922480B1Emblem for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 ZANINI AUTO GRUP
  • EP3922480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922480B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Emblem for vehicles, comprising a decoration layer; at least one lighting element that illuminates the decoration layer; an electrical power generator that feeds electric power to the at least one lighting element, wherein the electrical power generator includes a rotor comprising a support disc for at least one magnet; and a stator comprising at least one printed circuit board provided with windings. It permits to provide an emblem in which a power generator is optimized to be compatible in the axial direction with the available space, which is very small behind the front cover.