Wheel Generator Coupling for Low-Friction High-Speed Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel generators face issues with friction and heat generation at high speeds, reduced force transmission due to lever angle, and space constraints within the tire, making them inefficient and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A converter with rotatably mounted lever elements and a mechanical coupling system, featuring a planetary gear and contact elements that minimize friction and allow for efficient force transmission, enabling reliable operation at high speeds and compact design for easy tire changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If lever elements are firmly connected to the rim for direct force transmission, then force transmission is improved, but friction and heat generation increase at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical coupling element system is introduced as an intermediary between the lever elements and the rim. This coupling system includes coupling elements that connect the lever elements to the rim in a way that reduces direct friction while maintaining effective force transmission. The coupling elements act as mediators that transfer the mechanical energy from tire deformation to the generator without the excessive friction and heat generation that occurs with direct firm connections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lever elements are arranged at a shallow angle to reduce contact forces, then friction is reduced, but effective deflection and force transmission are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lever elements are designed with rotatable mounting on the rim, allowing them to dynamically adjust their angle and position in response to tire deformation. This dynamic configuration enables the lever elements to maintain optimal angles for both minimizing friction and maximizing effective deflection throughout the rotation cycle. The rotatable mounting allows the lever elements to adapt their orientation to the instantaneous deformation forces rather than being fixed at a single angle.
3Volume of moving object
If converter components are compactly arranged within the tire, then space is saved for easy tire changes, but reliable force transmission to generators becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling element system is nested within the existing converter structure, with coupling elements integrated into the space between the lever elements and the rim. The planetary gear mechanisms are positioned to utilize the available radial and axial space efficiently. This nesting approach allows reliable force transmission through multiple coupling elements while keeping the overall converter volume compact enough to allow tire changes on the rim without removing the converter.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If lever elements are rotatably mounted to reduce friction, then heat generation is reduced, but reliable force transmission becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical connection between lever elements and the rim is replaced with a mechanical coupling element system that uses a combination of mechanical and planetary gear mechanisms. This substitution maintains reliable force transmission while reducing the friction and heat generation associated with direct rotatable mounting. The coupling elements transfer forces through a more complex but thermally efficient mechanical pathway.
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 effectively converts tire deformation into electrical energy with reduced friction and heat, maintaining efficiency and reliability at high speeds while allowing for compact and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation of the wheel tire through contact with the road causes a rotational movement of the lever elements
Implementation Method 2
at least one planetary gear, which is arranged to transmit the rotational movement of a shaft or an intermediate shaft to an electrical generator
Implementation Method 3
at least one electrical generator which is configured to convert the force, preferably transmitted by the mechanical coupling element system, into electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wheel generator, namely a converter for generating electrical energy in a rolling wheel of a vehicle from the deformation of the wheel tire by contact with the road surface, a system for generating electrical energy comprising the converter, and a vehicle or wheel comprising the system.