Wheel Generator Rolling Contact for High-Speed Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel generators experience friction and efficiency issues at higher speeds due to direct contact between levers and the tire, leading to heating, damage, and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A converter design with rotatably mounted lever elements and contact elements parallel to the wheel's axis minimizes friction by allowing the contact elements to roll, increasing the angular range of lever movement, and uses a mechanical coupling system to transfer energy efficiently to generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If direct contact between levers and wheel tire is used, then energy conversion is achieved, but friction and heating increase at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
A contact element with a rolling surface is introduced as an intermediary between the lever and the wheel tire. This rolling contact element mediates the interaction, allowing the lever to follow the tire's deformation while minimizing direct sliding friction through rolling motion, thereby reducing heating and wear at higher speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces sliding friction-based mechanical contact with rolling friction-based contact. By substituting the direct sliding interface with a rolling element, the system reduces energy loss to friction and heat while maintaining the necessary mechanical coupling for energy conversion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If levers are arranged at an angle under 45° to the tire surface, then friction is reduced, but effective displacement and angular range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is designed to rotate dynamically about an axis parallel to the wheel axis, allowing it to adapt its orientation to the tire's deformation while maintaining optimal contact. This dynamic adjustment enables the lever to achieve greater angular displacement without increasing sliding friction, as the contact element rolls rather than slides
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 ensures reliable operation at higher speeds with increased efficiency by reducing friction and optimizing lever displacement, enabling continuous energy recovery from tire deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the contact element is rotatably housed in/at the lever element about an axis of rotation such that the contact element establishes contact between the lever element and the wheel tire
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical coupling element which is suitable for transferring the force occurring due to the rotational movement of the lever element
Implementation Method 3
at least one electric generator configured to convert the force preferably transferred by the mechanical coupling element into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wheel generator, namely a converter for obtaining electrical energy in a rolling wheel of a vehicle from the deformation of the wheel tire due to contact with the road surface, a system for obtaining electrical energy including the converter, as well as a vehicle or wheel including the system.