Wheel Hub Alternator System for Electric Vehicle Battery Recharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles propelled by wheeled axles lack an efficient mechanism to recharge their batteries while in motion, as existing alternator systems are not designed to harness mechanical energy from wheel movement effectively.
Innovation Solution
An alternator system is designed to be mounted on the wheel hub of a vehicle, using a spacer to secure the alternator between the wheel hub and tire rim, with a rotor and bearing mount to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, and a brake caliper rotation stop to maintain the alternator's position, allowing it to generate power as the axle rotates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an alternator system is mounted on the wheel hub to harness mechanical energy from wheel movement, then electrical energy generation is improved, but the structural complexity of the wheel hub assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator system is integrated directly into the wheel hub assembly, merging the functions of the wheel hub and alternator mounting into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or additional structural components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wheel assembly, serves as the mounting platform for the alternator, and acts as the rotational drive source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall system structure
2Ease of manufacture
If a spacer is used to secure the alternator between the wheel hub and tire rim, then the alternator mounting is simplified, but the axial space required on the wheel hub increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator mounting structure is divided into discrete components including the spacer, alternator housing, and securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and disassembly, simplifying the manufacturing and installation process while enabling compact arrangement within limited axial space
3Power
If the alternator is fixed to the rotating wheel hub, then mechanical energy conversion is improved, but the alternator housing may spin with the rotor due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is extracted as a separate component (brake caliper rotation stop) from the alternator housing itself. This independent braking mechanism applies friction to the rotor to prevent the housing from spinning, maintaining the alternator's stationary position while allowing the rotor to rotate for energy conversion
4Use of energy by moving object
If the alternator system is added to the wheel hub, then battery recharging capability is improved, but the weight of the wheel hub assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing rotational motion of the wheel hub to drive the alternator, converting waste mechanical energy from wheel rotation into useful electrical energy for battery recharging. This self-service approach generates energy without requiring additional power input or heavy external components
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 solution enables the alternator system to recharge electric vehicle batteries while the vehicle is in motion, reducing carbon emissions and extending the mileage between recharges by effectively converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor and bearing mount that would also attach to the wheel hub after the spacer was placed over the wheel hub and that both the rotor and bearing mount and the spacer had to be secured to the wheel hub in order to provide the mechanical energy to the rotor of the alternator
Data Source
AI summary
An alternator system that will recharge a battery or a battery bank of an electric vehicle that uses wheeled axles to propel itself. The alternator system is mounted on the wheel hub of a vehicle using a spacer, a housing that covers the alternator, and a specially designed brake caliper rotation stop that is mounted on the housing that allows the alternator to remain in a fixed position when mounted on the wheel hub of the vehicle.