Wheel Hub Electromagnetic Generator Eliminates Battery Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel end systems for commercial vehicles rely on batteries for power, which limits the lifespan and maintenance of wheel end devices and communication circuitry, and are vulnerable to environmental conditions and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A wheel end apparatus that utilizes a coil and magnet configuration within the wheel hub to generate electrical power through rotation, coupled with communication circuitry for wireless communication, eliminating the need for a battery and providing protection from harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power wheel end devices and communication circuitry, then the system can operate independently, but the lifespan and power capacity are limited by the battery capacity requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub assembly generates its own electrical power through the interaction of the coil and magnet during rotation, eliminating the need for external battery replacement. The system serves itself by converting mechanical energy from wheel rotation into electrical energy to power its own components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static battery power source with fixed capacity to a dynamic power generation system where the coil and magnet continuously generate electricity during wheel rotation, adapting power supply to the operational state of the vehicle.
2Reliability
If a battery is installed in the wheel hub assembly, then power can be supplied to wheel end devices, but the battery becomes vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable battery component from the wheel hub assembly and replaces it with a passive power generation system consisting of a coil and magnet that convert mechanical energy to electrical energy without requiring replaceable chemical power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (battery) with a mechanical energy conversion system (coil and magnet generating electricity through rotation), eliminating the need for chemical components susceptible to environmental degradation.
3Reliability
If the coil and magnet are placed inside the wheel hub for protection, then they are shielded from environmental conditions, but wireless communication may be interfered with by the wheel hub structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wheel hub assembly into functionally separate zones: the power generation components (coil and magnet) are positioned inside the wheel hub for protection, while the communication antenna is positioned outside the wheel hub to ensure optimal wireless signal transmission without interference.
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 self-sustaining wheel end functionality, reducing maintenance downtime and enhancing power flexibility, while protecting the power generation components from environmental conditions and tampering.
Implementation Method 1
a coil of wire and at least one magnet in the wheel hub configured to move relative to one another with rotation of the wheel hub about the spindle to generate electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a wheel end apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes a wheel hub assembly configured to be mounted to a spindle and a wheel hub of the wheel hub assembly. The wheel end apparatus includes a coil of wire and at least one magnet of the wheel hub assembly configured to move relative to one another with rotation of the wheel hub around the spindle. The wheel end apparatus includes a wheel end device operably coupled to the coil of wire to receive electrical power generated by relative movement of the coil of wire and the at least one magnet. Further, the wheel end apparatus includes communication circuitry operably coupled to the wheel end device and configured to wirelessly communicate wheel end device information with a wheel end monitoring device.