Wheel Hub Power Generation via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fully electric vehicles face limitations in driving range, and hybrid-electric vehicles face challenges in fuel economy, while conventional vehicles have issues with alternator size, weight, and cost, due to existing Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) that add complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that generates power using induced currents from wheel rotation, incorporating a rotating magnet or coil assembly and a stationary assembly, with a controller to manage power generation and storage, integrated into the vehicle's wheel assembly to enhance power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) with flywheels are implemented, then energy recovery capability is improved, but vehicle weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from traditional heavy flywheel-based KERS and relocates it to the wheel hub assembly. By generating power directly at the wheel through electromagnetic induction during rotation, the system eliminates the need for separate flywheel energy storage components, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining energy recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flywheel energy storage system with an electromagnetic induction-based power generation system integrated into the wheel hub. This substitution uses electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical rotating mass to achieve power generation, significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the KERS while preserving the energy recovery function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) with flywheels are implemented, then energy recovery capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation system with the wheel hub assembly, combining two previously separate functions (wheel rotation and power generation) into a single integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate flywheels, complex transmission mechanisms, and independent control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting wheel rotation, providing structural mounting, and generating electrical power through integrated electromagnetic induction components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated KERS components, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Power
If traditional alternators are used in conventional vehicles, then power generation is achieved, but size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a belt-driven alternator system (mechanical dimension) to a wheel-rotation-based electromagnetic induction system (rotational kinetic energy dimension). By utilizing the rotational motion already present in the wheel hub, the system generates power without requiring a separate heavy alternator assembly, thereby reducing weight and cost while maintaining power generation capability.
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 system increases the driving range of fully electric vehicles, improves fuel economy of hybrid-electric vehicles, reduces the size, weight, and cost of alternators in conventional vehicles, and provides a more efficient means of power generation through wheel rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The power generating unit includes a rotating assembly rotatable with the wheel about the wheel axis, including at least one of a magnet assembly or a coil assembly, and, also includes a stationary assembly mounted to at least one of the supporting components of the wheel assembly or the frame and including the other of the magnet assembly or the coil assembly such that rotation of the wheel rotates the rotating assembly relative to the stationary assembly for generating electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicles with integrated power generation produced by rotation of the wheels are provided. In exemplary implementations, a vehicle includes a frame, a wheel assembly coupled to the frame, and a power generating unit. The wheel assembly includes a wheel defining a wheel axis. The wheel is configured to rotate about the wheel axis during operation of the vehicle. The wheel assembly further includes supporting components fixed about the wheel axis during operation of the vehicle. The power generating unit includes a rotating assembly rotatable with the wheel about the wheel axis, including at least one of a magnet assembly or a coil assembly, and, also includes a stationary assembly mounted to at least one of the supporting components of the wheel assembly or the frame and including the other of the magnet assembly or the coil assembly such that rotation of the wheel rotates the rotating assembly relative to the stationary assembly for generating electrical power.