Wheel-Mounted Piezoelectric Module for Battery-Free Sensor Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power sources for automotive sensor systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, are limited in capacity, durable, and have inferior environmental sustainability, leading to frequent replacements and increased maintenance costs due to accelerated discharge cycles as power demand increases.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting module utilizing a piezoelectric component with a fiber reinforced composite material load backing layer, conductive bonding layers, and electrode layers is integrated into a vehicle's wheel to generate energy from mechanical strain, eliminating the need for disposable batteries by harnessing kinetic energy through tire deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lithium-ion batteries are used as power sources for automotive sensors, then the sensors can operate and transmit data, but the power sources are limited in capacity, have low durability, and require frequent replacement due to accelerated discharge cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric component harvests mechanical energy from tire deformations and wheel rotation to generate electrical power, enabling the sensor system to power itself without external batteries. This self-service mechanism eliminates battery replacement needs and extends operational duration indefinitely by continuously converting mechanical strain into electrical energy during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from chemical energy storage (batteries) to mechanical energy conversion (piezoelectric effect), fundamentally changing the energy source parameter. The piezoelectric material converts mechanical stress from tire deformation into electrical energy, providing unlimited operational duration while maintaining reliability through continuous energy harvesting during vehicle motion
2Ease of operation
If lithium-ion batteries are used to power sensors, then the sensors can function, but the environmental impact increases and maintenance costs increase due to frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests its own power from mechanical energy in the environment, eliminating the need for disposable batteries. This self-powered operation maintains full sensor functionality while removing the environmental harm associated with battery manufacturing, disposal, and frequent replacement cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces disposable batteries with a durable piezoelectric energy harvesting system that converts mechanical energy into electricity. This eliminates the need for frequent battery replacement, reducing both maintenance costs and environmental impact from discarded batteries while maintaining continuous sensor operation
3Productivity
If increased power load is applied to lithium-ion batteries, then sensors can transmit data more frequently, but the discharge cycles accelerate and replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric component continuously harvests mechanical energy from tire deformations and wheel rotation, providing unlimited power for high-frequency data transmission. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the trade-off between transmission frequency and battery lifespan, as the energy harvesting capacity scales with vehicle motion rather than depleting over time
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting system operates continuously during vehicle motion, converting mechanical strain into electrical energy without interruption. This continuous energy supply supports frequent data transmission at maximum power load without accelerating degradation, as the piezoelectric component generates power on-demand from ongoing mechanical deformations
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 energy harvesting module provides sustained power output at varying vehicle speeds, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact by continuously generating electricity from mechanical stress, thus powering automotive sensors without the need for battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric component configured to produce energy in response to mechanical strain imparted on the piezoelectric component
Data Source
AI summary
Energy harvesting module and, more particularly, energy harvesting module configured to be coupled to a rotatable component of a vehicle's wheel, and methods of making an energy harvesting module are disclosed. In some embodiments, an energy harvesting system includes: a piezoelectric component configured to produce energy in response to mechanical strain imparted on the piezoelectric component, wherein the piezoelectric component is configured to deform while experiencing the mechanical strain, and the piezoelectric component comprises a piezoelectric material layer, one or more conductive bonding layers, a load backing layer, and one or more electrode layers, wherein the load backing layer comprises a fiber reinforced composite material.