Wheel Rim Energy Generator for Vehicle Motion Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, including electric vehicles, waste energy generated from motion in non-drive wheels during coasting, downhill, or uphill movements, which is not effectively harnessed and stored for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wheeled vehicle system with energy generating wheel assemblies housed within the wheel rims, connected to electric energy storage components and motors, allowing continuous energy generation and storage through mechanical linkage and an electronic control system, enabling energy recovery from vehicle motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy generating components are added to non-drive wheels, then energy recovery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generating components (magnet, coil, bearing assembly) are nested within the wheel assembly structure itself. The magnet is mounted on the inner rim, the coil is positioned within the tire rim cavity, and the bearing assembly is integrated into the wheel hub area, creating a compact nested arrangement that generates energy without adding external complexity to the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the primary mechanical function of vehicle support and motion transmission, while simultaneously housing the energy generation system that converts wheel rotation into electrical energy. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate energy harvesting devices
2Volume of moving object
If generators are housed within wheel rims, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generation system is segmented into discrete, pre-assembled components: a magnet mounted on the inner rim, a coil assembly positioned in the tire rim cavity, and a bearing assembly. These segmented components can be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the wheel, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic design
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 system allows for continuous energy generation and storage, enhancing vehicle energy autonomy by harnessing energy from all wheel movements, providing a solution not previously available in existing vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electric energy generators, each said generator mechanically linked to at least one said generating wheel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An energy recovery system for a machine, and particularly a multi-wheeled vehicle, includes an energy generation component housed within one or more of said wheel assemblies, coupled to an energy storage component which selectively receives energy from said vehicle motion effect on said energy generation component(s) and delivers said energy to a said energy storage component. In one embodiment, said energy generation is an electric generator, and said storage component is an electric battery.