Wheel-Mounted Sensor Power Harvesting for Driving Condition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle sensors require electrical power for operation and data transmission, leading to increased power consumption and frequent replacement of energy storage devices, which are costly and unsustainable due to limited capacity and durability.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing energy-harvesting devices mounted on vehicle wheels to convert kinetic, thermal, or mechanical energy into electrical energy, reducing the reliance on conventional energy storage devices and extending their lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional energy storage devices (batteries) are used to power sensors, then sensors can operate and transmit data, but the limited capacity and durability lead to frequent replacement and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy harvesting mechanisms (kinetic energy from wheel rotation, thermal energy from temperature differences, and vibrational energy) into a single hybrid power system. This merging of energy sources creates a more reliable and durable power supply that can operate sensors continuously without frequent battery replacements, directly addressing the limited duration and reliability of conventional energy storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting system is designed to be self-powered, using the vehicle's own motion and environmental conditions to generate electricity. The kinetic energy from wheel rotation, thermal gradients, and vibrations are automatically converted to electrical energy without external intervention, enabling the sensor system to sustain itself and eliminating the need for manual battery replacement.
2Measurement precision
If frequent measurements and data transmission are performed, then more comprehensive driving condition data is obtained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement and transmission parameters based on available energy levels and driving conditions. When energy is abundant, the system performs frequent measurements and transmissions with high precision. When energy is limited, it automatically reduces measurement frequency or transmission intervals, optimizing the balance between data quality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the sensor system uses periodic measurement and transmission cycles. Data is collected at optimized intervals and transmitted in batches, reducing peak power consumption while still capturing essential driving conditions. This periodic operation allows the system to function comprehensively within the constraints of available energy from harvesting sources.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If energy-harvesting devices are mounted on wheels to convert kinetic energy, then a sustainable power source is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting device mounted on the wheel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical energy from kinetic motion, captures vibrational energy, and can potentially harvest thermal energy. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing a comprehensive sustainable power source that extends the life expectancy of the overall sensor system without requiring separate power solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy harvesting devices as intermediary components between the wheel's mechanical energy and the sensor's electrical power needs. These intermediaries convert kinetic and vibrational energy into usable electrical power, bridging the gap between the vehicle's motion and the sensor's power requirements, thereby extending operational duration while managing complexity through functional integration.
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 devices provide a sustainable power source for vehicle sensors, enhancing their sensitivity to detect changes in driving conditions and reducing maintenance costs by prolonging the life expectancy of energy storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-harvesting device (e.g., an electrical power generator that converts kinetic, thermal, optical, and mechanical energy available from the automotive vehicle, such as rotation, acceleration, deceleration, and/or vibration, of the wheels, into electrical energy)
Implementation Method 2
an energy-harvesting device (e.g., an electrical power generator that converts kinetic, thermal, optical, and mechanical energy available from the automotive vehicle, such as rotation, acceleration, deceleration, and/or vibration, of the wheels, into electrical energy)
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly may include one or more sensors mountable on a wheel of a vehicle and one or more processors electrically coupled to the one or more sensors for determining a driving condition of the vehicle based on the first sensor signals and the second sensor signals. Methods for determining a driving condition of a vehicle based on sensor signals and a wheel assembly that includes a wheel and the sensor assembly are also disclosed.