System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials
US6725713B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a power generation device with a piezoelectric structure and an energy storage device. The piezoelectric structure preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix. The piezoelectric structure may be mounted on a support substrate that helps distribute mechanical strain to which the piezoelectric fibers are subjected in a substantially uniform fashion. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. Electrode layers within the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure and stores it in an energy storage device, preferably an electrolytic capacitor. A rechargeable battery may also be provided for storing additional charge generated within the piezoelectric structure. A regulated voltage source is provided from the energy stored in the power generation device and can be used to power various elec…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.