System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy
US7429801B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K25/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tire assembly with integrated power generation features includes one or more piezoelectric devices configured to generate electric charge therein upon being subjected to mechanical strains associated with flexure of tire or wheel components. The piezoelectric device may be incorporated in a variety of tire structures and in many different locations. In pneumatic tire structures, the piezoelectric device and related electronics may be embedded in crown or sidewall locations among such selected components as the exterior tread portion, first and second steel belts of a belt package, carcass, cap ply portion, inner liner, zone base, etc. The piezoelectric device with optional rubber casing may also be attached to such locations as the inner liner and tire exterior. Piezoelectric devices may also be integrated with a tire and safety support combination that is configured to operate in an extended mobility mode when the tire structure loses air pressure. Piezoelectric devices may alternatively be integrated with a non-pneumatic structurally supported tire such as one including a reinforced annular band, a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.