75 patents in this list

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Vehicle tires experience continuous deformation cycles during normal driving, with vertical loads exceeding 3,000N and internal temperatures reaching 50-70°C. This mechanical and thermal energy, typically dissipated as heat and vibration, represents a significant untapped energy resource in modern vehicles.

The fundamental challenge lies in converting tire deformation and thermal gradients into usable electrical power while maintaining tire structural integrity and performance characteristics.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including piezoelectric systems embedded in tire walls, triboelectric generators activated by cavity deformation, thermoelectric elements that harvest thermal gradients, and electrostatic generation through specialized tire cords. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation strategies that can be integrated into existing tire manufacturing processes while meeting safety and durability requirements.

1. Electric Vehicle Tire-Integrated Linear Generators for Kinetic Energy Conversion

KWON HYUN KI, 2023

An electric vehicle power generation system that converts the kinetic energy of a vehicle's deforming tires during driving into electrical energy. The system uses linear generators inside the tires that convert the energy from tire deformation due to impacts into electrical energy. This kinetic energy is stored in capacitors and then rectified to charge the vehicle's battery. The system allows recovering energy from tire deformation during driving instead of wasting it.

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2. Tire Tread with Piezoelectric Studs for Electric Energy Harvesting

NEXEN TIRE CORP, 2023

Electric energy harvesting tire using studs that generate electricity as they deform in the tire tread. The studs are fixed in grooves and have piezoelectric elements at their bottom. As the studs move with the road, the piezoelectric elements convert the deformation into electrical energy. This harvested energy can be stored and used to power onboard electronics or tire pressure sensors.

3. Tire with Integrated Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Modules and Parallel Array Configuration

GUILIN UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, UNIV GUILIN ELECTRONIC TECH, 2022

Smart tire with array energy harvesting to provide consistent power for internal sensors and devices without relying on the vehicle battery. The smart tire has piezoelectric modules attached to the inner surface of the tire that generate electricity as the tire deforms during rotation. The modules are connected in parallel arrays around the tire to maximize deformation and power output. The harvested AC voltage is rectified, stabilized, and stored in an energy element. This provides stable DC power for tire sensors and devices.

CN115447320A-patent-drawing

4. Tire-Integrated Energy Collection Device with PVDF Piezoelectric Film and Magnetostrictive Material

NANJING TECH UNIVERSITY, UNIV NANJING TECH, 2022

Tire self-supply energy-collection charging device that eliminates the risk of car energy loss, power consumption burden and personnel's mileage anxiety, increases duration, and optimizes personnel experience of going on a journey. The device includes a PVDF piezoelectric film, a magnetostrictive material, a tire air-tight layer, a rim and a tire cover, and is arranged in the tire airtight layer, the strength relation among materials of the tire body reinforcing layer is not damaged, the driving operation of personnel is not influenced, and the potential safety hazard of personnel going out is reduced.

5. Tire with Embedded Multi-Module Energy Harvesting System for Dynamic Motion Conversion

安形 雄三, YUZO AGATA, 2022

Tire with integrated power generation capability that can generate electricity from road vibrations and pressure changes when the vehicle is driving. The tire has multiple separated power generation modules like piezoelectric, electromagnetic induction, or magnetostrictive devices. These modules convert the tire's dynamic motion into electrical energy without external power. The generated electricity can be used to charge the vehicle battery, power onboard sensors, or store energy in a capacitor.

6. Tire-Embedded Piezoelectric Charging System with Capacitive Discharge and Wireless Energy Transfer

シアバシュ モタメド, SIAVASH MOTAMED, 2022

An electric vehicle (EV) charging system that uses piezoelectric elements embedded in the tires to generate electrical charge during vehicle motion. The piezoelectric elements compress as the tire rolls, creating a time-varying voltage. A capacitor connected to the elements stores the charge. A discharge circuit connects the capacitor to a coil embedded in the tire. This discharges the capacitor into the coil, creating a time-varying magnetic field. A receiver coil on the EV picks up the magnetic field to wirelessly charge the vehicle battery. The piezoelectric elements, capacitor, and coil are arranged around the tire. The system provides self-sustaining, contactless charging without requiring infrastructure or contact with the road.

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7. Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Radially Aligned Magnet Pair and Curved Beam Configuration

SHENZHEN INSTITUTE OF NORTHWESTERN POLYTECHNICAL UNIV, SHENZHEN INSTITUTE OF NORTHWESTERN POLYTECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, 2022

A piezoelectric energy harvesting device for capturing strain energy from tire deformation to power tire pressure monitoring systems. The device is installed in a wheel hub and consists of piezoelectric curved beams sandwiched between the spokes. An inner magnet is fixed to one side of a beam and an outer magnet covers the inner tube. The magnets are aligned in the radial direction with opposite poles facing each other. When the tire deforms, the magnets move relative to each other generating electrical charge on the piezoelectric beams.

8. Wheel Power Generation Device with Dual-Layer Piezoelectric Structure and Elastic Support

YANG ZONGCHAO, ZHONG ZHILIANG, 2022

Wheel power generation device for vehicles that converts the pressure between the tire and the ground into electrical energy. The device has piezoelectric layers sandwiched between the wheel hub, elastic support, and outer tire. When the wheel compresses during driving, the piezoelectric layers generate electricity due to the applied pressure. This allows recovering wasted energy from the tire contact. The double-layer piezoelectric structure improves power generation efficiency compared to just one layer. The elastic support replaces the traditional tire for stable support and shock absorption.

9. Electrical Connector Assemblies with Embedded Conductors and Liquid Metal Contacts for Kinetic Energy Harvesting from Tire and Wheel Motion

TDK Corporation, 2022

Electrical connector assemblies for harvesting energy from tire and wheel motion without needing batteries. The assemblies have conductors that extend through the tire from inside to outside. This allows harvesting kinetic energy as the tire rotates. The connectors can also be embedded in the tire. The wheel has matching connectors to connect to the tire connectors. This enables harvesting energy from the wheel rotation. The harvested energy can power onboard electronics like sensors. The connectors can also have liquid metal contacts for better electrical connection.

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10. Tire with Integrated Piezoelectric Devices Featuring Sandwich-Structured Ceramics and Parallel Negative Electrode Connections

JI CHUNYAN, 2022

Tire with integrated piezoelectric devices that generate electricity as the tire rolls. The tire has piezoelectric devices in the inner core with upper and lower piezoelectric ceramics sandwiched between metal sheets. Joints connect the ceramics to wires, with parallel metal plates connecting the upper ceramics and wires. The lower ceramics are wrapped in metal and the upper ceramics are covered by metal caps. Connections between the metal pieces form negative electrode structures. Multiple negative electrode structures are connected in parallel. The piezoelectric devices convert the tire's deformation into electrical charge as it moves.

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11. Tire with Piezoelectric Coating for Electricity Generation from Deformation

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., 2022

A piezoelectric tire that generates electricity from tire deformation and uses it to power onboard electronics. The tire has a coating of piezoelectric material on the inner surface that contacts the ground. This generates electric charge when the tire flexes under load. Circuitry on the tire can harvest this power for applications like tire pressure monitoring or wireless communication. The coating length and shape are optimized for strain sensitivity.

12. Power Supply Device with Piezoelectric and Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Layers for Passive Tire Sensor

GUILIN UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, UNIV GUILIN ELECTRONIC TECH, 2022

Power supply device for a passive sensor in a tire of a vehicle that greatly improves the maintenance period and service life of the intelligent tire, and reduces the use cost. The device includes a tire cover, a piezoelectric energy harvesting layer, a thermoelectric energy harvesting layer and a main circuit control board.

CN113978187A-patent-drawing

13. Tire-Embedded Piezoelectric Film System for Power Generation and Deformation-Responsive Data Collection

BEIHANG UNIVERSITY, UNIV BEIHANG, 2021

System and method for generating power and information feedback from tire deformation using piezoelectric films. The system involves embedding PVDF piezoelectric films in tires to generate power and collect road environment data. A first thicker PVDF film generates power from tire deformation. A second smaller film collects charge for road sensing. A conditioning circuit converts the charge to voltage, a microcontroller processes the data, and a control unit uses it to optimize vehicle dynamics. This integrates power generation and sensing in the tire, leveraging deformation energy and reducing maintenance costs.

CN113859154A-patent-drawing

14. Tire with Integrated Piezoelectric Energy Converter and Profiled Tread

CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, 2021

Automated vehicle tire that improves energy harvesting. The tire includes a profiled tread, belt plies, a carcass insert, an inner layer, side walls and at least one piezo component as a piezoelectric energy converter.

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15. Tire-Integrated Power Generation Device with Insulated Members and Variable Contact Area

SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD., THE SCHOOL CORPORATION KANSAI UNIVERSITY, 2021

Power generation device for use in tires that can generate electricity when the tire is in motion. The device has two insulated members with a cushioning material between them. The insulated members come into contact and charge oppositely based on the real contact area. This charge separation generates voltage as the tire deforms. The cushioning material maintains space for the real contact area to change as the tire moves, improving voltage. Adding a weight presses the members for consistent charge separation. The device can be used in tires to generate power during normal driving.

US20210257933A1-patent-drawing

16. Piezoelectric-Electromagnetic Composite Energy Capture Structure with Deformation-Induced Charge Generation Mechanisms

NORTHWESTERN POLYTECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, UNIV NORTHWESTERN POLYTECHNICAL, 2021

A piezoelectric-electromagnetic composite energy capture structure for autonomous powering of devices like automotive electronics and tire pressure monitors. The structure captures energy from tire deformation during vehicle motion. It uses a piezoelectric beam between the wheel hub and tire that bends due to tire deformation. This bending generates electrical charge via the piezoelectric effect. Additionally, a coil with an iron core around the outer tire ring and magnets generate electricity via electromagnetic induction due to tire deformation.

CN112532105A-patent-drawing

17. Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for Tire Sensors with Liquid-Immersed Piezoelectric Material and Support Springs

GUILIN UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, UNIV GUILIN ELECTRONIC TECH, 2021

Automatic power supply method for smart devices in automobile tires that eliminates the need for batteries in tire sensors. It uses a piezoelectric energy harvester between the tire and carcass to convert tire vibrations into electrical power. The harvester has an upper support spring, elastic substrate, piezoelectric material, small stiffness springs, and a liquid chamber. The piezoelectric material is in the liquid chamber filled with a low-viscosity liquid. The harvester captures tire vibration energy and provides power to sensors like pressure and temperature gauges in the tire.

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18. Passive Energy Harvesting Device with Piezoelectric Film and Slip Ring for Tire Rotation

上海京明环境科技有限公司, SHANGHAI JINGMING ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021

Passive pressure-powered device for cars that harvests energy from tire rotation to provide an onboard power source. The device uses a piezoelectric rubber film sandwiched between a metal plate and the tire inner surface. As the tire rotates, pressure deforms the piezoelectric rubber to generate electricity. Wires connect to the metal plate and the piezoelectric film. A brush slip ring on the wheel hub connects the wires to an output device like a battery or electrical system. The slip ring allows the wires to rotate with the wheel. A ball bearing isolates the slip ring from the tire's rotation. A brush and brush holder contact the slip ring wires. A compression spring presses the brush against the slipping wires. This harvests rotational tire pressure to generate electricity that can power car electronics or lighting.

19. Wheel-Integrated Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Strain-Enhancing Substrate Geometry

TDK CORP, 2021

Energy harvester system for vehicle wheels that generates electrical power from the forces acting on the wheels during vehicle motion. The system uses piezoelectric components mounted on a substrate inside the wheel rim. The piezoelectric components convert the strain and deformation of the wheel due to forces like road contact and vehicle weight into electrical energy. The substrate provides geometry to increase distortion and energy generation. The harvester can be scaled to wheel sizes and power requirements.

20. Piezoelectric Power Generation Device with Tire-Integrated Stacks for Elastic Deformation Energy Conversion

UNIV ZHEJIANG NORMAL, ZHEJIANG NORMAL UNIVERSITY, 2020

A piezoelectric power generation device for electric vehicles that significantly increases their range by converting the potential energy of tire deformation into electrical energy during driving. The device has piezoelectric stacks sandwiched between the wheel tire and inner tube. As the tire compresses and deforms during driving, the piezoelectric stacks generate electricity. This harvested energy is filtered and stored in a capacitor before being sent to the vehicle battery. The piezoelectric stacks capture the elastic deformation energy of the tire that would otherwise be wasted during driving.

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21. Tire-Integrated Elastic Energy Conversion Device with Dual Module Configuration and Paddle-Driven Transmission System

22. Tire-Embedded Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester with Integrated Control Circuitry

23. Tire-Integrated Triboelectric Generator with Cavity-Based Actuation Mechanism

24. Tire with Multi-Layer Pressure Generating Module for Electrical Power Conversion

25. Rim-Integrated Piezoelectric Power Generation System with Tire-Embedded Layers

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