EP1851074A4 - Systeme et procede de reduction des vibrations dans un pneu - Google Patents
Systeme et procede de reduction des vibrations dans un pneuInfo
- Publication number
- EP1851074A4 EP1851074A4 EP05714001A EP05714001A EP1851074A4 EP 1851074 A4 EP1851074 A4 EP 1851074A4 EP 05714001 A EP05714001 A EP 05714001A EP 05714001 A EP05714001 A EP 05714001A EP 1851074 A4 EP1851074 A4 EP 1851074A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dielectric elastomer
- tire
- dielectric
- portions
- tire assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 229920002595 Dielectric elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 170
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000206 photolithography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000007650 screen-printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
- B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
- B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
- B60C23/0408—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
- B60C23/041—Means for supplying power to the signal- transmitting means on the wheel
- B60C23/0411—Piezoelectric generators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C19/00—Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
- B60C19/002—Noise damping elements provided in the tyre structure or attached thereto, e.g. in the tyre interior
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
- B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
- B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
- B60C23/0491—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device
- B60C23/0493—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device for attachment on the tyre
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F15/00—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
- F16F15/005—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion using electro- or magnetostrictive actuation means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/40—Type of actuator
- B60G2202/42—Electric actuator
- B60G2202/424—Electric actuator electrostrictive materials, e.g. piezoelectric actuator
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2401/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
- B60G2401/11—Electrostrictive transducers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
- B60G2500/20—Spring action or springs
- B60G2500/22—Spring constant
Definitions
- TITLE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REDUCING VIBRATION IN A TIRE
- the present invention generally concerns a system and method for reducing vibration in a tire or corresponding wheel assembly. More particularly, exemplary technology is provided for disrupting the cavity resonance of a tire, adjusting sidewall stiffness of a tire, and controlling tire performance by affecting the size of a tire's contact patch.
- a rotating tire acts as a cavity resonator.
- a portion of a tire's mechanical energy will be converted into resonance vibrations at particular vehicle speeds.
- This phenomenon may be of particular concern for tire assemblies since resonance vibrations can often propagate with less attenuation than energy in other vibrational modes.
- resonant energy levels can be attenuated and physical vibrations can be lessened.
- aspects of the present subject matter address the presently disclosed concerns and others related to the occurrence of vibrational energy in tire and wheel assemblies and offer improved methods for reducing such vibration.
- Such methods and others utilize dielelectric elastomer configurations integrated with a tire or wheel assembly, as will be described in detail in the remainder of this application.
- Dielectric elastomer materials are employed as actuator devices to adjust the cavity resonance characteristics of a tire.
- Such a dielectric elastomer corresponds to a portion of elastomer material with first and second electrodes fashioned on opposing sides of the elastomer.
- Application of a controlled voltage to the electrodes will yield a proportional amount of deformation, and thus mechanical actuation, within the dielectric elastomer.
- the disclosed dielectric elastomer materials are provided with significant design versatility due to their unique electrode configurations.
- the elastomer material can be formed in sheets, folded sheets, rolled cords, or other configurations and customized for integration in a variety of particular mounting environments.
- Another advantage of the present technology is that the disclosed dielectric elastomer material can be utilized to disrupt the cavity resonance of a tire, thus reducing tire vibrations. Reduction of tire vibrations can reduce the temperature within a tire and the noise generated by a tire assembly. Reduced vibrations can also prolong the life of a tire and increase levels of relative driver comfort.
- a still further advantage of the present subject matter is that the disclosed dielectric elastomer actuators can be used to affect sidewall stiffness, and thus certain performance characteristics, of a tire. Control of sidewall deflection provides the ability to increase a tire's contact patch to improve traction or to decrease a tire's contact patch to reduce rolling resistance and improve overall fuel efficiency.
- a tire assembly with integrated features for adjusting the cavity resonance of a tire includes a pneumatic tire structure, a dielectric elastomer actuator configuration and a charge source.
- the pneumatic tire structure is characterized by a crown having an exterior tread portion for making contact with a ground surface, bead portions for seating the tire to a wheel rim, sidewall portions extending between each bead portion and the crown, and interior crown and sidewall surfaces.
- the dielectric elastomer actuator configuration is integrated at selected locations along the interior crown and sidewall surfaces of the tire structure and includes at least one dielectric elastomer portion.
- the dielectric elastomer portion includes a layer of elastomeric material provided with first and second opposing electrodes on opposing surfaces thereof.
- the charge source is coupled to selected of the first and second opposing electrodes of the dielectric elastomer actuator configuration for selectively applying voltage to the at least one dielectric elastomer portion and thus being capable of adjusting the effective surface area of the at least one dielectric elastomer portion.
- the dielectric elastomer actuator configuration includes two rubber plates that may provide an open or completely encased enclosure for a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions attached between the rubber plates.
- the width between rubber plates can be adjusted by selective application of voltage levels to the dielectric elastomer portions.
- Yet another dielectric elastomer actuator configuration corresponds to one or more integrated dielectric elastomer sheets formed to define a volumetric region having a variable volume dependent on the level of electric charge applied to the one or more dielectric elastomer sheets.
- a still further dielectric elastomer actuator configuration corresponds to a plurality of dielectric elastomer cords attached between selected opposing interior sidewall surfaces of a tire structure.
- Dielectric elastomer portions may correspond in some embodiments to single sheets, folded sheets, pleated sheets or to rolled cords.
- a microcontroller may be coupled to the charge source and configured to monitor and regulate the amount of voltage applied from the charge source to the at least one dielectric elastomer portion.
- a condition-responsive device e.g., sensor, etc.
- a condition-responsive device may also be coupled to the microcontroller and configured to sense a predetermined characteristic associated with the tire structure (e.g., temperature, pressure, vibrational or noise levels, etc.). Monitored levels of such characteristics help regulate the variable amount of voltage to be applied from the charge source to the at least one dielectric elastomer portion.
- a vehicle operator may also provide input via a user input interface to manually control the levels of applied voltage to effect certain desired levels of vehicle performance.
- Another embodiment of the present subject matter corresponds to a method of adjusting the cavity resonance of a tire and includes such steps as providing at least one dielectric elastomer portion along selected interior surfaces of a tire structure, monitoring at least one predetermined characteristic associated with the tire structure (e.g., temperature, pressure, vibration, noise), and selectively applying electric charge to the at least one dielectric elastomer portion.
- the amount of electric charge applied is dependent on the monitored levels of the at least one predetermined characteristic and the amount of charge applied determines an amount of mechanical deflection of the at least one dielectric elastomer portion resulting in adjustment of the resonance characteristics of the tire structure.
- the step of providing at least one dielectric elastomer portion may more particularly correspond to providing such exemplary dielectric elastomer actuator configurations as previously mentioned above.
- a still further embodiment of the present subject matter corresponds to a tire assembly with integrated features for adjusting tire sidewall stiffness and for harvesting electrical energy.
- a tire assembly may include a pneumtic tire structure as previously described, a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions and at least one energy storage device.
- the plurality of dielectric elastomer portions are attached between selected interior surfaces of the pneumatic tire structure and each includes a layer of elastomeric material provided with first and second electrodes on opposing surfaces thereof.
- Such portions may be rolled to form dielectric elastomer cords in one embodiment.
- the dielectric elastomer portions are adapted to generate electrical energy upon the application of mechanical forces and to experience mechanical deformation upon the application of electrical energy.
- the at least one energy storage device coupled to the plurality of dielectric elastomer portions is configured to store selected amounts of electrical energy generated by the dielectric elastomer portions and to act as a charge source from which voltage may be applied when variable levels of mechanical deformation are desired.
- Figure 1 provides a generally cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary pneumatic tire structure and dielectric elastomer actuator configuration, namely a configuration with dielectric elastomer portions provided between two rubber plates, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 2 A provides a perspective view of the dielectric elastomer actuator configuration of Figure 1;
- Figure 2B provides a plan representation of an exemplary dielectric elastomer cord from the dielectric elastomer actuator configurations of Figures 1 and 2A depicting cord positions with and without charge applied thereto;
- Figures 3A through 3D respectively illustrate various different configurations of a dielectric elastomer portion in accordance with the presently disclosed technology, namely single sheet, folded sheet, pleated sheet, and rolled sheet configurations;
- Figure 4 provides a generally cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary pneumatic tire structure and dielectric elastomer actuator configuration, namely a variable volume cavity formed of dielectric elastomer portions, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 5 provides a perspective representation of the exemplary variable volume cavity of Figure 4 depicting exemplary positions of the dielectric elastomer portions with and without charge applied thereto;
- Figure 6 provides a generally cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary pneumatic tire structure and dielectric elastomer actuator configuration, namely a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions configured to adjust the sidewall stiffness of a tire structure as well as harvest electrical energy therefrom, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 7 provides a block diagram representation of exemplary electronics components for interfacing with a dielectric elastomer actuator in accordance with select embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS 1 , 2A and 2B respectively illustrate aspects of a first tire assembly embodiment with a pneumatic tire structure and an incorporated dielectric elastomer actuator configuration for adjusting tire resonance properties.
- the first embodiment includes a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions provided between two parallel rubber plates.
- Aspects of a second exemplary tire assembly are depicted in Figures 4 and 5 and include a variable volume cavity made of integrated portions of dielectric elastomer sheets suitable for incorporation with an inner surface of a pneumatic tire structure.
- Figure 6 illustrates a still further embodiment of a dielectric elastomer actuator configuration integrated with a pneumatic tire structure.
- the embodiment of Figure 6 includes a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions attached at various inner sidewall locations of a tire.
- Such a configuration of dielectric elastomer portions can be utilized to adjust the sidewall stiffness and corresponding contact patch size of a tire as well as to harvest electrical energy created by mechanical deformation of the dielectric elastomer portions.
- Various exemplary configurations for the dielectric elastomer portions including sheets, folded sheets, pleated sheets and rolled cords, are illustrated in Figures 3A through 3D respectively.
- Exemplary circuitry components for interfacing with the dielectric elastomer actuators of the present technology are discussed with reference to Figure 7.
- Tire assembly 10 is configured with features for adjusting the cavity resonance of a pneumatic tire structure 12 by an integrated dielectric elastomer actuator configuration 14.
- Tire structure 12 is typically characterized by a crown 16 which supports an exterior tread portion 18 and sidewalls 20 that extend to bead portions 22.
- Tire beads 22 are generally provided such that the tire structure 12 can be effectively seated to the rim of a wheel assembly.
- An inner liner of air-impermeable material forms the interior surface of the tire, including interior crown surface 24 and interior sidewall surfaces 26.
- a carcass extends between beads 22 across sidewall portions 20 and crown 16, and under inflation pressure defines the tire's shape and transmits forces for traction and steering.
- Belt package 21 is provided within tire structure 12 generally along the crown 16.
- FIG. 2A A more detailed view of dielectric elastomer actuator configuration 14 is provided in Figure 2A.
- Exemplary actuator configuration 14 includes a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions 30 provided between a generally parallel pair of rubber plates 32. The disruption of cavity resonance of a tire structure 12 with which the actuator configuration is incorporated is made possible by adjusting the width 34 between rubber plates 32. Width 34 is adjusted by selective application of a charge source (voltage level) to the dielectric elastomer portions 30.
- Figure 2B depicts one such dielectric elastomer portion 30 in different positional states.
- the dielectric elastomer portion provided in position 30a (represented by solid lines) is exemplary of such portion without charge applied and the same portion provided in position 30b (represented by dashed lines) is exemplary of such portion with a predetermined amount of charge applied thereto.
- Dielectric elastomer portions 30 may correspond to a variety of different configurations, some of which are illustrated in Figures 3 A through 3D, respectively.
- Each of the various forms of dielectric elastomer portions 30 as illustrated herein generally comprise a relatively thin layer of insulating (dielectric) elastomeric polymer material 36 provided between two electrode layers 38 formed on opposing surfaces of the elastomeric layer 36.
- the electrode layers 38 are preferably formed of a relatively stretchable (compliant) material, such as graphite, carbon black or other appropriate material that is applied to the elastomeric layer by spraying, screen printing, photolithography or the like.
- Dielectric elastomer portion 30 may correspond to a single sheet configuration as depicted in Figure 3A, a folded sheet configuration as illustrated in Figure 3B, a pleated sheet configuration as in the exploded view of Figure 3 C or a sheet rolled into a cord configuration as represented in Figure 3D.
- Figures 3B through 3D more surface area of the dielectric elastomer material is provided in a smaller volume, thus yielding a greater potential for mechanical deformation of the material than with the single sheet configuration of Figure 3 A.
- additional configurations are also possible. As such, the scope of the present subject matter should not be limited to the specific configurations presented herein.
- the principles of operation of the dielectric elastomer actuators are based on properties of the elastomeric material 36 that cause it to deform due to Maxwell's forces between the electrodes 38.
- a voltage difference is applied to the dielectric elastomer actuator, positive charges appear on one electrode while negative charges appear on the other. These charges attract each other causing a pressure to be exerted between the electrodes, thus pushing the electrodes together extending the surface area of the dielectric elastomer portion in its plane of operation.
- Additional aspects of exemplary dielectric elastomers as may be utilized in embodiments of the present invention may be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,545,384 (Pelrine et al.), and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2002/0130673 (Pelrine et al.), which are both incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- one or more of the rubber plates 32 of actuator configuration 14 may be adhered to an inner surface of tire structure 12, such as to interior crown surface 24.
- This location is generally well- suited for purposes of the present technology, although it should be appreciated that actuator configuration 14 may also be mounted to a location such as an interior sidewall surface 26. Further, actuator configuration 14 could be mounted and cured within tire structure 12, for example, between the carcass and inner liner provided along surfaces 24 and/or 26. In accordance with the variety of possible locations for actuator configuration 14, it should be understood that the term "integrated" generally encompasses all possible locations, including being mounted on or in a tire structure.
- actuator 14 is facilitated by choosing a material for rubber plates 32 that is compatible for curing with the material(s) of tire structure 12. Attaching the dielectric elastomer portions 30 to the rubber plates 32 of actuator 14 is also facilitated since the outer electrodes of the elastomer portions 30 may be made of a graphite or carbon black material compatible with the rubbers often utilized in tire structure 12 and rubber plates 32. Although not illustrated in Figures 1 and 2A, it should be appreciated that some embodiments of actuator configuration 14 may correspond to dielectric elastomer portions 30 completely encased in a rubber package as opposed to being provided between opposing plates.
- the tire assembly 10 of Figures 1 and 2 A is provided with dielectric elastomer actuator configuration 14 that is adapted to provide adjustable cavity resonance when pneumatic tire structure 12 attains undesirable vibrational modes during operation.
- One or more characteristics of the tire structure 12 and corresponding tire performance e.g., temperature, pressure, vibration or noise levels, etc.
- the width between rubber plates 32 of actuator configuration 14 may be selectively adjusted to optimize one or more of the characteristics. If resonant modes of the mechanical tire system 10 can be changed, more vibrational energy will be attenuated and there will be less noise, heat and vibration apparent to a vehicle operator. Such results will help to prolong tire life and add to overall comfort and performance of a vehicle. Additional details of exemplary circuitry for interfacing with actuator configuration 14 to more effectively monitor and control the operation thereof will be discussed later with respect to Figure 7.
- tire assembly 10' of Figure 4 Yet another exemplary embodiment of a tire assembly with integrated features for adjusting the resonance characteristics of a tire is embodied by tire assembly 10' of Figure 4.
- Tire assembly 10' includes a pneumatic tire structure 12 as previously defined in Figure 1 and with similar features represented by like reference numerals.
- a dielectric elastomer actuator configuration 40 is provided as a variable volume cavity. By adjusting the volume of the configuration 40, resonant modes of a tire can be dampened when they near undesirable levels. This is similar in principle to the actuator configuration of Figure 1, although quite different in overall form.
- Dielectric elastomer actuator configuration 40 includes a plurality of dielectric elastomer sheets 42 (each similar in configuration to the dielectric elastomer portion illustrated in Figure 3A) that are fastened together to form a three-dimensional cavity.
- the variable volume cavity may or may not have a bottom surface and is integrated with an interior surface of tire structure 12. Such integration may be as previously described with the integration of actuator configuration 14.
- Figure 5 also illustrates how the volume formed by actuator configuration 40 can change positions, thus providing an example of its variable volume capabilities.
- Actuator configuration at an exemplary position 40a illustrates the configuration with no charge applied to the dielectric elastomer sheets
- position 40b illustrates the configuration when a charge is applied to one or more of the dielectric elastomer portions.
- tire assembly 10 includes a pneumatic tire structure 12 with similar portions as previously described with respect to Figure 1.
- a dielectric elastomer actuator configuration 50 includes a plurality of dielectric elastomer portions 52 that are attached between predetermined distal locations on the inner surface of tire structure 12. In one embodiment, respective ends of each dielectric elastomer portion 52 are attached to opposing sidewall surfaces of tire structure 12.
- dielectric elastomer portions 52 correspond to dielectric elastomer cords formed from rolled sheets of dielectric elastomer material (such as depicted in Figure 3D), although other dielectric elastomer configurations may also be employed.
- the actuator configuration 50 By attaching dielectric elastomer portions 52 between opposing sidewall surfaces, the actuator configuration 50 not only allows for disruption of the cavity resonance of tire structure 12, but also is adapted to adjust the sidewall stiffness of the tire. The ability to affect tire sidewall stiffness enables many aspects of tire performance to simultaneously be affected. Adjustment of sidewall stiffness can affect such characteristics as the amount of air pressure in the tire, the comfort level during vehicle operation, the contact patch size of the tire, etc.
- the size of the contact patch could be made wider thus improving tire traction.
- the size of the contact patch could be made narrower to reduce rolling resistance and improve overall fuel efficiency. Toggling between one or more contact patch sizes may be made possible by interfaced electronics and selectable user options.
- the dielectric elastomer actuator illustrated in Figure 7 may correspond to any of the exemplary configurations 14, 40 or 50 as already described.
- One or more electrodes of each distinct dielectric elastomer portion in dielectric elastomer actuator 14/40/50 is preferably coupled to a charge source 54 that provides a voltage level to the respective dielectric elastomer portions.
- Charge source 54 may correspond to a variety of different devices, including a battery, rechargeable capacitor, or piezoelectric structure configured to generate electric charge upon mechanical movement of a tire assembly. In some embodiments, a combination of the aforementioned exemplary charge sources may be utilized.
- a piezoelectric structure could generate electric charge that is then stored in a rechargeable capacitor and then selectively applied to the actuator 14/40/50.
- a battery could be utilized as the charge source from which voltages may be selectively applied to actuator 14/40/50.
- the amount of charge applied to actuator 14/40/50 from charge source 54 may be controlled by a microcontroller 56.
- Microcontroller 56 may determine the amount of charge based on inputs received from one or more condition-responsive devices 58.
- Condition-responsive device 58 may correspond to a sensor, acoustic wave device, or other electronic component whose output varies depending on changes in input conditions.
- Condition-responsive device 58 may be adapted to sense such characteristics as tire temperature, pressure, vibrational or noise levels, etc.
- microcontroller 56 communicates with charge source 54 such that an appropriate level of voltage is automatically applied to the dielectric elastomer portions of actuator 14/40/50 to optimize the measured characteristics.
- Microcontroller 56 may be preprogrammed to perform certain predetermined adjustments to the level of charge applied by charge source 54 to actuator 14/40/50 or may be configured to operate based on selective user input. When user inputs are available (such as via user input interface 60), those inputs may select the voltage levels applied from charge source 54 or may set the levels of readings from condition- responsive device 58 that warrant selective application of charge by microcontroller 56.
- User input interface 60 may correspond to an interface as simple as a toggle switch or to a peripheral computer by which the user can enter information for programming the microcontroller 56.
- dielectric elastomer configurations are utilized not only to provide selective actuation, but also to harvest electrical energy from the dielectric elastomer configurations.
- Dielectric elastomer portions of the disclosed actuator configurations convert applied electrical forces to resultant mechanical forces.
- dielectric elastomers are typically capable of functioning as transducers that are also capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Since a tire structure will undergo a substantial amount of mechanical vibrations during vehicle operation, those mechanical vibrations can cause mechanical deformation of the dielectric elastomer portions integrated within the tire structure.
- an energy storage device 62 may be provided to collect generated charge therein.
- the charge stored in energy storage device 62 may then be utilized in conjunction with or as a replacement for charge source 52 from which to selectively apply voltage to the actuators 14/40/50.
- the power from energy storage device 62 may also be used to power such components as microcontroller 56.
- both such components can be coupled to microcontroller 56 so that the voltage levels applied to dielectric elastomer actuator 14/40/50 can be regulated.
- energy storage device 62 may correspond to an electrolytic capacitor, although other types of capacitors including super capacitors and others may be utilized.
- Other exemplary energy storage devices may correspond to rechatrgeable batteries.
- Supplemental power harvesting circuitry (not illustrated) may also be provided in conjunction with energy storage device 62 to yield a conditioned power source for interfacing with certain other electronic components. It should be appreciated that the variety and type of electronic components that may be coupled to the circuitry represented in Figure 7 may be quite diverse, and the present subject matter should not be limited to only those components disclosed herein.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Tires In General (AREA)
Abstract
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/US2005/005831 WO2006093479A1 (fr) | 2005-02-24 | 2005-02-24 | Systeme et procede de reduction des vibrations dans un pneu |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1851074A1 EP1851074A1 (fr) | 2007-11-07 |
EP1851074A4 true EP1851074A4 (fr) | 2009-05-13 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP05714001A Withdrawn EP1851074A4 (fr) | 2005-02-24 | 2005-02-24 | Systeme et procede de reduction des vibrations dans un pneu |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP1851074A4 (fr) |
JP (1) | JP2008531373A (fr) |
CN (1) | CN101084126A (fr) |
TW (1) | TW200637741A (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2006093479A1 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (11)
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DE102006048769A1 (de) * | 2006-10-12 | 2008-04-17 | Daubner & Stommel Gbr Bau-Werk-Planung | Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Anpassung von Reifen eines Fortbewegungsmittels an gegebene Fahrsituationen |
FR2911733B1 (fr) * | 2007-01-22 | 2009-02-20 | Siemens Vdo Automotive Sas | Generateur electrique utilisant un polymere electroactif |
CN101252327B (zh) * | 2008-04-11 | 2010-06-09 | 哈尔滨工业大学 | 半球形介电弹性体驱动器的制造方法 |
FR2931548B1 (fr) * | 2008-05-26 | 2010-06-18 | Continental Automotive France | Procede de determination de la hauteur de caisse d'un vehicule automobile |
CN101550029A (zh) * | 2009-04-30 | 2009-10-07 | 北京科技大学 | 一种石墨电极功能陶瓷器件及其制备方法 |
US9944126B2 (en) * | 2015-01-26 | 2018-04-17 | Paccar Inc | Fuel efficiency system for a vehicle |
JP6617666B2 (ja) * | 2016-09-07 | 2019-12-11 | 株式会社デンソー | タイヤマウントセンサ |
CN110198850A (zh) * | 2016-12-12 | 2019-09-03 | 普利司通美国轮胎运营有限责任公司 | 用于轮胎的调谐减振器 |
KR101887809B1 (ko) * | 2017-05-11 | 2018-08-10 | 한국타이어 주식회사 | 접촉대전 자가발전모듈을 포함하는 타이어 |
JPWO2019107309A1 (ja) * | 2017-11-28 | 2020-12-17 | 正毅 千葉 | 誘電エラストマー駆動センサシステムおよびシート |
CN109167530B (zh) * | 2018-09-20 | 2020-06-05 | 北京中石伟业科技股份有限公司 | 一种可低电压驱动的介电弹性体驱动器及其制备方法、换能器 |
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IT998462B (it) * | 1973-08-23 | 1976-01-20 | Pirelli | Cerchio per pneumatici con trasduttore di segnali |
US6882086B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2005-04-19 | Sri International | Variable stiffness electroactive polymer systems |
DE60229028D1 (de) * | 2001-07-10 | 2008-11-06 | Michelin Soc Tech | Eine Messeinrichtung beinhaltender Reifen |
US6725713B2 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2004-04-27 | Michelin & Recherche Et Technique S.A. | System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials |
BR0215784B1 (pt) * | 2002-06-28 | 2013-06-04 | sistema e unidade màvel para detectar pelo menos um parÂmetro caracterÍstico de um pneumÁtico montado em um veÍculo, e, roda de veÍculo. |
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2005
- 2005-02-24 EP EP05714001A patent/EP1851074A4/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-02-24 CN CNA200580042252XA patent/CN101084126A/zh active Pending
- 2005-02-24 JP JP2007557002A patent/JP2008531373A/ja not_active Abandoned
- 2005-02-24 WO PCT/US2005/005831 patent/WO2006093479A1/fr active Application Filing
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2006
- 2006-01-12 TW TW095101230A patent/TW200637741A/zh unknown
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2006093479A1 (fr) | 2006-09-08 |
EP1851074A1 (fr) | 2007-11-07 |
TW200637741A (en) | 2006-11-01 |
CN101084126A (zh) | 2007-12-05 |
JP2008531373A (ja) | 2008-08-14 |
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