CA1171496A - Vibrating transducer power supply for use in abnormal tire condition warning systems - Google Patents
Vibrating transducer power supply for use in abnormal tire condition warning systemsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1171496A CA1171496A CA000365499A CA365499A CA1171496A CA 1171496 A CA1171496 A CA 1171496A CA 000365499 A CA000365499 A CA 000365499A CA 365499 A CA365499 A CA 365499A CA 1171496 A CA1171496 A CA 1171496A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- tire
- housing
- power supply
- condition
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003981 vehicle Substances 0.000 description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 101150034533 ATIC gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming 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
- 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
- B60C23/0498—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device for rim attachments
- B60C23/04985—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device for rim attachments using straps surrounding the rims
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02N—ELECTRIC MACHINES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H02N2/00—Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction
- H02N2/18—Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction producing electrical output from mechanical input, e.g. generators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
- H10N30/30—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with mechanical input and electrical output, e.g. functioning as generators or sensors
- H10N30/304—Beam type
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
- H10N30/30—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with mechanical input and electrical output, e.g. functioning as generators or sensors
- H10N30/304—Beam type
- H10N30/306—Cantilevers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An abnormal tire condition warning system is disclosed for use in pneumatic tires. The self-contained device comprises a sensor, an electronic transmitter and a power supply. The power supply is a weighted, vibrating arm that has a piezoelectric transducer attached. Normal wheel vibrations cause the weighted arm to vibrate and flex, in turn causing the transducer to flex, thus producing electrical energy.
An abnormal tire condition warning system is disclosed for use in pneumatic tires. The self-contained device comprises a sensor, an electronic transmitter and a power supply. The power supply is a weighted, vibrating arm that has a piezoelectric transducer attached. Normal wheel vibrations cause the weighted arm to vibrate and flex, in turn causing the transducer to flex, thus producing electrical energy.
Description
1 1 7~
VIBRA'rlNG TRANSDUCER POWER SUPPLY
FOR USE IN ABNORMAl. TIRE CONDITION WARNING SYSTEMS
, , . _ . . _ _ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to abnormal tire condition warning systems and is more particularly directed to a vibrating - transducer power supply for use therewith. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has far broader applications.
Both over and under inflated conditlons for pneumatic tires ls a cause for e~cessive tire wear resultlng in premature tire -- failure. Moreover, such under and over inflated tire conditions can have an adverse effect on the efficiency o~ operation o~ the vehicle as to both vehicle performance or handling as well as vehicle gas mileage. Since such conditions and results have been well known for quite some time~ there have been many attempts to develop and provide means ~or automatically detecting and reporting themD
Recently) development efforts for a practical and inexpensive device have become more concentrated due to the rise in fuel and tire costs as well as vehicle operations costs in general.
While there have been quite a number of prior devlces developed and utilized for detecting tlre inflation conditions, all of these prior devices have had structural or operational - shortcomings rendering them undesirable or impractical for widespread use. While the specific prior devices have been many and varied, most have required special wiring and the like extending from the wheel assemblies to the vehicle chassis and then through the vehicle body to the instrument panel. Such wiring adds - undesired cost to the system and moreover, is extremely difficult and time consuming to install. Such installation time is particularly important when considered on the basis of installing the devices during original vehicle asse~bly for making them a part of the original vehicle equipment. Further, the necessary special wiring and associated equipment extending between the wheels and chassis are such that they are susceptible ~o damage or breakage from road materials, weathering and the like encountered during .
.
~ ?7~4~6 .. ...
normal vehicle use.
There have also been some prior attempts at developing a self-contained detector apparatus in an effort to eliminate the necessity for wiring and the like between the wheels and chassis, but these prior attempts still have not proved totally successful and effective. Specifically, these prior self-contained units have utilized small signal emitters such as a radio transmitter disposed at each wheel. These emitters transmit a slgnal such as a radio signal in response to some predetermined inflation conditlon detected in the tire by a sensing means. The signal is then received in the vehicle and utilized to energize a warning indicator or light ~o adv~se the vehicle operator that an over or under inflated tire condition is present l~lle generally overcoming the wiring problems, the means employed for powering the emitters has thus far proved to be unacceptable for practical widespread vehicle application.
Typically~ these power means have comprised small batteries associated with each wheel or other, rather exotic and complex circuitry. Batteries must, of courseJ be periodically replaced as their useful life expires and it is impossible to precisely determine the exten~ of this useful li~e as it w~ll vary between individual batteries and between individual manufacturers thereof.
Moreover, it has been generally found that many owners are extremely lax with regard to periodic vehicle maintenance. As a result, 25 owners would also simply forget or not take the time to properly check, maintain and replace these small batteries. Therefore, this type of self-contained detector would often be inoperative and, therefore, of no practical value or use. The other, rather exotic and complex clrcuitry had the disadvantage of being costly and ; 30 subject to damage or destruction during normal vehicle use.
Still another disadvantage with prior abnormal tire detecting and reporting devices or systems was that their effectiveness depended to a great degree on the rotational speed of the wheel itself. Thls fact was due to their very design and 35 construction such that the devices were really only effective at , . .
~ 1 71~9~
elevated vehlcle speeds and did not properly operate at normal city driying speeds. Moreover, many of the prior devices were only uni-directional and thus were only operative in one direction of rotation. Accordingly, such devices were limited to mounting on one side or the other of a vehicle.
Stlll another problem with the prlor devices of thls general type has been in the necessity for providing operative communication between stationary and rotating components. Because the devices are generally electrically operated, prior devices found it necessary to lnclude slip ring structures to operably interconnect the various components and such structures were found to be susceptible to damage or the like necessitatlng repair and/or replacement.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention ls to provide a new device for indicating the condition of a pneumatic tire.
Another object of the presen~ lnvention is to provlde a device that lndicates the condition of a pneu~atic tire and is simple in design, construction and installation.
Another object of the present invention i5 to provlde a fully self-contained device for indicating a condition of a pneumatic tire~
Stlll another object of the present invention is to provide a power supply that can be used in any system that has natural inherent vibratlons.
- BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a self~contained device ~or indicating some predetermined condition of a penumatic tire of the type used on an automobile.
The device includes a power supply which is comprised of a housing attached to the tire rim, an arm that is attached at one end to the housing, a weight attached to the other end of the arm, and a transducer attached to the arm such that normal wheel vibrations will cause the arm to vibrate thus flexing the transducer, thereby produclng electrical energyO This power supply energi~es the ~ 1 7I ~L96 ~, remainder oE the device such that the device can send an electronic signal to a monitoring device within the automobile.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention an electronic circuit which is powered from the above-mentioned power supply is provided for electronic processing of the abnormal condition signal from the sensor.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, an antenna is provlded for transmitting the electronic signal indicative of the abnormal signal to a monltoring de~ice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~IE DRA~INGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and , arrangements of parts, an embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a vehicle wheel assembly having the device of the present invention installed thereon;
Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view in partial cross-section of the device shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a vehicle wheel assembly having the device of the present invention installed in another configuration;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a vehicle wheel assemhly having the device of the - 25 present invention installed in yet another configuration;
Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevational view in partial cross-section of the vibrating transducer system in another configuration; and Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevational view in partial cross-section of the vibrating transducer system in yet another configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF TIIE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A description of the invention follows, referring to the - ~ Figures in which like reference numerals denote like elements of structure in each of the several Figures.
, ' ' ~' - .
~ ~71496 Referring now to the drawings, ehere is shown in Flgures 1 and 2 a housing 2, mounted on the inside of a wheel rim 4, by an attachment means such as bolt 6, and nut 8. The bolt 6 can be an inte~ral part of housing 2, such that the t:Lghtening of nut 8 secures the housing 2 to rim 4~ A rubber pad 10 is provided in order to for~ an airtight seal between the housing 2 and rim 4.
Also~ the surface 12 of housing 2 :Ls preferably curved and coneoured to match that of rlm 4. This aids in forming an airtight seal between the housing 2 and rim 4. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other methods of attaching housing
VIBRA'rlNG TRANSDUCER POWER SUPPLY
FOR USE IN ABNORMAl. TIRE CONDITION WARNING SYSTEMS
, , . _ . . _ _ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to abnormal tire condition warning systems and is more particularly directed to a vibrating - transducer power supply for use therewith. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has far broader applications.
Both over and under inflated conditlons for pneumatic tires ls a cause for e~cessive tire wear resultlng in premature tire -- failure. Moreover, such under and over inflated tire conditions can have an adverse effect on the efficiency o~ operation o~ the vehicle as to both vehicle performance or handling as well as vehicle gas mileage. Since such conditions and results have been well known for quite some time~ there have been many attempts to develop and provide means ~or automatically detecting and reporting themD
Recently) development efforts for a practical and inexpensive device have become more concentrated due to the rise in fuel and tire costs as well as vehicle operations costs in general.
While there have been quite a number of prior devlces developed and utilized for detecting tlre inflation conditions, all of these prior devices have had structural or operational - shortcomings rendering them undesirable or impractical for widespread use. While the specific prior devices have been many and varied, most have required special wiring and the like extending from the wheel assemblies to the vehicle chassis and then through the vehicle body to the instrument panel. Such wiring adds - undesired cost to the system and moreover, is extremely difficult and time consuming to install. Such installation time is particularly important when considered on the basis of installing the devices during original vehicle asse~bly for making them a part of the original vehicle equipment. Further, the necessary special wiring and associated equipment extending between the wheels and chassis are such that they are susceptible ~o damage or breakage from road materials, weathering and the like encountered during .
.
~ ?7~4~6 .. ...
normal vehicle use.
There have also been some prior attempts at developing a self-contained detector apparatus in an effort to eliminate the necessity for wiring and the like between the wheels and chassis, but these prior attempts still have not proved totally successful and effective. Specifically, these prior self-contained units have utilized small signal emitters such as a radio transmitter disposed at each wheel. These emitters transmit a slgnal such as a radio signal in response to some predetermined inflation conditlon detected in the tire by a sensing means. The signal is then received in the vehicle and utilized to energize a warning indicator or light ~o adv~se the vehicle operator that an over or under inflated tire condition is present l~lle generally overcoming the wiring problems, the means employed for powering the emitters has thus far proved to be unacceptable for practical widespread vehicle application.
Typically~ these power means have comprised small batteries associated with each wheel or other, rather exotic and complex circuitry. Batteries must, of courseJ be periodically replaced as their useful life expires and it is impossible to precisely determine the exten~ of this useful li~e as it w~ll vary between individual batteries and between individual manufacturers thereof.
Moreover, it has been generally found that many owners are extremely lax with regard to periodic vehicle maintenance. As a result, 25 owners would also simply forget or not take the time to properly check, maintain and replace these small batteries. Therefore, this type of self-contained detector would often be inoperative and, therefore, of no practical value or use. The other, rather exotic and complex clrcuitry had the disadvantage of being costly and ; 30 subject to damage or destruction during normal vehicle use.
Still another disadvantage with prior abnormal tire detecting and reporting devices or systems was that their effectiveness depended to a great degree on the rotational speed of the wheel itself. Thls fact was due to their very design and 35 construction such that the devices were really only effective at , . .
~ 1 71~9~
elevated vehlcle speeds and did not properly operate at normal city driying speeds. Moreover, many of the prior devices were only uni-directional and thus were only operative in one direction of rotation. Accordingly, such devices were limited to mounting on one side or the other of a vehicle.
Stlll another problem with the prlor devices of thls general type has been in the necessity for providing operative communication between stationary and rotating components. Because the devices are generally electrically operated, prior devices found it necessary to lnclude slip ring structures to operably interconnect the various components and such structures were found to be susceptible to damage or the like necessitatlng repair and/or replacement.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention ls to provide a new device for indicating the condition of a pneumatic tire.
Another object of the presen~ lnvention is to provlde a device that lndicates the condition of a pneu~atic tire and is simple in design, construction and installation.
Another object of the present invention i5 to provlde a fully self-contained device for indicating a condition of a pneumatic tire~
Stlll another object of the present invention is to provide a power supply that can be used in any system that has natural inherent vibratlons.
- BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a self~contained device ~or indicating some predetermined condition of a penumatic tire of the type used on an automobile.
The device includes a power supply which is comprised of a housing attached to the tire rim, an arm that is attached at one end to the housing, a weight attached to the other end of the arm, and a transducer attached to the arm such that normal wheel vibrations will cause the arm to vibrate thus flexing the transducer, thereby produclng electrical energyO This power supply energi~es the ~ 1 7I ~L96 ~, remainder oE the device such that the device can send an electronic signal to a monitoring device within the automobile.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention an electronic circuit which is powered from the above-mentioned power supply is provided for electronic processing of the abnormal condition signal from the sensor.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, an antenna is provlded for transmitting the electronic signal indicative of the abnormal signal to a monltoring de~ice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~IE DRA~INGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and , arrangements of parts, an embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a vehicle wheel assembly having the device of the present invention installed thereon;
Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view in partial cross-section of the device shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a vehicle wheel assembly having the device of the present invention installed in another configuration;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a vehicle wheel assemhly having the device of the - 25 present invention installed in yet another configuration;
Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevational view in partial cross-section of the vibrating transducer system in another configuration; and Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevational view in partial cross-section of the vibrating transducer system in yet another configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF TIIE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A description of the invention follows, referring to the - ~ Figures in which like reference numerals denote like elements of structure in each of the several Figures.
, ' ' ~' - .
~ ~71496 Referring now to the drawings, ehere is shown in Flgures 1 and 2 a housing 2, mounted on the inside of a wheel rim 4, by an attachment means such as bolt 6, and nut 8. The bolt 6 can be an inte~ral part of housing 2, such that the t:Lghtening of nut 8 secures the housing 2 to rim 4~ A rubber pad 10 is provided in order to for~ an airtight seal between the housing 2 and rim 4.
Also~ the surface 12 of housing 2 :Ls preferably curved and coneoured to match that of rlm 4. This aids in forming an airtight seal between the housing 2 and rim 4. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other methods of attaching housing
2 to wheel rim 4 such as shown in Figure 4 wherein housing 2 is fixedly attached by means of a band 9. Band 9 may take the form of any known adjustable type construction described.
In both Eigures 1 and 4 housing 2 is fixedly mounted on the rim 4 such ~hat the housing 2 i6 within the cavity of the pneumatic tire 14.
A sensor 16 i5 provided to sense an abnormal condition within tire 14. The sensor 16 is mounted on the outsid~ of ~housing 2 such that a condition within tire 14 can be detected. An electronic circui~ 18, located within housing 2, is eiectrically connected to the sensor 16 by wires 20. The electronic circuit 18 processes the signal from the sensor 16 and ~hen transmits a signal lndicative of the sensed condition by way of antenna 22 to a monitoring device, not shown. Electronic circuit 18 is preferably - 25 of the type described in Canadian Patent No. 1,136,242 issued November 23, 1982 to David Betts and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention. It is contemplated that the sensor 16 will shunt out the voltage generated by the vibrating transducer system 24 ; when the condition is within acceptable limits. When the condition falls outside the acceptable limits, the voltage generated by system 24 will pass to electronic circuit 18. The voltage passed will be used to charge a capacitor. When the capacitor charge reaches a ~ ~ .
171~96 .
specific level, a counter will begln counting tlle transducer pulses.
When the counter reaches a predetermined count, a signal will then be transmitted to a monitoring device. The monitoring device is a receiver located within the interior of the vehicle and can be equipped with a warning light9 a warning buzzer or an analog indicator. The antenna 22 will preferably take the form of a wire that can be molded into the housing itself for added durability or can be moun~ed on the electronic circuit board, not shown.
Referring to Figure 2, the electric energy to power ~he electronic circuit 1~ is generated by the vibrating transducer 9ystem 24. The vibrating transducer system 24 comprises an arm 26, fixedly attached at one end to housing 2 by bracket 28, a weight 30 attached to arm -~ 26 at the free end and transducer 32 is fixedly attached to arm 26.
In normal operation o~ the vehicle, the tire is ~ubject to natural vibrations such as wheel'hop and the like as well as road conditions. Wheel hop is an inherent oscillation that occurs in'all motor vehicles. Since a wheel system is designed to try and smooth the vehicle ride by use of springs and shock absorbers9 the wheel has a tendency to hop even on smooth roads. It has been found that~ 0 a wheel hop of approximately~rHZ occurs in a typical passenger ~
vehicle. These vibrations will cause the arm to vibrate, thus l~21-19 causing the transducer 32 to flex. Transducer 32 will preferably be ; a piezoelectric element. This type of transducer is well kno~n in the art. A piezoelestric transducer converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The type of piezoelectric contemplated by the present invention would preferably be a double layer piezoelectric that is polarized in opposite directions and electrically connected in series. The voltage generated by the piezoelectric element will then be the sum of the individual layer outputs. It is this generated voltage that is used to power electronic circuit 18. The energy produced from vibrating transducer system 24 is passed to - electr'onic circuit 18 via wires 34.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art9 the electronic clrcuit 18 can process the condition signal from sensor ; ' .
:
,, , : ' :
1 t7~496 16 in many different ways. For example, tlle electronlc clrcult 18 ,nay transmit a si~nal only when the conditLon ln the cavlty exceeds some predetermined level. By way of another example, the circuit 18A
may trans~it a continuous signal indlcatlve of the ca~lty conditlon.
The type of signal transmitted may also be quite varied. For example, the electronic circuit 1B may transmit a coded, digital signal or it may transmit a basic FM or AM signal. Different methods of transmitting an abnormal condition signal are described in the aforementioned Canadian Patent and in Canadian Patent No.
1,145,829 to D. Betts, R Sobecks and R. Green issued M~y 3, 1983.
Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which housing 2 is~mounted externally to the cavity of tire 14.
The sensor 16 is then mounted such that it can sense the cavity condition.
Figures 5 and 6 show two alternative methods of mountlng the vibrating transducer system 24. Referring to Figure 5, arm 26 is fixedly attached at both ends by rigid support 28a. The piezoelectric 32 is attached to arm 26 between the supports 2~a.
The weight 30a is attached to piezoelectric 32 at approximately half way between supports 28a such that wheel vibrations will cause the arm 26 to ~ibrate? thus causing the piezoelectric 32 to flex.
Referring to F~gure 69 piezoelectric 32 is attached to arm 26~
Piezoelectric 32 is then mounted in rigid support member 28b such that the piezoelectric 32 and arm 26 protrude outwardly therefrom.
Weigh~s 30b ars then fixedly attached to the ends of arm 26 sùch ! that wheel vibrations will cause arm 26 to vibrate, thus causing the piezoelectric 32 to flex. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other methods of mounting the vibrating transducer system. The three ways described are only given by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventlon.
The use of the vibrating transducer power supply is not limited to use in tire condition warning systems. Any system that ~ ~71~9~
--8~
is subject to vibrations can use this type of power supply. Also, a system can be designed that generates mechanical vibrations in the ` arm that would, in turn, generate electrical power. Such a system could comprise a mechanical spring or oscillator that would vibrate S the arm. This type of system would yield a portable power supply that would be small, compact, reliable and permit versatility for in-the-field uses.
In operation the syst~em of the present invention continuously monitors the conditlon of the vehicle's pneumatic tires while the vehi-cle is in motion. As the vehicle wheels are put in motion, vibrations in the wheels are caused by road conditions and 7 natural wheel hop. These vibrations cause the housing fixedly attached to the to the wheel rim to vibrate which, in turn, produces flexing of the welghted transducer assembly. That is, the weighted arm 26 of the vibrating transducer system ~4 will vibrate thus causing transducer 32 to flex, thus transforming the mechanical energy caused by the wheel vlbrations into electrical energy. It is this electrical energy that provides power for the remainder of the device. Preferably, the electrical energy produced by the vibrating transducer system 2~ will be shunted out until an abnormal condition occurs. At such time9 the energy produced will pass to the electronic circuit 18 so that it can be processed. A signal will then be transmitted to a monltoring device located within the passenger compartment which is indicative of the abnormal sensed condition.
Thls invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding of this specification. Such modifications include the sensing of tire pressure, tire temperature, etc. The intention is to include all such modifications and alteratioDs insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalent ~hereof.
`
In both Eigures 1 and 4 housing 2 is fixedly mounted on the rim 4 such ~hat the housing 2 i6 within the cavity of the pneumatic tire 14.
A sensor 16 i5 provided to sense an abnormal condition within tire 14. The sensor 16 is mounted on the outsid~ of ~housing 2 such that a condition within tire 14 can be detected. An electronic circui~ 18, located within housing 2, is eiectrically connected to the sensor 16 by wires 20. The electronic circuit 18 processes the signal from the sensor 16 and ~hen transmits a signal lndicative of the sensed condition by way of antenna 22 to a monitoring device, not shown. Electronic circuit 18 is preferably - 25 of the type described in Canadian Patent No. 1,136,242 issued November 23, 1982 to David Betts and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention. It is contemplated that the sensor 16 will shunt out the voltage generated by the vibrating transducer system 24 ; when the condition is within acceptable limits. When the condition falls outside the acceptable limits, the voltage generated by system 24 will pass to electronic circuit 18. The voltage passed will be used to charge a capacitor. When the capacitor charge reaches a ~ ~ .
171~96 .
specific level, a counter will begln counting tlle transducer pulses.
When the counter reaches a predetermined count, a signal will then be transmitted to a monitoring device. The monitoring device is a receiver located within the interior of the vehicle and can be equipped with a warning light9 a warning buzzer or an analog indicator. The antenna 22 will preferably take the form of a wire that can be molded into the housing itself for added durability or can be moun~ed on the electronic circuit board, not shown.
Referring to Figure 2, the electric energy to power ~he electronic circuit 1~ is generated by the vibrating transducer 9ystem 24. The vibrating transducer system 24 comprises an arm 26, fixedly attached at one end to housing 2 by bracket 28, a weight 30 attached to arm -~ 26 at the free end and transducer 32 is fixedly attached to arm 26.
In normal operation o~ the vehicle, the tire is ~ubject to natural vibrations such as wheel'hop and the like as well as road conditions. Wheel hop is an inherent oscillation that occurs in'all motor vehicles. Since a wheel system is designed to try and smooth the vehicle ride by use of springs and shock absorbers9 the wheel has a tendency to hop even on smooth roads. It has been found that~ 0 a wheel hop of approximately~rHZ occurs in a typical passenger ~
vehicle. These vibrations will cause the arm to vibrate, thus l~21-19 causing the transducer 32 to flex. Transducer 32 will preferably be ; a piezoelectric element. This type of transducer is well kno~n in the art. A piezoelestric transducer converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The type of piezoelectric contemplated by the present invention would preferably be a double layer piezoelectric that is polarized in opposite directions and electrically connected in series. The voltage generated by the piezoelectric element will then be the sum of the individual layer outputs. It is this generated voltage that is used to power electronic circuit 18. The energy produced from vibrating transducer system 24 is passed to - electr'onic circuit 18 via wires 34.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art9 the electronic clrcuit 18 can process the condition signal from sensor ; ' .
:
,, , : ' :
1 t7~496 16 in many different ways. For example, tlle electronlc clrcult 18 ,nay transmit a si~nal only when the conditLon ln the cavlty exceeds some predetermined level. By way of another example, the circuit 18A
may trans~it a continuous signal indlcatlve of the ca~lty conditlon.
The type of signal transmitted may also be quite varied. For example, the electronic circuit 1B may transmit a coded, digital signal or it may transmit a basic FM or AM signal. Different methods of transmitting an abnormal condition signal are described in the aforementioned Canadian Patent and in Canadian Patent No.
1,145,829 to D. Betts, R Sobecks and R. Green issued M~y 3, 1983.
Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which housing 2 is~mounted externally to the cavity of tire 14.
The sensor 16 is then mounted such that it can sense the cavity condition.
Figures 5 and 6 show two alternative methods of mountlng the vibrating transducer system 24. Referring to Figure 5, arm 26 is fixedly attached at both ends by rigid support 28a. The piezoelectric 32 is attached to arm 26 between the supports 2~a.
The weight 30a is attached to piezoelectric 32 at approximately half way between supports 28a such that wheel vibrations will cause the arm 26 to ~ibrate? thus causing the piezoelectric 32 to flex.
Referring to F~gure 69 piezoelectric 32 is attached to arm 26~
Piezoelectric 32 is then mounted in rigid support member 28b such that the piezoelectric 32 and arm 26 protrude outwardly therefrom.
Weigh~s 30b ars then fixedly attached to the ends of arm 26 sùch ! that wheel vibrations will cause arm 26 to vibrate, thus causing the piezoelectric 32 to flex. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other methods of mounting the vibrating transducer system. The three ways described are only given by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventlon.
The use of the vibrating transducer power supply is not limited to use in tire condition warning systems. Any system that ~ ~71~9~
--8~
is subject to vibrations can use this type of power supply. Also, a system can be designed that generates mechanical vibrations in the ` arm that would, in turn, generate electrical power. Such a system could comprise a mechanical spring or oscillator that would vibrate S the arm. This type of system would yield a portable power supply that would be small, compact, reliable and permit versatility for in-the-field uses.
In operation the syst~em of the present invention continuously monitors the conditlon of the vehicle's pneumatic tires while the vehi-cle is in motion. As the vehicle wheels are put in motion, vibrations in the wheels are caused by road conditions and 7 natural wheel hop. These vibrations cause the housing fixedly attached to the to the wheel rim to vibrate which, in turn, produces flexing of the welghted transducer assembly. That is, the weighted arm 26 of the vibrating transducer system ~4 will vibrate thus causing transducer 32 to flex, thus transforming the mechanical energy caused by the wheel vlbrations into electrical energy. It is this electrical energy that provides power for the remainder of the device. Preferably, the electrical energy produced by the vibrating transducer system 2~ will be shunted out until an abnormal condition occurs. At such time9 the energy produced will pass to the electronic circuit 18 so that it can be processed. A signal will then be transmitted to a monltoring device located within the passenger compartment which is indicative of the abnormal sensed condition.
Thls invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding of this specification. Such modifications include the sensing of tire pressure, tire temperature, etc. The intention is to include all such modifications and alteratioDs insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalent ~hereof.
`
Claims (8)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A power supply for use in an abnormal tire condition sensing device of the type that requires electrical power to send an electronic signal to a monitoring device wherein the tire rim is subject to wheel vibrations, said power supply comprising:
a housing fixedly attached to said tire rim;
an arm fixedly attached to said housing such that said arm is rendered vibratable when said tire rim vibrates;
a weight means secured to said arm; and a transducer means piezoelectrically responsive in the flexure mode and fixedly attached to said arm such that electrical energy will be generated when said tire rim vibrates, said arm vibrating and said weight means flexing said arm.
a housing fixedly attached to said tire rim;
an arm fixedly attached to said housing such that said arm is rendered vibratable when said tire rim vibrates;
a weight means secured to said arm; and a transducer means piezoelectrically responsive in the flexure mode and fixedly attached to said arm such that electrical energy will be generated when said tire rim vibrates, said arm vibrating and said weight means flexing said arm.
2. The power supply as defined in Claim 1 wherein said transducer means is a double piezoelectric layer oppositely polarized and wired electrically in series.
3. A device for sensing the abnormal condition of a pneumatic tire preferably of the type used on an automobile wherein said tire is mounted on a tire rim and said tire is subject to normal wheel vibrations, said device comprising:
a housing;
a fastening means for fixedly attaching said housing to said tire rim;
sensing means fixedly attached to said housing for continuously monitoring a condition within the tire and for generating a signal indicative of said condition;
electronic means located within said housing and operatively connected to said sensing means for electro-nically processing the signal from said sensing means and for generating a transmission signal, antenna means located within said housing and opera-tively connected to said electronic means for transmitting the transmission signal indicative of the tire condition, power supply means located within said housing and operatively connected to said electronic means, said power supply means further comprising an arm fixedly attached to said housing such that said arm is rendered vibratable when said wheel vibrations occur, weight means fixedly attached to said arm such that said arm will flex when said wheel vibrates, and a transducer means piezoelectrically responsive in the flexure mode and fixedly attached to said arm such that electrical energy will be generated when said arm flexes, thus producing power for said electronic means; and receiving means that receives the transmitted signal and indicates the condition of the tire.
a housing;
a fastening means for fixedly attaching said housing to said tire rim;
sensing means fixedly attached to said housing for continuously monitoring a condition within the tire and for generating a signal indicative of said condition;
electronic means located within said housing and operatively connected to said sensing means for electro-nically processing the signal from said sensing means and for generating a transmission signal, antenna means located within said housing and opera-tively connected to said electronic means for transmitting the transmission signal indicative of the tire condition, power supply means located within said housing and operatively connected to said electronic means, said power supply means further comprising an arm fixedly attached to said housing such that said arm is rendered vibratable when said wheel vibrations occur, weight means fixedly attached to said arm such that said arm will flex when said wheel vibrates, and a transducer means piezoelectrically responsive in the flexure mode and fixedly attached to said arm such that electrical energy will be generated when said arm flexes, thus producing power for said electronic means; and receiving means that receives the transmitted signal and indicates the condition of the tire.
4. The device as defined in Claim 3 wherein said transducer means is a double piezoelectric layer wired in series.
5. The device as defined in Claim 3 wherein said housing is located within the tire.
6. The device as defined in Claim 3 wherein said sensing means senses pressure.
7. The device as defined in Claim 3 wherein said sensing means senses temperature.
8. The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said antenna is molded into the housing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US9764679A | 1979-11-27 | 1979-11-27 | |
| US06/097,646 | 1979-11-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1171496A true CA1171496A (en) | 1984-07-24 |
Family
ID=22264454
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000365499A Expired CA1171496A (en) | 1979-11-27 | 1980-11-26 | Vibrating transducer power supply for use in abnormal tire condition warning systems |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS56124504A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU536679B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8007769A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1171496A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3044149A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES497199A0 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2470474B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2064883B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1128636B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8008255L (en) |
Families Citing this family (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4510484A (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1985-04-09 | Imperial Clevite Inc. | Piezoelectric reed power supply for use in abnormal tire condition warning systems |
| US6252336B1 (en) * | 1999-11-08 | 2001-06-26 | Cts Corporation | Combined piezoelectric silent alarm/battery charger |
| US6739729B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2004-05-25 | The Boeing Company | Composite backed prestressed mirror for solar facet |
| TW520332B (en) * | 2000-09-02 | 2003-02-11 | Lite On Automotive Corp | Status sensor of inflated automobile tire |
| JP4627108B2 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2011-02-09 | 株式会社ブリヂストン | Intelligent tire system, power generator and tire wheel |
| US6771007B2 (en) | 2002-04-17 | 2004-08-03 | The Boeing Company | Vibration induced perpetual energy resource |
| GB0222680D0 (en) | 2002-10-01 | 2002-11-06 | Haswell Moulding Technologies | Power generation |
| US6858970B2 (en) | 2002-10-21 | 2005-02-22 | The Boeing Company | Multi-frequency piezoelectric energy harvester |
| US6994762B2 (en) | 2003-02-10 | 2006-02-07 | The Boeing Company | Single crystal piezo (SCP) apparatus and method of forming same |
| JP4186813B2 (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2008-11-26 | 株式会社デンソー | Tire pressure detector |
| DE10359990B4 (en) | 2003-12-19 | 2006-11-16 | Enocean Gmbh | Energy converters arranged on rotating elements for the conversion of mechanical into electrical energy |
| KR100555659B1 (en) * | 2003-12-22 | 2006-03-03 | 삼성전자주식회사 | self power-generated sensing module and tire pressure monitoring system using the same |
| US6952955B1 (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2005-10-11 | Lear Corporation | Adjustable mounting of tire monitoring assembly |
| US7138623B2 (en) | 2004-12-13 | 2006-11-21 | Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. | Power transfer device with contactless optical encoder and color reflective surface |
| DE102005000996A1 (en) * | 2005-01-07 | 2006-07-20 | Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg | Tire module and pneumatic tire with tire module |
| GB2425160B (en) | 2005-04-12 | 2010-11-17 | Perpetuum Ltd | An Electromechanical Generator for, and method of, Converting Mechanical Vibrational Energy into Electrical Energy |
| DE102007006994A1 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2008-02-14 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | circuit module |
| DE102007001361A1 (en) * | 2007-01-09 | 2008-07-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Energy generating device for a tire sensor module |
| WO2011062307A1 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2011-05-26 | 주식회사 도시환경이엔지 | Generator apparatus for a vehicle |
| FI123941B (en) * | 2010-09-07 | 2013-12-31 | Murata Electronics Oy | Structure and method of energy collection |
| CN103888021B (en) * | 2014-02-26 | 2015-10-28 | 浙江大学 | Based on energy collecting system and the method for tyre valve |
| JP7270590B2 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2023-05-10 | 財團法人工業技術研究院 | self-powered detection transmitter |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB824126A (en) * | 1955-08-31 | 1959-11-25 | John Frederick Wood | Improvements in or relating to alternating current power sources |
| US3113223A (en) * | 1960-07-27 | 1963-12-03 | Space Technology Lab Inc | Bender-type accelerometer |
| US3239678A (en) * | 1961-03-01 | 1966-03-08 | Sonus Corp | Piezoelectric power system |
| US3786413A (en) * | 1972-01-13 | 1974-01-15 | Sperry Rand Corp | Vehicle tire condition monitor system |
| JPS4940284U (en) * | 1972-07-06 | 1974-04-09 | ||
| US4163208A (en) * | 1975-12-18 | 1979-07-31 | Merz Ernest J | Automatic wireless tire pressure monitoring system |
| JPS52110682A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1977-09-16 | Konsorideetetsudo Furaitoueizu | Method of and apparatus for measuring air pressure in pneumatic tire |
| CA1145829A (en) * | 1979-04-30 | 1983-05-03 | Robert C. Green | Digitally encoded abnormal tire condition indicating system |
| US4210898A (en) * | 1979-04-30 | 1980-07-01 | Gould Inc. | Low tire warning system |
-
1980
- 1980-11-17 AU AU64444/80A patent/AU536679B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1980-11-24 DE DE19803044149 patent/DE3044149A1/en active Granted
- 1980-11-25 IT IT50230/80A patent/IT1128636B/en active
- 1980-11-25 JP JP16475380A patent/JPS56124504A/en active Granted
- 1980-11-25 GB GB8037760A patent/GB2064883B/en not_active Expired
- 1980-11-26 CA CA000365499A patent/CA1171496A/en not_active Expired
- 1980-11-26 SE SE8008255A patent/SE8008255L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1980-11-26 FR FR8025051A patent/FR2470474B1/en not_active Expired
- 1980-11-27 ES ES497199A patent/ES497199A0/en active Granted
- 1980-11-27 BR BR8007769A patent/BR8007769A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT1128636B (en) | 1986-05-28 |
| ES8201898A1 (en) | 1982-01-16 |
| BR8007769A (en) | 1981-06-09 |
| GB2064883A (en) | 1981-06-17 |
| SE8008255L (en) | 1981-05-28 |
| AU6444480A (en) | 1981-12-24 |
| GB2064883B (en) | 1983-07-13 |
| JPH029964B2 (en) | 1990-03-06 |
| JPS56124504A (en) | 1981-09-30 |
| ES497199A0 (en) | 1982-01-16 |
| FR2470474A1 (en) | 1981-05-29 |
| IT8050230A0 (en) | 1980-11-25 |
| AU536679B2 (en) | 1984-05-17 |
| DE3044149C2 (en) | 1992-01-30 |
| DE3044149A1 (en) | 1981-08-27 |
| FR2470474B1 (en) | 1985-08-30 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |