Ambient energy harvesting using piezoelectric transducers
is becoming popular to provide power for small
microelectronics devices. The deflection of tires during rotation
is an example of the source of energy for electric power
generation. This generated power can be used to feed tire selfpowering
sensors for bicycles, cars, trucks, and airplanes. The
aim of this study is to optimize the energy efficiency of a
rainbow shape piezoelectric transducer mounted on the inner
layer of a pneumatic tire for providing enough power for
microelectronics devices required to monitor tires. For this aim
a rainbow shape piezoelectric transducer is adjusted with the
tire dimensions and excited based on the car speed and strain.
The geometry and load resistance effects of the piezoelectric
transducer is optimized using Multiphysics modeling and finite
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3D printed graphene-based self-powered strain sensors for smart tires in autonomous vehicles
The transition of autonomous vehicles into fleets requires an advanced control system design that relies on continuous feedback from the tires. Smart tires enable continuous monitoring of dynamic parameters by combining strain sensing with traditional tire functions. Here, we provide breakthrough in this direction by demonstrating tire-integrated system that combines direct mask-less 3D printed strain gauges, flexible piezoelectric energy harvester for powering the sensors and secure wireless data transfer electronics, and machine learning for predictive data analysis. Ink of graphene based material was designed to directly print strain sensor for measuring tire-road interactions under varying driving speeds, normal load, and tire pressure. A secure wireless data transfer hardware powered by a piezoelectric patch is implemented to demonstrate self-powered sensing and wireless communication capability. Combined, this study significantly advances the design and fabrication of cost-effective smart tires by demonstrating practical self-powered wireless strain sensing capability.
more » « less- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10199272
- Publisher / Repository:
- Nature Publishing Group
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Nature Communications
- Volume:
- 11
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2041-1723
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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