Devices and methods for overloading protection of piezoelectric material mounted on wheels

A wheel, comprising:

• a rim;
• and
• a sensor module mountable to the rim, the sensor module comprising:
• a first set of one or more piezoelectric sensors;
• a first elastic support with the first set of one or more piezoelectric sensors coupled thereon, wherein the first set of one or more piezoelectric sensors are coupled to a first surface of the first elastic support;
• and
• a base component onto which the first elastic support is coupled, the base component configured to mount to the rim of the wheel,
• wherein the first elastic support extends from the base component in an arc shape such that a second surface of the first elastic support contacts an inner surface of a tire while the sensor module and the tire are mounted to the rim of the wheel, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and
• wherein the first elastic support is configured to transfer mechanical strain from the tire to the set of piezoelectric sensors, the mechanical strain caused by deformation of the tire during operation of the wheel.

A method, comprising:

• mounting a sensor module to a rim of a wheel, wherein the sensor module comprises:
• a set of one or more piezoelectric sensors,
• an elastic support with the set of one or more piezoelectric sensors coupled thereon, wherein the set of one or more piezoelectric sensors are coupled to a first surface of the elastic support, and
• a base component onto which the elastic support is coupled, the base component configured to mount to the rim of the wheel, wherein the elastic support extends from the base component in an arc shape such that a second surface of the first elastic support contacts an inner surface of a tire while the sensor module and the tire are mounted to the rim of the wheel, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface;
• receiving a force on the tire mounted on the rim of the wheel, wherein the force causes deformation of the tire, and the deformation causes strain in the elastic support, which is transferred to the one or more piezoelectrical sensors;
• and
• in response to receiving the force, generating electrical signals from the one or more piezoelectric sensors.