Devices and methods for piezoelectric sensing and energy harvesting on wheels

Abstract

Sensor modules mountable on a wheel are described with methods of use. A sensor module for a wheel includes a base module mountable to a rim. The sensor module further includes a first set of piezoelectric sensors coupled to the base module at a first side and a second set of piezoelectric sensors coupled to the base module at a second side. A method includes receiving a first force from a tire on a piezoelectric sensor mounted on a rim, the force resulting from an inflation of the tire and causing a first strain on the sensor. The method further includes receiving a second force on the sensor corresponding to a deformation of the tire due to surface contact, where the second force causes a second strain. The method also includes generating wheel data from electrical signals produced by the sensor; and transmitting the wheel data to a remote device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.