Patent Description:
It has become increasingly common to place electronic sensors, and other electronic devices, within vehicle tires and wheels. For example, these may include sensors to monitor tire pressure, tire temperature, the presence of a foreign object, or the like. Providing electric power to these electronic sensors and devices is often difficult. First, batteries within the tire/wheel configured to power these objects typically have a shorter-than-desired life, or are too large and heavy to be practically installed within the tire/wheel. Second, it is difficult to run wires from a power source external to the tire and wheel assembly because the tire and wheel assembly rotates relative to the vehicle, and the tire requires an air-tight seal with the wheel to maintain inflation pressure within the tire.

However, many vehicles, including hybrid and electric vehicles, generate power at or near the wheels of the vehicle. At least a portion of this generated power may be directed to the aforementioned electronic sensors or other electronic devices within the tire. One example of such power generation is the regenerative braking within vehicles to capture energy while decelerating. Typically, these vehicles utilize some of the power generated in regenerative braking to charge the vehicle batteries, but not all of the energy can be used to charge the batteries due to limits to the rate of charging the batteries. As a result, the energy generated via regenerative braking that exceeds the charging rate of the vehicle's battery is often bled off through large resistors, and thus wasted. Rather than waste this excess energy, one may be able to harness it and direct it to the aforementioned electronic sensors or other electronic devices contained within the vehicle's wheel or tire.

What is needed is a system and method for directing energy (excess or otherwise) to an electronic sensor or other electronic device contained within the vehicle's wheel or tire. Systems according to the state of the art are known, from instance, from documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The need expressed above is solved by a system according to claim <NUM>. Preferred aspects are set forth in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, a system for powering an electronic device within a vehicle tire is provided, the system comprising: an electrical energy generator electrically connected to an electrically conductive vehicle wheel, the vehicle tire being mounted upon the vehicle wheel; the vehicle tire including a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of shoulders, a tread oriented in a tread region, and an inner surface; at least one conductive element extending from at least one of the pair of bead portions, and in contact with the inner surface along at least one of the pair of sidewalls, along at least one of the pair of shoulders, and terminating in the tread region; at least one electronic device within the vehicle tire; and at least one ground path extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein the at least one electronic device is electrically connected to the at least one conductive element and the at least one ground path.

In another embodiment, a system for powering an electronic device within a vehicle tire is provided, the system comprising: an electrical energy generator electrically connected to an electrically conductive vehicle wheel, the vehicle tire being mounted upon the vehicle wheel; the vehicle tire including a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of shoulders, a tread oriented in a tread region, and an inner surface; at least one conductive element extending from at least one of the pair of bead portions, and in contact with the inner surface along at least one of the pair of sidewalls, along at least one of the pair of shoulders, and terminating in the tread region; at least one electronic device within the vehicle tire; and at least one ground path extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; wherein the at least one electronic device is electrically connected to the at least one conductive element and the at least one ground path, and wherein the at least one conductive element is a conductive rubber material oriented in a strip, extending radially from at least one of the pair of bead portions, in contact with the inner surface, and terminating in the tread region.

In one embodiment, a vehicle tire with an electronic device oriented on its inner surface is provided, the tire comprising: a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of shoulders, and a tread oriented in a tread region; at least one conductive element extending from at least one of the pair of bead portions, and in contact with the inner surface along at least one of the pair of sidewalls, along at least one of the pair of shoulders, and terminating in the tread region; at least one electronic device contacting the inner surface; and at least one ground path extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire from the inner surface to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread; and wherein the at least one electronic device is electrically connected to the at least one conductive element and the at least one ground path.

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example embodiments, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a schematic showing a flow of energy in a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device <NUM>. System <NUM> includes an electrical energy generator <NUM>.

Generator <NUM> may be any device capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generator <NUM> may be a regenerative braking motor, which may essentially be a DC motor that creates resistance to rotating its motor shaft when run in reverse (during braking), which reverse rotation generates electrical power in the motor. Generator <NUM> may include a coil and a magnet, one of which is oriented on a wheel hub <NUM>, wheel <NUM>, or tire <NUM> as further described below. By rotating or otherwise moving an electric coil relative to a magnet, an electrical current may be created in the coil, which current may be directed to an electrical device or electrical storage component.

Generator <NUM> may be operatively connected to wheel hub <NUM> (see <FIG>). Wheel hub <NUM> may be an assembly, including a hub unit and hub bearing, which for ease of reference herein is collectively referred to as a wheel hub.

It should be understood that a wheel hub <NUM> for a drive wheel may be different from a non-drive wheel. That is, a wheel hub for a drive wheel may be configured to bolt to the wheel on one end, and attach to the end of an axle on the other end, with the axle and the wheel rotating together with a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio. A bearing may be oriented on the wheel hub and connected to a holding bracket on a vehicle chassis, which fixes the wheel to the chassis to maintain the wheel within its desired motion constraints. Where generator <NUM> is a regenerative breaking motor, that wheel is likely a drive wheel and the axle may be a motor shaft (in the case of a direct drive system) or an output shaft of a transmission (in the case of a gear drive system).

On the other hand, a wheel hub for a non-drive wheel may attach to a wheel on one side, but may not attach to a drive axle. Rather, the wheel hub may attach to a generator configured to generate electricity by the rotation of the wheel, or be operatively connected to a device that generates electricity (for example, a wheel hub may include a coil or magnet that rotates or otherwise moves relative to a corresponding magnet or coil fixed in a stationary position on the vehicle chassis or body adjacent thereto). For a non-drive wheel, a bearing in the wheel hub may be connected to a holding bracket on a vehicle chassis as described above.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, a generator including a coil and magnet rotating or otherwise moving relative to one another, may be fixed directly to the wheel <NUM> in order to generate electricity to be passed directly into wheel <NUM>.

In both <FIG> and <FIG>, system <NUM> directs a flow of current through vehicle components. That is, electricity is generated in generator <NUM>, directed into hub <NUM>, and then into wheel <NUM> (<FIG>). Alternatively, electricity is generated in generator <NUM>, and directed directly into wheel <NUM>, bypassing hub <NUM> (<FIG>). In either version of system <NUM>, the components shown in system <NUM> are electrically conductive or have been modified to be electrically conductive. That is, hub <NUM> is metallic and via its interface with the vehicle's axle and the vehicle's wheel, electricity can be passed through hub <NUM> into wheel <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> is likewise metallic, and as such, electricity can be passed through wheel <NUM> into a tire <NUM>. Tires are typically formed from a plurality of materials, much of which is a rubber and often electrically insulative. However, as described further below, tire <NUM> can be modified to permit the passage of electrical current through or along tire <NUM>. The electrical current, having been passed from generator <NUM> and ultimately through wheel <NUM> (whether through or around hub <NUM>) and through or along a portion of tire <NUM>, is directed to an electricity storage device <NUM>.

The electricity of the current may be stored in electricity storage device <NUM>. As electricity storage device <NUM> has a regular source of electrical current to maintain or restore its power capacity, device <NUM> may be smaller and lighter than an electricity storage device utilized in systems that do not provide electrical current to the electricity storage device, but rather require the electricity storage device to maintain a power capacity for a longer duration, such as between specified vehicle maintenance intervals.

Storage device <NUM> may be any of a variety of devices configured to store electricity until it is desired to be discharged. For example, storage device <NUM> may be a battery, a capacitor, and the like.

Storage device <NUM> may be a battery operating at any of a variety of voltages as required to power electronic device <NUM>. For example, storage device <NUM> may be a battery having a voltage between about <NUM> V and <NUM> V. Storage device <NUM> may be a battery having any of a variety of storage capacities as required to power electronic device <NUM>. For example, storage device <NUM> may be a battery having a storage capacity of about <NUM> mAh.

Storage device <NUM> may provide electricity to electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> may be any of a variety of electronic devices that may be desirable within tire <NUM>. For example, electronic device <NUM> may be a sensor to monitor at least one of: tire pressure, tire temperature, the presence of a foreign object in tire <NUM>, or the like. Electronic device <NUM> may have any of a variety of voltage and/or wattage requirements to operate. For example, electronic device <NUM> may require wattage input on the order of <NUM> of watts. Electronic device <NUM> may require wattage input of less than <NUM> watts. Electronic device <NUM> may require wattage input of less than <NUM> watts. Electronic device <NUM> may require wattage input of less than <NUM> watts. Electronic device <NUM> may require wattage input of less than <NUM> watts.

During charging of storage device <NUM> with electricity, any excess electricity that either exceeds the storage limit of storage device <NUM>, or exceeds the charging rate of storage device <NUM>, is directed out of tire <NUM> to ground <NUM>. Conductive pathways may be included, or utilized, within tire <NUM> to allow for the flow of electricity as described above, and will be described further below.

System <NUM> may include one or more resistor within system <NUM> for the purpose of reducing the voltage supplied from generator <NUM> to a desired voltage for storage in electricity storage device <NUM>. System <NUM> may include one or more resistor within system <NUM> for the purpose of reducing the voltage supplied from generator <NUM> to a desired voltage for use in powering electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device in a tire <NUM>. System <NUM> may include a wheel hub <NUM>, a wheel <NUM>, and a tire <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> may include a plurality of lug holes <NUM>. Lug holes <NUM> may accept lugs (threaded fasteners, not shown) extending between wheel hub <NUM> and wheel <NUM>, through lug holes <NUM>. The lugs may be secured with lug nuts (not shown), thus removably fixing wheel <NUM> to wheel hub <NUM>. Where electrical current passes from wheel hub <NUM> to wheel <NUM>, current may pass through a direct physical contact between wheel hub <NUM> and wheel <NUM>, through the physical contact between at least two of wheel hub <NUM>, lugs, lug holes <NUM>, and lug nuts, or both. It should be understood that wheel hub <NUM> may directly physically contact wheel <NUM>. However, one or both of wheel hub <NUM> and wheel <NUM> may be coated with a paint or sealer, and thus contact between the two may not permit the flow of electricity (as the coatings are typically not electrically conductive, and thus electrically insulate one or both of the two). Accordingly, while wheel hub <NUM> and wheel <NUM> may directly physically contact one another, this contact may not result in an electrical contact, and electrical contact may take place through the physical contact between the lugs, lug holes <NUM>, and lug nuts, which may include uncoated mating surfaces. Alternatively, at least one of lug holes <NUM> may be defined by an annular wall that includes a conductive area, similar to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described in more detail below.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tire <NUM> may contact ground <NUM>. Ground <NUM> may be any surface upon which tire <NUM> travels which is connected to the earth, including for example, a roadway. Tire <NUM> will contact ground <NUM> at least in its contact patch (the flat area of a tire created when the tire rests upon a surface under loading). Thus, as described further below, a ground path in tire <NUM> will be oriented in a portion of the tire's tread that is oriented in the contact patch of tire <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device in a tire <NUM>. System <NUM> may include a generator <NUM> in the form of an electric motor driving axles <NUM>. The electric motor may be a DC motor, which, when run in reverse during braking, acts as a generator. Axles <NUM> may connect to wheel hubs <NUM>. Wheel hubs <NUM> connect to wheels <NUM>, upon which tires <NUM> are mounted. Axles <NUM>, hubs <NUM>, and wheels <NUM> are metallic and electrically conductive. As such, electricity generated by generator <NUM> may be fed into axles <NUM>, and travel through hubs <NUM> and into wheels <NUM>. From wheels <NUM>, the electricity may travel through conductive elements and/or conductive metallic belts in tires <NUM> to an electricity storage device and/or electronic device oriented within tire <NUM>. Thus, a conductive pathway exists from generator <NUM> to an electricity storage device and/or electronic device contained within tire <NUM>. Generator <NUM>, axles <NUM>, wheel hub <NUM>, and wheels <NUM>, may be electrically isolated from other components of the vehicle or ground. Tire <NUM> may be electrically connected to ground, and otherwise electrically isolated with the exception of tire <NUM>'s electrical connection to wheels <NUM>. In this manner, an electrical circuit is created through the aforementioned components from generator <NUM> to ground (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>), thus allowing an electrical current to pass through the circuit.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device in a tire <NUM>. The system includes a wheel <NUM> upon which tire <NUM> is mounted, wheel <NUM> being operatively connected to an axle <NUM>. A generator <NUM> may be operatively connected to wheel <NUM>. Generator <NUM> may be rotationally connected to wheel <NUM>. Generator <NUM> may generate electricity by rotation of generator <NUM>, rotation of wheel <NUM>, or both relative to one another. For example, generator <NUM> may have a central shaft (not shown) about which is mounted an eccentric mass, such that as wheel <NUM> rotates, the eccentric mass rotates. Generator <NUM> may include a magnet or a coil attached to the central shaft, the eccentric mass, or wheel <NUM>, such that one of the coil and magnet rotates with the eccentric mass, while the other of the coil and the magnet does not rotate with the eccentric mass. The result may be the generation of electricity within generator <NUM>. This electricity may be fed through wheel <NUM> and into tire <NUM> to power electricity storage devices and electrical devices, as described further below.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device in a tire <NUM>. The system includes a wheel <NUM> upon which tire <NUM> is mounted, wheel <NUM> being operatively connected to an axle <NUM>.

A generator <NUM> may be operatively connected to wheel <NUM> through a wheel hub <NUM>. Generator <NUM> may be rotationally isolated from wheel <NUM>, such that generator <NUM> does not rotate while wheel <NUM> rotates. Generator <NUM> may include a coil.

A magnet <NUM> may be connected to wheel <NUM>, and rotate with wheel <NUM> about generator <NUM>, thus generating an electrical current through a coil contained within generator <NUM>. This electricity may be fed through wheel hub <NUM> to wheel <NUM> and into tire <NUM> to power electricity storage devices and electrical devices, as described further below.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device in a tire <NUM>. The system includes a wheel <NUM> upon which tire <NUM> is mounted, wheel <NUM> being operatively connected to an axle <NUM> via a wheel hub <NUM>.

A generator <NUM> may be operatively connected to wheel <NUM> through axle <NUM>'s engagement of a wheel hub <NUM>. Generator <NUM> may be a DC electric motor, which when run in reverse during regenerative braking, creates an electric current. This electricity may be fed through axle <NUM>, to wheel hub <NUM>, to wheel <NUM>, and into tire <NUM> to power electricity storage devices and electrical devices, as described further below.

A generator (not shown) may be operatively connected to wheel <NUM> through axle <NUM>. The generator may be a DC electric motor, which when run in reverse during regenerative braking, creates an electric current. This electricity may be fed into a current sending element <NUM>, which is electrically connected to a current receiving element <NUM> of wheel <NUM> through a brush <NUM>. Current sending element <NUM> may be connected to the vehicle body, chassis, or an otherwise stationary and non-rotating object on the vehicle. Current receiving element <NUM> may be an integral, annular, raised portion of wheel <NUM>. Current receiving element <NUM> may be an annulus connected to wheel <NUM>, physically, electrically, or both. Both current sending element <NUM> and current receiving element <NUM> are electrically conductive. Brush <NUM> is electrically conductive. Brush <NUM> may be connected to current sending element <NUM> and may slide, roll, or otherwise translate along a surface of current receiving element <NUM>.

As current receiving element <NUM> is connected to wheel <NUM>, current receiving element <NUM> rotates with wheel <NUM>. Current sending element <NUM> may be stationary, and may be attached to the vehicle chassis. Thus, current receiving element <NUM> rotates relative to current sending element <NUM>, and brush <NUM> provides an electrically conductive connection between these elements even when one rotates relative to the other.

Accordingly, electricity may be fed through current sending element <NUM>, through brush <NUM> to current receiving element <NUM>, to wheel <NUM>, and into tire <NUM> to power electricity storage devices and electrical devices, as described further below.

A generator (not shown) may be operatively connected to wheel <NUM> through axle <NUM>. The generator may be a DC electric motor, which when run in reverse during regenerative braking, creates an electric current. This electricity may be fed into a current sending element <NUM>, which is electrically connected to a current receiving element <NUM> of wheel <NUM> through a brush <NUM>. Current sending element <NUM> may be connected to wheel hub <NUM>, and may be rotationally stationary relative to wheel <NUM> and current receiving element <NUM>. Current receiving element <NUM> may be an integral, annular, raised portion of wheel <NUM>. Current receiving element <NUM> may be connected to wheel <NUM>, physically, electrically, or both. Both current sending element <NUM> and current receiving element <NUM> are electrically conductive. Brush <NUM> is electrically conductive. Brush <NUM> may be connected to current sending element <NUM> and may slide, roll, or otherwise translate along a surface of current receiving element <NUM>. Alternatively, brush <NUM> may be connected to current receiving element <NUM> and may slide, roll, or otherwise translate along a surface of current sending element <NUM>.

As current receiving element <NUM> is connected to wheel <NUM>, current receiving element <NUM> rotates with wheel <NUM>. Current sending element <NUM> may be stationary, and may be attached to wheel hub <NUM>. Thus, current receiving element <NUM> rotates relative to current sending element <NUM>, and brush <NUM> provides an electrically conductive connection between these elements even when one rotates relative to the other.

<FIG> illustrates a wheel <NUM> having a pair of rim lips <NUM> on the axially outer edges of a barrel <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> may be made from an electrically conductive material, including for example aluminum or steel. Additionally, wheel <NUM> may be coated in an electrically conductive material, such as chrome plating. Where wheel <NUM> is made from an uncoated electrically conductive material, or coated in an electrically conductive material, wheel <NUM> may transmit an electric current therethrough from a hub, axle, or directly from a generator, as described above. This current may be conducted into a tire through conductive elements and/or conductive metallic belts, as further described below.

<FIG> illustrates a wheel <NUM> having a pair of rim lips <NUM> on the axially outer edges of a barrel <NUM>. At least one of the rim lips <NUM> includes a conductive area <NUM>.

Often, wheels such as wheel <NUM> may be coated in a paint or other coatings that are non-conductive. These coatings are primarily intended to preserve wheel <NUM> and protect it from the elements to avoid corrosion and/or oxidation, simplify cleaning of the wheel, and the like. In such a case, electricity may not be able to pass into wheel <NUM> as readily as it would wheel <NUM>, as the coating may electrically insulate wheel <NUM>.

Typically, the process of mounting wheel <NUM> on a vehicle, which includes inserting lugs from the wheel hub into the lug holes (such as lug holes <NUM> described above) of wheel <NUM> and thereafter applying lug nuts to the lugs, rubs or scratches and removes the coating in the area of the lug holes enough to allow an electrical current to pass into wheel <NUM> from the wheel hub at that point. This is due to the high pressure metal-on-metal contact involved in bolting wheel <NUM> to the wheel hub. However, in mounting the tire to wheel <NUM>, the tire does not rub or scratch the coating from rip lips <NUM> enough to allow an electrical coating to pass from wheel <NUM> into the tire at that point.

When mounting a tire to wheel <NUM>, the bead of the tire, and more specifically the bead seat and bead heel, engage rim lips <NUM>. The inflation pressure of the tire drives the beads axially outward into contact with rim lips <NUM>, while the bead wire within the tire bead limits the diameter of the bead, causing the tire to fit tightly against rim lips <NUM>.

In order to ensure that conductive elements oriented in the bead seat and/or bead heel region of the tire are able to make electrical contact with an uncoated portion of wheel <NUM>, at least one rim lip <NUM> may include a partially-circumferential or completely-circumferential conductive area <NUM>. Conductive area <NUM> may be an area where a non-conductive coating of wheel <NUM> has been removed from rim lip <NUM>. Optionally, a conductive coating may be placed over the portion of rim lip <NUM> in which the non-conductive coating was removed, to aid in corrosion and oxidation resistance in wheel <NUM>. The conductive coating may include a paint or grease having increased conductivity via the introduction of conductive elements, such as metallic flake or carbon elements.

Wheel <NUM> may be used with a tire having a conductive element that is oriented at a single point circumferentially on the tire, such as conductive element <NUM> of tire <NUM>, described further below. Where conductive area <NUM> is completely circumferential about wheel <NUM>, the angular alignment of a tire relative to wheel <NUM> is not important, as conductive element <NUM> will contact conductive area <NUM> regardless of the angular alignment.

Where conductive area <NUM> is partially circumferential about wheel <NUM>, the angular alignment of a tire relative to wheel <NUM> must be properly oriented, as conductive element <NUM> will contact conductive area <NUM> only in a specific angular alignment, or range of angular alignment corresponding to the circumferential length of the partially circumferential conductive area <NUM>. In such an embodiment, tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> may have markings or other indicators that may be identified by an individual installing tire <NUM> on wheel <NUM> to facilitate proper angular alignment of tire <NUM> on wheel <NUM> to ensure contact between conductive element <NUM> with conductive area <NUM>.

Similarly, where wheel <NUM> only include a conductive area <NUM> on one of its rim lips <NUM>, wheel <NUM> may include a marking or other indicator on wheel <NUM> to enable an individual installing a tire on wheel <NUM> to determine which rim lip <NUM> contains conductive area <NUM>. A tire, such as tire <NUM>, may include a conductive element <NUM> on only one side of tire <NUM>, and thus may include a similar marking or indicator to enable an individual installing tire <NUM> on a wheel to match the conductive sides of the tire and wheel to ensure contact between the conductive element and the conductive area, and as a result, that a conductive pathway is formed.

Wheel <NUM> may be used with a tire having a conductive element that is oriented completely circumferentially about the tire, such as conductive element <NUM> of tire <NUM>, described further below. That is, whether conductive area <NUM> is partially or completely circumferential, the completely circumferential conductive element <NUM> will make contact with the conductive area regardless of angular alignment, assuming that conducive element <NUM> and conductive area <NUM> are oriented on the same side of the tire and wheel assembly. Tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> may include markings or indicators to illustrate which side (if only one) of tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> include the conductive features, such that an individual installing the tire on the wheel may ensure proper orientation thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a wheel <NUM> having a pair of rim lips <NUM>, at least one including at least one conductive area <NUM>. Conductive area <NUM> may be similar to conductive area <NUM> of wheel <NUM>, and may be used and formed in the same manner. Specifically, conductive area <NUM> may be an area of rim lip <NUM> where a non-conductive insulative coating or paint has been removed.

Conductive area <NUM> may be oriented at a single circumferential point on rim lip <NUM>. Conductive area <NUM> may be oriented at a plurality of circumferential points on rim lip <NUM>.

Wheel <NUM> may be used with a tire having a conductive element that is oriented at a single point circumferentially on the tire, such as conductive element <NUM> of tire <NUM>, described further below. In this use, the angular alignment of a tire relative to wheel <NUM> must be properly oriented, as conductive element <NUM> will contact conductive area <NUM> only in a specific angular alignment, or range of angular alignment corresponding to the circumferential length of the partially circumferential conductive area <NUM>. In such an embodiment, tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> may have markings or other indicators that may be identified by an individual installing tire <NUM> on wheel <NUM> to facilitate proper angular alignment of tire <NUM> on wheel <NUM> to ensure contact between conductive element <NUM> with conductive area <NUM>.

Wheel <NUM> may be used with a tire having a conductive element that is oriented completely circumferentially about the tire, such as conductive element <NUM> of tire <NUM>, described further below. The completely circumferential conductive element <NUM> will make contact with conductive area <NUM> regardless of angular alignment, assuming that conducive element <NUM> and conductive area <NUM> are oriented on the same side of the tire and wheel assembly. Tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> may include markings or indicators to illustrate which side (if only one) of tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> include the conductive features, such that an individual installing the tire on the wheel may ensure proper orientation thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a wheel <NUM> having a pair of rim lips <NUM>, at least one including at least one conductive area <NUM>. Conductive area <NUM> may be similar to conductive area <NUM> of wheel <NUM>, and may be used and formed in the same manner. Specifically, conductive area <NUM> may be an area of rim lip <NUM> where a non-conductive insulative coating or paint has been removed. In order to avoid or mitigate corrosion or oxidation at the site of removal of the non-conductive coating or paint, a conductive coating <NUM> may be placed as a cap over conductive area <NUM>. Conductive coating <NUM> may completely cover conductive area <NUM> and act to seal conductive area <NUM> from the elements, moisture, air, or the like, which may cause corrosion or oxidation. Conductive coating <NUM> may include a paint or grease having increased conductivity via the introduction of conductive elements, such as metallic flake or carbon elements.

<FIG> illustrates a conductive area <NUM> sealed by a conductive cover <NUM>. As described with respect to <FIG>, conductive area <NUM> may be an where a non-conductive insulative coating or paint has been removed. Conductive cover <NUM> may act to cap conductive area <NUM> and seal conductive area <NUM> from the elements, moisture, air, or the like, which may cause corrosion or oxidation. Conductive coating <NUM> may include a paint or grease having increased conductivity via the introduction of conductive elements, such as metallic flake or carbon elements.

<FIG> illustrates a conductive area <NUM> sealed by a non-conductive cover <NUM>, and a conductor <NUM> oriented therebetween. Conductive area <NUM> may be substantially similar to conductive areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described above.

Non-conductive cover <NUM> may be any of a variety of materials that act to cap conductive area <NUM> and seal conductive area <NUM> from the elements, moisture, air, or the like, which may cause corrosion or oxidation.

Conductor <NUM> may include a distal, wheel contact end 1441A, and a proximal tire contact end 1441B. Wheel contact end 1441A may be oriented in physical and/or electrical contact with conductive area <NUM>, sandwiched between the wheel and non-conductive cover <NUM>. Tire contact end 1441B may be a portion of conductor <NUM> that extends outside of the union of the wheel and non-conductive cover <NUM>, and which may fold over non-conductive cover <NUM>. In this manner, tire contact end 1441B may extend outside of non-conductive cover <NUM> and be oriented in physical and/or electrical contact with a tire (not shown). It should be understood that conductor <NUM> is a continuous electrically conductive element, such that wheel contact end 1441A and tire contact end 1441B are electrically connected to one another. Conductor <NUM> may be a metallic strip of material that includes electrically conductive properties.

<FIG> illustrates a tire <NUM> engaging a rim lip <NUM> of a wheel <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> may include at least one rim lip <NUM> having at least one conductive area <NUM>.

Tire <NUM> includes a bead portion <NUM>, including a bead seat 1548A and a bead heel 1548B. As illustrated, bead seat 1548A is oriented on a radially inner part of bead portion <NUM>, whereas bead heel 1548B is oriented on an axially outer part of bead portion <NUM>. Bead seat 1548A and bead heel 1548B are the primary contact points between tire <NUM> and wheel <NUM> (these elements have been illustrated with small gaps to more readily indicate the orientations and differentiation between the elements, but it is noted that in practice these elements would be firmly connected to one another and likely under a large degree of pressure).

Tire <NUM> includes a conductive element <NUM> extending from at least one of bead seat 1548A and bead heel 1548B, and along at least a portion of an inner surface <NUM> of a tire sidewall <NUM>. While only one side of tire <NUM> and thus only one bead portion <NUM> is illustrated, it is understood that tire <NUM> has two bead portions <NUM>, and both bead portions <NUM>, including at least one of both bead seats 1548A and both bead heels 1548B may include conductive elements <NUM> as described.

Conductive element <NUM> may be made up of any of a variety of materials capable of conducting electricity, including, for example, a metal, or a polymer or rubber having high carbon content. Conductive element <NUM> may use an electrical wire capable of carrying a current. Conductive element <NUM> may use a conductive rubber material commonly referred to as "antenna" in tire technology.

Conductive element <NUM> may be integrally incorporated into tire <NUM>. Conductive element <NUM> may be laminated with inner surface <NUM> via an adhesive or other fastening mechanism.

In one aspect, conductive element <NUM> is a conductive pathway made up of conductive rubber material, similar to or the same as "antenna" material used in a tire's tread to pass electricity, including static electricity, from a tire. In one aspect, the antenna is oriented inside of tire <NUM> and axially inward and/or radially inward of inner surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the antenna is oriented between layers of tire <NUM> (for example, between an innerliner ply, as may be shown in <FIG> described below).

<FIG> illustrates a sectional schematic of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device <NUM> in a tire <NUM>. A flow of electrical current is illustrated via lines including arrows. System <NUM> may include a generator <NUM> electrically connected to a wheel hub <NUM>, which may be electrically connected to a wheel <NUM>.

A tire <NUM> may be mounted to wheel <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to wheel <NUM>. Contact between at least one rim lip <NUM> of wheel <NUM> and at least one bead portion <NUM> may allow electricity to pass from wheel <NUM> to tire <NUM>. Electricity may pass generally from the area of at least one bead portion <NUM>, to at least one sidewall <NUM>, to at least one shoulder <NUM>, and into a general area of a tread <NUM>.

Oriented at any point within the chamber created by tire <NUM>'s engagement with wheel <NUM>, bounded by tire <NUM>'s inner surface <NUM>, and wheel <NUM>'s barrel <NUM>, may be oriented at least one electricity storage device <NUM>, and at least one electronic device <NUM>.

One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be connected to inner surface <NUM> in the area of tire <NUM> referred to as the tread region <NUM>, which includes tread <NUM>.

One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be oriented radially outwardly of inner surface <NUM> and radially inwardly of tread <NUM>, such that one or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> is contained between an innerliner and a body ply, a body ply and a belt, a belt and a tread gauge, or the like. That is, one or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be contained within the thickness of tire <NUM> in tread region <NUM>, rather than within the chamber created by tire <NUM>'s engagement with wheel <NUM>, bounded by tire <NUM>'s inner surface <NUM>, and wheel <NUM>'s barrel <NUM>.

One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may make up tire <NUM>, during the manufacturing of tire <NUM>, such layers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronic device <NUM> from electricity storage device <NUM> may pass to a ground <NUM> through a ground path <NUM> in tread <NUM>. Ground path <NUM>, like the conductive elements described herein, may be any variety of materials capable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In one aspect, ground path <NUM> is antenna. In operation, tread <NUM> of tire <NUM> contacts ground <NUM>, and ground path <NUM> likewise contacts ground <NUM> to permit the transmission of electricity to ground <NUM>. Ground path <NUM> may extend through the entire thickness of tire <NUM> in tread region <NUM>, from inner surface <NUM> to a contact patch of tread <NUM> on an exterior surface of tire <NUM>.

In this manner, a conductive path may be created from generator <NUM>, all the way to electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM>, with electrical energy in excess of that required to power an electronic device <NUM> being passed to ground <NUM>. The ability to pass this excess energy to ground <NUM> allows tire <NUM> to continue to function in a manner such that a vehicle upon which tire <NUM> is mounted is grounded, thereby preventing the buildup of electrical energy in the vehicle that may result in sparks, electrical shocks, or other unwanted charges that may create hazards or discomfort to users of the vehicle. System <NUM> utilizes a portion of the electrical energy that would otherwise be passed directly to ground <NUM> to be stored in at least one electricity storage device <NUM> and power at least one electronic device <NUM>. System <NUM> creates a circuit that allows electricity to flow from generator <NUM> to at least one electricity storage device <NUM> and power at least one electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device in a tire <NUM>. System <NUM> includes a wheel hub <NUM>, a wheel <NUM>, and a tire <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> includes a pair of rim lips <NUM>, contacting a bead portion <NUM> of tire <NUM>.

Tire <NUM> includes a pair of bead portions <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of shoulders <NUM>, and a tread <NUM>. Tire <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>.

System <NUM> may include additional components, such as those included in system <NUM>, to allow the transfer of electricity from a generator to at least one electricity storage device and at least one electronic device, as described above.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a tire <NUM>. Similar to tires <NUM> and <NUM>, tire <NUM> includes a pair of bead portions <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of shoulders <NUM>, a tread <NUM>, and an inner surface <NUM>. Tire <NUM> includes a conductive element <NUM> that begins in at least one bead portion <NUM>, and extends into tire <NUM> to a position where it electrically contacts one or more electricity storage device.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a tire <NUM> having a conductive element <NUM> applied to an inner surface <NUM> of tire <NUM>. Tire <NUM> includes a pair of bead portions <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of shoulders <NUM>, and a tread <NUM> that is located in a tread region <NUM>.

Each bead portion <NUM> may include a bead seat 1948A and a bead heel 1948B. At least one conductive element <NUM> may extend from at least one bead portion <NUM> along at least one sidewall <NUM>, along at least one shoulder <NUM>, and terminate in tread region <NUM>. At least one conductive element <NUM> is oriented in contact with inner surface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, at least one conductive element <NUM> extends from bead seat 1948A along inner surface <NUM> and terminates in tread region <NUM>. In another embodiment, at least one conductive element <NUM> extends from bead heel 1948B along inner surface <NUM> and terminates in tread region <NUM>.

Inner surface <NUM> may be an innerliner, and may include a butyl rubber compound. Inner surface <NUM> may be a body ply. Inner surface <NUM> may be the radially innermost surface of tire <NUM> with the exception of at least one conductive element <NUM>, which may be oriented radially inwardly from inner surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device <NUM> in a tire <NUM>.

Tire <NUM> includes a pair of bead portions <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of shoulders <NUM>, and a tread <NUM> that is located in a tread region <NUM>. Tire <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>.

Each bead portion <NUM> includes a bead seat 2048A and a bead heel 2048B. One or more conductive element <NUM> may extend from one or each bead portion <NUM>, along one or each sidewall <NUM>, along one or each shoulder <NUM>, and into tread region <NUM>. The one or more conductive element <NUM> is oriented upon inner surface <NUM>. Each of the one or more conductive elements <NUM> may originate at each bead seat 2048A. Each of the one or more conductive elements <NUM> may originate at one or each bead heel 2048B, and extend along one or each bead seat 2048A and along one or each sidewall <NUM>, and so on until it reaches tread region <NUM>.

System <NUM> may include at least one electricity storage device <NUM> and at least one electronic device <NUM>. The at least one conductive element <NUM> is electrically connected to at least one electricity storage device <NUM>. At least one electricity storage device <NUM> is electrically connected to at least one electronic device <NUM>.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronic device <NUM> from electricity storage device <NUM> may pass to a ground through a ground path <NUM> in tread <NUM>. Ground path <NUM>, like the conductive elements described herein, may be any variety of materials capable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In one aspect, ground path <NUM> is antenna. The ground may be earth, a road surface, or any surface upon which tire <NUM> operates that is connected to the earth. In operation, tread <NUM> of tire <NUM> contacts the ground, and ground path <NUM> likewise contacts the ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground. Ground path <NUM> may extend through the entire thickness of tire <NUM> in tread region <NUM>, from inner surface <NUM> to a contact patch of tread <NUM> on an exterior surface of tire <NUM>.

As illustrated, at least one electricity storage device <NUM> may be contained within the at least one electronic device <NUM>. One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be oriented on inner surface <NUM>. Alternatively, one or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may make up tire <NUM>, during the manufacturing of tire <NUM>, such layers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

<FIG> illustrates a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device <NUM> in a tire <NUM>.

Tire <NUM> includes a pair of bead portions <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of shoulders <NUM>, and a tread <NUM>.

At least one conductive element <NUM> extends from at least one bead portion <NUM>, along at least one sidewall <NUM>, along at least one shoulder <NUM>, and into a tread region within which tread <NUM> is oriented. At least one conductive element <NUM> is electrically connected to at least one electronic device <NUM>. At least one electronic device <NUM> may be electrically connected to at least one electricity storage device and a ground path <NUM>. Ground path <NUM> extends through tread <NUM> to provide an electrical path to a ground. In operation, tread <NUM> of tire <NUM> contacts the ground, and ground path <NUM> likewise contacts the ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground. Ground path <NUM> may extend through the entire thickness of tire <NUM> in tread region <NUM>, from inner surface <NUM> to a contact patch of tread <NUM> on an exterior surface of tire <NUM>.

Conductive element <NUM> may be oriented at a specific circumferential position in tire <NUM>. Conductive element <NUM> may be a circumferentially short length. Conductive element <NUM> may include a wire, or other conductive material such as antenna.

Electronic device <NUM> may be oriented on an inner surface of tire <NUM>. Alternatively, electronic device <NUM> may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may make up tire <NUM>, during the manufacturing of tire <NUM>, such layers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

<FIG> illustrates an elevational view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device <NUM> in a tire <NUM>.

Conductive element <NUM> may be oriented completely circumferentially in tire <NUM>. Conductive element <NUM> may extend along the entire circumferential length of tire <NUM>. Conductive element <NUM> may include a wire mesh, or other conductive material such as a sheet of antenna.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a system <NUM> for harvesting energy for an electronic device <NUM> in a tire <NUM>. The system <NUM> is not covered by the claims but is useful for understanding the invention.

Tire <NUM> includes a pair of bead portions <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of shoulders <NUM>, and a tread <NUM> that is located in a tread region <NUM>. Tire <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>. Tire <NUM> may include at least one metallic cord <NUM>, which may be oriented in at least one of sidewalls <NUM>.

Each bead portion <NUM> includes a bead seat 2348A and a bead heel 2348B. One or more conductive element <NUM> may extend along at least part of one or each bead portion <NUM>. One or more conductive element <NUM> may originate at bead seat 2348A. One or more conductive element <NUM> may originate at bead heel 2348B. At or near bead portion <NUM>, or at or near sidewall <NUM>, or at or near shoulder <NUM>, conductive element <NUM> pierces inner surface <NUM> and extends into the interior of tire <NUM> (the interior being defined as within the thickness of sidewalls <NUM>, shoulders <NUM>, and tread region <NUM>, and between the inner and outer surfaces of those elements). Conductive element <NUM> may pierce into the interior of tire <NUM> and electrically connect to metallic cord <NUM>.

Metallic cord <NUM> may be used in a body ply of certain tires. For example, tires designed for high loads, including for example some off-the-road tires, some or all truck and bus radial tires, and some agricultural tires, may include metallic cords <NUM> in body plies of tire <NUM>.

Metallic cord <NUM> may be electrically conductive and may be capable of carrying electricity from conductive element <NUM> to at least one of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM>. Electricity may pass from metallic cord <NUM> into at least one of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> by conductive bridge <NUM>. Conductive bridge <NUM> may pass through inner surface <NUM> of tire <NUM> and electrically connect to metallic cord <NUM>. Conductive bridge <NUM> may include one or more metallic pin, wire, nail, or the like. Conductive bridge <NUM> may be capable of carrying electrical current.

At least one of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may include an occlusive barrier <NUM> configured to cover at least one of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> and prevent air from inside tire <NUM> through the perforation created by conductive bridge <NUM>. Occlusive barrier <NUM> may seal against, and be connected to, inner surface <NUM>. Occlusive barrier <NUM> may be made of a butyl rubber compound, which may be specifically designed to prevent or reduce the passage of atmospheric air therethrough.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronic device <NUM> from electricity storage device <NUM> may pass to a ground through a ground path <NUM> in tread <NUM>. Ground path <NUM> may electrically connect to metallic cord <NUM>. Ground path <NUM> may directly electrically connect to electronic device <NUM>. Ground path <NUM> may directly electrically connect to electricity storage device <NUM>. Ground path <NUM>, like the conductive elements described herein, may be any variety of materials capable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In one aspect, ground path <NUM> is antenna. The ground may be earth, a road surface, or any surface upon which tire <NUM> operates that is connected to the earth. In operation, tread <NUM> of tire <NUM> contacts the ground, and ground path <NUM> likewise contacts the ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground. Ground path <NUM> may extend through the entire thickness of tire <NUM> in tread region <NUM>, from inner surface <NUM> to a contact patch of tread <NUM> on an exterior surface of tire <NUM>.

One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be oriented on inner surface <NUM>. Alternatively, one or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may make up tire <NUM>, during the manufacturing of tire <NUM>, such layers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

Each bead portion <NUM> includes a bead seat 2448A and a bead heel 2448B. One or more conductive element <NUM> may extend from one or each bead portion <NUM>, along one or each sidewall <NUM>, along one or each shoulder <NUM>, and into tread region <NUM>. The one or more conductive element <NUM> is oriented upon inner surface <NUM>. Each of the one or more conductive elements <NUM> may originate at each bead seat 2448A. Each of the one or more conductive elements <NUM> may originate at one or each bead heel 2448B, and extend along one or each bead seat 2448A and along one or each sidewall <NUM>, and so on until it reaches tread region <NUM>.

System <NUM> may include at least one electricity storage device <NUM> and at least one electronic device <NUM>. The at least one conductive element <NUM> is electrically connected to at least one electricity storage device <NUM>. At least one electricity storage device <NUM> is electrically connected to at least one electronic device <NUM>. At least one conductive element <NUM> may be electrically connected to at least one electricity storage device <NUM> via a ground path <NUM>.

Electricity in excess of that required to power one or more electronic device <NUM> from electricity storage device <NUM> may pass to a ground through ground path <NUM> in tread <NUM>. Ground path <NUM>, like the conductive elements described herein, may be any variety of materials capable of conducting electricity, including antenna. In one aspect, ground path <NUM> is antenna. The ground may be earth, a road surface, or any surface upon which tire <NUM> operates that is connected to the earth. In operation, tread <NUM> of tire <NUM> contacts the ground, and ground path <NUM> likewise contacts the ground to permit the transmission of electricity to the ground. Ground path <NUM> may extend through the entire thickness of tire <NUM> in tread region <NUM>, from inner surface <NUM> to a contact patch of tread <NUM> on an exterior surface of tire <NUM>.

One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be embedded between any of the contiguous layers of material that may make up tire <NUM>, during the manufacturing of tire <NUM>, such layers including without limitation: an innerliner, a body ply, a bead filler, a gum strip, a shoulder insert, a belt, a cap ply, a tread, and a sidewall ply. That is, one or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be oriented within the thickness of tire <NUM>, between inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface, such as a contact patch of tread <NUM>. One or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> may be oriented in a variety of points within tire <NUM> that do not compromise the structural integrity of tire <NUM>, as long as one or both of electricity storage device <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> are electrically connected to at least one conductive element <NUM> and ground path <NUM>. It is understood that tire construction can vary greatly, and that the list above is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor inclusive, of every possible material layer within a tire.

Any of the tire treads described herein may largely comprise a nonconductive material, such as silica, which typically has a higher electrical resistance than other rubber elements in a tire. This is because tire treads are designed for specific purposes within the entirety of the tire, and the materials most commonly used for the tire tread are nonconductive and have high electrical resistance.

Generally, nonconductive tire materials are those comprising an electrical resistivity that prevents discharge of built up electricity in a vehicle at a rate sufficient to avoid negative effects of electricity build up in the vehicle. In one embodiment, nonconductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm or greater. In another embodiment, nonconductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm or greater.

Generally, conductive tire materials are those comprising an electrical resistivity that permits discharge of built up electricity in a vehicle at a rate sufficient to avoid negative effects of electricity build up in the vehicle. These conductive materials may be rubber or polymer materials used for any of the conductive elements (e.g., conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), any of the ground paths (e.g., ground paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). These conductive materials may be rubber or polymer materials referred to herein as "antenna.

Any of the ground paths, (e.g., ground paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may be oriented at one or more specific circumferential point in the tread (e.g., at a point radially outwardly from an electronic device), or may be oriented circumferentially about the entirety of the tread.

As used herein, the inner surface of the tire refers to that surface of the tire that is radially-inwardly facing, axially-inwardly facing, or both.

In one embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm or less. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm or less. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm or less. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of between about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm and about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of between about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm and about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm. In another embodiment, conductive materials are materials comprising an electrical resistivity of between about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm and about <NUM><NUM> Ω·cm. It is understood that where larger (from a volume standpoint) conductive materials are used, those conductive materials may be able to have a greater resistivity and achieve the desired transfer of electricity, whereas smaller conductive materials may require lesser resistivity to achieve the desired transfer of electricity.

In one embodiment, electrical resistivity of conductive and nonconductive materials is determined using a volume resistivity test. In another embodiment, electrical resistivity of conductive and nonconductive materials is determined using an ASTM D991 test.

In another embodiment, electrical resistivity of conductive and nonconductive materials may be determined using a test including a probe, a test fixture, a resistance/current meter, a thermo-hygrometer, and a thickness gauge capable of reading to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). A test sample of a conductive or nonconductive material may have dimensions of about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) by <NUM> inches (<NUM>), by <NUM> inch (<NUM>). The test sample's thickness may be measured to the nearest <NUM> inch (<NUM>) in two places, which may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) from the test sample's edge, along a line bisecting the test sample. The test sample's edges referenced in the measurement of thickness may be adjacent to one another and approximately <NUM> degrees to one another. The test sample is laid on a table for at least <NUM> hour at room temperature prior to taking resistivity measurements. The test sample may be oriented in the test apparatus such that the test sample's edge is aligned with the edge of a conductive plate, which conductive plate is connected via a probe to the resistance meter, all of which is below the test sample. The remaining three sides of the test sample may hang over the edges of the conductive plate evenly. A second probe may be connected to an input of the resistance meter, and may be placed on the top of the test sample, such that it is approximately on center with the conductive plate oriented beneath the test sample. Following placement of the test sample and probes in the test fixture, electrical resistivity may be measured via the resistance meter. In one embodiment, the probe and test fixture are verified prior to testing a test sample's resistivity.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>, <NUM>) for powering an electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) within a vehicle tire (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
the vehicle tire (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a pair of bead portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), a pair of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>), a pair of shoulders (<NUM>, <NUM>), a tread (<NUM>, <NUM>) oriented in a tread region (<NUM>, <NUM>), and an inner surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
at least one conductive element (<NUM>) extending from at least one of the pair of bead portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), and in contact with the inner surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) along at least one of the pair of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>), along at least one of the pair of shoulders (<NUM>, <NUM>), and terminating in the tread region (<NUM>, <NUM>);
at least one ground path (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending through a thickness of the vehicle tire (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the inner surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) to an exterior surface in a contact patch of the tread (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
characterized by
an electrical energy generator (<NUM>) electrically connected to an electrically conductive vehicle wheel (<NUM>), the vehicle tire (<NUM>, <NUM>) being mounted upon the vehicle wheel (<NUM>);
at least one electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) within the vehicle tire (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
wherein the at least one electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) is electrically connected to the at least one conductive element (<NUM>) and the at least one ground path (<NUM>, <NUM>).