Abstract: Air-motion powered devices may be used to automatically maintain a target tire inflation pressure or to equip vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle, moving with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member extends from the compressor body to be acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, the air causing motion of the action member relative to the compressor body to power the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the base of the energy harvester is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing motion of the action member relative to the base to generate electrical power for sensors, lights, or other transducers.

Abstract: Air-motion powered devices may be used to automatically maintain a target tire inflation pressure or to equip vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle, moving with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member extends from the compressor body to be acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, the air causing motion of the action member relative to the compressor body to power the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the base of the energy harvester is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing motion of the action member relative to the base to generate electrical power for sensors, lights, or other transducers.

Abstract: Air-motion powered devices may be attached to vehicle wheels to harvest energy from the air through which the vehicle passes. One illustrative energy harvester embodiment includes a body that attaches to a wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the body is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing the action member to move relative to the body. The motion of the action member optionally drives a generator to generate electrical power. An illustrative method embodiment which may be implemented by a wheel-attached energy harvester includes: receiving with the action member an aerodynamic force from air through which the vehicle moves; deriving from the aerodynamic force motion of the action member relative to the body; and converting said motion into electrical power. The electrical power may be supplied to sensors, lights, or motors.

Abstract: Air-drag powered devices are provided for automatically maintaining a target inflation pressure or for equipping vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to turn with the wheel as the vehicle moves. A drag member extends from the body of the air compressor to alternately present opposing surfaces to the air through which the vehicle passes. The air drag on the member thus creates an alternating drag force that powers the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to turn with the wheel as the vehicle moves. A drag member attached to the base of the energy harvester presents alternating surfaces to the air through which the vehicle passes to derive a reciprocating motion suitable for generating electricity usable for powering wheel-mounted sensors or lights.

Abstract: Air-drag powered devices are provided for automatically maintaining a target inflation pressure or for equipping vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to turn with the wheel as the vehicle moves. A drag member extends from the body of the air compressor to alternately present opposing surfaces to the air through which the vehicle passes. The air drag on the member thus creates an alternating drag force that powers the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to turn with the wheel as the vehicle moves. A drag member attached to the base of the energy harvester presents alternating surfaces to the air through which the vehicle passes to derive a reciprocating motion suitable for generating electricity usable for powering wheel-mounted sensors or lights.