Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for inductively coupling tire rotations related signals to a tire electronics module associated with a tire are provided. The tire electronics module is configured to receive the tire rotation related signals through inductive transmission from a signal transmission module that includes at least a piezoelectric element and a transmitter inductor. The signal transmitter module and the tire electronics module may be physically separated from each other and may be separately or collectively encased in a protective coating.

Abstract: Disclosed ia an apparatus and methodology for detecting tire (1) rotation by associating a piezoelectric sensor (250) with an enclosure housing (210) tire environment related sensors and electronics. The enclosure (210) may be mounted in a tire (1) in a location subject to multi-dimensional strain and a signal processor is employed to separate tire rotation information for other types of strain induced signals that may be produced by the piezoelectric sensor (250).

Abstract: Discloses is apparatus and methodology for inductively coupling tire rotations related signals to a tire electronics module (200) associated with a tire. The tire electronics module (200) is configured to receive the tire rotation related signals (220) through inductive transmission from a signal transmission module (210) that includes at least a piezoelectric element (212) and a transmitter inductor (216). The signal transmitter module (210) and the tire electronics module (200) may be physically separated from each other and may be separately or collectively encased in a protective coating.

Abstract: Disclosed ia an apparatus and methodology for detecting tire (1) rotation by associating a piezoelectric sensor (250) with an enclosure housing (210) tire environment related sensors and electronics. The enclosure (210) may be mounted in a tire (1) in a location subject to multi-dimensional strain and a signal processor is employed to separate tire rotation information for other types of strain induced signals that may be produced by the piezoelectric sensor (250).

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a piezoelectric power generation device associated with a power harvesting and conditioning module. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. The electrodes of the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power harvesting and conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure, conditions and stores it in a multi-stage energy storage device, preferably a plurality of capacitors. A regulated voltage source is provided from the energy stored in the power generation device and can be used to selectively power various electronics systems integrated within a tire or wheel assembly.

Abstract: A self-powered tire revolution counter includes a motion sensitive power generation mechanism, a power conditioner, a pulse detector, a microcontroller, and, optionally, a radio frequency (RF) transmitting device. In one exemplary embodiment, the power generation mechanism corresponds to a piezoelectric patch that, during movement, provides both operating electrical power and pulsed signals indicative of tire rotation. The power conditioner receives a generator signal from the power generation mechanism and produces a conditioned output voltage that can be used to power associated electronic devices, including the microcontroller. The pulse detector receives the generator signal and produces a detection signal whenever the generator signal meets a predetermined condition. The microcontroller is programmed to determine current and lifetime-accumulated values of selected pulse indications in the detection signal that meet predetermined criteria.