Adaptive Tire Sidewall Actuation for Lower Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to effectively reduce rolling resistance, a significant factor affecting fuel efficiency, particularly in stop-and-go city driving.
Innovation Solution
A system with linear actuators within the tire cavity, controlled by a power storage source and controller, adjusts tire sidewalls to reduce tread contact with the ground, optimizing fuel efficiency by altering the tread contact patch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the linear actuator extends to lengthen the sidewalls and reduce tread contact, then rolling resistance is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tire sidewalls adjustable rather than fixed. The linear actuator dynamically changes the sidewall length to alter the contact patch geometry, allowing the tire to adapt its rolling characteristics. This dynamic adjustment enables reduction of rolling resistance by lengthening sidewalls and reducing tread contact area, while the system remains controllable through a microprocessor-based controller that monitors vehicle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the linear actuator as an intermediary device between the power storage source and the tire structure. The actuator converts electrical energy into mechanical displacement, physically pushing against the tire sidewalls to change their configuration. This intermediary mechanism allows precise control over sidewall length and contact patch area without requiring direct mechanical connection to the wheel assembly, thereby managing complexity through modular design.
2Loss of energy
If the linear actuator is positioned within the tire cavity to adjust sidewalls, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the linear actuator inside the tire cavity, effectively nesting a mechanical device within the existing tire structure. The actuator is positioned within the inner cavity formed by the tire and rim assembly, allowing it to push outward on the sidewalls from the interior. This nested configuration eliminates the need for external mounting structures and integrates the actuation system within the existing tire geometry, improving manufacturability compared to external actuation systems.
3Loss of energy
If the tread contact patch is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then rolling resistance decreases, but the reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the contact patch area variable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically adjust the sidewall length and corresponding contact patch area based on driving conditions. During normal operation, the actuator extends to reduce contact area and rolling resistance. However, the system can return to the standard configuration when needed, ensuring that reliability-critical functions (such as traction, braking, or cornering) are maintained by having the ability to restore full contact area when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through a microprocessor-based controller that monitors vehicle operating conditions and adjusts the linear actuator accordingly. The controller receives input from sensors and modulates the actuator position to optimize the contact patch area for current conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains appropriate tire-ground contact for reliability-critical operations while minimizing rolling resistance during efficient cruising, thereby balancing fuel efficiency with vehicle reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle systems and components are set forth, which aim to reduce rolling friction caused in part by the contact between the vehicle's tires and the ground surface over which the vehicle is traversing. These systems and/or components thereof may increase the overall fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the examples provided, the systems and/or components change the tread contact patch of one or more tires during movement of the vehicle.