Air Maintenance Tire With Bi-Directional Pumping Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire pressure naturally decreases over time, leading to reduced fuel economy, tire life, and vehicle handling performance, and existing Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems require driver intervention for re-inflation.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional air distribution system with a control valve assembly and air pumping tube that maintains tire pressure by using ambient air and an ancillary pressurized air source, with check valves and a relief valve to regulate air flow based on tire rotation and pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are used to warn drivers, then tire pressure can be monitored, but driver intervention is still required for re-inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The tire-mounted air pumping tube automatically pumps ambient air into the tire to maintain optimal pressure without requiring driver intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting pressure differential and automatically inflating the tire when pressure drops below optimal levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of connecting external air sources with an automated air pumping tube mounted on the tire. The tube uses the tire's rotation and ambient air pressure differential to automatically pump air into the tire cavity, eliminating the need for driver action
2Stability of the object's composition
If normal air diffusion occurs over time, then tire pressure naturally decreases, but fuel economy and tire life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air pumping tube proactively maintains tire pressure by automatically pumping ambient air into the tire when pressure drops below optimal levels. This preliminary action prevents the tire from operating in an under-inflated state, thereby maintaining fuel economy and extending tire life before problems occur
3Extent of automation
If an air pumping tube is mounted within the tire sidewall, then automated air maintenance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air pumping tube utilizes pneumatic principles by leveraging ambient air pressure differential created during tire rotation. The tube's flexible membrane design allows it to automatically intake and compress ambient air using the pressure differential between the atmosphere and the tire cavity, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pumps or power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The air pumping tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both a pressure sensor (detecting pressure differential) and an automated pump (transferring air into the tire). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving automated air maintenance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system automatically maintains optimal tire pressure without driver intervention, enhancing fuel efficiency, tire longevity, and vehicle handling by continuously pumping air into the tire as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The air pumping tube, in another aspect, mounts within a flexing region of a tire wall closes and opens segment by segment in reaction to induced forces from the tire flexing region as the flexing region of the tire wall rotates opposite a rolling tire footprint.
Implementation Method 2
each of the air pathways comprises multiple check valves serially connected within the air distribution block, the check valves within each pathway selectively opening and closing in response to the direction of tire rotation against a ground surface
Implementation Method 3
The relief valve operably opens to vent pressurized air when an air pressure within the tire cavity is at or above a predetermined optimal inflation level, and the relief valve operably closes when air pressure within the tire cavity is below the predetermined optimal inflation level
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel mounted control assembly receives therethrough the tire valve stem from an air maintenance tire. A control assembly regulator controls a flow of air to and from a tire-mounted air pumping tube. The control assembly includes a bi-directional air distribution flow control system having multiple parallel air pathways, each air pathway coupled to a respective conduit connected to an air pumping tube mounted within a tire sidewall. The pathways alternatively operate to deliver ambient non-pressurized air to the air pumping tube in response to directional tire rotation against a ground surface.