Air Supply System for Tractor Tyre Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air supply systems for tractors face restrictions in air flow due to air driers, which hinder efficient pressure changes from field to road operation levels, particularly when transitioning from 0.8 bar to 1.8 bar.
Innovation Solution
An air supply system that prioritizes primary consumers over the tyre pressure control system by bypassing the air drier for the latter and switching the compressor to idle mode when pressure exceeds a predetermined level, ensuring efficient operation of the tyre pressure control system by supplying pressurized air directly from the compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air drier is used to remove moisture from air, then reliability is improved by preventing icing of pipes and valves, but productivity deteriorates due to significant restriction in air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two separate pathways: one path through the air drier for primary consumers requiring moisture-free air, and another bypass path for the tyre pressure control system that requires high flow rate. This segmentation allows each subsystem to receive air according to its specific requirements without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A control valve acts as an intermediary device that directs compressed air to different destinations based on system needs. The valve mediates between the air drier output and the tyre pressure control system, enabling selective routing of air flow to maintain both reliability and productivity.
2Productivity
If compressor operates continuously to maintain high air pressure for road operation, then productivity is improved by enabling quick tyre pressure changes, but use of energy deteriorates due to unnecessary compression when pressure is sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensing feedback that continuously monitors the air pressure in the supply system. When the pressure reaches the predetermined level required for road operation, the feedback signal automatically activates the tyre pressure control system and switches the compressor to idle mode, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly change tyre pressures when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating through automatic activation of the tyre pressure control system when pressure conditions are met. The compressor automatically transitions to idle mode when sufficient pressure is available, eliminating the need for continuous operation and reducing energy use while maintaining operational readiness.
3Reliability
If air is supplied to tyre pressure control system through air drier, then reliability is maintained by ensuring moisture-free air, but productivity deteriorates due to flow restriction during pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply is segmented into quality-critical paths (through air drier to primary consumers) and flow-critical paths (bypassing air drier to tyre pressure control system). This segmentation allows the tyre pressure control system to receive unrestricted high-volume air flow while primary consumers continue to receive moisture-free air, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality requirements are applied locally to different subsystems. The tyre pressure control system receives air with relaxed quality constraints (allowing higher flow rates), while primary consumers receive air with strict quality constraints (moisture-free). This local differentiation of quality standards enables optimized performance for each subsystem.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air supply system for supplying a primary set of consumers and a secondary consumer in the form of a tyre pressure control system. Both sets of consumers are supplied with pressurised air from a compressor, the system also including an air drier and a protection means to ensure that the primary set of consumers takes priority over the tyre pressure control system and that the tyre pressure control system is activated when the air pressure in the supply system exceeds a predetermined level. The pressurised air is supplied to the tyre pressure control system without passage through the air drier and the compressor is switched to its idle mode when the air pressure available in the supply system exceeds said predetermined level.