Aircraft Tire Pressure Equalization System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for ensuring equal tire pressure in aircraft tires are time-consuming, inaccurate, and fail to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, leading to uneven wear and premature tire replacement.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for equalizing and recording tire pressures on dual wheels of an aircraft using a nitrogen distribution block, no-loss chuck valves, and a meter that connects to high-pressure nitrogen lines, allowing for precise pressure adjustment and monitoring, with the ability to log all steps and data for accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current FAA-dictated procedures are used to ensure equal tire pressure, then tire pressure equality is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and not accurate enough

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire pressure equality accuracyVSAvoidtime required for pressure equalization

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure adjustment methods with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and solenoid valves to measure and equalize tire pressures. The system automatically monitors pressure differentials and controls nitrogen flow to achieve precise equalization without manual intervention, thereby improving accuracy while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where the equalization process occurs automatically once the system is activated. The microprocessor-controlled system autonomously monitors tire pressures, determines which tires need adjustment, and controls the nitrogen distribution without requiring continuous ground crew intervention, significantly reducing both time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual pressure adjustment methods are used, then some level of pressure equalization is achieved, but the accuracy does not meet FAA standards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire pressure equality accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual pressure adjustment methods with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and solenoid valves to measure and equalize tire pressures. The system automatically monitors pressure differentials and controls nitrogen flow to achieve precise equalization without manual intervention, thereby improving accuracy while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback through pressure sensors that monitor tire pressures and provide real-time data to the microprocessor. The system compares measured pressures against target values and automatically adjusts nitrogen distribution through solenoid valves until equality is achieved, ensuring FAA-compliant precision through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If tire pressures are not equalized accurately, then tire life is reduced due to uneven wear, but implementing precise equalization systems is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire lifeVSAvoidequalization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual pressure adjustment methods with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and solenoid valves to measure and equalize tire pressures. The system automatically monitors pressure differentials and controls nitrogen flow to achieve precise equalization without manual intervention, thereby improving accuracy while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 achieves equal tire pressures with a ±0.025% difference, significantly exceeding FAA standards, thereby extending tire life and reducing maintenance costs by ensuring all tires on a single strut are inflated equally and efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

The equalizer/inflator may be used on two, four or six wheels (11a-11f) depending on the size of the aircraft and the number of wheels (11a-11f) per strut (13).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10780996B2Tire pressure equalization and inflator

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 THREE ZERO RIGHT LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method to equalize the pressure in multiple tires supported by a single axle or strut of an airplane is shown. A control block connects the pressurized gas to a distribution block and meter. From the distribution block high pressure lines and no-loss chuck valves connect the pressurized gas to the multiple tires. Steps to be followed as programmed in the meter include startup, testing, calibration, setup and finalize. A permanent record of the steps in equalizing tire pressures is maintained.