Automated Tire Inflation Apparatus with Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire inflation devices require manual operation to create and verify an effective seal between the tire and wheel, which is inefficient and poses safety risks during the inflation process.
Innovation Solution
An automated tire inflation apparatus with a base, pressure sensor, air blast assembly, and device controller that monitors pressure and automatically adjusts the air blast nozzle position and gas flow to form and maintain a seal, allowing for partial automation of the inflation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual air blast control is used, then the operator can visually determine seal formation, but the process is inefficient and requires continuous operator presence
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pressure sensor to automatically detect when a seal has been formed between the tire bead and wheel, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection. The controller then automatically activates the air blast mechanism, allowing the system to service itself without continuous operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback to the controller about seal formation status. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically determine when the tire bead has sealed against the wheel and when to activate the air blast, creating a closed-loop control system that improves efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If manual air blast activation is used, then the operator can control the sealing process, but safety risks exist during over-inflation accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system removes the operator from the immediate hazard zone by having the controller and pressure sensor manage the inflation and air blast processes. The system activates the air blast automatically when seal formation is detected, eliminating the need for the operator to manually position and activate the air blast nozzle near the tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary between the operator's intent and the air blast activation. It automatically detects seal formation and triggers the air blast mechanism, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct operator involvement in the hazardous air blast operation.
3Productivity
If automated pressure monitoring is implemented, then operator intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides automatic feedback to the controller about seal formation, enabling the system to determine when to activate the air blast without complex manual procedures. This feedback mechanism automates the decision-making process while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection and manual air blast activation are replaced with an automated electronic system consisting of a pressure sensor and controller. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic sensing and control achieves automation while keeping the added complexity manageable through the use of standard sensing and control components.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency by automating the tire inflation process, reducing operator intervention and minimizing the risk of over-inflation accidents while ensuring proper seal formation.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor is coupled to the tire inflation line. The device controller is functionally coupled to the pressure sensor and is configured to monitor the pressure of the tire with the pressure sensor to sense whether an effective seal has been formed
Implementation Method 2
The blast nozzle is located on the base and is configured to receive pressurized gas from the blast line and to direct pressurized gas when the blast nozzle is in an air blast position relative to a tire and wheel assembly supported on the base
Implementation Method 3
A gas flow controller is functionally coupled to the air blast assembly and to the device controller. The gas flow controller is responsive to the air blast control signal to cause an air blast to be released from the blast nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inflating a tire including a base and a tire inflation line coupled with a pressure sensor. An air blast assembly includes a blast line fluidly coupled to a blast nozzle located on the base and configured to receive and direct pressurized gas from the blast line when the blast nozzle is in an air blast position relative to a tire and wheel assembly supported on the base. A device controller can monitor the pressure of a tire and wheel assembly and sense whether an effective tire bead seal has been formed. The device controller can generate a blast signal when no seal has been formed. A gas flow controller coupled to the air blast assembly and the device controller can be responsive to the blast signal to cause a blast of pressurized gas to be released from the blast nozzle to create an effective tire bead seal.