Central Tire Inflation System Adjustable Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central tire inflation systems rely on external shutoff valves, which fail to maintain minimum tire pressure in emergencies and are not adjustable for different wheel sizes and bolt patterns, leading to potential tire dislodgment and reduced performance across varying terrains.
Innovation Solution
A central tire inflation system with a housing and air check valve assembly that includes adjustable components, a controller with intake and release ports, and a graphical display unit, allowing for real-time pressure control and data logging, ensuring minimum tire pressure is maintained across various wheel sizes and terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external shutoff valves are used in existing central tire inflation systems, then the system can control tire pressure, but the system cannot maintain minimum tire pressure in emergency situations and tires may completely lose air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve system adjustable and adaptable. The valve means includes an adjustable component that allows the minimum pressure setting to be changed based on different operational requirements, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can respond to varying conditions while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the minimum pressure threshold to be adjusted through the adjustable valve means. This enables the system to adapt the pressure parameter according to different terrains and load conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining minimum pressure and system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing central tire inflation systems use fixed valve configurations, then the system can be manufactured simply, but the system cannot adjust to various wheel sizes and bolt patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing an adjustable valve means that can be configured for different wheel sizes and bolt patterns. This adjustability feature allows the same basic system design to adapt to various vehicle types without requiring completely different manufacturing processes for each wheel configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a valve means that can serve multiple wheel configurations through adjustment mechanisms. The same central inflation system can be used across different vehicle types with varying wheel sizes and bolt patterns, enhancing versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Reliability
If adjustable valve means are added to maintain minimum pressure, then tire safety and performance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the adjustment capability in a specific localized component within the valve means rather than distributing complexity throughout the entire system. This allows the adjustable feature to be implemented in a targeted manner, improving pressure control while minimizing overall device complexity
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 ensures consistent tire pressure, preventing tire dislodgment and accommodating different wheel sizes, enhancing vehicle performance and safety across diverse terrains by maintaining a minimum pressure and allowing for adjustments based on terrain and load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the central housing has disposed in the cavity thereof an air check valve
Data Source
AI summary
A central tire inflation system configured to monitor and maintain an air pressure on the tires of a vehicle includes a housing, a central processing unit, a controller, and a valve. The housing has a plurality of walls and a bottom forming an interior volume. The central processing unit has the necessary electronics to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data. The controller has a plurality of modes of operation wherein the modes of operation include default parameters for air pressure within the tires of the vehicle. The valve is configured to direct air flow as required into or out of the tires, the valve being operably coupled to the controller. The central tire inflation system is configured to monitor air pressure of the tires and provide inflation or deflation thereof based the mode of operation.