Dual Compressor Air Supply for Rapid Tire Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation systems for work vehicles, such as tractors and harvesters, are limited by the output of the vehicle's compressor, leading to prolonged tire inflation times and increased fuel consumption, especially when operating on varied terrains that require adjustments in tire pressure.
Innovation Solution
A combination air supply system that integrates a work vehicle compressor with an implement compressor, utilizing a priority valve and controller to distribute compressed air from both sources efficiently, allowing for rapid adjustment of tire pressure based on terrain and load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work vehicle compressor is used to increase tire pressure, then the tire pressure can be adjusted for different terrains, but the inflation time becomes excessively long and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the work vehicle compressor with an implement compressor to create a dual-compressor system. The implement compressor is mounted on a towed implement and connected to the work vehicle's air supply system, providing an additional air source that significantly reduces inflation time when the implement is connected, while maintaining the ability to adjust tire pressure for different terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement compressor serves multiple functions: it provides compressed air for tire inflation when connected to the work vehicle, and can independently serve pneumatic components of the implement when operating separately. This multi-functionality allows the same compressor to reduce inflation time for the work vehicle without adding dedicated equipment solely for tire inflation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the work vehicle compressor is used to increase tire pressure, then the tire pressure can be adjusted for different terrains, but fuel consumption increases due to prolonged compressor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the work vehicle compressor with an implement compressor to create a dual-compressor system. The implement compressor is mounted on a towed implement and connected to the work vehicle's air supply system, providing an additional air source that significantly reduces inflation time when the implement is connected, while maintaining the ability to adjust tire pressure for different terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between using the work vehicle compressor alone, the implement compressor alone, or both compressors together based on the connection status of the implement and the pneumatic air demand. This dynamic operation optimizes fuel consumption by utilizing the implement compressor's free-riding capability when connected.
3Productivity
If a single compressor is used for tire inflation, then the system is simple, but it cannot provide sufficient compressed air for rapid inflation of large tires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the work vehicle compressor with an implement compressor to create a dual-compressor system. The implement compressor is mounted on a towed implement and connected to the work vehicle's air supply system, providing an additional air source that significantly reduces inflation time when the implement is connected, while maintaining the ability to adjust tire pressure for different terrains.
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
This system reduces tire inflation time, improves fuel efficiency, and allows for precise control of tire pressure, enhancing traction and reducing ground pressure on fields while maintaining tire wear efficiency on roads.
Implementation Method 1
a work vehicle compressor configured to be mounted on the work vehicle, wherein the work vehicle compressor is configured to compress a first supply of ambient air and to output a first compressed air supply
Implementation Method 2
an implement compressor configured to be mounted on an implement towed by the work vehicle, wherein the implement compressor is configured to compress a second supply of ambient air and to output a second compressed air supply
Implementation Method 3
a priority valve coupled to an output of the compressed air line and an output of the compressed air connection line, wherein the priority valve is configured to selectively distribute the first compressed air supply, the second compressed air supply, and a combination air supply
Implementation Method 4
the pressure valve is disposed along the distribution line and configured to control the increase and decrease of the air pressure within the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A combination air supply system for a work vehicle, includes a work vehicle compressor configured to be mounted on the work vehicle, wherein the work vehicle compressor is configured to compress a first supply of ambient air and to output a first compressed air supply via a compressed air line, wherein the compressed air line is configured to receive a second compressed air supply from an implement compressor via a compressed air connection line, wherein the implement compressor is configured to be mounted on an implement towed by the work vehicle, wherein the compressed air connection line is configured to couple the implement compressor to the compressed air line via a coupler, and a tire inflation system fluidly coupled to the compressed air line and configured to selectively increase and decrease an air pressure within a tire of the work vehicle, wherein the tire inflation system is configured to distribute the first compressed air supply, the second compressed air supply, and a combination air supply of the first and second compressed air supplies to the tire.