Dynamic Tire Pressure Control for Fuel Economy and Road Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation systems fail to adaptively manage tire pressure in real-time based on varying vehicle operating conditions, leading to suboptimal fuel economy and vehicle control, especially in adverse weather or road conditions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated tire inflation/deflation system with sensors and a controller that adjusts tire pressure in real-time by communicating with a compressor and valve system, using vehicle location, environmental, and sensor data to balance fuel economy and road control, including deflation in wet/icy conditions, imminent crashes, potholes, and shoulder travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If tire pressure is maintained at high levels continuously, then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle control and safety are compromised in adverse weather or road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure in real-time based on current driving conditions, weather, and road surface characteristics. The controller receives input from sensors detecting wet/icy conditions, road slope, and vehicle speed, then automatically modifies tire pressure to optimize both fuel economy and vehicle control for the specific situation, eliminating the need for static high pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of tire pressure based on detected conditions. When wet or icy road conditions are detected, the controller reduces tire pressure to improve traction and vehicle control. When conditions are favorable, pressure is increased to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy, thus adapting the pressure parameter to match operational requirements
2Reliability
If tire pressure is reduced for better road control in adverse conditions, then vehicle control is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic pressure adjustment that responds to real-time condition changes. When adverse conditions are detected, pressure is reduced temporarily to improve road control, then restored to higher levels when conditions improve, minimizing the duration and impact on fuel economy while maintaining safety when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts the tire pressure parameter selectively based on detected conditions such as wet/icy roads, road slope, and vehicle speed. The system changes pressure only when and where needed, rather than maintaining uniformly low pressure, thus preserving fuel economy while improving road control when conditions demand it
3Reliability
If all four tires are adjusted simultaneously, then vehicle control is optimized, but system complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tire adjustment process by controlling different tires independently based on specific conditions. For example, when a pothole is detected on one side, only the affected tire or side tires are adjusted. This selective segmentation reduces the complexity of coordinating all four tires while maintaining vehicle control when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by adjusting only the necessary number of tires rather than all four simultaneously. When conditions affect only certain tires or when selective adjustment is sufficient for safety, the controller limits adjustment to those specific tires, reducing system complexity and response time while maintaining adequate vehicle control
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 dynamically adjusts tire pressure to enhance fuel economy and ensure safe vehicle operation by optimizing tire pressure based on real-time conditions, improving handling and reducing the risk of tire blowouts and loss of control.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation/deflation system that includes a compressor and a valve in fluid communication with four tires
Implementation Method 2
an inflation/deflation system that includes a compressor and a valve in fluid communication with four tires
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure system for a vehicle includes an inflation/deflation system that includes a compressor and a valve in fluid communication with four tires. Each of the four tires have a tire pressure. At least one sensor is configured to receive at least one of vehicle location data, vehicle environmental data and other sensor information. A controller is in communication with the inflation/deflation system and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to select at least one of the four tires to adjust the tire pressure of the selected at least one of the four tires. The controller is configured to control at least one of the valve and compressor to achieve at least one of desired fuel economy and desired road control of the selected at least one of the four tires.