Dynamic Tire Pressure System for Vehicle Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure systems fail to dynamically adjust tire pressures based on varying vehicle states, such as acceleration, terrain, and user modes, leading to suboptimal fuel economy, handling, and wear patterns.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic tire air pressure system that includes sensors, reservoir tanks, and valves to adjust tire pressure individually according to the vehicle's state, using a controller to actuate inflation or deflation based on measured pressure and vehicle conditions, with user-selectable modes for sport, comfort, and fuel economy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional tire pressure monitoring systems are used to maintain manufacturer-recommended pressure ranges, then tire wear is reduced and basic safety is ensured, but the system cannot adapt to varying vehicle states such as acceleration, terrain, and user preferences, resulting in suboptimal fuel economy and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle statesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure based on real-time vehicle states including acceleration, terrain conditions, and user-selected modes (sport, comfort, fuel economy). The controller continuously monitors vehicle conditions and actuates valves to inflate or deflate tires accordingly, transforming the static pressure maintenance system into a dynamic adaptation system that optimizes performance for varying operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor tire pressure and vehicle state, providing feedback to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts tire pressure in real-time based on the determined vehicle state and selected user mode, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining optimal performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If tire pressure is increased to improve fuel economy through reduced friction, then fuel consumption decreases, but ride comfort deteriorates and handling on certain terrains is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoidride comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure based on the selected user mode and detected vehicle state. In fuel economy mode, the system increases tire pressure to reduce friction and optimize fuel consumption. In comfort mode, it decreases pressure to improve ride quality. The system seamlessly transitions between these states, allowing optimal fuel economy when needed while maintaining comfort when the vehicle is in comfort mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of tire pressure to optimize different performance characteristics. By adjusting pressure levels based on operational conditions and user preferences, the system achieves reduced friction and improved fuel economy during fuel-efficient operation, while allowing increased pressure for comfort during normal driving conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If tire pressure is decreased to improve ride comfort and terrain grip, then ride quality and traction increase, but fuel economy deteriorates due to increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveride comfortVSAvoidfuel economy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between comfort optimization and fuel economy optimization based on the selected user mode. When in comfort mode, the system decreases tire pressure to improve ride quality and terrain grip. When switched to fuel economy mode, it increases pressure to reduce friction. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide improved ride comfort when needed while minimizing the fuel economy penalty through timely pressure increases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Extent of automation

If manual tire pressure adjustment is performed based on manufacturer recommendations, then basic tire maintenance is achieved, but the system cannot respond to dynamic vehicle conditions such as acceleration and terrain changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated pressure adjustmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor tire pressure and vehicle state, providing real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback and the determined vehicle state, the controller automatically actuates valves to adjust tire pressure without user intervention. This automated feedback-controlled system responds dynamically to acceleration, terrain changes, and mode selections, eliminating the need for manual pressure adjustment while adapting to varying operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operational state and adjusting tire pressure accordingly. The controller determines the vehicle state based on sensor inputs and autonomously controls the inflation and deflation processes, allowing the system to maintain optimal tire pressure for current conditions without requiring user knowledge or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Optimizes fuel economy, improves handling and ride comfort, reduces wear, and enhances safety by dynamically adjusting tire pressure in real-time based on vehicle conditions and user preferences.

Implementation Method 1

a tire pressure sensor that measures an air pressure of a tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a first reservoir tank that maintains a lower air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire and a second reservoir tank that maintains a higher air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression and storage: Compression

Implementation Method 3

one or more valves that control deflation and inflation of the tire by selectively coupling the tire to the first or second reservoir tanks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

an air compressor coupled to the first and second reservoir tanks and to the one or more valves to supply pressure to the reservoir tanks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9522577B2Dynamic tire air pressure system
Publication Date: 2016.12.20 HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC
  • US9522577B2 patent drawing
  • US9522577B2 patent drawing
  • US9522577B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a dynamic tire air pressure system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a tire pressure sensor that measures an air pressure of a tire. The system also includes a first reservoir tank maintaining a lower air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire. The system further includes a second reservoir tank maintaining a higher air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire. The system additionally includes one or more valves that control deflation and inflation of the tire by selectively coupling the tire to the first or second reservoir tanks.