Embedded Central Tire Inflation Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central tire inflation systems require complex and costly valve designs with external positioning, making them prone to damage and requiring frequent repair or replacement due to exposure and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified tire valve design that is embedded within the wheel rim, with a minimal number of moving parts, allowing for remote operation and easy replacement without removing the wheel, and protected by an anchor ring to reduce external exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve is positioned on the exterior surface of the rim (surface-mounted), then the valve is easily accessible for operation, but the valve is exposed to debris and objects that can strike and damage it during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is nested within a recess formed in the rim surface, with the valve body positioned inside the recess and only the operating portion extending slightly beyond the rim surface. This nesting approach protects the valve from debris while maintaining accessibility for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An anchor ring is introduced as an intermediary component that secures the valve assembly within the recess and provides additional protection. The anchor ring acts as a mediator between the valve and the rim, ensuring stable positioning and enhanced protection against debris while allowing operational access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex valve designs with multiple components are used in prior art systems, then the valves can be incorporated into existing central tire inflation systems, but the additional components increase cost and complexity, causing the valves to fail regularly and require frequent repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into a simplified integrated valve assembly that includes the valve body, seal, and anchor ring as a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining compatibility with central tire inflation systems, thereby reducing complexity and failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
Unnecessary components from prior art valve designs are extracted and eliminated. The invention uses only the essential components needed for CTIS compatibility and functionality, removing extraneous parts that contributed to complexity and frequent failures in previous designs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve is embedded within the rim in a recessed manner, then the profile of the valve on the exterior of the wheel is reduced and the likelihood of damage is greatly reduced, but the valve requires integration into the rim structure
Solution Approach 1:
The rim structure is segmented to include a dedicated recess that accommodates the valve assembly. This segmentation allows the valve to be embedded for protection while keeping the manufacturing process manageable by creating a distinct housing space within the rim rather than requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is formed in the rim during the rim manufacturing process before the valve is installed. This preliminary action of creating the recess upfront simplifies subsequent valve installation and integration, reducing the complexity of manufacturing the complete assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.