Vehicle Forced Induction System for Tire Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inflating tires on vehicles, such as those using engine-driven compressors and portable canisters, are costly, prone to degradation, and can affect engine performance, while requiring dedicated equipment that may degrade over time and be ineffective in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing a vehicle's forced induction system to provide compressed air for tire inflation and other objects by electrically powering the system when the engine is off, eliminating the need for dedicated air pumps and pressure vessels, and allowing for manual or automatic control of pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reciprocating air pump with moving components and valves is used, then compressed air can be generated for tire inflation, but the system becomes costly and prone to degradation due to intermittent use
Solution Approach 1:
The forced induction system, originally designed for engine performance enhancement, is repurposed to provide compressed air for tire inflation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated air pump components, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability through the use of existing robust engine components
2Quantity of substance
If an engine-driven compressor and reservoir are used, then a source of compressed air is provided, but engine output decreases and weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing forced induction system serves dual purposes: maintaining engine performance during operation and providing compressed air for tire inflation when the engine is off. This eliminates the need for separate reservoirs and dedicated compression equipment, reducing overall system weight and cost while maintaining adequate compressed air availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system to power the forced induction compressor during engine-off conditions, eliminating the need for separate power sources or large energy-storing components that would add weight and cost
3Ease of operation
If a pressurized canister with sealant is used, then tire leaks can be addressed, but the sealant becomes ineffective over storage time and requires professional repair
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, time-sensitive sealant canisters with a durable, reusable forced induction system that generates fresh compressed air on-demand. This eliminates the degradation issues associated with stored sealant while providing immediate tire inflation capability without requiring professional repair services
4Adaptability or versatility
If a hose sufficiently long to reach between the engine compartment and all vehicle tires is used, then all tires can be accessed, but the hose becomes prohibitively long and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vehicle into zones served by different forced induction systems (front engine serving front tires, rear engine serving rear tires). This segmentation allows for shorter, more durable hoses while maintaining the ability to service all tires effectively
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 solution reduces vehicle weight, emissions, and fuel consumption while providing a reliable, low-cost, and flexible method for inflating tires and other objects without affecting vehicle performance, as it utilizes the existing engine system for pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing the depressurized object by supplying electrical power to the forced induction system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for using a forced induction system of an engine on-board a vehicle as a source of compressed air to pressurize depressurized objects on-board and external to the vehicle. In one example, a method may include, in response to a pressure of the depressurized object being below a threshold pressure while the engine is off, fluidly coupling a discharge of a forced induction system to the depressurized object, wherein the engine includes the forced induction system, and pressurizing the depressurized object by supplying electrical power to the forced induction system.