Pneumatic Device for Low Pressure Tire Inflation and Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled pneumatic devices for automatic tire inflation/deflation struggle with measuring low tire pressures, as they often switch to deflation mode instead of allowing pressure measurement at low pressures, which is common in vehicles using tires with pressures below 5 bar.
Innovation Solution
A controlled pneumatic device with a hollow body and a piston system that allows for controlled injection and deflation of gaseous fluid, featuring a mobile assembly and flexible components to manage pressure differences, enabling inflation at low pressures and measurement through a pressure measurement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device switches to deflation mode when pressure is low, then the device protects itself from operating outside its range, but the device cannot measure low tire pressures which are common in certain vehicle applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the device's operational mode flexible and adaptable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically switches between inflation mode, deflation mode, and measurement mode based on real-time pressure conditions and operational context. This allows the device to operate safely within its pressure range while enabling low pressure measurement when appropriate, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and operational safety.
2Strength
If the device is designed for high pressure operation, then the device structure can handle higher forces, but the device cannot effectively inflate tires at low pressures below 5 bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Partial or excessive action principle by providing the device with structural capacity exceeding the minimum required for low pressure operation. The device is designed with strength sufficient for high pressure operation, but through controlled partial action (using only the necessary portion of its capability), it can safely and effectively perform low pressure inflation. The control system modulates the inflation process to match the actual pressure requirements, preventing excessive force application while maintaining structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If the device uses a simple flap valve system, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot provide precise control for both inflation and deflation at different pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing the flap valve system to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate valves for each function. The same flap valve mechanism handles both inflation and deflation operations across different pressure levels by responding to pressure differential signals from the control system. This multi-functional design achieves precise pressure control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the valve system adapts its behavior based on operational requirements.
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
Enables precise measurement and inflation/deflation of tires at low pressures, improving usability and extending the device's working life by allowing static pressure measurement and operation within the desired pressure range.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (25) mounted sliding in at least one chamber of the body under the effect of the injection of a gaseous fluid under pressure
Implementation Method 2
a first flexible component (38, 40), the second flexible component (30) arranged within the said second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic device can include a hollow body including an intake aperture controlled by a system for injecting a gaseous fluid under pressure, an inflation aperture in communication with a tire at an initial pressure, and an exhaust aperture for venting the fluid externally. The pneumatic device can include a piston fitted so as to slide within at least one chamber of the body under the effect of the injection of the fluid via the intake aperture, the piston interoperates with a mobile assembly in combination with an exhaust flap valve to control inflation and deflation of the tire.