Rotary Feed-Through Seal for Tire Pressure Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure control systems for agricultural vehicles face challenges in reliability and structural complexity, particularly with internal systems that are difficult to access and maintain due to rotary unions prone to frictional wear and high costs associated with multiple pressure lines and seals.
Innovation Solution
A tire pressure control system with a body-side and wheel-side valve assembly connected via a transition chamber, utilizing a movable membrane for pressure equalization and a radially expandable/compressible seal with a slit for minimized wear, and a pneumatically controlled directional valve for efficient pressure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary unions are used to supply compressed air from non-rotating vehicle body to rotating wheel, then compressed air can be delivered to the tire, but frictional wear occurs during use leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rotary union from the system by using a magnetic coupling mechanism that transfers rotational motion and compressed air without mechanical contact between rotating and non-rotating parts, thereby removing the source of frictional wear and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer energy and motion from the non-rotating vehicle body to the rotating wheel, avoiding direct mechanical contact and the associated wear that would occur with traditional rotary unions
2Reliability
If multiple pressure lines and seals are used in the tire pressure control system, then compressed air can be supplied and controlled, but the system becomes expensive and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure lines and sealing functions into a single integrated magnetic coupling assembly, reducing the number of separate components and potential failure points while maintaining the necessary pressure control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers rotational motion, transmits compressed air, and provides sealing, thereby eliminating the need for separate pressure lines and seals for each function
3Reliability
If internal tire pressure control system with integrated line harness is used, then protection against external damage is improved, but access for repair becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tire pressure control system into modular components, with the magnetic coupling assembly designed as a replaceable unit that can be accessed and replaced without complex disassembly, improving ease of repair while maintaining integrated protection
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 achieves improved reliability and reduced structural complexity by ensuring the seal is wear-free and frictionless, allowing for efficient pressure adjustments and minimizing air loss, thus enhancing traction efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cavity delimited by the groove and the rear side of the seal facing away from the second flange communicates with the transition chamber... supplying pressurized air to the transition chamber, the cavity at the back of the seal is also pressurized, forcing the seal against the second flange
Implementation Method 2
the seal is preferably radially expandable and/or compressible, so that the seal can yield to the pressure prevailing in the transition chamber in the radial direction and nestle closely against a side wall of the groove
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The tire pressure adjustment system has a body-lateral valve assembly and a wheel-lateral valve assembly. The body-lateral valve assembly and the wheel-lateral valve assembly are stand in connection with each other by a transition chamber. A hollow space is interacted with the transition chamber. The hollow space is limited by a groove (18,19).