Rotary Union Activatable Ring Seal for Tire Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure control systems face contamination issues due to abrasion of sliding sealing elements, leading to potential leaks and dirt penetration in the air line, especially when the rotary union is constantly under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A rotary feedthrough design with activatable ring seals that form a sealed transmission chamber radially between the stator and rotor, minimizing wear and allowing for a connection to the vehicle-side air supply spaced from the rotor's axis of rotation, and featuring a plug-in coupling for easier installation and tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding sealing elements are used in the rotary union, then air transmission between stator and rotor is enabled, but abrasion of the sealing elements causes contamination and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sealing arrangement active rather than passive. The flexible membrane is designed to be dynamically deformable, changing its configuration based on pressure differential. When pressure difference exists between stator and rotor, the membrane deforms to create sealing contact, and when pressure equalizes, it returns to its initial state. This dynamic behavior eliminates continuous friction and wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the tire pressure control cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatics principle by using the pressure differential of the air being transmitted to activate the sealing mechanism. The flexible membrane is positioned such that pressure difference between the stator chamber and rotor directly deforms the membrane to establish sealing. This pneumatic activation replaces mechanical sliding seals, eliminating abrasion-generated contamination while utilizing the existing pressure system to drive the sealing action.
2Reliability
If the rotary union is constantly under pressure to maintain tire pressure control, then continuous monitoring is required, but this increases system complexity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action principle by making the sealing function intermittent rather than continuous. The flexible membrane sealing is activated only during the periods when tire pressure adjustment is needed, corresponding to the periodic activation of the valve. During these periodic intervals, the membrane deforms under pressure differential to enable sealed air transmission. Between these intervals, when tire pressure is stable, the sealing is not actively maintained, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the air supply connection is made at the center of the rotor, then alignment with the wheel axis is simplified, but this reduces flexibility in system installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by moving the air supply connection from the rotational axis (one-dimensional constraint) to the periphery of the rotor (two-dimensional flexibility). The flexible membrane sealing mechanism allows the air supply line to connect to the stator at any radial position, not necessarily aligned with the wheel axis. This peripheral connection point can be positioned in any direction, providing installation flexibility while the membrane ensures proper sealing regardless of the connection angle or position.
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 design reduces contamination and wear, ensuring reliable tire pressure control without continuous monitoring, and allows for flexible air supply connections, enhancing durability and installation ease.
Implementation Method 1
In the annular gap there is at least one ring seal that can be activated and that, when activated, acts in the radial direction against the stator and rotor to form a sealed transmission chamber
Implementation Method 2
This design reduces contamination and wear, ensuring reliable tire pressure control without continuous monitoring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary union (2) of a tyre pressure control system for transmitting air from the region of an axle of a vehicle to a wheel resting on a hub. According to the invention the rotary union has a stator (17) which can be connected via a fluid channel in the axial direction to a vehicle-side air supply line guided through an axle end (12), and a rotor (6) arranged concentrically in relation to the stator (17) and having at least one connection (10) for producing a fluid connection with a wheel valve; the rotary union is provided with means for securing same on the vehicle side, said securing means (8) being designed to connect, via the interposition of a seal (9), the rotor (6) of the rotary union to the hub (1) that is rotatably mounted in relation to the axle end (12); and the rotary union comprises a first part of a plug coupling (22, 25) to be engaged in the axial direction, wherein the complementary plug coupling part (14, 309) thereof is associated with an axle end (12) carrying the wheel to be controlled in terms of tyre pressure. The rotor is arranged concentrically in relation to the stator (17) while retaining a ring gap. At least one ring seal (21), which can be activated for the purpose of changing a tyre pressure and which acts in the radial direction against the stator (17) and rotor (6) when activated, is arranged in the ring gap for providing a sealed transmission chamber (20, 32), wherein both the at least one rotor-side connection and the fluid channel of the stator (17) are fluidically connected to the transmission chamber (20, 32). The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a rotary union (2) of this type and a hub mounted on an axle end of a vehicle for carrying a tyre which can be filled with air and which rests on a wheel rim.