Rotatable Air Passage Pre-Pressurization for Tyre Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tyre pressure control systems for agricultural vehicles face challenges in maintaining accurate tyre pressure measurement and sealing integrity during inflation and deflation, particularly due to high velocity air at low pressure levels and varying terrain conditions, leading to potential air leaks and seal damage.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the rotatable air passage is pressurized prior to both inflation and deflation to ensure the integrity of the sealing means between the rotatable and non-rotatable parts, using a controlled air supply system with valves and pressure sensors to maintain a pre-determined pressure level, thereby ensuring a secure seal and preventing air leaks into the oil guiding areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the tyre volume is large compared to the air supply system volume, then the air passes with high velocity, but the pressure level remains low (approximately 0.4 to 3 bar)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pressurizing the rotatable air passage before inflation or deflation operations begin. This pre-pressurization ensures that the sealing means are properly sealed against the contact surface before high-velocity air flow occurs, preventing air leaks into the axle housing while allowing the subsequent high-speed air flow needed for efficient tyre pressure adjustment
2Reliability
If the pressure level is low during inflation/deflation, then air seals cannot maintain proper sealing contact, but increasing pressure may lift seals from contact surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressurization of the rotatable air passage to establish proper seal contact before the main inflation or deflation process. This timing ensures seals are seated correctly when needed, rather than relying on pressure fluctuations during active tyre pressure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a pressure sensor that monitors the pressure level in the rotatable air passage and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when the predetermined pressure level is reached and automatically initiate or terminate the pressurization process, ensuring optimal sealing conditions are achieved
3Reliability
If air seals are used to seal the rotatable shaft, then air leakage is prevented, but shaft seal wear increases due to continuous contact
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-pressurizing the rotatable air passage before inflation or deflation operations, the system ensures that shaft seals are properly seated and sealed only when necessary. During normal operation when tyre pressure is stable, the seals remain in contact with the contact surface maintaining reliability, but the preliminary pressurization ensures proper sealing before high-velocity air flow that could cause wear
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 approach enhances the sealing integrity and prevents air leaks, reducing wear on seals and maintaining proper tyre pressure control, improving the reliability and safety of the tyre pressure control system.
Implementation Method 1
prior to inflation and deflation of the tyre, one of the passages is pressurised to ensure the integrity of the sealing means with the contact component
Implementation Method 2
Air seals are used to seal the rotatable shaft which comprises the rotatable passage with a non rotatable part of the vehicle comprising a non rotatable passage
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of inflating and deflating a tyre on a vehicle, said vehicle having a rotatable air passage connectable to a tyre and a non rotatable air passage through which air is conducted from a pressurised air supply. One of the passages has an associated sealing means for co-operating with a contact component associated with the other passage and wherein prior to inflation and deflation of the tyre, one of the passages is pressurised to ensure the integrity of the sealing means with the contact component.