Segmented Gaiter for Central Tyre Inflation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In central tyre inflation systems (CTIS), compressed air used for inflating or deflating tyres can leak into the CV joint enclosure, causing pressure issues and requiring vented gaiters to equalize pressure, which may not effectively prevent air from entering the joint.
Innovation Solution
A gaiter design with an inner and outer sidewall forming a passageway for gas flow, isolated from the lubricated joint volume, featuring gas flow ports at each end to convey compressed air without contaminating the lubricant, using flexible polymeric materials and reinforcement to maintain shape under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional solid gaiter is used to protect the CV joint, then the joint is protected from contamination, but compressed air cannot pass through the gaiter to inflate/deflate tyres
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter is segmented into an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall with a passageway between them. This segmentation allows the gaiter to simultaneously protect the joint (outer sidewall function) and convey gas (passageway function), resolving the contradiction between protection and gas flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sidewall is nested within the outer sidewall, creating a concentric structure with the passageway between them. This nested configuration allows the gaiter to maintain its protective enclosure function while providing an internal channel for gas flow, enabling both joint protection and CTIS operation.
2Reliability
If the gaiter is made solid to maintain structural integrity, then the joint is protected, but air leakage into the joint enclosure occurs causing pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway is extracted from the solid gaiter structure by creating a channel between the inner and outer sidewalls. This extraction removes the harmful effect of air leakage into the joint enclosure while maintaining the protective function of the gaiter, as the passageway provides a dedicated route for air flow that does not compromise joint protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a passageway is created between inner and outer sidewalls for gas flow, then compressed air can be conveyed without contaminating lubricant, but the gaiter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure function and gas flow function are merged into a single gaiter structure with the passageway integrated between the inner and outer sidewalls. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective housing and gas delivery components, reducing overall system complexity despite the dual-function design.
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 gaiter effectively conveys compressed air through the CV joint without pressurizing the lubricant, maintaining the joint's integrity and preventing air leaks, ensuring efficient tyre inflation and deflation operations while maintaining the lubricant's separation from the air supply.
Implementation Method 1
the passageway is configured to convey gas in isolation from said volume when the gaiter is mounted to the lubricated joint
Implementation Method 2
using flexible polymeric materials and reinforcement to maintain shape under pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A gaiter (4) for a lubricated joint (1) comprises a sidewall structure (9) defining an enclosure (5) for receiving a lubricant and a passageway (24) for conveying a gas. In use, the passageway (12) conveys gas in isolation from said enclosure (5). Gaiters (4) in accordance with the invention find application in vehicle central tyre inflation systems (CTIS).