Self-Inflating Tire Peristaltic Pump Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire pressure naturally decreases over time, leading to reduced fuel economy, tire life, and vehicle handling performance, and existing Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems require driver intervention for re-inflation.
Innovation Solution
A self-inflating tire assembly with a peristaltic pump mechanism that includes a valve device with check valves and a pressure membrane, which allows filtered ambient air to enter the tire when pressure falls below a threshold, maintaining optimal tire pressure without driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Tire Pressure Monitoring System is used to warn drivers of low tire pressure, then drivers can be alerted to maintain tire pressure, but driver intervention is still required for re-inflation which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The tire assembly performs self-service by automatically detecting low pressure conditions and re-inflating the tire through an integrated peristaltic pump mechanism, eliminating the need for driver intervention. The system monitors pressure via sensors and activates the pump when pressure falls below threshold levels, allowing the tire to self-correct without requiring the driver to manually inflate it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring tire pressure through sensors and using this information to control the peristaltic pump operation. When pressure drops below a predetermined threshold, the feedback signal triggers the pump to activate and restore pressure, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains optimal tire pressure.
2Reliability
If tire pressure is not maintained, then fuel economy and tire life are reduced, but continuous monitoring and manual intervention increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the peristaltic pump mechanism serves both as the inflation device and as part of the pressure monitoring system. The pump's mechanical operation during tire rotation automatically draws air into the tire when needed, combining the monitoring, control, and inflation functions into one unified assembly rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump mechanism is driven by the tire's own rotation, making the system self-powered without requiring external electrical power sources. As the tire rotates, the pump mechanism automatically activates to draw air from the environment and inflate the tire when pressure is low, making the entire system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a self-inflating mechanism is implemented, then driver intervention is eliminated, but the valve device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device utilizes pneumatic principles with a diaphragm that responds to pressure differential to automatically control air flow. When internal tire pressure drops below external atmospheric pressure, the pressure differential causes the diaphragm to move and open the air passage, allowing air to enter the tire automatically without mechanical valves or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device employs a flexible diaphragm instead of rigid mechanical valves. This thin film component flexes in response to pressure changes, automatically opening and closing air passages based on tire pressure conditions. This flexible membrane approach simplifies the valve structure compared to traditional mechanical valve systems with moving parts.
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 self-inflating tire assembly maintains optimal tire pressure, enhancing fuel efficiency, tire longevity, and vehicle handling by automatically compensating for pressure losses, reducing the need for frequent driver intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A self-inflating tire assembly includes a peristaltic pump mechanism that includes a valve device with check valves and a pressure membrane
Implementation Method 2
a pressure membrane is received within the valve body, and positioned to open and close the channel; wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the tire cavity
Implementation Method 3
a first and second check valve is positioned in the first and second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air passageway in the tire that is operable to be sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air from an inlet device through the passageway to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. A valve device for a tire is also disclosed. The valve device includes an insert mounted in the tire, a valve body mounted within the valve insert; wherein the valve body has a first, second and third chamber, wherein a first and second check valve is positioned in the first and second chamber. A pressure membrane is received within the valve body, and positioned to open and close the third chamber. The pressure membrane is in fluid communication with the tire cavity and the third chamber of the valve body. A spring is received within the third chamber and is positioned to exert force upon the pressure membrane to bias the pressure membrane position relative to the channel in the open position.