Tire Bladder Valve for Rapid Pressure Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting tire pressure in agricultural tractors and work machines are inefficient, requiring substantial time and often impractical compressor systems that are too large for local mounting.
Innovation Solution
A compact wheel assembly system with a rim, tire, bladder, and valve configuration that allows for quick pressure adjustments by isolating and coupling fluid regions within the wheel assembly, enabling rapid changes in tire pressure through a controller and sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional compressor systems are used to adjust tire pressure, then tire pressure can be changed, but the system becomes too large for local mounting and requires substantial time for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The tire pressure adjustment system is segmented into two independent fluid storage regions (first and second regions) with separate fluid reservoirs. This allows rapid pressure adjustment by simply transferring fluid between regions rather than using a large compressor system, thereby improving productivity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid reservoir is positioned within the wheel assembly structure, nesting the storage function within the existing wheel components. The first and second fluid regions are contained within the tire structure, eliminating the need for external compressor equipment and enabling compact local mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tire pressure is increased for hard terrain and high speeds, then control efficiency improves, but the system cannot adapt to soft terrain requiring low pressure for traction
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of tire pressure by allowing fluid to be transferred between the first and second regions based on terrain conditions. A valve mechanism controls the fluid flow, enabling the tire to adapt its pressure from low (for soft terrain traction) to high (for hard terrain efficiency), thereby improving versatility without requiring an overly complex external system.
3Loss of time
If fluid is transferred rapidly between regions, then tire pressure adjusts quickly, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is extracted and positioned within the rim structure, integrating it into the existing wheel assembly rather than adding external complexity. This allows rapid fluid transfer between the first and second regions through a compact valve design that minimizes adjustment time while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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
Enables rapid and efficient tire pressure adjustments, improving operational efficiency and adaptability to varying terrain and load conditions without the need for large compressors.
Implementation Method 1
a valve may be fluidly coupled to the second interior region and the third interior region, the valve being movable between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
A bladder may be coupled to the rim to define a second interior region between the outer radial surface and the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly has a rim with an outer radial surface. A tire coupled to the rim defines a first interior region between the outer radial surface and the tire. A bladder coupled to the rim defines a second interior region between the outer radial surface and the bladder. A third interior region is defined between the bladder and the tire. The wheel assembly includes a valve fluidly coupled to the second interior region and the third interior region. The valve is movable between a first position and a second position. The second interior region and the third interior region are fluidly isolated from one another when the valve is in the first position. The second interior region and the third interior region may be fluidly coupled to one another when the valve is in the second position.