Tire Inflation Cam Pump with Eccentric Mass Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive pressurization systems for tire inflation face issues such as fatigue due to high pressures and cycling demands, over-pressurization leading to fluid loss, and instability at excitation frequencies, which reduce pump lifetime and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pump system utilizing a cam and eccentric mass mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear motion, with a force translator and pressure regulation mechanism to control pressure and prevent over-pressurization, while stabilizing torque and oscillations to maintain efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional passive pressurization systems use reciprocating pumps to pressurize tires, then tire inflation is achieved, but pump fatigue occurs due to high pressures and high number of pumping cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic imbalance mechanism where an unbalanced mass on the rotating cam generates varying centrifugal forces that drive the reciprocating pump. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high pressurization capability while the continuous motion prevents static fatigue accumulation, thereby extending pump lifetime despite operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes periodic rotation of the cam mechanism to generate rhythmic pumping cycles. By maintaining continuous periodic motion rather than intermittent high-force cycles, the system distributes stress more evenly over time, reducing peak fatigue loads on the pump components while maintaining effective tire inflation
2Productivity
If conventional passive pressurization systems continue pumping after desired pressure is reached, then pressurization function is maintained, but over-pressurization occurs and fluid is lost through relief valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure-sensitive feedback mechanism where the system monitors reservoir pressure and automatically modulates the pumping action. When the desired pressure is reached, the increased back-pressure naturally reduces the pumping efficiency and flow rate, creating a self-regulating system that prevents over-pressurization and eliminates the need for relief valves that would cause fluid loss
3Power
If eccentric mass is coupled to rotating surface and rotates near excitation frequency, then pumping action is generated, but radial oscillations occur that destabilize the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a counterbalancing mass positioned opposite to the unbalanced mass on the cam mechanism. This counterweight generates opposing centrifugal forces that cancel out the destabilizing radial oscillations, allowing the system to operate at excitation frequencies where effective pumping action occurs without compromising overall system stability
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 system effectively pressurizes tires with reduced fatigue and fluid loss, maintaining efficiency and extending pump lifetime by stabilizing torque and oscillations, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a cam (120) and an eccentric mass (140) that generate a pumping force... wherein the eccentric mass (140) retains the cam position relative to a gravity vector
Implementation Method 2
The bearing surface (122) preferably has a first section (124) having a high curvature... an intermediate section (128) having a medium curvature... and a third section (126) having a low curvature
Data Source
AI summary
A tire inflation system including a drive mechanism having a rotational axis, a pump cavity positioned a radial distance away from the axis of rotation, and a force translator coupling the rotational axis to the pump cavity. The drive mechanism includes a cam comprising an arcuate bearing surface having a non-uniform curvature, the cam rotatable about the rotational axis, and an eccentric mass couple to the cam that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis. The pump cavity is rotatably coupled to the cam, wherein the pump cavity includes an actuating element and a chamber. The force translator couples the arcuate bearing surface to the actuating element, wherein the force translator includes an axis having an arcuate position fixed to an arcuate position of the pump cavity.