Tire Inflation Control Module With Fill Event Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tire inflation systems lack efficient and reliable control mechanisms for tire pressure management, particularly in adverse weather conditions and environmental hazards, and do not provide comprehensive data collection and user interface capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control module (ECM) with a solenoid valve and pressure sensors that controls fluid communication between a pressure source and vehicle tires, collects tire inflation event data, and determines tire condition based on fill events, featuring a user interface for settings adjustment and diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronically-controllable solenoid valve is used to control fluid communication between pressure source and tire, then tire pressure control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a pressure sensor to continuously monitor tire pressure and automatically adjusting the solenoid valve operation based on the detected pressure levels. The control module receives pressure signals from the sensor and modulates the solenoid valve to maintain target pressure, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the tire inflation process is automatically controlled without manual intervention. The control module autonomously manages the solenoid valve based on pressure sensor feedback, and the system can self-diagnose issues through integrated sensors and control logic, reducing the need for manual operation and monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is installed on the delivery side between solenoid valve and tire, then measurement precision of tire pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The pressure sensor is merged with the control module to form an integrated monitoring and control system. The control module houses both the pressure sensor and the control logic in a single unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise pressure measurement capability on the delivery side.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it controls the solenoid valve, receives and processes pressure sensor signals, determines tire conditions, and provides diagnostic capabilities. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise be separate components, achieving precise pressure measurement without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Loss of information
If the electronic control module collects tire inflation event data and determines fill event values, then information completeness about tire condition is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously collects and stores tire inflation event data in real-time during normal operation, rather than processing data only when needed. This preliminary data collection ensures that comprehensive tire condition information is already available when analysis is required, eliminating delays associated with retrospective data gathering and enabling rapid condition assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated data collection and analysis without requiring manual intervention. The control module autonomously monitors inflation events, determines fill event values, and assesses tire conditions continuously, providing complete information instantly without time loss for manual data processing or external analysis.
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 ECM ensures reliable tire pressure management in various conditions, provides real-time data monitoring, and allows for remote maintenance and security, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first electronically-controllable solenoid valve configured to selectively open or close fluid communication between a fluid pressure source and a vehicle tire
Implementation Method 2
a first electronic fluid pressure sensor configured to detect delivery-side fluid pressure between the first electronically-controllable solenoid valve and the vehicle tire, and to provide a first pressure signal corresponding to the detected delivery-side fluid pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An inflation control module for a tire inflation system, the module having a solenoid disposed to open and close in response to one or more pressure signals. A fill event value is tracked to detect a failure.