Tire Inflation Testing Device Isolating Workpiece Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation devices face challenges in separating the influences of the device from those caused by the tire and rim, making it difficult to achieve a repeatable and workpiece-independent check on the mode of operation.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a housing, piston, and sensors that mimics the tire inflation process, allowing for independent measurement of pressure and temperature, and includes features like annular chambers and sealing rings to replicate the tire and rim interaction, ensuring a reliable seal and force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a real tire and rim are used for testing, then the inflation process can be evaluated in actual operating conditions, but the results are influenced by workpiece-specific factors (tire and rim variations) making repeatable and device-independent evaluation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified model system (testing device) that copies the essential functional elements of the tire inflation process without using actual tires and rims. The model includes a piston representing the tire bead, a sealing device representing the rim, and an inflation chamber representing the tire interior. This allows evaluation of the inflation device's performance without the variability introduced by real workpieces, achieving repeatable and workpiece-independent results.
2Measurement precision
If manufacturing tolerances and dimensional allowances of tire and rim are considered, then real-world inflation variability is captured, but it becomes difficult to separate device influences from workpiece influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functional elements of the tire inflation system from the complete tire-rim-inflation device assembly. By taking out only the critical components (inflation ring, sealing mechanism, pressure application system) and representing them in a simplified model, the testing device isolates the inflation device's performance from workpiece variables, enabling precise measurement of device characteristics without the complexity of separating multiple influencing factors.
3Productivity
If the inflation bell is lowered to create an annular gap for air entry, then tire inflation is achieved, but the sidewall movement and bead seating are influenced by tire-specific properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the testing system to eliminate workpiece variability. Instead of using actual tire sidewalls with varying elastic properties and bead characteristics, the model uses a piston with defined geometric parameters, controlled sealing surfaces, and regulated pressure application. This standardization of parameters ensures consistent and reliable inflation pressure results while maintaining efficient inflation process evaluation.
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 a repeatable and workpiece-independent evaluation of tire inflation device operation by accurately measuring pressure and temperature, isolating device-specific influences from tire and rim-related factors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arranged between the bottom of the housing and the piston, its spring force seeking to move the piston away from the bottom
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor capable of detecting the pressure in an inner chamber of the housing adapted to be filled with compressed gas and converting the pressure into electrical quantities
Implementation Method 3
radially within the engagement surface has a piston opening leading into the housing, at least one spring arranged between the bottom of the housing and the piston
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a testing device for a tire inflation device, comprising a housing (10) which includes a bottom (11) and an annular outer wall (12) with a cylindrical inner surface (16), a piston (15) which is movably guided on the cylindrical inner surface (16), is sealed and has an annular engagement surface (20) for sealingly engaging an inflation ring (3) and a central piston opening (19), a spring (26) arranged between the bottom (11) and the piston (15), its spring force seeking to move the piston (15) away from the bottom, and sensors detecting the pressure in an inner chamber (18) adapted to be filled with compressed gas and the temperature of the housing (10).