Self-contained Tire Inflator with Motion Power and Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure regulation systems, such as the Halo by Aperia Technologies, are limited in their ability to be customized for different vehicle types and require a trucking license for purchase, with mechanical components that are not adaptable for passenger vehicles, and do not allow for real-time adjustment of tire pressure without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tire pressure regulation system that includes an inflator box with a custom valve stem, a rechargeable battery, and a microcontroller, which uses Bluetooth or WiFi to monitor and adjust tire pressure automatically, ensuring it meets OEM standards, and can be installed on various rim sizes without visible components, allowing for real-time inflation and deflation based on set specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical tire pressure regulation system like Halo is used, then tire pressure can be regulated, but the system is not adaptable to different vehicle types and requires specialized licenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force-based pressure regulation system with an electronic control system that uses sensors, microcontrollers, and electric motors to regulate tire pressure. This substitution enables adaptability to different vehicle types through software programming while eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and specialized licensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic tire pressure regulation system is designed to be universally applicable to various vehicle types including passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. The system achieves this through programmable pressure thresholds, adjustable parameters, and a standardized interface that can accommodate different tire and vehicle configurations without requiring custom mechanical design for each application.
2Extent of automation
If manual intervention is required for tire pressure adjustment, then system simplicity is maintained, but real-time pressure regulation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tire pressure using sensors and automatically activates electric motors to inflate or deflate tires when pressure deviates from predetermined thresholds. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of basic sensing and actuation components controlled by a microcontroller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where pressure sensors continuously measure tire pressure, the microcontroller compares readings against target thresholds, and electric motors are activated to adjust pressure accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automated real-time regulation while keeping the system manageable through the use of straightforward control logic and off-the-shelf components.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom fitting is required for each vehicle, then pressure precision is optimized, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise pressure regulation for different vehicle types by programmatically adjusting pressure thresholds, motor power levels, and sensor calibration parameters rather than physically customizing the hardware. This parameter-based configuration allows a single standardized device design to be installed on any vehicle while maintaining optimal pressure control through software settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates predetermined pressure thresholds and vehicle-specific parameters that are pre-programmed into the system before installation. This preliminary configuration enables the device to immediately function with optimal precision upon installation without requiring on-site customization or complex fitting procedures, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining pressure regulation accuracy.
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 provides automatic and real-time tire pressure regulation, ensuring tires maintain OEM standards without manual intervention, enhancing safety and convenience by preventing under or over inflation, and can be installed on a wide range of vehicles without the need for specialized licenses or modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A motion activated power generator charges a supercapacitor and battery
Implementation Method 2
An air compressor forces air into a tire
Implementation Method 3
A valve releases air from the tire to the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
An inflator disposed within a tubeless tire for inflating the tubeless tire. A rechargeable electric storage disposed within a tubeless for providing electricity. An electric air compressor is mounted on an inside surface of the rim of the tubeless tire within the pressure cavity of the tubeless tire. The electric air compressor and an air pressure sensor disposed within the tubeless tire runs by a controller. The electric air compressor has a compressed air inlet vented to atmosphere in a custom valve stem through a conventional hole of a valve stem in the rim of the tubeless tire. A motion activated power generator recharges the rechargeable electric storage. A short-range radio transmits measured pressure data for each tire to a central OBD module plugged into in the vehicle. The central OBD module connects through a smartphone indirectly or directly to a central server via a networked cellular radio tower.