Automated Tire Pressure Control for Pneumatic Compactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic compactor machines require operator intervention to manage ground contact pressure, leading to inaccurate tire pressure estimates for different compaction surface conditions, which degrades their performance.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated ground contact pressure system that includes a controller determining target tire pressure based on machine weight, number of tires, tire ground contact area, and ambient temperature, with a unified pressure subsystem to adjust tire pressure dynamically and provide real-time readouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operator estimates tire pressure based on machine weight and air pressure charts, then the compactor can operate with simple equipment, but the tire pressure accuracy degrades leading to poor compaction performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the compactor to automatically determine and adjust its own tire pressure based on measured parameters (machine weight, ambient temperature, compaction surface type) without requiring operator intervention or external reference charts. The controller autonomously calculates target tire pressure and activates the air compressor or vent unit to maintain optimal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical estimation method (operator using weight charts and pressure gauges) with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, a controller, and automated air compression/venting mechanisms to precisely manage tire pressure based on real-time conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operator manually adjusts tire pressure for different compaction surfaces, then the system can adapt to various conditions, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure in real-time based on changing compaction surface conditions, ambient temperature, and machine weight parameters. The controller continuously monitors conditions and automatically modifies tire pressure to optimize performance for each specific compaction scenario without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives input from sensors measuring actual tire pressure, ambient temperature, and compaction surface characteristics. This feedback loop enables the controller to automatically adjust tire pressure to maintain optimal values for different compaction conditions, eliminating the need for manual estimation and adjustment.
3Reliability
If automated pressure control system is implemented, then tire pressure accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The unified pressure subsystem serves multiple functions: it monitors tire pressure, determines ambient temperature, identifies compaction surface type, calculates target pressure values, and controls both inflation and deflation operations through a single integrated controller. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining reliable automated pressure control.
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 ensures appropriate tire inflation pressures for any compaction surface type, enhancing compactor performance by eliminating operator errors and maintaining optimal ground contact pressure automatically.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor and vent unit coupled to the pneumatic tire, wherein the vent unit is configured to adjust tire pressure
Implementation Method 2
the vent unit is configured to adjust tire pressure in accordance with the difference between current tire pressure and a target tire pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A ground contact pressure controller may be configured to automatically manage tire inflation pressure in a pneumatic compactor machine. The controller may determine a target tire inflation pressure for the machine according to the parameters of, inter alia, machine weight, number of tires on the machine, ground contact area of the tires, compaction surface type, and ambient temperature. The machine may include a compressor and vent unit coupled to the pneumatic tires, and the compressor and vent unit may be configured to adjust the tire pressure of the pneumatic tires according to a target tire pressure. A unified pressure subsystem coupled to the compressor and vent unit may be configured to measure pressure of the tires, and to adjust tire pressure to the target pressure.