Tire Pressure Control Circuit Using Single Pneumatic Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure control systems on vehicles require complex setups with multiple lines and valves, making integration and monitoring of tire pressure cumbersome and energy-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A simplified pressure control circuit using a single pneumatic line for monitoring and inflation, with a 3-way normally open valve for inflation and deflation, allowing the tire to deflate locally without using the single line, and a control system that relies on pressure levels within the line to manage valve states, eliminating the need for electric connections to the valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pneumatic line is used to control both inflation and deflation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tire isolation when not under control is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepneumatic line configurationVSAvoidtire isolation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control functions by using a single pneumatic line exclusively for inflation control while implementing a separate, independent deflation pathway through the proximal group's internal valve. This segmentation allows the single line to maintain simplicity while the independent deflation mechanism ensures reliable tire isolation when not under active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the control system pressurizes the single line to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, then the ease of operation for valve state management is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve state controlVSAvoidcompressor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system employs periodic pressure modulation, cycling between the first pressure (for inflation control) and the second pressure (greater than first, for valve activation). This periodic action enables clear distinction between valve states through pressure levels while minimizing energy consumption by maintaining pressures only when control actions are required, rather than continuous high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If the proximal group allows local deflation by disconnecting the tire from the single line, then the productivity of the deflation process is improved, but the device complexity of the proximal group increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflation speedVSAvoidproximal group structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximal group incorporates a self-service deflation mechanism where the tire can disconnect from the single line and deflate locally through its own integrated valve and external environment pathway. This self-service capability enables rapid deflation without requiring external control system intervention or complex additional components, as the tire autonomously performs its own deflation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the integration of tire pressure control systems, reduces energy consumption, and allows for easier monitoring and control of tire pressure, with a more compact and cost-effective design that can be applied to individual or multiple vehicle wheels.

Implementation Method 1

the control system is designed to pressurize the single line at a first pressure, inflation, and a second pressure, of activation, greater than the first pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the deflation of the tire, disconnecting the tire from the single line and connecting it with the external environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3904126B1Pressure control circuit of a tire on board vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP3904126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3904126B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3904126B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Pressure control circuit (CC) of a tire (W), on board the vehicle, comprising a source (AS) of compressed air, a control system (CS) designed to control an outflow of compressed air towards the tire, a proximal group (PG) operatively connected with the tire, a single pneumatic line (SL), operatively connecting said control system (CS) with said proximal group (PG) .