Tire Pressure Maintenance with Calibrated Chamber and Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire inflation technologies are inadequate for maintaining high pressures accurately and efficiently, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies in fuel consumption, as they lack precision and recordation capabilities, making it difficult for average vehicle owners to maintain proper tire pressure.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure gas tank system coupled with a tire inflation nozzle, controlled by a computer using sensors for accurate pressure and temperature data, which automatically inflates tires to manufacturer specifications and records pressure history for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compressor-based air filling stations are used, then tire inflation is possible, but the system cannot meet high pressure demands (80 PSI) and provides poor accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibrated sensor system as an intermediary between the compressor and the tire inflation process. The sensor continuously monitors pressure and provides feedback to the control system, enabling precise control of the inflation process and achieving both high pressure capability and measurement accuracy simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where calibrated sensors continuously measure tire pressure and feed this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the inflation process based on this feedback, ensuring both high pressure delivery and precise pressure control meet manufacturer specifications
2Loss of information
If current tire inflation technology is used, then basic inflation is possible, but there is no recordation of pressure data for historical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the inflation process, records pressure data, stores historical information, and provides analysis capabilities. This multi-functional approach addresses the need for pressure recordation without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically records and stores pressure data without requiring manual intervention. The computer system self-manages the data collection, storage, and analysis functions, providing historical pressure information and deflation pattern detection automatically
3Extent of automation
If manual tire pressure monitoring is performed, then some pressure checks are possible, but the process is difficult to use and lacks automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-servicing where the computer automatically controls the inflation process based on sensor input. The system monitors tire pressure continuously and automatically activates the compressor when inflation is needed, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system uses feedback from calibrated sensors to continuously monitor tire pressure and automatically control the inflation process. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when inflation is needed and execute the inflation automatically, greatly improving ease of operation
4Use of energy by moving object
If tires are underinflated by 5-6 PSI, then fuel economy can be improved by 2-3%, but safety risks and tire wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tire pressure using calibrated sensors and provides feedback to maintain pressure within the optimal range specified by manufacturers. This ensures tires are neither underinflated (which would reduce fuel efficiency) nor overinflated (which would compromise safety), maintaining both fuel efficiency and tire safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure parameters based on real-time monitoring and manufacturer specifications. By maintaining pressure within the optimal range through automated control, the system simultaneously achieves fuel efficiency and tire safety, preventing the trade-off between these two parameters
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 rapid, accurate, and safe tire pressure maintenance, providing certified pressure statements and historical analysis, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced tire wear, while reducing the risk of tire-related accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor measuring gas pressure within the measurement chamber
Implementation Method 2
a tire inflation nozzle having an air temperature measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
An air pressure maintenance apparatus and method uses one or more high-pressure gas storage tanks coupled to an inflation hose via a calibrated rigid measurement chamber and automated system of valves to permit rapid inflation of a tire or other inflatable device to an accurate target pressure accounting for temperature effects, and recording accurate pre- and post-inflation pressure for analysis of deflation over time.