Automated Tire Pressure Maintenance Using Sensor-Controlled Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation devices are cumbersome, difficult to use, and often lead to under- or over-inflation due to consumer error, as they require manual pressure reading and adjustment, which is inefficient and often overlooked during routine maintenance, such as fueling.
Innovation Solution
An automated tire inflation device with a compressor, manifold, air pressure sensors, and a processor that adjusts air pressure based on input settings, using actuator valves to either inflate or deflate tires, integrated with a control unit for easy operation at fueling stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual pressure gauge reading and adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to consumer error in determining proper inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of tire pressure. The processor automatically reads the pressure gauge, determines whether inflation or deflation is needed, and controls the appropriate valve without requiring consumer judgment or intervention beyond initiating the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical gauge-reading and decision-making with an automated electronic system. The processor means electronically reads the pressure gauge, processes the information, and automatically controls actuator valves, substituting human judgment with automated sensing and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated pressure sensing and control is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processors
Solution Approach 1:
The processor means serves multiple functions: it reads the pressure gauge, determines the pressure status, selects the appropriate action (inflation or deflation), and controls the corresponding actuator valve. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure gauge serves as an intermediary that provides pressure information to the processor. The processor then uses this information to control the actuator valves, creating an automated feedback loop that mediates between sensing and actuation without requiring direct human intervention.
3Reliability
If automated inflation control is used, then reliability improves by preventing under- and over-inflation, but ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the entire tire pressure maintenance process without requiring the consumer to monitor the gauge or make decisions. The processor continuously monitors pressure and automatically controls inflation or deflation, making the system self-sufficient and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the pressure gauge continuously provides pressure information to the processor, which then adjusts the actuator valves accordingly. This automatic feedback ensures reliable pressure maintenance without requiring user intervention or judgment.
4Ease of operation
If manual monitoring is required, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases as consumers often overlook tire checks during fueling
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system allows tire pressure maintenance to be performed continuously and reliably without interruption. By integrating the system into the fueling process or making it automatically accessible, tire checks become a continuous part of vehicle maintenance rather than an overlooked manual task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system eliminates the need for consumers to allocate time and attention to monitoring tire pressure. The automated processor and sensors perform the entire function without user involvement, transforming tire pressure maintenance from a time-consuming manual task to an automatic background process.
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
Ensures precise and automatic tire pressure maintenance, allowing users to select the desired pressure while fueling, reducing the risk of under- or over-inflation and enhancing safety by automating the process.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure sensor means, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal
Implementation Method 2
a device for inflating a plurality of tires on an automobile with a compressor
Implementation Method 3
a first actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the first actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor means
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for tire air pressure maintenance with a compressor. The device includes a manifold having an input from the compressor and an output, and wherein the output is in pressure communication with the tire and an air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein the air chuck is in pressure communication with the manifold. The device also comprises an air pressure sensor, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal. A processor, operatively associated with the manifold, for processing changes in pressure is included, and wherein the processor receives the data signal. The device further includes a bleeder line operatively attached to the manifold, and an actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor, and wherein the processor is capable of generating a low pressure command signal to open the actuator valve.