Wheel Tire Pressure Control Using Suspension Travel Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure control systems for agricultural work vehicles do not adequately react to dynamic changes in driving conditions, leading to suboptimal tire pressure adjustments that can affect load capacity and soil compaction.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically regulating tire pressure based on actual spring deflection and pressure, using a control device that adjusts tire pressure according to wheel load-specific and soil property-dependent target deflection curves, with selectable control strategies for dynamic operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tire pressure is adjusted based on static target values without considering dynamic driving conditions, then the control system is simple to operate, but the tire pressure cannot be optimally adapted to changing operating situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire pressure adaptation to driving conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic tire pressure control by continuously monitoring actual spring deflection and tire pressure through sensors, then automatically adjusting pressure based on real-time driving conditions. The control device compares measured values with target values and dynamically modifies tire pressure to adapt to changing operating situations, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that responds to actual vehicle behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs closed-loop feedback control by measuring actual spring deflection and tire pressure, comparing these measurements with target values derived from driving conditions, and automatically adjusting tire pressure through the pressure control system. This feedback mechanism ensures the tire pressure continuously adapts to optimal values based on actual vehicle performance and operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If tire pressure is reduced below minimum permissible pressure for extended periods, then automatic freeing in soft ground is enabled, but load capacity and tire durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom from sticking in soft groundVSAvoidtire load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic or temporary pressure reduction only when necessary for specific operating conditions such as soft ground traversal. The control device dynamically adjusts pressure below minimum permissible values for limited periods to enable vehicle movement in difficult terrain, then restores pressure to optimal levels for load-bearing operations, creating a periodic action pattern that balances mobility and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by temporarily modifying tire pressure values below the minimum permissible threshold when specific driving conditions are detected (such as soft ground conditions). This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the vehicle to overcome difficult terrain while maintaining tire integrity, as the low-pressure state is temporary and controlled rather than sustained

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If tire pressure is optimized for maximum load capacity, then the vehicle can carry heavier loads, but soil compaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidsoil compaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes tire pressure parameters based on detected soil conditions and driving situations. When operating on sensitive soil that is prone to compaction, the control device reduces tire pressure to minimize ground contact stress and protect soil structure. Conversely, on hard or stable surfaces, pressure is increased to maximize load capacity, creating adaptive parameter changes that balance transportation efficiency with environmental protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If manual tire pressure adjustment is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but frequent intervention is required and optimal pressure cannot be maintained during dynamic operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmanual adjustment frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the tire pressure control system autonomously monitors driving conditions, determines optimal pressure targets, and executes pressure adjustments without operator intervention. The system serves itself by continuously adapting tire pressure based on sensor data and pre-stored target curves, eliminating the need for manual pressure checks and adjustments while maintaining optimal performance throughout dynamic operations

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

Optimizes tire pressure to match changing operating situations, ensuring maximum load capacity and reducing soil compaction by automatically adjusting pressure based on real-time sensor data and stored characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

an actual spring deflection and an actual tire pressure, which are detected by sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring deflection: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4059743B1Method for automatic control of the internal pressure of wheel tyres
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP4059743B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4059743B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4059743B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for automatic tire pressure control of wheel tires (7) on an agricultural work vehicle (1, 5), with a tire pressure control system (6) which is controlled by a control device (20) to adjust the tire pressure of the wheel tires (7) depending on an actual suspension travel (28) and an actual tire pressure (27) which are detected by sensors, wherein a target tire pressure (33) to be maintained by the tire pressure control system (6) is determined taking into account a driving condition (26), at least one suspension characteristic curve (38, 39, 43, 64) and a target suspension travel (32) which depends on a wheel load (30) and/or ground properties (31).