Tire Inflation Pump Control for Spin and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably maintaining optimal tire pressure, particularly in addressing undesired spin conditions and wear on components, while also being cost-effective and resistant to harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tire-mounted pumping system that includes a drive mechanism with a cam and eccentric mass, a primary pump, a torque regulation mechanism, and a controller, allowing for operation in both pumping and freewheeling modes, which modulates torque input to counteract back torques and transient forces, and transitions between modes based on sensor inputs to optimize energy harvesting and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tire inflation system operates continuously in pumping mode, then tire pressure is maintained, but component wear increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between pumping mode and freewheeling mode based on real-time sensor feedback. The controller monitors tire pressure and vehicle speed, activating the pump only when pressure is below threshold and vehicle speed exceeds minimum threshold, thereby extending component service life while maintaining tire pressure reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic pumping cycles rather than continuous operation. The controller activates the pump in periodic intervals based on tire pressure differential and vehicle operating conditions, reducing cumulative component wear while maintaining adequate tire pressure through intermittent inflation cycles
2Use of energy by moving object
If the tire inflation system operates in freewheeling mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot maintain optimal tire pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and controllers that provide real-time feedback on tire pressure conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently transitions between freewheeling mode (for energy savings) and pumping mode (for pressure maintenance), ensuring optimal tire pressure is maintained while minimizing energy consumption through data-driven mode selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vehicle motion itself to drive the pump mechanism during freewheeling mode, converting kinetic energy into pumping action without additional power input. This self-service approach maintains tire pressure using the vehicle's own motion energy, reducing external power consumption while preserving pressure maintenance capability
3Productivity
If the eccentric mass is mechanically coupled to the pump, then pumping action is generated, but spin conditions and transient forces cause wear and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic coupling and decoupling mechanisms that adjust the mechanical connection between the eccentric mass and pump based on operating conditions. During stable operation, the coupling is engaged for effective pumping; during transient conditions or spin events, the coupling is disengaged to prevent wear and instability, then re-engaged when conditions stabilize
Solution Approach 2:
The control system detects early signs of spin conditions or transient instability and preemptively decouples the eccentric mass from the pump mechanism. This preliminary anti-action prevents the development of harmful spin conditions and transient forces before they can cause significant wear or system instability, maintaining reliability while preserving pumping productivity
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 provides improved resistance to undesired spin conditions, reduces wear on components, enables on-demand tire inflation, enhances fuel efficiency, and extends the system's maintenance-free lifetime by actively controlling tire pressure based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric mass that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis along a radial vector and rotates about the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
a cam that rotates about the rotational axis and includes a bearing surface that generates a pumping force
Implementation Method 3
a bearing surface that generates a pumping force
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tire inflation including a drive mechanism defining a rotational axis, including an eccentric mass that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis along a radial vector; a pump arranged radially distal the rotational axis of the drive mechanism, including a chamber defining a chamber lumen, and a reciprocating element arranged at least partially within the chamber lumen and translatable along a pump axis; a drive coupler coupled between the drive mechanism at a first position and the reciprocating element at a second position fixed to the reciprocating element; a torque regulation mechanism; and a controller, communicatively coupled to the torque regulation mechanism; wherein the system is operable between at least a first mode and a second mode by the torque regulation mechanism in cooperation with the controller.