Tyre Pressure Regulating Device Using Rotary Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tyre pressure regulating devices for off-road vehicles face challenges in efficiently adjusting tyre pressures while driving, particularly in scenarios where separate compressed air sources are unavailable, leading to interruptions in operation and potential ground compaction.
Innovation Solution
A tyre pressure regulating device featuring electromagnetic/pneumatic switchover valves, axle valves, pressure-controlled wheel valves, and two-channel rotary couplings with switchable seals, allowing for pressure-tight transfer of compressed air and control pressure, enabling adjustable tyre pressures without continuous pressure on seals, thus reducing wear and improving controllability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If tyre pressure is increased for road travel, then rolling resistance decreases and adhesion improves, but contact area with ground decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tyre pressure adjustment system that automatically changes tyre pressure based on the vehicle's operational state. The control unit receives signals from sensors detecting whether the vehicle is on roads or off-road terrain, and automatically adjusts tyre pressure via control valves to optimize performance for each condition without manual intervention.
2Force
If tyre pressure is decreased for off-road use, then traction and contact area increase, but rolling resistance increases and speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tyre pressure based on detected terrain conditions. When off-road conditions are detected, the control unit decreases tyre pressure to maximize traction and contact area. When road conditions are detected, the system increases pressure to reduce rolling resistance and improve travel speed, thus dynamically optimizing the force-speed trade-off.
3Productivity
If separate compressed air sources are provided for tyre pressure adjustment, then tyre pressure can be adjusted while driving, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes the existing compressed air braking system to serve dual functions: brake operation and tyre pressure adjustment. The control unit selectively directs compressed air from the braking system to inflate or deflate tyres as needed, eliminating the need for separate compressed air storage tanks and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust tyre pressure while driving.
4Reliability
If rotary couplings with continuous pressure on seals are used, then pressure-tight transfer is achieved, but seal wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pressure application to the rotary coupling seals rather than continuous pressure. The control system activates compressed air supply in periodic cycles, allowing the seals to experience pressure only when tyre pressure adjustment is needed. During idle periods, the seals are relieved of continuous pressure, significantly reducing wear and extending service life while maintaining reliable pressure-tight transfer during active operation.
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 device allows for efficient and reliable adjustment of tyre pressures during driving, reducing seal wear and enabling precise control with minimal electric current usage, while hydraulic oil acts as a lubricant to further reduce wear and enhance sealing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switchover valve (10, 11) arranged on the vehicle chassis and being controllable in an electromagnetic/pneumatic manner
Implementation Method 2
by means of which at least one main connecting line (25, 26) which leads to an axle valve (12, 13) of a vehicle axle (3, 4) can alternately be connected to a pressure-carrying filling pressure line (22) or to an unpressurized vent line (23)
Implementation Method 3
a pressure-controlled wheel valve (14-17) arranged at a respective vehicle wheel (5-8) and by means of which an inner wheel connecting line (37-40) which leads into an interior of a tyre can alternately be connected to an associated outer wheel connecting line (29-32) or can be shut off
Implementation Method 4
two-channel rotary couplings (33-36), which are arranged between the vehicle axles (3, 4) and the associated vehicle wheels (5-8) and which are provided with switchable seals
Implementation Method 5
hydraulic oil acts as a lubricant to further reduce wear and enhance sealing effectiveness
Implementation Method 6
a pilot control valve (9) arranged on the vehicle chassis and being controllable in a purely electromagnetic manner or in an electromagnetic/pneumatic manner
Implementation Method 7
by means of which a main control line (44) which branches into axle control lines (47, 48) of the vehicle axles (3, 4) can alternately be connected to a pressure-carrying control pressure line (21) or to a vent outlet (43)
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure regulating device for adjusting, while driving, the tire pressures of vehicle wheels of a plurality of vehicle axles of a motor vehicle with pneumatic tires includes at least one switchover valve arranged on the vehicle chassis that can be controlled in an electromagnetic/pneumatic manner, a plurality of axle valves, each axle valve being arranged on the vehicle chassis for each vehicle axle and being controllable in an electromagnetic/pneumatic manner, a plurality of pressure-controlled wheel valves, each pressure-controlled wheel valve being arranged at a respective vehicle wheel, a pilot control valve arranged on the vehicle chassis and being controllable in a purely electromagnetic manner or in an electromagnetic/pneumatic manner, and a plurality of two-channel rotary couplings arranged between the vehicle axles and associated vehicle wheels and provided with switchable seals.