Tyre Pressure Transfer Assembly for On-Demand Wheel Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current central tyre inflation systems lack on-demand variability and control of tyre pressures, particularly for vehicles used in both on and off-road applications, which affects traction performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pressure transfer arrangement comprising a stator annulus and a rotor annulus with complementary sealing surfaces and an urging component, allowing for unimpeded rotation and selective control of tyre inflation or deflation via charging and check valves, facilitated by mechanical or electromechanical actuators, and integrated with an air reservoir and compressor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central tyre inflation system is installed to control tyre pressure, then tyre pressure control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides tyre pressure control into individual wheel units, each with its own inflation/deflation valve assembly. This allows selective control of specific tyres without requiring a complex centralized system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both an inflation valve and a deflation valve, and can be integrated with existing wheel components such as brake calipers or hub assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tyre pressure is reduced to increase contact patch area, then traction on soft surfaces is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of tyre pressure based on operating conditions. Tyre pressure can be reduced when travelling on soft surfaces to improve traction, and increased when on hard surfaces to improve fuel efficiency, allowing the vehicle to adapt to changing terrain requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of tyre pressure to match operating conditions. By adjusting pressure from high (for fuel efficiency on hard surfaces) to low (for traction on soft surfaces), the system optimizes both traction and energy consumption based on terrain type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex central tyre inflation system is installed, then tyre pressure control is improved, but ease of operation and retrofitting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular valve assemblies that can be independently installed on each wheel. This segmentation allows for simpler retrofitting compared to a centralized system, as each module can be installed separately without requiring complete system disassembly or complex integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to be integrated with existing wheel components such as brake calipers, hub assemblies, or wheel rims. By merging the pressure control function with existing structural elements, the system reduces the number of separate components that need to be installed, thereby simplifying retrofitting operations.
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 ad hoc tyre pressure adjustment without impeding wheel rotation, improving traction and fuel efficiency by allowing quick and precise control of tyre pressures according to the operating surface, and can be retrofitted to existing vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The urging component is configured to provide a predetermined urging force between the annuli to separate the first and second peripheral sealing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
pressurised air is transferrable through said pressure transfer arrangement
Implementation Method 3
a controllable check valve arranged in fluid communication with the rotor annulus and such a tyre
Implementation Method 4
an air compressor configured to operatively charge said reservoir with pressurised air
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ad hoc tyre pressure control assembly (10) for a tyred vehicle. Specifically. the assembly (10) includes a pressure transfer arrangement (18) comprising a stator annulus (20) configured to be mounted about an axle (6) of a vehicle and arrangeable in fluid communication with a charging valve (16). the stator annulus (20) defining a first peripheral sealing surface (24). Arrangement (18) also includes a rotor annulus (22) configured to be mounted to a tyred wheel (8) of said vehicle and arranged in fluid communication with such a tyre (8.2) via a controllable check valve (30). the rotor annulus (22) defining a second peripheral sealing surface (26). and an urging component (36) configured to provide a predetermined urging force between the annuli (20) and (22) to separate the first and second peripheral sealing surfaces (24) and (26). One annulus defines an internal (38) raceway in which the other annulus is complementarily captured to allow substantially unimpeded relative co-axial rotation between said annuli, and the annuli are complementarily configured to define an airtight air transfer passage (28) between the charging and check valves when the predetermined urging force is overcome and the first and second peripheral sealing surfaces are brought into abutment, so that pressurised air is transferrable through said pressure transfer arrangement without impeding rotation of the wheel on said axle.