Wheel Hub CTIS Sealing Layout for Protected Tire Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for inflating and deflating tractor tires are time-consuming and inefficient, and existing onboard air compressor systems are often external and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A continuous tire inflation system (CTIS) is integrated into the vehicle, featuring a trumpet housing, axle with a bored center channel, and sealing components to allow for continuous inflation and deflation of tires, protected from damage by being installed internally within the wheel hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external air compressor systems are used for tire inflation, then tire pressure adjustment is possible, but the system is subject to damage and operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor system is nested within the wheel hub structure, placing the compressor inside the hollow hub rather than mounting it externally. This protects the compressor from damage while integrating it into the existing wheel assembly, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the wheel hub structure: the hub serves as both the structural mounting component and the housing for the air compressor system. By merging the compressor housing with the wheel hub, the system achieves better protection without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Productivity
If manual gauge methods are used for tire inflation, then tire pressure can be checked, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic pressure sensing and control mechanisms that monitor tire pressure and activate the compressor when pressure thresholds are not met, eliminating the need for manual gauge checking and operator intervention. This self-service capability dramatically improves productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of tire pressure and can automatically maintain optimal pressure levels without interruption to vehicle operation, rather than requiring periodic manual checks that interrupt workflow and consume time.
3Reliability
If external air compressor systems are mounted on the vehicle, then tire inflation capability is provided, but the system is vulnerable to damage during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor is nested within the protected environment of the wheel hub, shielding it from external damage sources such as debris, impacts, and environmental exposure. This nesting approach maintains system durability while the hub's open structure allows for reasonable accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub is segmented to provide both protection for the compressor and accessibility for maintenance. The hub structure is divided into accessible sections that allow service personnel to reach the compressor when needed, while still providing protective enclosure during normal 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 CTIS enables efficient and continuous tire pressure management, enhancing traction and fuel efficiency based on terrain conditions while protecting the system from damage.
Implementation Method 1
the first outer O-ring and the second outer O-ring causing a seal between an outer surface of the CTIS adopter and the inner surface of the trumpet housing
Implementation Method 2
a first CTIS seal configured to interface between an inner surface of the CTIS adopter and an outer surface of the first sealing bush adopter; a second CTIS seal configured to interface between the inner surface of the CTIS adopter and an outer surface of the second sealing bush adopter
Implementation Method 3
an air compressor in fluid communication with the intake channel of the trumpet housing at the outer surface of the trumpet housing
Implementation Method 4
an axle rotatably coupled to the trumpet housing by at least one roller bearing so as to allow the axle to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the axle
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous tire inflation system (CTIS) including a first outer O-ring, a second outer O-ring, a CTIS adopter in fluid communication to a trumpet housing, where the first outer O-ring and the second outer O-ring cause a seal between an outer surface of the CTIS adopter and the inner surface of the trumpet housing. The system including a first sealing bush adopter, a second sealing bush adopter, a first CTIS seal, a second CTIS seal, a first retaining ring configured to retain the first CTIS seal in physical contact with the CTIS adopter; a second retaining ring configured to retain the second CTIS seal in physical contact with the CTIS adopter.