Wheel Hub Valve Assembly for Compact Tire Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel assemblies for central tyre inflation systems (CTIS) are bulky, heavy, and adversely affect wheel styling, making them unsuitable for aesthetically conscious vehicles like passenger cars.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically actuated latching control valve assembly that can be removably secured to the wheel hub, allowing for controlled inflation and deflation of tires, with a design that maintains fluid communication and can be easily maintained or repaired, and is configured to rotate with the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing CTIS components are installed in vehicle wheels, then tire inflation control is achieved, but wheel styling is adversely affected and the assembly becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve assembly is nested within the wheel hub cavity, with the valve body positioned inside the hub and the actuator extending through the hub. This nesting approach allows the inflation control system to be integrated within the existing wheel structure, minimizing external protrusion and preserving wheel styling while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention positions the control valve assembly axially within the wheel hub rather than radially outward, utilizing the axial dimension of the hub cavity. This dimensional repositioning reduces the radial profile and visual impact on wheel styling while providing sufficient space for the valve mechanism and actuator.
2Reliability
If existing CTIS components are installed in vehicle wheels, then tire inflation control is achieved, but the assembly becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve assembly is merged with the wheel hub structure, where the valve body integrates with the hub cavity and the actuator connects to the inflation system. This consolidation eliminates separate mounting brackets and additional fastening hardware, reducing overall assembly weight while maintaining structural integrity and control functionality.
3Ease of repair
If a removable control valve assembly is installed in the wheel hub, then maintenance and repair become easier, but the securing mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve assembly is segmented from the wheel hub, allowing it to be removed as a separate unit. The valve body, actuator, and associated components form a modular assembly that can be independently accessed and replaced without removing the entire wheel or hub, simplifying maintenance while using a straightforward securing mechanism.
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 solution provides a compact, lightweight, and aesthetically acceptable means to control tire pressure, facilitating maintenance and improving the styling of vehicle wheels while maintaining efficient tire inflation and deflation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The control valve is a pneumatically actuated latching control valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle wheel assembly (1) for supplying compressed air from a vehicle axle to a tyre (3) comprises a vehicle wheel (5) and a control valve assembly (7). The wheel (5) comprises a wheel hub (9) for mounting the wheel (5) to a vehicle (V); and a wheel rim for mounting a tyre (3) on the wheel (5). A transfer line (19) is provided in the wheel for transferring compressed air from the wheel hub to the wheel rim (11) for inflating the tyre (3). The control valve assembly (7) comprises an inlet, an outlet and a control valve (25) operably located between the inlet and the outlet for controlling passage of compressed air between the inlet and the outlet. The control valve assembly (7) is removably disposed in the wheel hub (9) such that fluid communication is established between the control valve assembly (7) and the transfer line (19).