Wheel-Mounted Diaphragm Pump for Tire Pressure Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires experience air pressure loss due to diffusion and punctures, leading to underinflation, which requires frequent driver intervention to maintain recommended pressure, and existing pumping systems are often complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, double-acting pump mechanism mounted on the wheel, utilizing a diaphragm and actuated by a permanent or electro magnet, which leverages gravitational force and rotational energy to maintain tire pressure without driver intervention, featuring a series connection of pump chambers for enhanced compression ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pumping systems are used to maintain tire pressure, then tire pressure can be maintained, but the system becomes mechanically complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pumping systems with a simple electromagnetic actuation system. A magnet mounted on the brake caliper actuates a strike plate that compresses a flexible chamber, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical pumps, motors, and complex linkages. This substitution maintains tire pressure while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing rotational energy and brake system components to maintain tire pressure automatically. The brake caliper magnet and wheel rotation provide the driving force, requiring no external power source or driver intervention. The flexible chamber and valve assembly self-regulate to maintain proper inflation.
2Reliability
If expensive pump systems are installed to maintain tire pressure, then tire pressure can be maintained, but consumer cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, easily manufactured components including a flexible rubber chamber, simple valve assembly, and electromagnetic actuator. These components can be produced at low cost and replaced if necessary, making the system economically viable for consumer vehicles while maintaining effective tire pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing vehicle components (brake caliper, wheel rotation) for its operation, making it compatible with standard vehicle platforms. The multi-functional design uses the brake system's magnetic components and the wheel's rotational energy, eliminating the need for dedicated expensive pumping hardware.
3Device complexity
If driver intervention is required to maintain tire pressure, then simple systems can be used, but fuel economy and tire life are reduced due to underinflation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains tire pressure through the vehicle's existing rotational energy and brake system, operating without driver awareness or intervention. The magnetic actuator on the brake caliper continuously regulates pressure, ensuring consistent inflation that improves fuel economy and tire life while keeping the system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a pressure-sensing valve that automatically responds to pressure changes within the tire. When pressure drops, the valve triggers the magnetic actuator to compress the flexible chamber and replenish air pressure, creating a self-regulating feedback loop that maintains consistent pressure without complex electronics or driver input.
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 a simple, cost-effective, and durable solution to maintain tire pressure, reducing the need for frequent re-inflation and enhancing fuel economy and handling performance by using rotational energy and magnetic actuation for efficient air compression.
Implementation Method 1
the strike plate is actuated by a permanent or electro magnet mounted on a stationary part, or the strike plate is actuated by an electrically driven magnet
Implementation Method 2
the pump mechanism operatively utilizes gravitational force changes during rotation of the pneumatic tire as a driving force
Implementation Method 3
a diaphragm separates the first pump chamber from the second pump chamber; said diaphragm holder engages the diaphragm and actuates the diaphragm in the first and second pump chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A pump mechanism for mounting on a wheel (20) for inflating a pneumatic tire (10) is disclosed. The pump mechanism (500) comprises a housing (350) having a first pump chamber (630) and a second pump chamber (620), wherein a diaphragm (600) separates the first pump chamber from the second pump chamber. The housing (350) further includes an inlet port (572) in fluid communication with the first pump chamber (630), and an outlet port (574) in fluid communication with the second pump chamber (620), wherein the outlet of the first pump chamber (630) is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump chamber (620). A strike plate (550) is positioned for reciprocation in the housing (350), the strike plate (550) being connected to a diaphragm holder, wherein the diaphragm holder engages the diaphragm (600) and is configured to actuate the diaphragm in the first and second pump chamber.