Wheel-Mounted Tire Inflation Apparatus with Self-Powered Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) have high maintenance costs due to leak-prone pneumatic line connections, which outweigh operational savings in civilian applications.
Innovation Solution
A tire inflation apparatus with a housing co-rotating with the wheel, featuring a mechanically actuated pump, electrically powered valve actuator, and a generator converting kinetic energy to power the system, along with a clutch mechanism and multiple manifolds for redundant air flow management, reducing reliance on non-rotating pneumatic lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a central air compressor with pneumatic lines is used to inflate all tires, then tire inflation can be adjusted quickly to match road conditions, but maintenance costs increase due to leak-prone pneumatic line connections and rotating unions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized tire inflation system into individual independent units, with each wheel assembly having its own pump, housing, and control components. This segmentation eliminates the need for long pneumatic lines and rotating unions that connect all tires to a central compressor, thereby reducing leak points while maintaining the ability to quickly adjust tire pressure at each wheel independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a self-contained housing that rotates with the wheel assembly as an intermediary between the tire and the inflation mechanism. This housing contains the pump and other components, eliminating the need for external pneumatic lines and rotating unions that are prone to leakage, thus improving system reliability while maintaining operational speed
2Ease of operation
If multiple rotating unions and pneumatic line connections are used in CTIS systems, then tire inflation can be controlled centrally, but maintenance costs increase due to leak-free operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent wheel-mounted units, eliminating the need for complex rotating unions and pneumatic line connections that require frequent maintenance. Each unit operates independently, reducing the overall maintenance burden while maintaining centralized control capability through electronic or mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pump and control components from the central location and places them directly at each wheel assembly. This removal of the central compressor and its associated pneumatic distribution system eliminates the maintenance-intensive rotating unions and long pneumatic lines, reducing maintenance costs while preserving centralized operational control through alternative means
3Extent of automation
If a mechanically actuated pump is used for tire inflation, then the system can operate without external power sources, but the device complexity increases due to the clutch mechanism and generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the generator, clutch mechanism, pump, and control electronics into a single integrated wheel-mounted unit. This merging of functions into one self-contained assembly reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate centralized components, while enabling self-powered operation where the wheel's rotation directly drives the inflation mechanism through the generator and clutch system
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 apparatus provides efficient and reliable tire pressure adjustment with reduced maintenance needs, ensuring optimal tire pressure for fuel efficiency and tire life while minimizing the risk of air leaks and operational failures.
Implementation Method 1
a generator operable to convert rotational kinetic energy of the wheel to electrical energy to power the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a mechanically actuated pump coupled to the housing and operated in response to relative rotation between the housing and the pendulum
Data Source
AI summary
A tire inflation apparatus includes a housing coupled for co-rotation with a vehicle wheel, which includes a rim and a tire. The apparatus also includes a pendulum coupled to the housing for relative rotation therewith, a mechanically actuated pump coupled to the housing and operated in response to relative rotation between the housing and the pendulum, a valve positioned downstream of the pump and movable between a closed position in which pressurized air generated by the pump is prevented from being transferred to an air chamber between the rim and the tire, and an open position in which the pressurized air may be transferred to the air chamber, an electrically powered actuator coupled to the valve for moving the valve to at least one of the open and closed positions, and a generator operable to convert rotational kinetic energy of the wheel to electrical energy to power the actuator.