Wheel-Mounted Tyre Inflation System Using Segmented Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation-deflation systems require a complex and leak-prone rotary union, which complicates the arrangement and increases the risk of air leaks during operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained tire inflation-deflation system using a wheel-mounted air reserve with electrically operated valves that separate the control air flow from the tire inflation air flow, eliminating the need for a rotary union and reducing leakage risks, and allowing remote wireless control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compressor and flexible air passageway with a rotating union are used to inflate the tyre, then the tyre can be inflated at low or high pressure, but the system becomes complex and prone to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a reservoir for storing compressed air, electrically-operated valves for control, and a valve for air passage. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex rotating union and flexible air passageway, simplifying the overall system while maintaining inflation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotating union and flexible air passageway are replaced with an electrically-operated control system. Electric valves control air flow from the reservoir to the tyre through electrical signals, substituting complex mechanical connections with simpler electrical control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating union is arranged in the system, then air can be transmitted during rotation, but the risk of leaks increases and the arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating union is completely extracted from the system. Instead of transmitting air through a rotating connection, the system uses a stationary reservoir on the vehicle that supplies air to the tyre via electrically-controlled valves, eliminating the leak-prone rotating joint entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrically-operated valves serve as intermediaries between the air reservoir and the tyre. These valves control air flow without requiring mechanical rotation or flexible connections, providing reliable air transmission while maintaining system simplicity and reducing leakage risks.
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 simplifies the design, reduces leakage risks, and enables efficient inflation and deflation with low-power electrically operated valves, using a wireless transceiver system for remote control and incorporating a pressure sensor for pressure measurement and duration calculation.
Implementation Method 1
said control means are moved by air injected into the valve by means of an inflation electrically operated valve
Implementation Method 2
a reserve of air and a valve carried on board the wheel, the air being confined to the reserve under pressure higher than that of the tyre
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an inflation—deflation system comprising a reserve of air and a valve carried on board the wheel, the air being confined to the reserve under pressure higher than that of the tyre, the valve is in communication with the reserve and the tyre and comprises control means able to adopt: —a rest position in which they ensure stable and hermetic communication between the tyre and the valve; —an inflation position in which they provide communication between the tyre and the reserve, by being moved by air injected by means of an inflation electrically operated valve connected to the reserve; —a deflation position in which they provide communication between the tyre and the external air, by being moved by air injected by a deflation electrically operated valve connected to the reserve.