Wireless Tire Inflator with OBD Pressure Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure regulation systems, such as the Halo by Aperia Technologies, are limited in their ability to adjust air pressure for passenger vehicles and require mechanical components that are custom-built and not easily adaptable, with a minimum setting of 80 psi, making them unsuitable for smaller vehicles and lacking in flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tire pressure regulation system that includes an inflator box with a custom valve stem, a microcontroller, and a rechargeable battery, which uses Bluetooth or WiFi to adjust tire pressure in real-time to meet OEM standards, and can be installed on various rim sizes, allowing for automatic inflation and deflation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical components are used for tire pressure regulation, then the system can maintain pressure, but the device is not adaptable to different vehicle types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force-based pressure regulation system with an electric air compressor and electronic pressure sensor system. The electric compressor can be precisely controlled via microcontroller to regulate tire pressure for any vehicle type, eliminating the need for custom mechanical designs for different vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflator box is designed as a universal device that can be installed on various rim sizes (14-22 inches) and adapt to different vehicle types including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. The electronic control system allows flexible adjustment of pressure settings for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built mechanical systems are used, then pressure regulation is achieved, but installation and adaptability become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: an inflator box that mounts to the rim, a separate electric air compressor, a pressure sensor, and a microcontroller. This segmentation allows the components to be manufactured separately using standard processes and assembled into a universal system that adapts to different vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing custom mechanical fabrication with standardized electronic components and electric motor-driven compression enables easier manufacturing and assembly. The electric compressor and electronic controls can be integrated into a pre-assembled inflator box unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical centrifugal force systems are used, then air pressure can be maintained, but the minimum pressure setting is fixed at 80 psi
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic electronic control approach where the microcontroller continuously monitors pressure sensor data and adjusts the electric compressor operation accordingly. This allows flexible pressure adjustment across a wide range (5-150 psi) rather than a fixed mechanical setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from fixed mechanical centrifugal force to variable electronic control signals. The microcontroller can adjust compression duration, frequency, and intensity to achieve any pressure within the operational range, adapting to different vehicle requirements.
4Extent of automation
If automated wireless control is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but the system requires electronic components and power management
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tire pressure via the pressure sensor and automatically activates the electric compressor when pressure drops below the threshold. The microcontroller manages the entire process autonomously, including compressor activation, pressure monitoring, and shutdown when target pressure is reached, without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback to the microcontroller about the actual tire pressure. The microcontroller compares this feedback with the target pressure and adjusts compressor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains correct pressure.
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 ensures tires maintain optimal pressure automatically, enhancing safety and reducing the need for manual checks or visits to repair facilities, while being adaptable to different vehicle types and sizes through wireless communication and adjustable settings.
Implementation Method 1
A motion activated power generator generates energy to be stored in a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
A motion activated power generator generates energy to be stored in a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 3
A DC motor transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy to operate an air compressor
Implementation Method 4
The air compressor draws atmospheric air through a valve stem and delivers the compressed air into a tire
Data Source
AI summary
A tire inflator having an air compressor to inflate a tire to a predetermined pressure threshold. A central OBD module plugged into in a vehicle uses a short-range radio to transmit to the inflator the predetermined pressure threshold fit for a vehicle. An OBD vehicle bus reader can obtain a VIN of an associated vehicle model. A predetermined tire pressure threshold memory contains a predetermined look-up table of tire pressure thresholds for models. A processor uses the VIN to identify the vehicle model in the look-up table to select the one of the predetermined tire pressure thresholds including a spare tire pressure threshold. A short-range radio wirelessly transmits the looked-up tire pressure threshold including a spare tire pressure threshold to each inflator. The tire inflator has an optical moisture sensor on air inlet or air outlet. The air compressor is disabled when moisture is detected.