Deformation-based tire inflation device

Abstract

Abstract A device for automatically maintaining desired air pressure within a vehicle tire utilizes deformation of the rotating tire where it contacts the road surface to operate an air compressor. The air compressor is formed in the wheel and connected to the tire, the compressor responsive to deformation of the tire causing compressed air to pass into the tire. The compressor is preferably of a reciprocating piston type having a cylinder adapted to receive a sliding piston, the piston preferably slidably received within a plunger in contact with the inside of the tire. A spring is preferably disposed between the plunger and the piston to limit the motion of the piston to a fixed displacement less than the deformation of the tire, such that the tire inflation system is operable for a wide range of deformations of the tire. Additionally, a centrifugal intake valve is preferably provided that seals off the inlet passageway to the air compressor and opens only when the wheel is rotating rapidly enough so that centrifugal force on potential liquid or particulate contaminants expels such contaminants. Advantageously, the tire inflation device of the present invention is entirely contained within the wheel, without the need for a rotating joint to the vehicle body or frame.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard T. Loewe

Bibliographic Details