PERISTALTIC SELF-INFLATING TYRE SYSTEM (A self inflating tyre system for

automobiles using a peristaltic pump)

PERISTALTIC SELF-INFLATING TYRE SYSTEM
(A self inflating tyre system for automobiles using a peristaltic pump)
Abstract:
Peristaltic Self-Inflating Tyre System (PSITS) is based on the peristaltic pump principle. This system is designed in order to
constantly maintain the tyre pressure thereby improving safety of an automobile in times of emergency caused by perforation (by
nails, screws, thorns, etc.,) or any other deformation.
The PSITS uses a valve that pulls in air from the atmosphere. It then pumps the air into the under-inflated tyre using a peristalticpump action. The goal is to constantly maintain a specific pressure inside the tyre. The system consists of a thin tube that has a
peristaltic part and a reservoir part, which has constant volume. The ratio of the total tube volume (peristaltic part volume + reservoir
part volume) to the volume of the reservoir part defines the output pressure of the system.
Summarized, integrating a simple thin tubing into a tyre and mounting a simple valve on one end of the tubing will secure inflation of
the tyre with small amounts of air at constant pressure at every revolution of the tyre using rollers (coupled with the rotating tyres)
until the tyre pressure reaches the predefined critical pressure. Then the inflation stops.

INTRODUCTION:
The peristaltic self-inflating system is mainly concerned about eliminating the losses imparted to a vehicle by improper inflation.
Before going into the working and the details of the design the knowledge of effects of improper inflation are to be known.
Why is tyre inflation important?
Here are some important facts to note:
Tyre costs are a fleet's third largest expense, after fuel and labor.
In 2002, the U.S. commercial trucking industry spent an estimated $4.4 billion for 19 million tyre units. (Modern Tire Dealer)
An American Trucking Association study found that over 90% of tyre damage is due to under inflation.
10% under inflation shortens tread life by 6 9%. (TMC)
Under inflation in excess of 10% may result in blowouts, leading to increased liability issues, costly time delays and an increase in
emergency road service calls at an average of $500 - $1,000 per call. (TMC)
When tyres are under inflated, the tread wears more quickly. According to Goodyear, this equates to 15 percent fewer miles you can
drive on them for every 20 percent that they're under inflated. Under inflated tyres also overheat more quickly than properly inflated
tyres, which cause more tyre damage. The faded areas below indicate areas of excessive tread wear.
Because tyres are flexible, they flatten at the bottom when they roll. This contact patch rebounds to its original shape once it is no
longer in contact with the ground. This rebound creates a wave of motion along with some friction. When there is less air in the tyre
that wave is larger and the friction created is greater and friction creates heat. If enough heat is generated, the rubber that holds the
tyre's cords together begin to melt and the tyre fails. Because of the extra resistance an under inflated tyre has when it rolls, your
car's engine has to work harder. AAA (American Automobile Association) statistics show that tyres that are under inflated by as little
as 2 psi reduce fuel efficiency by 10 percent. Over a year of driving, that can amount to several hundred dollars in extra gas
purchases.
The below picture shows the tyre wear caused by over and under inflation in comparison with proper inflation.
Hence proper inflation should be maintained in order to achieve the maximum efficiency from an automobile. The PSITS provides
an optimum solution to overcome these difficulties of improper inflation.

Peristaltic Self-Inflating Tyre System (PSITS)

Peristaltic Self-Inflating Tyre System (PSITS) is based on the peristaltic pump principle. The PSITS uses a valve that pulls in air from
the atmosphere. It then pumps the air into the under-inflated tyre using a peristaltic-pump action. The goal is to constantly maintain
a specific pressure inside the tyre.
Peristalsis
Definition:
The rippling motion of muscles in the intestine or other tubular organs characterized by the alternate contraction and relaxation of
the muscles that propel the contents onward.

Peristaltic pump
Working:
A peristaltic pump is a type of positive displacement pump used for pumping a variety of fluids. The fluid is contained within a flexible
tube fitted inside a circular pump casing (though linear peristaltic pumps have been made). A rotor with a number of cams ('rollers',
'shoes' or 'wipers') attached to the external circumference compresses the flexible tube. As the rotor turns, the part of tube under
compression closes thus forcing the fluid to be pumped to move through the tube. Additionally, as the tube opens to its natural state
after the passing of the cam ('restitution') fluid flow is induced to the pump. This process is called peristalsis and is used in many
biological systems such as the gastrointestinal tract. When the vane or cam attached to the rotor rotates the fluid (i.e. Air) is drawn
through the inlet due to difference in pressure and then on rotating, the fluid gets compressed and it is pushed out through the
outlet. Tabletop decorative fountains and water walls .
Peristaltic pump placed inside an automobile tyre
As the tyre rotates, air is drawn through the valve into the reservoir part of the tube and is then pushed through the peristaltic part of
the tube by the rolling of the tyre, it is compressed and then sent into the tube with the help of the rotation of the tyre.
PSITS description
The PSITS consists of four main parts they are
1. Air valves
2. Reservoir part
3. Peristaltic part
4. Casing (outer cover)