Self-Inflating Tires

ABSTRACT

If you're in the market for new tyres, all of the variables in tyre specifications and the
confusing jargon you might hear from tyre salesmen or "experts" might make your
purchase rather stressful. Or maybe you just want to fully understand the tyres you
already have, the concepts at work, the significance of all of those sidewall markings.
What does all this stuff mean in regular terms? we will explore how tyres are built and
see what's in a tyre. We'll find out what all the numbers and markings on the sidewall
of a tyre mean, and we'll decipher some of that tyre jargon. By the end of this article,
you'll understand how a tyre supports your car, and you'll know why heat can build up
in your tyres, especially if the pressure is low. You'll also be able to adjust your tyre
pressure correctly and diagnose some common tyre problems.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Principle of Inflation System
1.3 Types of Self-Inflating Tyre Systems
1.3.1 Central Tyre Inflation System
1.3.2 Tyre Maintenance System
1.3.3 AIRGO System
1.3.4 Meritor Tyre Inflation System
1.3.5 Peristatic Self-Inflating Tyre System
1.4 Software Requirements
1.5 Hardware Requirements
2. Future Concepts
2.1 Heating/Cooling Device to Control Pressure
2.2 Magnetically Actuated Tyre Profile
2.3 Self-Actuated Air Pumps on Wheels
2.4 High Pressure Reservoir on Wheel
3. Advantages of Self-Inflating Tyre Systems
4. Disadvantages of Self-Inflating Tyre Systems
5. Conclusion
6. References

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: States of Inflation

Figure 1.3.1: Central Tyre Inflation System

Fig 1.3.3: AIRGO System

Fig 1.3.4: Meritor Tyre Inflation System

Fig 1.3.5: Peristatic Self Inflating Tyre System

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1.INTRODUCTION

According to AAA, about 80 percent of the cars on the road are driving with one or
more tires under-inflated. Tires lose air through normal driving, especially after
hitting pot holes or curbs, permeation and seasonal changes in temperature. They can
lose one or two psi each month in the winter and even more in the summer. And, it is
not possible to tell if they're properly inflated just by looking at them. You have to use
a tire-pressure gauge. Not only is under-inflation bad for your tires, but it's also bad
for your gas mileage, affects the way your car handles and is generally unsafe.

When tires 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 underinflated. Underinflated tires also overheat more quickly than properly
inflated tires which cause more tire damage. The faded areas below indicate areas of
excessive tread wear.

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Figure 1.1: States of Inflation

Because tires 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 tire, that wave is larger and the friction created is greater and friction creates heat.
If enough heat is generated, the rubber that holds the tire's cords together begin to
melt and the tire fails.

Because of the extra resistance an underinflated tire has when it rolls, your car's
engine has to work harder. AAA statistics show that tires that are underinflated 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.

Self-inflating tires, on the other hand, are designed to constantly maintain tire pressure
at the proper level. Self-inflating systems are designed more for slow leaks and for
optimizing performance and safety than for keeping a vehicle moving on a tire that
will no longer hold air.

1.2.PRINCIPLE OF TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM

Tire inflation systems in general follow three steps in achieving the goal of inflating
the tires. These are:

 Detect when the air pressure in a particular tire has dropped. This means they
have to constantly or intermittently monitor the air pressure in each tire.
 Notify the driver of the problem.
 Inflate that tire back to the proper level. This means there has to be an air
supply as well as a check valve that opens only when needed.

While the available tire inflation systems vary in design, they share some common
elements:

 They all use some type of valve to isolate individual tires to prevent airflow
from all tires when one is being checked or inflated.

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 They have a method for sensing the tire pressures. This is addressed in most
cases with central sensors that relay information to an electronic control unit
and then to the driver.
 They have an air source, which is usually an existing onboard source such as
braking or pneumatic systems. When using an existing system, however, they
have to ensure that they don't jeopardize its original function. For this reason,
there are safety checks to ensure that there is enough air pressure for the
source's primary use before pulling air for tire inflation.
 There has to be a way to get the air from the air source to the tires, which is
usually through the axle. Systems either use a sealed-hub axle with a hose
from the hub to the tire valve or else they run tubes through the axle with the
axle acting as a conduit.
 There has to be a pressure relief vent to vent air from the tire without risking
damage to the hub or rear-axle seals.

1.3.TYPES OF SELF-INFLATING TIRE SYSTEMS

There are various types of self-inflating tire systems used in the market depending
upon the type of vehicle, speed and terrain. The important ones are as follows:

1.3.1. Central Tire Inflation System

The idea behind the CTIS is to provide control over the air pressure in each tire as a
way to improve performance on different surfaces.For example, lowering the air
pressure in a tire creates a larger area of contact between the tire and the ground and
makes driving on softer ground much easier. It also does less damage to the surface.
This is important on work sites and in agricultural fields. By giving the driver direct
control over the air pressure in each tire, maneuverability is greatly improved.

Another function of the CTIS is to maintain pressure in the tires if there is a slow leak
or puncture. In this case, the system controls inflation automatically based on the
selected pressure the driver has set.

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A wheel valve is located at each wheel end. For dual wheels, the valves are typically
connected only to the outer wheel so the pressure between the two tires can be
balanced. Part of the wheel valve's job is to isolate the tire from the system when it's
not in use in order to let the pressure off of the seal and extend its life. The wheel
valve also enables on-demand inflation and deflation of tires

Figure 1.3.1: Central Tyre Inflation System

An operator control panel allows the driver to select tire-pressure modes to match
current conditions. This dash-mounted panel displays current tire pressures, selected
modes and system status. When the driver selects a tire-pressure setting, signals from
the control panel travel to the electronic control unit, to the pneumatic control unit and
finally to the wheel valves.

When vehicles are moving faster (like on a highway), tire pressure should be higher to
prevent tire damage. The CTIS includes a speed sensor that sends vehicle speed
information to the electronic control unit. If the vehicle continues moving at a higher

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speed for a set period of time, the system automatically inflates the tires to an
appropriate pressure for that speed.

This type of system uses air from the same compressor that supplies air to the brakes.
A pressure switch makes sure the brake system gets priority, preventing the CTIS
from taking air from the supply tank until the brake system is fully charged.

1.3.2.Tire Maintenance System

Tire Maintenance System (TMS) is a smart system for tractor trailers that monitors
tire pressure and inflates tires as necessary to keep pressure at the right level. It uses
air from the trailer's brake supply tank to inflate the tires.

The system has three main components:

The tire hose assembly provides the air route to inflate the tire and has check valves
so that the air-lines and seals do not have to be pressurized when the system is not
checking or inflating the tires. This cuts down on wear and tear on the seals.

The rotary joint is comprised of air and oil seals and bearings and connects the air
hose from the non-rotating axle to the rotating hubcap. Its air seals prevent leakage,
and the oil seal prevents contamination. The rotary hub also has a vent to release air
pressure in the hubcap.

The manifold houses the pressure protection valve, which makes sure the system
doesn't pull air if the brakes' air supply is below 80 psi. It also houses an inlet filter to
keep the air clean, a pressure sensor to measure tire pressures and solenoids that
control airflow to the tires.

Like the CTIS, this system also has an electronic control unit that runs the entire
system. It performs checks to make sure the system is operational, notifies the driver
via a warning light on the trailer (visible through the rear-view mirror) if a tire's
pressure drops more than 10 percent below its normal pressure and performs system
diagnostics.

The system performs an initial pressure check and adds air to any tire that needs it.
The check valves in each tire hose ensure that the other tires don't lose pressure while
one tire is being inflated. After an initial pressure check, the system depressurizes to

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relieve pressure from the seals. Every 10 minutes, the system pressurizes the lines and
rechecks tire pressures.

The system measures tire pressure using a series of air pulses in the air-lines. If the
target pressure in the line is not reached after a certain amount of time, the system
begins inflating the tire until the correct pressure is reached.

1.3.3.AIRGO System

The AIRGO system is a constant monitoring system that uses a series of check valves
to detect a loss in air pressure.

Unlike some of the other systems, AIRGO doesn't use air from the vehicle's braking
system. When air seepage has occurred at any of various points in the system, the
system draws air from the vehicle's pneumatic system and sends it by way of the
vehicle's axle, through the axles themselves if they're pressurized or by way of tubing
if they're not, through the hubcap assembly and into the tire requiring inflation.

A warning light, located on the trailer but visible through the driver's rearview mirror,
illuminates when the system has inflated a tire.

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Fig 1.3.3: AIRGO System

Since this is a constant monitoring system, which puts a lot of wear and tear on the
seals, AIRGO uses carbon-graphite and case-hardened steel for its seals rather than
rubber

1.3.4.Meritor Tire Inflation System

Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) is designed for use on tractor trailers. It uses
compressed air from the trailer to inflate any tire that falls below its appropriate
pressure. Air from the existing trailer air supply is routed to a control box and then
into each axle.

The air-lines run through the axles to carry air through a rotary union assembly at the
spindle end in order to distribute air to each tire. If there is significant air-pressure
loss, an indicator light informs the driver.

The overall system is made up of a wheel-end assembly and a control module.

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Fig 1.3.4: Meritor Tyre Inflation System

A deflector shield keeps contaminants such as dirt and water from entering the wheel
end.

For axles with hollow spindles, a press plug seals the pressurized axle interior from
the wheel end in order to secure the stator.

The system control module has a shut-off valve to stop air from being sent to the
system, as well as a filter to remove moisture and contaminants. The petcock releases
system pressure so maintenance can be performed. Like some of the other systems
that use onboard air supplies, this system has a pressure protection valve so that it
won't pull air if the air supply is below 80 psi.

A system pressure adjustment knob allows for adjustments to the overall system air
pressure. A flow-sensing switch activates the indicator light to let the driver knows if
a significant amount of air is being pumped into a tire, which would indicate a
potential puncture.

1.3.5.Peristaltic Self-inflating Tire System

Peristaltic Self-Inflating Tire System (PSITS) is based on the peristaltic pump

principle. This system is designed in order to constantly maintain the tire pressure
thereby improving safety of an automobile in times of emergency caused by
perforation (by nails, screws, thorns, etc.,) or any other deformation.

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The system uses a rotating wheel that, as it turns, pushes the tube's contents through
one end. The movement causes a low pressure area which pulls more into the other
end. The car's wheel acts as rotating wheel and the air-filled tire plays the part of the
tube. A pressure sensitive valve ensures that your tire stays at a constant pressure.

Fig 1.3.5: Peristatic Self Inflating Tyre System

Since the system doesn't require nearly as many parts and is not powered by an
outside source, it should be much more reliable and cost less.

As the tire rotates, air is drawn through the valve into the reservoir and is then pushed
through the peristaltic part of the tube by the rolling of the tire. The air then moves
into the tire itself until the tire reaches the correct pressure. This is accomplished
when the pressure of the reservoir tube is equal to the pressure of the tire.

2. FUTURE CONCEPTS

2.1Heating/Cooling Device to Control Pressures

The first concept generated consists of a tire containing a thermoelectric heating

device. In this arrangement, an automatic, speed-based sensor would alert the tire
inflation system of a necessary pressure increase due to a significant increase in
vehicle speed (such as in highway driving). This would then permit the DC-operated

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heat pump to increase the temperature of the wheel rim along the perimeter, which
would in turn increase the temperature of the air in the tires due to convection. The
tire pressure would then be increased in accordance to the ideal gas law:

P = (nRT)/V

where, P = pressure inside the tire

T = temperature of tire

V = volume of gas inside the tire

2.2.Magnetically Actuated Tire Profile

The second concept generated consists of a magnetically-actuated tire profile. For this
setup, an electromagnet would be situated in the wheel hub while a metal strip would
be embedded inside the circumference of the tire. A sensor would then detect
excessive vehicle rolling resistance and direct the system to send a current to the
electromagnet. This would create a magnetic field within the tire, which would in turn
create a repulsion force on the metal strip in the tire. This would change the tire shape
by expanding the profile along the circumference of the tire. Additionally, this would
provide the tire with greater stiffness. Ultimately, these two factors would reduce
rolling resistance in the tire and hence improve vehicle fuel economy, tire wear, and
safety.

2.3.Self-Actuated Air Pumps on Wheels

The third concept generated consists of a self-actuated air pump for each tire on a
passenger vehicle. In this arrangement, four air pumps (one for each tire) would be
situated at the center of the wheel hubs. The system would then be activated as the
vehicle was in motion through the rotation of the wheels. This rotation would generate
a suction force proportional to the speed (revolutions per minute) of the vehicle,
pulling fresh air into the air pump. From here, a single air passageway connecting the
pump to the tire would enable the tire to be filled with air as necessary. It should be
observed, therefore, that this tire inflation system would be primarily dependent on
vehicle speed.

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2.4. Wheel to Increase Pressure

The fourth concept generated involves an expandable wheel rim. For this design, a
wheel rim with hollowed-out spokes containing ejector pins would be used.
Surrounding this rim would be a durable, elastic band covering the perimeter of the
wheel. This band would be the only barrier between the wheel rim and the inside of
the tire. A pressure sensor would then detect insufficient pressure within the tires and
direct the system to adjust the tire pressures accordingly. When activated, a DC-
current would power motors in the wheel hubs that would radially extend the ejector
pins and the surrounding elastic band on the wheel rims. This would result in a
volume reduction of air in the tires. The tire pressures would then be increased as
given in the ideal gas law.

2.5.High Pressure Reservoir on Wheel

The final concept documented in this section involves a high-pressure reservoir

system. In this setup, a high pressure reservoir would be placed directly on each wheel
rim with air passageways linking the reservoirs with the tires. Actuator-controlled
valves would then maintain the tire pressures as specified by the consumer. It should
be noted that the actuator-controlled valve would be nominally set to the cold tire
pressure and that a pressure relief valve would be placed on each tire to reduce
pressure as necessary.

3.ADVANTAGES OF SELF-INFLATING TIRE SYSTEMS

The advantages of self-inflating tire systems to drivers are:

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 Safety: Properly inflated tires increase car stability and reduce the danger of
blowouts. They also ensure a car’s proper braking distance and overall vehicle
handling and maneuverability.
 Fuel efficiency: Correct tire pressure leads to lower rolling resistance,
significantly improving fuel efficiency.
 Tire longevity: Proper inflation considerably improves a tire's lifespan.
 Environmental friendliness: Less carbon dioxide is released into the
atmosphere. Less tire debris litters the roadways. Fewer scrap tires are
generated.
 Convenience: Drivers have confidence in knowing that their tires always
operate at optimal air pressure. Elimination of tires inflating at gas stations, for
an obviously easier and cleaner solution.

It also has several benefits for the manufacturer:

 Differentiation: SIT offers a significant added value to end consumers. Its

benefits are easy to communicate and relevant to today’s market.
 Competitive advantage: Being among the first manufacturers offering self-
inflating tires will be important for the new market dynamics.
 Low production costs: Production of SIT tires will be only marginally more
expensive than the production of today’s regular tires. The SIT system is very
simple and easy to integrate into the current tire manufacturing process. It
consists only of two new tire components:
- Peristaltic tube chamber integrated into the tire wall.
- Automatic pressure regulator with interface connecting the tire interior with
outside environment.
 Higher profit margins: Low costs and a high added value create room for
increase of profit margins.
 Regulatory compliance: Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) notify the
driver when a tire is under-inflated. TPMS are already mandatory in the USA
and EU. SIT addresses the core problem of tire under-inflation directly. It
works independently, but also in combination with TPMS.

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4.DISADVANTAGES OF SELF-INFLATING TIRE

SYSTEMS

The disadvantages of self-inflating tire systems are:

 Too many components

 Costlier than the conventional tires.
 Requires more maintenance.
 Heavier than general vehicle.
 The user must have the basic know how of the relation between the pressure
and road condition.

5.CONCLUSION

Thus self inflating tyres help us in attaining certain helpful criterions.

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1. It helps in the monitoring of tyre pressure constantly

2. Thus it provides inflation or deflation of the tyre

3. It helps in attaining better mileage

4. It also helps in providing comfortable driving.

6.REFERENCES
1. selfinflatingtire.com
2. auto.howstuffworks.com
3. designscience.umich.edu

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