An air pressure adjusting device includes a supplying device and a reception circuit configured to receive a detection signal that includes information indicating an air pressure of a tire. The supplying device includes a piston that supplies air to the tire by being moved by rotation of the tire. The air pressure adjusting device includes a switching unit and a controller. The switching unit is configured to be switched between a first state, in which the switching unit allows movement of the piston, and a second state, in which the switching unit prohibits movement of the piston. The controller is configured to control the switching unit. The controller is configured to obtain the information indicating the air pressure of the tire from the detection signal received by the reception circuit, switch the switching unit to the second state when the air pressure of the tire is greater than or equal to a threshold, and switch the switching unit to the first state when the air pressure of the tire is less than the threshold.

A system for tire inflation including a drive mechanism defining a rotational axis, including an eccentric mass that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis along a radial vector; a pump arranged radially distal the rotational axis of the drive mechanism, including a chamber defining a chamber lumen, and a reciprocating element arranged at least partially within the chamber lumen and translatable along a pump axis; a drive coupler coupled between the drive mechanism at a first position and the reciprocating element at a second position fixed to the reciprocating element; a torque regulation mechanism; and a controller, communicatively coupled to the torque regulation mechanism; wherein the system is operable between at least a first mode and a second mode by the torque regulation mechanism in cooperation with the controller.

A pressurized fluid supply apparatus and method of supplying pressurized fluid is provided. The pressurized fluid supply apparatus includes a housing configured to rotate about an axis, at least one fluid pump coupled to the housing and configured to pressurize a fluid therein, and at least one movable element disposed within the housing. The at least one movable element is configured to move within the housing when the housing rotates about the axis, which causes the at least one movable element to be in periodic driving engagement with the at least one fluid pump to cause the fluid to be pressurized.

A tire inflation system and method for a tire supported by a wheel, the tire inflation system including a pump system including a pump cavity configured to fluidly connect to the tire, an actuating element configured to actuate relative the pump cavity, a drive mechanism rotatably coupled to the wheel, the drive mechanism including a motion transformer and an eccentric mass, a valve fluidly connecting the pump cavity to a fluid reservoir; and a control system configured to operate the valve.

A compressor unit (38) for supplying pressurized medium to a tire mounted on a vehicle wheel rim (34), having a compressor (58) for exerting pressure on a fluid medium that is to be conveyed into the tire. The compressor unit (38) is dimensioned to be accommodated in a center bore (44) of the vehicle wheel rim (34) when the vehicle wheel rim (34) is in the mounted state on a wheel hub (62); and the compressor (58) can be driven by a drive unit (56) positioned in the vicinity of the center bore (44) of the vehicle wheel rim (34). The compressor unit (38) is usable with a vehicle wheel rim (34) having a pressurized medium supply device (22) for a tire that is mounted on the vehicle wheel rim (34), as well as a vehicle having a vehicle wheel that includes such a vehicle wheel rim (34).

Air-motion powered devices may be used to automatically maintain a target tire inflation pressure or to equip vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle, moving with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member extends from the compressor body to be acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, the air causing motion of the action member relative to the compressor body to power the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the base of the energy harvester is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing motion of the action member relative to the base to generate electrical power for sensors, lights, or other transducers.

Air-motion powered devices may be used to automatically maintain a target tire inflation pressure or to equip vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle, moving with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member extends from the compressor body to be acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, the air causing motion of the action member relative to the compressor body to power the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the base of the energy harvester is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing motion of the action member relative to the base to generate electrical power for sensors, lights, or other transducers.

A tire inflation system and method for a tire supported by a wheel, the tire inflation system including a pump system including a pump cavity configured to fluidly connect to the tire, an actuating element configured to actuate relative the pump cavity, a drive mechanism rotatably coupled to the wheel, the drive mechanism including a motion transformer and an eccentric mass, a valve fluidly connecting the pump cavity to a fluid reservoir; and a control system configured to operate the valve.

Air-motion powered devices may be attached to vehicle wheels to harvest energy from the air through which the vehicle passes. One illustrative energy harvester embodiment includes a body that attaches to a wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the body is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing the action member to move relative to the body. The motion of the action member optionally drives a generator to generate electrical power. An illustrative method embodiment which may be implemented by a wheel-attached energy harvester includes: receiving with the action member an aerodynamic force from air through which the vehicle moves; deriving from the aerodynamic force motion of the action member relative to the body; and converting said motion into electrical power. The electrical power may be supplied to sensors, lights, or motors.

A hub-integrated inflation system which functions to convert relative motion at the wheel end (e.g., between the axle and the hub or wheel) into a pumping motion. The relative motion is then converted into mechanical or electrical energy, which can be used to actuate a pump of an inflator.