Patent classifications
B60C23/002
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FOR A TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM
An inflation electronic control module for a tire inflation system is described. The inflation electronic control module may be configured to initiate a warning that indicates a problem with a vehicle tire based on tire inflation fill events and collected fill event data. Automatic tire inflation and data recording systems including an inflation electronic control module are further described. The control module may include an electronic control board configured for recording a log of fill event data for tire inflation fill events, the electronic control board being configured for wireless transmission of fill event data to a remote computer.
Dual wheel tyre inflation pressure control system
A dual wheel tyre inflation pressure control system including a pair of vehicle wheels having tyre interiors providing first and second fluid chambers. A first valve arrangement is installed remote from the wheels and is connectable to a pressurised fluid source. A second valve arrangement, suitably mounted on one of the wheels, is connected to the first valve arrangement by means of first and second fluid connections. The second valve arrangement is controllably operable to connect the first fluid connection to either fluid chamber. Controlled variation of fluid pressure in and between the fluid connections is provided by the first valve arrangement to control said second valve arrangement for operating the tyre pressure control system to connect the second fluid chamber to the first valve arrangement, and to connect the first and second fluid chambers.
DYNAMIC TIRE PRESSURE REGULATION SYSTEM
A system and method/apparatus are provided which dynamically and optionally automatically and individually adjust air pressure in the tire or tires of a vehicle. In one purely mechanical embodiment, the system is adapted for use with at least one tire mounted on a rim. The tire has an internal volume inflated with air. The rim is made up of two nested portions adapted such that relative rotation of the nested portions from a neutral position in which tire pressure is at a highest level causes a device in the system to increase the volume inside the tire so as to reduce the tire pressure, thereby increasing grip. The invention adjusts tire pressure quickly and dynamically, depending on braking or acceleration forces acting on the vehicle, and optionally, based on the terrain and the particular road or track conditions to which the vehicle is subjected.
Predicting terrain traversability for a vehicle
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps for vehicular control. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
Load-based tire inflation system for heavy-duty vehicles
A load-based tire inflation system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprises at least one source of fluid pressure, suspension structure of the heavy-duty vehicle, a tire and wheel assembly and a system to control fluid pressure in the tire and wheel assembly. The suspension structure is located between a frame member and an axle and has a condition indicative of a weight of the heavy-duty vehicle. The tire and wheel assembly is operatively mounted to the axle and is in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure. The control system controls fluid pressure in the tire and wheel assembly in response to the condition of the suspension structure.
Central tire inflation system
A central tire inflation system configured to monitor and maintain an air pressure on the tires of a vehicle includes a housing, a central processing unit, a controller, and a valve. The housing has a plurality of walls and a bottom forming an interior volume. The central processing unit has the necessary electronics to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data. The controller has a plurality of modes of operation wherein the modes of operation include default parameters for air pressure within the tires of the vehicle. The valve is configured to direct air flow as required into or out of the tires, the valve being operably coupled to the controller. The central tire inflation system is configured to monitor air pressure of the tires and provide inflation or deflation thereof based the mode of operation.
Integrated tire inflation/deflation adjustment system
A tire pressure system for a vehicle includes an inflation/deflation system that includes a compressor and a valve in fluid communication with four tires. Each of the four tires have a tire pressure. At least one sensor is configured to receive at least one of vehicle location data, vehicle environmental data and other sensor information. A controller is in communication with the inflation/deflation system and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to select at least one of the four tires to adjust the tire pressure of the selected at least one of the four tires. The controller is configured to control at least one of the valve and compressor to achieve at least one of desired fuel economy and desired road control of the selected at least one of the four tires.
Systems and methods for determining vehicle characteristics
A vehicle includes a sprung mass including a cabin coupled to a chassis, tractive assemblies each including at least one tractive element, springs coupling the tractive elements to the sprung mass, each spring imparting an upward force on the sprung mass, load sensors each configured to provide a signal indicative of the force imparted by one of the springs, and a controller operatively coupled to the load sensors. The controller is configured to determine a weight of the sprung mass using the signals from the load sensors and monitor at least one operational condition of the vehicle. The controller is configured to determine whether or not to disable determination of the weight based on the at least one operational condition.
Electronic control module for a tire inflation system
An inflation electronic control module for a tire inflation system comprising a solenoid valve disposed so as to selectively open or close fluid communication between a fluid pressure source and a vehicle tire in response to one or more pressure signals. The tire inflation system further comprising a fluid pressure sensor disposed so as to detect delivery-side fluid pressure between the solenoid valve and the vehicle tire, and provide a pressure signal corresponding to the detected fluid pressure.
TYRE
A tyre T for adaptively adjusting to the tyre's rolling conditions, the tyre T comprising first and second side walls (1, 2) with a contact wall (3) extending therebetween and a heater 7 for heating one or more of the first side wall (1), second side wall (2) and contact wall (3), wherein plural chambers (4, 5, 6) are defined within the tyre T, at least one of the plural chambers (4, 6) being selectively inflatable for altering the external shape of the first side wall (1), second side wall (2) and/or contact wall (3).