Patent Publication Number: US-2022234399-A1

Title: Tire pressure regulation system and method for using same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for regulating the pressure within a tire and, in particular, to systems and methods for continuously pumping a gas, such as air, into a tire and venting the gas from the tire through a relief valve when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level. 
     The amount of pressure within the tire of a vehicle, such as a race car or other motorsports vehicle, affects the performance and handling of the vehicle. Air pressure affects the ability of the tire tread to grip the road or track. Pressure changes of as little as tenths of a pound per square inch (PSI) can cause the performance of tires to change. Maintaining each tire at the desired pressure level has been difficult. In racing, air pressure must be tightly controlled in order to achieve the best performance. A lower air pressure can provide better traction by increasing tread contact with the road, however, lower air pressure usually means the vehicle cannot achieve higher speeds. Conversely, a higher air pressure may produce higher speed given the reduced frictional forces, however, it usually means reduced traction and control. Air pressure that is too high can reduce traction to such a degree that the driver may lose control of the vehicle, or the tire may blow out and need to be replaced. In some types of racing cars, such as sprint cars, the rear tires may be larger than the front tires. Changes to air pressure within the large tires may occur to such an extent that gear ratios are affected. 
     The pressure within a tire changes in response to a corresponding change in temperature. As a tire heats up, the air pressure usually increases. The increased heat is generated by friction between the tire and the road or track. Tires typically heat up during a race when vehicles are driven at higher speeds for a relatively long time. Race drivers may try to anticipate air pressure changes that will occur as the tire heats up by initially underinflating their tires. A problem with underinflating the tires is that tire performance may be compromised until the tire heats up enough to reach the desired pressure. 
     After the tire temperature/pressure initially increases during the first few laps or miles of a race, it is possible the tire temperature/pressure could subsequently decrease during the race. For example, the tires may cool down during a pit stop or if the field of racing vehicles is driving slowly under a yellow flag. 
     Conventional bleeder valves, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,566,833 (Swindell) have been used to release air from a tire upon the air pressure reaching a predetermined level. Bleeder valves can use a spring-like regulator to let out air as the tire heats up. However, bleeder valves are not able to pump air into the tire to increase pressure when the air pressure is too low. 
     There is therefore a need for a device and method for regulating the pressure within a tire by reducing pressure when the pressure is too high and increasing pressure when the pressure is too low. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a pressure regulation system configured to be mounted within an axle of a moving vehicle having a tire mounted thereto. The pressure regulation system includes a pump assembly configured to pump a gas, such as air, through a first pneumatic line and into the tire via a first pneumatic fitting. The pump assembly includes an air pump and a motor to provide mechanical power to the air pump. A release valve is configured to enable gas above a predetermined pressure level to pass from the tire through a second pneumatic fitting into the atmosphere. The release valve selectively opens to release the gas into the atmosphere and reduce the air pressure within the tire when the pressure within the tire exceeds the predetermined level. The release valve selectively closes after the air pressure within the tire no longer exceeds the predetermined level. The release valve may be a manual bleeder valve. More specifically, the release valve may be a manual pop off bleeder valve that contains a diaphragm seat. The diaphragm seat is preset with the pressure of a spring, which is adjusted by the height of the spring retainer, which puts more or less pressure on the seat to bleed off the air at a preset pressure. Alternatively, the release valve may be electrically actuated to open upon the receipt of a signal from a processor and close upon the receipt of another signal from the processor. Some embodiments include a power supply, such as a battery assembly having a battery, in communication with the motor to distribute electrical charges to the motor. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a pressure regulation system configured to be mounted within an axle of a moving vehicle having a tire mounted thereto. The pressure regulation system includes a pump assembly configured to pump a gas, such as air, through a first pneumatic line and into the tire via a first pneumatic fitting. The pump assembly includes an air pump and a motor to provide mechanical power to the air pump. A second pneumatic line is in fluid communication with the tire through a second pneumatic fitting, the second pneumatic line extending from a selectively adjustable pressure gage. The selectively adjustable pressure gage may be a digital pressure switch. A third pneumatic line is in fluid communication with the tire through a third pneumatic fitting, the third pneumatic line extending from an electronic solenoid valve. The pressure gage is in electrical communication with the electronic solenoid valve to allow the digital pressure gage to provide signals to the solenoid valve telling the solenoid valve to open or close. The pressure gage is configured to determine whether the pressure within the tire is above or below a predetermined level. The electronic solenoid valve is selectively operated by the selectively adjustable pressure gage to enable gas above a set pressure to pass to atmosphere. The electronic solenoid valve closes upon receiving a signal from the pressure gage when the pressure gage determines that the pressure within the tire is below the predetermined level. Some embodiments include a power supply, such as a battery assembly having a battery, the battery is in communication with the pump assembly, the selectively adjustable pressure gage, and the solenoid valve to distribute electrical charges to these components. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of regulating an air pressure within a tire mounted to an axel. The method includes mounting an electric pump assembly in an opening in the axel and activating the electric pump assembly to pump a gas, such as air, through a first pneumatic line and into the tire via a first pneumatic fitting. The pump assembly continuously pumps gas into the tire until the pump is turned off. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump continuously pumps gas into the tire during a race to help ensure the pressure within the tire remains at a predetermined level. To help prevent over inflation the method includes selectively opening a release valve in the tire to release the gas from the tire into the atmosphere and reduce the air pressure within the tire when the air pressure exceeds the predetermined level. The release valve selectively closes to prevent air from passing from the tire into the atmosphere after the air pressure no longer exceeds the predetermined level. In this manner the tire pressure remains at or around the predetermined level even as the tires warm and cool during a race. The release valve may be a manual bleeder. In some embodiments the release valve is a manual pop off bleeder valve that contains a diaphragm seat. The diaphragm seat is preset with the pressure of a spring, which is adjusted by the height of the spring retainer, which puts more or less pressure on the seat to bleed off the air at a preset pressure. Alternatively, the release valve may be electrically actuated to open upon the receipt of a signal and close upon the receipt of another signal. 
     Another aspect of the invention includes a method of regulating an air pressure within a tire mounted to an axel. The method includes mounting an electric pump assembly, an electronic solenoid valve, and a selectively adjustable pressure gage within an opening in the axel. Activating the electric pump assembly to pump a gas, such as air, through a first pneumatic line and into the tire via a first pneumatic fitting. The pump assembly continuously pumps gas into the tire until the pump is turned off. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump continuously pumps gas into the tire during a race to help ensure the pressure within the tire remains at a predetermined level. The selectively adjustable pressure gage determines when the air pressure within the tire is above or below a predetermined level. Upon determining that the air pressure exceeds a predetermined level, the pressure gage sends a signal to the electronic solenoid valve and the electronic solenoid valve is opened to release gas from the tire into the atmosphere and reduce the gas pressure within the tire. Upon determining the gas pressure is below the predetermined level, the pressure gage sends a signal to the electronic solenoid valve and the electronic solenoid valve closes to prevent gas from passing from the tire into the atmosphere. In this manner the tire pressure remains at or around the predetermined level even as the tires warm and cool during a race. 
     In some embodiments the pump assembly, electronic solenoid valve, selectively adjustable pressure gage, and battery assembly are all positioned within an opening in the axle and are configured to rotate with the axle and tire. 
     In some embodiments the axel has a proximal portion near a mouth of the opening and a distal portion axially spaced inward from the mouth of the opening, and wherein the pump is positioned at the distal portion behind the other components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a vehicle wherein one tire has been enlarged to show one embodiment of the pressure regulation system mounted inside the axel. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an air pump. 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the air pump taken along lines A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a section view taking along lines B-B in  FIG. 1  wherein some features of the tire and rim have been removed to better illustrate the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a vehicle wherein one tire has been enlarged to show a second embodiment the pressure regulation system mounted inside the axel. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the pressure regulation system. 
         FIG. 7  is a section view taken along lines C-C in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a section view taking along lines D-D in  FIG. 5  wherein some features of the tire and rim have been removed to better illustrate the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a pressure regulation system configured to be mounted within an axle  36  of a moving vehicle having a tire  12  mounted thereto. The tire  12  may include other components, such as a rim.  FIGS. 1-4  show a first embodiment of the pressure regulation system generally comprising a pump assembly  16  and a release valve  25 . The pump assembly  16  is configured to be inserted into the axel  36 . In some embodiments the pump assembly  16  housing includes an engagement member such as a lip adapted to engage a portion of the inner wall of the axel  36  to help secure the pump assembly  16  housing in the axel  36 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show the pump assembly  16 . The pump assembly  16  generally includes an air pump  42  powered by a motor  44 . In one embodiment the air pump  42  is electric and the motor  44  is a 12V DC motor powered by a battery assembly  46  having one or more batteries  46 . The pump  42  is in communication with a first pneumatic line  28  so that air coming out of the pump  42  is directed into the first pneumatic line  28 . In one embodiment the pump assembly  16  is configured to pump gas through the first pneumatic line  28  at a rate of between about four and five liters per minute. In one embodiment the pump assembly  16  is configured to pump gas through the first pneumatic line  28  at a rate of about four and a half liters per minute. The first pneumatic line  28  is adapted to be removably combined with a first pneumatic fitting  30  that is in fluid communication with the tire  12 . The pump assembly  16  may be selectively turned on and off by actuating the actuating member  38 , which may be a button or switch. 
     In one embodiment the pump assembly  16  includes one or more centering rings  40 . The centering rings  40  are positioned around the pump assembly  16  as best shown in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment the centering rings  40  are made from a plastic, rubber, or foam material having a compressed position and an expanded position. The centering rings  40  have a diameter that is generally smaller than the diameter of the opening in the vehicle&#39;s axel  36  when in its compressed position and larger than the diameter of the vehicle&#39;s axel  36  when in its expanded position. The centering rings  40  are biased in their expanded position. In use the centering rings  40  are compressed then placed inside the axel  36  where they move to their expanded position to secure the pump assembly  16  in the axel  36  by a friction fit. Upon inserting the pump assembly  16  in the axel  36 , the centering rings  40  frictionally engage the inner surface of the axel  36  to help secure the pump assembly  16  in the axel  36  and to help hold the pump assembly  16  in the center of the axel  36 . Centering the pump assembly  16  within the axel  36  helps maintain balance of the axel  36  and tire  12 , especially at high speeds. 
       FIG. 4  shows the pressure regulation system mounted in the axel  36 . The pump assembly  16  is configured to continuously pump a gas, such as air, through the first pneumatic line  28  and into the tire  12  via the first pneumatic fitting  30 . The first pneumatic line  28  is removably connected to the first pneumatic fitting  30  so the pump assembly  16  can be removed from the axel  36  and detached from the tire  12 . A release valve  25  is configured to enable the gas to pass from the interior tire  12  chamber to the atmosphere when the pressure within the tire  12  exceeds a predetermined level. The release valve  25  selectively opens to release a gas, such as air, into the atmosphere and reduce the air pressure within the tire  12  when the gas pressure exceeds the predetermined level. The release valve  25  closes after the gas pressure within the tire  12  no longer exceeds the predetermined level. The predetermined level may be a range such that the release valve  25  opens at a higher value (e.g. 12 psi) and closer at a lower value (e.g. 10 psi). Or, the release valve  25  may be configured to open and close at a predetermined level having a single value (e.g. 11 psi). The release valve  25  may be a manual pop off bleeder valve. In one embodiment the bleeder valve contains a diaphragm seat (not shown). The diaphragm seat is preset with the pressure of a spring, which is adjusted by the height of the spring retainer, which puts more or less pressure on the seats as to bleed off the air at a preset pressure. Alternatively, the release valve  25  may be electrically actuated to open upon the receipt of a signal from a processor and close upon the receipt of another signal from the processor. 
     In use, the pump assembly  16  is mounted within an opening in the axel  36  and the first pneumatic line  28  is connected to the first fitting  30 . The electric pump assembly  16  is actuated to continuously pump gas through the first pneumatic line  28  and into the tire  12  via the first pneumatic fitting  30 . The pump assembly  16  continuously pumps gas into the tire  12  until the pump is turned off. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly  16  continuously pumps gas into the tire  12  during a race. The release valve  25  selectively opens to release the gas into the atmosphere and reduce pressure within the tire  12  when the pressure exceeds the predetermined level. The release valve  25  closes after the air pressure within the tire no longer exceeds the predetermined level. In this manner, the pump assembly  16  maintains the pressure within the tire  12  at or near the predetermined level. If the pressure within the tire  12  increases due to increased heat, then the release valve  25  simply releases the excess pressure until the pressure reaches the predetermined level. If the pressure within the tire  12  drops due to cooling, then the release valve  25  closes and the continuously running pump assembly  16  fills the tire  12  with gas until the predetermined level is reached and the release valve  25  opens again to release excess gas into the atmosphere. In order to help prevent over inflation, the release valve  25  is configured to release gas into the atmosphere at a rate which is greater than a rate of gas pumped into the tire  12  by the pump assembly  16 . 
       FIGS. 5-8  show a second embodiment of the pressure regulation system generally comprising a pump assembly  16 , a selectively adjustable pressure gage  22 , and an electronic solenoid valve  18 . Some embodiments include a power supply  20  such as batteries to power the electrical components.  FIGS. 6-8  show all of these components enclosed within a pressure regulation system housing  14 , however, it is not necessary for all of the components to be enclosed within a single housing  14 . For example, in some embodiments the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22 , electronic solenoid valve  18 , and power supply  20  are positioned in the housing  14  and the pump assembly  16  is a separate component as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . In some embodiments where the pump assembly  16  is not contained in the housing  14 , the pump assembly  16  may be positioned in the axel  36  behind the housing  14 . The axel  36  has a proximal portion near a mouth of the opening and a distal portion axially spaced inward from the mouth of the opening, and the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22 , electronic solenoid valve  18 , and power supply  20  (positioned in the housing  14 ) are positioned at the proximal portion of the axel  36  and the pump assembly  16  is positioned at the distal portion of the axel  36  behind the housing  14 . 
     The housing  14  is configured to be inserted into the axel  36 . In some embodiments the housing  14  includes an engagement member such as a lip adapted to engage a portion of the inner wall of the axel  36  to help secure the housing  14  in the axel  36 . 
     One embodiment of the pump assembly  16  is described above and shown in  FIG. 3  wherein the pump assembly  16  is configured to continuously pump a gas, such as air, through a first pneumatic line  28  and into the tire  12  via a first pneumatic fitting  30 . The first pneumatic line  28  is removably connected to the first pneumatic fitting  30  so the pump assembly  16  can be removed from the axel  36  and detached from the tire  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  is in electrical communication with the electronic solenoid valve  18 . The selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  continually measures the pressure within the tire  12  and sends signals to the solenoid valve  18  to open or close depending on whether the measured pressure within the tire  12  is above or below a predetermined level. A second pneumatic line  26  provides communication between the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  and the tire  12  through a second pneumatic fitting  24 . The second pneumatic line  26  is removably connected to the second pneumatic fitting  24  to allow the pressure regulation system to be removed from the tire  12 . 
     The electronic solenoid valve  18  is in fluid communication with the interior of the tire  12  through a third pneumatic fitting  34  and is selectively operated by the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  to enable gas above a set pressure to pass to atmosphere. A third line  32  provides communication between the electronic solenoid valve  18  and the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  (or other processor). The third line  32  is removably connected to the third pneumatic fitting  34  to allow the pressure regulation system to be removed from the tire  12 . 
     Some embodiments include a power supply  20 , such as a battery assembly having a battery. The power supply  20  is in communication with the selectively adjustable pressure gage  22 , the pump assembly  16 , and the solenoid valve  18  to distribute electrical charges to these components. The power supply  20  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  may also provide power to the pump assembly  16 . In other words, it is not necessary to include a separate power supply  46  for the pump assembly  16 . Instead, a single power supply (either  20  or  46 ) may be used to provide power to all of the electrical components in the pressure regulation system. 
     In some embodiments the pressure regulation system housing  14  includes one or more centering rings  40 . The centering rings  40  are positioned around the housing  14  as best shown in  FIG. 6 . The centering rings  40  have a diameter that is generally smaller than the diameter of the opening in the vehicle&#39;s axel  36  when in its compressed position and larger than the diameter of the vehicle&#39;s axel  36  when in its expanded position. The centering rings  40  are biased in their expanded position. In use the centering rings  40  are compressed then placed inside the axel  36  where they move to their expanded position to secure the pump assembly  16  in the axel  36  by a friction fit. Upon inserting the housing  14  into the axel  36 , the centering rings  40  frictionally engage the inner surface of the axel  36  to help secure the housing  14  in the axel  36  and to help hold the housing  14  in the center of the axel  36 . Centering the housing  14  within the axel  36  is important to help maintain the balance of the axel  36  and tire  12 , especially at high speeds. 
     In use, the electric pump assembly  16 , electronic solenoid valve  18 , and selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  are positioned within an opening in the axel  36  and each component is connected to its respective fitting using its respective pneumatic line. The electric pump assembly  16  is actuated to continuously pump gas through the first pneumatic line  28  and into the tire  12  via the first pneumatic fitting  30 . The selectively adjustable pressure gage  22  determines when the air pressure within the tire  12  exceeds a predetermined level. The predetermined level may be a range such that the pressure gage  22  instructs the solenoid valve  18  to open at a higher value (e.g. 12 psi) and close at a lower value (e.g. 10 psi). Or, the pressure gage  22  may be programmed to open and close the solenoid valve  18  at a single predetermined value (e.g. 11 psi). If the pressure within the tire  12  is above the predetermined level, then the pressure gage  22  sends a signal to open the solenoid valve  18  to release gas into the atmosphere and reduce the air pressure within the tire  12 . If the pressure within the tire  12  is below the predetermined level, then the pressure gage  22  sends a signal to close the solenoid valve  18  to allow the pump assembly  16  to build pressure within the tire  12  as the pump assembly  16  continuously runs. In order to help prevent over inflation, the solenoid valve  18  is configured to release gas into the atmosphere at a rate which is greater than a rate of gas pumped into the tire  12  by the pump assembly  16 . 
     Having thus described the invention in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various revisions can be made to the preferred embodiments described herein with out departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is my intention, however, that all such revisions and modifications that are evident to those skilled in the art will be included within the scope of the following claims.