U.S. patent application number 14/963746 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for on-wheel air maintenance system.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Invention is credited to Gilles BONNET, Olivier DI PRIZIO, Daniel Paul Luc Marie HINQUE, Gauthier PIRET.
Application Number | 20170166018 14/963746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57421736 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170166018 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HINQUE; Daniel Paul Luc Marie ;
et al. |
June 15, 2017 |
ON-WHEEL AIR MAINTENANCE SYSTEM
Abstract
An air maintenance system includes a rotating inner ring
associated with a vehicle wheel, a stationary outer ring
maintaining a constant angular position, the stationary outer ring
including ring segments secured together by a plurality of
connecting shafts, an occlusion roller rotationally fixed to the
stationary outer ring by a first connecting shaft of the plurality
of connecting shafts, the occlusion roller having a protruding
portion centered axially at a radially outer surface of the
occlusion roller with axially outer portions of the occlusion
roller being radially recessed from the protruding portion and
supported by bearing surfaces of the rotating inner ring, spacer
rollers rotationally fixed to the stationary outer ring by second
and third connecting shafts of the plurality of connecting shafts
and rotationally supported by the bearing surfaces, and a flexible
tube defining a pump cavity, the air maintenance system pumping a
fluid from the ambient environment into a pneumatic tire by
applying an occluding force against the flexible tube, periodically
occluding portions of the pump cavity. The spacer rollers have
axially outer surfaces for rotational support by bearing surfaces
of the rotating inner ring and a recess centered axially at the
outer surface of the spacer rollers for avoiding any contact
between the spacer rollers and the flexible tube.
Inventors: |
HINQUE; Daniel Paul Luc Marie;
(Habay-la-Neuve, BE) ; BONNET; Gilles;
(Niederfenlen, LU) ; DI PRIZIO; Olivier;
(Hettange-Grande, FR) ; PIRET; Gauthier;
(Ster-Francorchamps, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company |
Akron |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57421736 |
Appl. No.: |
14/963746 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60C 23/004 20130101;
B60S 5/043 20130101; B60C 23/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60C 23/00 20060101
B60C023/00 |
Claims
1. An air maintenance system comprising: a rotating inner ring
associated with to a vehicle wheel; a stationary outer ring
maintaining a constant angular position, the stationary outer ring
including ring segments secured together by a plurality of
connecting shafts; an occlusion roller rotationally fixed to the
stationary outer ring by a first connecting shaft of the plurality
of connecting shafts, the occlusion roller having a protruding
portion centered axially at a radially outer surface of the
occlusion roller with axially outer portions of the occlusion
roller being radially recessed from the protruding portion and
supported by bearing surfaces of the rotating inner ring; spacer
rollers rotationally fixed to the stationary outer ring by second
and third connecting shafts of the plurality of connecting shafts
and rotationally supported by the bearing surfaces; and a flexible
tube defining a pump cavity, the air maintenance system pumping a
fluid from the ambient environment into a pneumatic tire by
applying an occluding force against the flexible tube, periodically
occluding portions of the pump cavity, the spacer rollers having
axially outer surfaces for rotational support by bearing surfaces
of the rotating inner ring and a recess centered axially at the
outer surface of the spacer rollers for avoiding any contact
between the spacer rollers and the flexible tube.
2. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
flexible tube is molded directly into the vehicle wheel.
3. (canceled)
4. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
rotating inner ring rotates concentrically relative to the
stationary outer ring.
5. (canceled)
6. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
stationary outer ring encircles the air maintenance system and
applies an inward radial force against the spacer rollers when
assembled.
7. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the
inward radial force maintains the inner rotating ring and the
spacer rollers in a concentric relationship.
8. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
inner rotating ring has a substantially homogeneous weight
distribution such that no portion of the inner rotating ring is
substantially heavier than another portion.
9. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
inner rotating ring is substantially rigid and made of metal.
10. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
inner rotating ring is made of a rigid polymer.
11. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
mass of the stationary outer ring overcomes inertia and friction
generated by rotation of the inner rotating ring and rotating wheel
such that the stationary outer ring stays substantially static
while the inner rotating ring and vehicle wheel rotate.
12. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
stationary outer ring maintains the angular position relative to a
road surface as the vehicle wheel rotates and provides torque,
generated by gravity, that opposes the rotation of the stationary
outer rotating ring with the vehicle wheel.
13. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
mass of the stationary outer ring prevents the stationary outer
ring from rotating with the vehicle wheel and the inner rotating
ring.
14. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
spacer rollers retain non-slip contact between the spacer rollers
and the bearing surfaces of the inner rotating ring.
15. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
system includes three spacer rollers.
16. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
flexible tube defines a deformable surface that occludes the pump
cavity.
17. (canceled)
18. The air maintenance system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
flexible tube comprises a flexible, elastomeric material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the automotive
field, and more specifically, to a new and useful tire air
maintenance system in the automotive field.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] Non-optimally pressurized pneumatic tires contribute to low
fuel efficiency. These effects are particularly felt in the
trucking industry, where long distances and large loads amplify the
effects of an underinflated tire. However, it is often inconvenient
and inefficient for truck drivers to constantly stop, check, and
inflate the vehicle tires to the optimal pressure, leading to the
persistence of less-than-optimal fuel efficiency in truck fleets.
This challenge has led to several conventional auto-inflating tire
systems. Conventional auto-inflating tire systems may be either
central or distributed, but each suffers from its own set of
drawbacks. Central inflation systems are complex and expensive, and
require significant work for aftermarket installation (drilling
through axles, tapping existing air lines, etc.). Distributed
systems are mounted at each wheel and can be less expensive, but
the potential for reduced cost is typically at the expense of the
continuous replacement of the device (which fails due to the harsh
wheel environment). Thus, there is a need in the automotive field
to create a new and useful air maintenance system for pneumatic
tires.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An air maintenance system in accordance with the present
invention includes a rotating inner ring associated with, or
secured to, a vehicle wheel, a stationary outer ring maintaining a
constant angular position, the stationary outer ring including ring
segments secured together by a plurality of connecting shafts, an
occlusion roller rotationally fixed to the stationary outer ring by
a first connecting shaft of the plurality of connecting shafts, the
occlusion roller having a protruding portion centered axially at a
radially outer surface of the occlusion roller with axially outer
portions of the occlusion roller being radially recessed from the
protruding portion and supported by bearing surfaces of the
rotating inner ring, spacer rollers rotationally fixed to the
stationary outer ring by second and third connecting shafts of the
plurality of connecting shafts and rotationally supported by the
bearing surfaces, and a flexible tube defining a pump cavity, the
air maintenance system pumping a fluid from the ambient environment
into a pneumatic tire by applying an occluding force against the
flexible tube, periodically occluding portions of the pump cavity.
The spacer rollers have axially outer surfaces for rotational
support by bearing surfaces of the rotating inner ring and a recess
centered axially at the outer surface of the spacer rollers for
avoiding any contact between the spacer rollers and the flexible
tube.
[0004] According to another aspect of the system, the flexible tube
is molded directly into the vehicle wheel.
[0005] According to still another aspect of the system, the
flexible tube is machined on to the vehicle wheel.
[0006] According to yet another aspect of the system, the rotating
inner ring rotates concentrically relative to the stationary outer
ring.
[0007] According to still another aspect of the system, the bearing
surfaces of the inner rotating ring provide a smooth conical
surface for the spacer rollers and the occlusion roller.
[0008] According to yet another aspect of the system, the
stationary outer ring encircles the air maintenance system and
applies an inward radial force against the spacer rollers when
assembled.
[0009] According to still another aspect of the system, the inward
radial force maintains the inner rotating ring and the spacer
rollers in a concentric relationship.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the system, the inner
rotating ring has a substantially homogeneous weight distribution
such that no portion of the inner rotating ring is substantially
heavier than another portion.
[0011] According to still another aspect of the system, the inner
rotating ring is substantially rigid and made of metal.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the system, the inner
rotating ring is made of a rigid polymer.
[0013] According to still another aspect of the system, the mass of
the stationary outer ring overcomes inertia and friction generated
by rotation of the inner rotating ring and rotating wheel such that
the stationary outer ring stays substantially static while the
inner rotating ring and vehicle wheel rotate.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the system, the
stationary outer ring maintains the angular position relative to a
road surface as the vehicle wheel rotates and provides torque,
generated by gravity, that opposes the rotation of the stationary
outer rotating ring with the vehicle wheel.
[0015] According to still another aspect of the system, the mass of
the stationary outer ring prevents the stationary outer ring from
rotating with the vehicle wheel and the inner rotating ring.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the system, the spacer
rollers retain non-slip contact between the spacer rollers and the
bearing surfaces of the inner rotating ring.
[0017] According to still another aspect of the system, the system
includes three spacer rollers.
[0018] According to yet another aspect of the system, the flexible
tube defines a deformable surface that occludes the pump
cavity.
[0019] According to still another aspect of the system, the
flexible tube has an oval cross section.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the system, the flexible
tube comprises a flexible, elastomeric material.
Definitions
[0021] "Apex" refers to a wedge of rubber placed between the
carcass and the carcass turnup in the bead area of the tire,
usually used to stiffen the lower sidewall of the tire.
[0022] "Axial" and "axially" means lines or directions that are
parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.
[0023] "Bead" means that part of the tire comprising an annular
tensile member wrapped by ply cords and shaped, with or without
other reinforcement elements such as flippers, chippers, apexes,
toe guards and chafers, to fit the design rim.
[0024] "Belt reinforcing structure" means at least two layers of
plies of parallel cords, woven or unwoven, underlying the tread,
unanchored to the bead, and having both left and right cord angles
in the range from 17 degrees to 27 degrees with respect to the
equatorial plane of the tire.
[0025] "Bias ply tire" means a tire having a carcass with
reinforcing cords in the carcass ply extending diagonally across
the tire from bead core to bead core at about a 25 to 50 degree
angle with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire. Cords run
at opposite angles in alternate layers.
[0026] "Breakers" refers to at least two annular layers or plies of
parallel reinforcement cords having the same angle with reference
to the equatorial plane of the tire as the parallel reinforcing
cords in carcass plies.
[0027] "Carcass ply" means the tire structure apart from the belt
structure, tread, undertread, sidewall rubber and the beads.
[0028] "Chafers" refers to narrow strips of material placed around
the outside of the bead to protect cord plies from the rim,
distribute flexing above the rim, and to seal the tire.
[0029] "Cord" means one of the reinforcement strands of which the
plies in the tire are comprised.
[0030] "Design rim" means a rim having a specified configuration
and width. For the purposes of this specification, the design rim
and design rim width are as specified by the industry standards in
effect in the location in which the tire is made. For example, in
the United States, the design rims are as specified by the Tire and
Rim Association. In Europe, the rims are as specified in the
European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization-Standards Manual and
the term design rim means the same as the standard measurement
rims. In Japan, the standard organization is The Japan Automobile
Tire Manufacturer's Association.
[0031] "Design rim width" is the specific commercially available
rim width assigned to each tire size and typically is between 75
and 90% of the specific tire's section width.
[0032] "Equatorial plane (EP)" means the plane perpendicular to the
tire's axis of rotation and passing through the center of its
tread.
[0033] "Filament" refers to a single yarn.
[0034] "Footprint" means the contact patch or area of contact of
the tire tread with a flat surface at zero speed and under normal
load and pressure.
[0035] "Innerliner" means the layer or layers of elastomer or other
material that form the inside surface of a tubeless tire and that
contain the inflating fluid within the tire.
[0036] "Lateral edge" means the axially outermost edge of the tread
as defined by a plane parallel to the equatorial plane and
intersecting the outer ends of the axially outermost traction lugs
at the radial height of the inner tread surface.
[0037] "Leading" refers to a portion or part of the tread that
contacts the ground first, with respect to a series of such parts
or portions, during rotation of the tire in the direction of
travel.
[0038] "Molded base width" refers to the distance between the beads
of the tire in the curing mold. The cured tire, after removal from
the curing mold will substantially retain its molded shape, and
"molded base width" may also refer to the distance between the
beads in an unmounted, cured tire.
[0039] "Net contact area" means the total area of ground contacting
tread elements between the lateral edges.
[0040] "Nominal rim diameter" means the average diameter of the rim
flange at the location where the bead portion of the tire
seats.
[0041] "Normal inflation pressure" refers to the specific design
inflation pressure and load assigned by the appropriate standards
organization for the service condition for the tire.
[0042] "Normal load" refers to the specific design inflation
pressure and load assigned by the appropriate standards
organization for the service condition for the tire.
[0043] "Pantographing" refers to the shifting of the angles of cord
reinforcement in a tire when the diameter of the tire changes, e.g.
during the expansion of the tire in the mold.
[0044] "Ply" means a continuous layer of rubber-coated parallel
cords.
[0045] "Pneumatic tire" means a mechanical device of generally
toroidal shape (usually an open torus) having beads and a tread and
made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials.
When mounted on the wheel of a motor vehicle, the tire, through its
tread, provides a traction and contains the fluid or gaseous
matter, usually air that sustains the vehicle load.
[0046] "Radial" and "radially" means directions radially toward or
away from the axis of rotation of the tire.
[0047] "Radial-ply tire" means a belted or circumferentially
restricted pneumatic tire in which the ply cords which extend from
bead to bead are laid at cord angles between 65 to 90 degrees with
respect to the equatorial plane of the tire.
[0048] "Rho.sub.m" refers to the perpendicular distance from the
axis of rotation of a tire to a line parallel to the axis of
rotation which passes through the maximum section width of the
tire.
[0049] "Section height" (SH) means the radial distance from the
nominal rim diameter to the outer diameter of the tire at its
equatorial plane.
[0050] "Section width" (SW) means the maximum linear distance
parallel to the axis of the tire and between the exterior of its
sidewalls when and after it has been inflated at normal pressure
for 24 hours, but unloaded, excluding elevations of the sidewalls
due to labeling, decoration or protective bands.
[0051] "Shoulder" means the upper portion of a sidewall just below
the tread edge.
[0052] "Sidewall" means that portion of a tire between the tread
and the bead.
[0053] "Splice" refers to the connection of end of two components,
or the two ends of the same component in a tire. "Splice" may refer
to the abutment or the overlapping of two such ends.
[0054] "Strain energy density" refers to the summation of the
product of the six stress components (three normal stresses and
three shear stresses) and their corresponding strains.
[0055] "Tire design load" is the base or reference load assigned to
a tire at a specific inflation pressure and service condition:
other load-pressure relationships applicable to the tire are based
upon that base or reference.
[0056] "Tread" means a molded rubber component which, when bonded
to a tire casing, includes that portion of the tire which comes
into contact with the road when the tire is normally inflated and
under normal load.
[0057] "Tread arc width" (TAW) means the width of an arc having its
center located on the plane (EP) and which substantially coincides
with the radially outermost surfaces of the various traction
elements (lugs, blocks, buttons, ribs, etc.) across the lateral or
axial width of the tread portions of a tire when the tire is
mounted upon its designated rim and inflated to its specified
inflation pressure but not subjected to any load.
[0058] "Tread width" means the arc length of the tread surface in
the axial direction, that is, in a plane passing through the axis
of rotation of the tire.
[0059] "Unit tread pressure" means the radial load borne per unit
area (square centimeter or square inch) of the tread surface when
that area is in the footprint of the normally inflated and normally
loaded tire.
[0060] "Wedge" refers to a tapered rubber insert, usually used to
define individual curvature of a reinforcing component, e.g. at a
belt edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0061] The present invention will be described by way of example
and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0062] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of part
of an air maintenance assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of
another part of an air maintenance assembly in accordance with the
present invention.
[0064] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detailed cross-sectional
view of the part FIG. 2.
[0065] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a detailed cross-sectional
view of the part FIG. 3 under a different condition.
[0066] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another part of an air
maintenance assembly in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF HE PRESENT INVENTION
[0067] A conventional tire inflation system may mount to the wheel
of a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a pumping ring
that rotates with the wheel and a positioning system rotatably
coupled to the wheel. The positioning system may include a
positioning mechanism and an eccentric mass. A planetary roller may
be disposed in non-slip contact with the pumping ring and the
positioning system. A flexible diaphragm may define a pump cavity
wherein relative motion between the pumping ring and positioning
system may be translated by the planetary roller into an occluding
force that deforms the diaphragm and thereby occludes the pump
cavity. Relative motion between the pumping ring and the
positioning system may be achieved by coupling the eccentric mass
to the positioning mechanism to offset the center of mass of the
positioning system from the center of rotation of the positioning
system. Such a system has been disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
8,763,661, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0068] Another example air maintenance system may include a
rotating inner ring, a stationary outer ring, an eccentric mass, an
occlusion roller located proximate to the eccentric mass, and a
flexible tube that defines a pump cavity. The air maintenance
system may be coupled to a rotating wheel wherein the rotating
inner ring rotates with the rotating wheel while the eccentric mass
maintains a constant angular position relative to the rotating
wheel. This arrangement may thereby generate relative motion
between the rotating inner ring and the eccentric mass. The air
maintenance system may translate this relative motion into
mechanical work or other energy forms. The air maintenance system
may pump a fluid from the ambient environment into a pneumatic tire
seat to the rotating wheel by applying an occluding force against
the flexible tube, periodically occluding portions of the pump
cavity. The air maintenance system may be coupled to the rim of the
wheel, such as that of a truck, compact vehicle, motorcycle,
bicycle and/or other vehicle. Relative diameters between the inner
rotating ring and roller elements may collaborate to achieve a
desired gear ratio and pumping speed. The pumping rate, pressure,
and frequency may also be controlled with a passive or an active
control mechanism.
[0069] The inner rotating ring may apply an occluding force against
the flexible tube. The inner rotating ring also may provide a
smooth bearing surface for the roller elements and an occlusion
roller, and may additionally contain or constrain other components
of the air maintenance system. The inner rotating ring may rotate
with the rotating wheel, and may be statically, but removably,
coupled to the rotating wheel. An outer ring may encircle the air
maintenance system and apply an inward radial force against the
rollers when assembled. This inward radial force may maintain the
inner rotating ring and the rollers. The inner rotating ring may
have a substantially homogeneous weight distribution such that no
portion of the inner rotating ring is substantially heavier than
another portion. The inner rotating ring may be substantially rigid
and made of metal (e.g. stainless steel, aluminum, titanium), but
may alternately be made of a rigid polymer (e.g. polyacetylenes,
polyfluroenes, nylon, and polyimides) or a ceramic.
[0070] The eccentric mass may overcome the inertia and friction
generated by the rotation of the inner rotating ring and rotating
wheel such that the eccentric mass stays substantially static while
the inner rotating ring rotates. Further, the eccentric mass may be
coupled to the air maintenance system to maintain the angular
position of the eccentric mass relative to the road surface (which
is contacted by the wheel) as the wheel rotates and provides
torque, generated by gravity, that opposes the rotation of the
inner rotating ring with the wheel. In other words, the eccentric
mass may prevent the outer ring from rotating with the wheel and
the inner rotating ring. This relative motion, enabled by the
gravitational pull on the eccentric mass, may be harvested to do
mechanical work.
[0071] This relative motion may occur because the center of mass of
the eccentric mass is not located at the center of rotation such
that the pull of gravity on the eccentric mass may allow it to
remain substantially static relative to the road surface while the
inner rotating ring rotates relative to the road surface. The
weight of the eccentric mass may be large enough to generate the
amount of mechanical work desired, in addition to being large
enough to overcome friction and adequately dampen induced
oscillations resulting from non-rotating motion (e.g. from bumps).
The eccentric mass may be rectangular, spherical, or amorphous. The
eccentric mass may be made of metal, such as stainless steel,
copper, aluminum, etc., but may alternately be made of plastic,
ceramic, and/or a fluid/gel. The roller elements may additionally
retain non-slip contact between the roller elements and the inner
rotating ring, but may not provide a direct occluding force. The
air maintenance system may include two, three, five, or any
suitable number of rollers.
[0072] The flexible tube may define the pump cavity that holds a
fluid and a deformable interface that occludes the pump cavity. The
flexible tube may have a circular or oval cross section. The
flexible tube may comprise a flexible, elastomeric material such as
rubber or thermosets, thermoplastics, or any other suitable
material. The flexible tube may include an inlet port and an outlet
port each in fluid connection with tubes and a pressure regulator
assembly.
[0073] The pressure regulator assembly may include a control valve,
check valves, a filter, and an inlet port for receiving ambient
air. A housing of the pressure regulator assembly may be secured to
the wheel with the inlet port located externally to the tire cavity
of the tire and the remaining structures of the pressure regulator
assembly located internally to the tire cavity.
[0074] The air maintenance system may utilize a peristaltic or
reciprocating pump method. In the peristaltic method, the occlusion
roller may constrict a portion the flexible tube that is adjacent
the occlusion roller thereby deforming the flexible tube segment by
segment between an expanded condition and an at least partially
collapsed condition in response to respective segment by segment
deformation by the occlusion roller located, with the eccentric
mass, by gravity statically at the bottom of the outer ring.
[0075] The rotating inner ring may be disposed concentrically
within the stationary outer ring with the roller elements
determining its orientation relative to the stationary outer ring.
The roller elements may be rotatably secured to the stationary
outer ring by a shaft. The stationary outer ring may comprise a
plurality of segments (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) having a female mating
connection at one end and a male connection at its opposite end.
The rotating inner ring may comprise a roller element track for
receiving the roller elements, a plurality of segments (e.g., 1, 2,
3, 4, etc.) with a female recess at one end for mating with a male
clip connection at its opposite end. Each end may further have
slots for securing the flexible tube. The rotating inner ring may
be secured to wheel by connecting the ends. The occlusion roller
may be rotatably attached to the stationary outer ring by a shaft
such that the occlusion roller, held stationary by the eccentric
mass, rolls and squeezes the flexible tube as the rotating inner
ring and wheel rotate. The roller elements may travel along the
roller element track and the occlusion roller may sequentially
squeeze the flexible tube as the wheel rotates. The housing of the
pressure regulator assembly may include a fill port for regular
tire pressure maintenance (e.g., an initial air fill up, etc.).
Such an example system has been disclosed by U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/607,897 filed on Jan. 28, 2015,
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, an air maintenance system 10 in
accordance with the present invention may include a segmented ring
13 equipped with rollers 50, 70 installed on shafts 53 at the
intersection of ring segments 15. Slack compensation may be
implemented by an extendable segment 17 which allows tuning of the
circumferential length of the segmented ring 13 and also allows
extension of the segmented ring for mounting operations. The ring
segments 15 may be connected by axles/shafts 53 on which may be
installed rollers 50, 70 and lubricated or non-lubricated bearings
surfaces 12. Configurations of roller bearings or needles bearings
may alternatively be used. The bearings 12 thus allow the segmented
ring 13 to rotate concentrically with an inner ring 11 attached to
a vehicle rim 9. The system 10 may be secured to a modified rim 9
which allows mounting of a tire without removing the system from
the rim.
[0077] The system 10 may have a diameter smaller than the bead seat
diameter in order to allow tire mounting operations without
contacting the system. A flexible tube 20 may be added as an
additional part secured to the modified rim 9. Alternatively, the
inner ring 11 and/or the flexible tube 20 may be molded and/or
machined directly on/into the modified rim 9 to reduce complexity
(e.g., number of parts, etc.) and to improve integration (e.g.,
co-axiality, balance, weight, etc.) with the modified rim.
[0078] Parts of the system 10 may be tested on a lab drum 7 (FIG.
5). The driving device may be tested and the influence of the tube
pinching device parameters on the dynamic behavior of the system 10
may be evaluated. These tests can be performed without tube
connections or valves, since no pneumatic pumping is tested.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a system 10 in accordance with the
present invention may include an occlusion roller 50. The occlusion
roller 50 may include a protruding portion 51 for constricting a
portion the flexible tube 20 that is adjacent the occlusion roller
and deforming the flexible tube, segment by segment, between an
expanded condition and an at least partially collapsed condition in
response to respective segment by segment deformation by the
occlusion roller sustained, with an eccentric mass (not shown), by
gravity statically at the bottom of an outer segmented ring 13. The
flexible tube 20 may be fixed to an inner ring 11. The inner ring
11 may be fixed to a vehicle rim 9. The protruding portion 51 may
be centered axially at a radially outer surface of the occlusion
roller 50 with axially outer portions of the occlusion roller being
radially recessed from the protruding portion and supported by
bearing surfaces 12 on the inner ring 11.
[0080] The system 10 may further include at least two spacer
rollers 70 for maintaining a concentric relationship between the
inner ring 11 and an outer ring 13 to which the occlusion roller 50
is rotationally secured. The spacer rollers 70 may have axially
outer surfaces 71 for rotational support by the bearing surfaces 12
of the inner ring 11. A recess 72 of the spacer rollers 70 may be
centered axially at the outer surface of the spacer rollers for
avoiding any contact between the spacer rollers and the flexible
tube 20. A pressure regulator assembly (not shown) may harvest the
pressure generated with the system 10 for maintaining appropriate
air pressure within a tire cavity 28.
[0081] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the above
detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications
and changes may be made to the examples of the present invention
without departing from the scope of the present invention defined
by the following claims.
* * * * *