Claims:I/We claim,
1. A tyre pressure regulating system 100 for at least one tyre of a vehicle, the tyre comprising at least one inner tyre defining a plurality of air chambers, said tyre pressure regulating system 100 comprising:
a plurality of regulating valves 102 adapted to be provided in air communication with at least one air source 102C through at least one main tyre valve 104, where each of said regulating valve 102 is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the tyre thereby providing each of said regulating valve 102 in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the tyre, where said main tyre valve 104 is provided in air communication with said air source 102C; and
a controller unit 106 adapted to be provided in communication with said plurality of regulating valves 102 and said air source 102C,
wherein
said controller unit 106 is adapted to selectively actuate said regulating valves 102 and said air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre and said air source 102C through corresponding actuated said regulating valves 102 and said main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre.
2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1 further comprises, a module 108 (input module) adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 106,
wherein
said controller unit 106 is provided in communication with said at least one air source 102; and
said module 108 is adapted to at least one of collect and process at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly said module 108 provides the information to said controller unit 106 which selectively actuates said regulating valves 102 (control valves) and said air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and said air source 102C through actuated said regulating valves 102 and said main tyre valve 104 by controlling at least one of the flow of air from said air source 102C to corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre through corresponding actuated said regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104, and the flow of air from corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre to said air source 102C through actuated said regulating valves 102 and said main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the tyre respectively, in accordance to at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said module 108 could be provided in communication with a plurality of sensors embedded in the vehicle, where corresponding said sensors could sense (detects) the load of the vehicle, the road and/or soil condition, weather condition and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly corresponding said sensors provides the information to said module 108.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said module 108 could be provided in communication with at least one of a smartphone, at least one computing device and other electronic devices for receiving information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1 could further comprise a manual control mechanism 110 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 106,
wherein
said manual control mechanism 110 is configured to be operated by an operator (driver driving the vehicle) to select/set at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly said manual control mechanism 110 provides the information to said controller unit 106 which selectively actuates said regulating valves 102 (control valves) and said air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and said air source 102C through actuated said regulating valves 102 and said main tyre valve 104 by controlling at least one of the flow of air from said air source 102C to corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre through corresponding actuated said regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104, and the flow of air from corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre to said air source 102C through actuated said regulating valves 102 and said main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the tyre respectively, in accordance to at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein said manual control arrangement 110 could comprise at least one control means, or a plurality of control means,

wherein, corresponding each of said control means of said manual control mechanism 110 is engaged by the operator (driver) to select/set corresponding at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly said manual control arrangement 110 provides the information to said controller unit 106,
wherein corresponding each of said control means of said manual control mechanism 110 could be at least one of knob, lever, buttons, switch and the like.
7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said regulating valve 102 (control valve) comprising an electronic switch adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 106 to facilitate actuation and de-actuation of corresponding each of said regulating valve 102.
8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air source 102C is at least one of an air compressor, an air pump, a turbocharger of an engine of the vehicle, a supercharger of an engine and the like,
wherein said controller unit 106 is an electronic controller unit.
9. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tyre is a modular tyre, wherein the inner tyre of the modular tyre is a tube.
10. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular tyre is a tubeless tyre,
wherein the modular tyre is a tube tyre.
11. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller unit 106 could be directly provided in communication with a plurality of sensors embedded in the vehicle, where corresponding said sensors could sense (detects) the load of the vehicle, the road and/or soil condition, weather condition and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly corresponding said sensors directly provides the information to said controller unit 106.
12. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein sad controller unit 106 could be directly provided in communication with at least one of a smartphone, at least one computing device and other electronic devices for directly receiving information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance.
13. An automatic tyre pressure regulating system 100 for at least one tyre of a vehicle, the tyre comprising at least one inner tyre defining a plurality of air chambers, said tyre pressure regulating system 100 comprising:
a plurality of regulating valves 102 adapted to be provided in air communication with at least one air source 102C through at least one main tyre valve 104, where each of said regulating valve 102 is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the tyre thereby providing each of said regulating valve 102 in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the tyre, where said main tyre valve 104 is provided in air communication with said air source 102C;
a controller unit 106 adapted to be provided in communication with said plurality of regulating valves 102 and said air source 102C; and
a module 108 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 106 to automatically provide information to said controller unit 106,
wherein
said controller unit 106 is adapted to selectively actuate said regulating valves 102 and said air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre and said air source 102C through corresponding actuated said regulating valves 102 and said main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the tyre based on the information provided by said module 108.
14. A modular tyre for a vehicle, said modular tyre comprising:
an inner tyre assembly comprising an inner tyre defining a plurality of air chambers; and a plurality of regulating valves adapted to be provided in air communication with a main tyre valve, where each of said regulating valve is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of said inner tyre thereby providing each of said regulating valve in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of said inner tyre.
15. A modular tyre and wheel assembly for a vehicle, said modular tyre and wheel assembly comprising:
a wheel;
a modular tyre comprising an outer tyre; and an inner tyre assembly adapted to be disposed between said outer tyre and said wheel,
wherein
said inner tyre assembly of said modular tyre comprising an inner tyre defining a plurality of air chambers; and a plurality of regulating valves adapted to be provided in air communication with a main tyre valve, where each of said regulating valve is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of said inner tyre thereby providing each of said regulating valve 102 in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of said inner tyre.
16. The modular tyre and wheel assembly as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of pipes,
wherein each of said pipe is adapted to be connected between at least one corresponding each of said regulating valve and said main tyre valve therein to facilitate air communication between each of said regulating valve and said main tyre valve.
, Description:[001] The embodiments herein relate to a modular tyre for a vehicle, and a tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which selectively regulates the air pressure in plurality of air chambers of an inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, while the vehicle is stationary or in motion, where the tyre pressure regulating system is automatic and/or automated-manual.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a tyre is used to transfer the load of a vehicle from the axle through the wheel to the ground and to provide traction on the road surface and/or the off-road surface. The tyre should be designed in accordance to the type of vehicle, load of the vehicle, road and/or soil condition, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, and so on. The air pressure in the tyre should be adjusted when the vehicle is being driven from highway to off-road or vice versa so as to improve the tyre life and performance such that it is frequently desirable to control the inflation pressure within the tyres for optimum operational efficiency of the tyres and the wheeled vehicle under various operating and road conditions. The adjustment of inflation pressure in the tyre to fit the particular operating and road conditions extends the tread life of the tyres, is a prudent anti-skid precautionary measure, provides blow-out protection, and is justifiable for other safety and economy reasons. It is well known that the traction of vehicles on soft terrain may be greatly improved by decreasing the pressure within the tyres. By decreasing the pressure, the tyre supporting surface will increase thereby enlarging the contact area between the tyres and the terrain. Additionally, it is often desirable to decrease the tyre pressure to increase riding comfort on rough roads. On the other hand, higher tyre pressures decrease rolling resistance and tyre carcass temperatures on smooth roads thereby increasing economy and safety. For example, off-road vehicles such as tractors and the like, which are used on soft ground, are frequently equipped with large-volume tyres in order to achieve good terrain handling, good traction properties, and low ground pressure. Traction and ground pressure are especially low if low air pressure is set in the tyres, so that in the field, operation with low tyre pressure is preferred. However, with decreasing tyre pressure, the carrying capacity of the tyres decreases, and the rolling resistance and tire wear increases. Therefore, when traveling on hard ground, a high air pressure should be selected.
[003] Designing and manufacturing a tyre for suiting the type of vehicle, load of the vehicle, road and/or soil condition, weather condition, other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, and so on, and a system for regulating the air pressure in the tire in accordance to type of vehicle, load of the vehicle, road and/or soil condition, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, and so on, is difficult and is one of the challenges faced by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a modular tyre for a vehicle, and a tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a modular tyre for a vehicle, and a tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which selectively regulates the air pressure in plurality of air chambers of an inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, while the vehicle is stationary or in motion, where the tyre pressure regulating system is automatic and/or automated-manual.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a modular tyre for a vehicle, which comprises an inner tyre assembly comprising an inner tyre defining a plurality of air chambers; and a plurality of regulating valves (also called as chamber air inflation and deflation control valves or electronic pressure control valves or electronic pressure regulating valves) adapted to be provided in air communication with an air source through at least one main tyre valve, where each regulating valve (pressure control valve) is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre thereby providing each regulating valve (pressure control valve) in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an automatic tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which selectively regulates the air pressure in plurality of air chambers of an inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, while the vehicle is stationary or in motion.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an automated manual tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which selectively regulates the air pressure in plurality of air chambers of an inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, while the vehicle is stationary or in motion.
[009] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a modular tyre and wheel assembly for a vehicle, which comprises a wheel, a modular tyre, at least one main tyre valve and a plurality of pipes, where the modular tyre includes an outer tyre, and an inner tyre assembly comprising an inner tyre defining a plurality of air chambers; and a plurality of regulating valves (also called as chamber air inflation and deflation control valves or electronic pressure control valves or electronic pressure regulating valves) adapted to be provided in air communication with an air source through the main tyre valve, where each regulating valve (pressure control valve) is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre thereby providing each regulating valve (pressure control valve) in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre.
[0010] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which increases tyre life and performance.
[0011] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a modular tyre, which has increased life and performance.
[0012] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of a tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre and wheel assembly of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0016] The embodiments herein achieve a modular tyre for a vehicle, and a tyre pressure regulating system for a modular tyre of a vehicle, which selectively regulates the air pressure in plurality of air chambers of an inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, while the vehicle is stationary or in motion, where the tyre pressure regulating system is automatic and/or automated-manual. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0017] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of a tyre pressure regulating system 100 for a modular tyre and wheel assembly of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the modular tyre and wheel assembly includes a wheel, a modular tyre, at least one main tyre valve, a plurality of pipes (also called as air transfer pipes or hose) and may include other standard components as present in a standard tyre and wheel assembly. In an embodiment, the modular tyre includes an outer tyre and an inner tyre assembly. In one embodiment, the modular tyre is a tube tyre. In another embodiment the modular tyre could be tubeless tyre. The inner tyre assembly is disposed between the outer tyre and the wheel. In an embodiment, the inner tyre assembly includes an inner tyre and a plurality of regulating valves (also called as chamber air inflation and deflation control valves or electronic pressure control valves or electronic pressure regulating valves). The inner tyre of the inner tyre assembly defines a plurality of air chambers. The inner tyre is a tube. Each regulating valve of the inner tyre assembly is provided in air communication with the main tyre valve. Each regulating valve could be provided in air communication with an air source through the main tyre valve. In one embodiment, each regulating valve (chamber air inflation and deflation control valve or electronic pressure control valve) is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre thereby providing each regulating valve in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of inner tyre. In another embodiment, each regulating valve (electronic pressure control valve) could be connected to corresponding at least two air chambers of the inner tyre thereby providing each regulating valve in air communication with corresponding at least two air chambers of the inner tyre. In an embodiment, each regulating valve comprises an electronic switch adapted to be provided in communication with a controller unit (electronic controller unit), and may include other standard components as present in a standard regulating valve. Each regulating valve could include a pressure sensor adapted to actively sense (detect/ measure) the pressure in corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre, and accordingly provide the measured pressure information to the controller unit. In another embodiment, each pressure sensor could be provided as a separate part which could be connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre to sense (detect/ measure) the pressure in corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre, and accordingly corresponding each pressure sensor provides the measured pressure information to the controller unit. Each regulating valve is an electronic regulating valve. In one embodiment, the main tyre valve could be connected to the inner tyre. In another embodiment, the main tyre valve could be connected to the wheel. Each pipe is connected between at least one corresponding each regulating valve and the main tyre valve therein to facilitate air communication between at least one corresponding each regulating valve and the main tyre valve. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the tyre pressure regulating system 100 is explained herein below with reference to regulating air pressure in plurality of air chambers of an inner tyre of a modular tyre of a vehicle in accordance to at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance. In one embodiment, the tyre pressure regulating system 100 is automatic. In another embodiment, the tyre pressure regulating system 100 could be automated manual. In an embodiment, the tyre pressure regulating system 100 includes a plurality of regulating valves 102 (also called as chamber air inflation and deflation control valves or electronic pressure control valves or electronic pressure regulating valves), at least one air source 102C, at least one main tyre valve 104, a controller unit 106 (also called as electronic controller unit), a module 108 (also called as input module or control module) and/or a manual control mechanism 110. In another embodiment, the tyre pressure regulating system 100 could include a plurality of central control valves (also called as main control valves).
[0018] In an embodiment, each regulating valve 102 (chamber air inflation and deflation control valve or electronic control valve) is used to regulate the air pressure in corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre by controlling at least one of the flow rate of air (compressed air) from the air source 102C to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre through corresponding each regulating valve 102 and the main tyre valve 104, and the flow of air from corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to the air source 102C through corresponding each regulating valve 102 and the main tyre valve 104 thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portion (section) of the modular tyre respectively on actuation (energization /activation) of corresponding each regulating valve 102 by the controller unit 106 which occurs on receiving information (output signal) from the controller unit 106 based on at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance. Each regulating valve 102 (chamber air inflation and deflation control valve or electronic control valve) is provided in air communication with the air source 102C through the main tyre valve 104. In one embodiment, each regulating valve 102 is connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby providing each regulating valve 102 in air communication with corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre. In another embodiment, each regulating valve 102 is connected to corresponding at least two air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby providing each regulating valve 102 in air communication with corresponding at least two air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre. In an embodiment, each regulating valve 102 (electronic control valve) includes an electronic switch and may include other standard components as present in a standard regulating valve. The electronic switch of each regulating valve 102 is adapted to be provided in communication with the controller unit 106 to receive information (output signal) from the controller unit 106 to facilitate actuation and de-actuation of corresponding each regulating valve 102 based on at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance. Each regulating valve 102 could include a pressure sensor adapted to sense (detect/measure) the pressure in corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre. In another embodiment, each pressure sensor could be provided as a separate part which could be connected to corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre to sense (detect/ measure) the pressure in corresponding at least one air chamber of the inner tyre of the modular tyre, and accordingly corresponding each pressure sensor provides the measured pressure information to the controller unit 106. Each regulating valve 102 is an electronic regulating valve. Each regulating valve 102 is connected to the main tyre valve 104 through corresponding pipe (air transfer pipe or hose). It is also within the scope of the invention to provide adapters or connector which serves as a common connecting point for connecting corresponding each pipe with the connector/adaptor, and the connector/adapter is connected to the main tyre valve 104 thereby connecting the main tyre valve 104 with each regulating valve 102.
[0019] In another embodiment, at least two regulating valves 102 of the plurality of regulating valves 102 could be connected to corresponding each central control valve (not shown, also called as main control valve) thereby providing at least two regulating valves 102 of the plurality of regulating valves 102 in air communication with corresponding each central control valve (not shown), where each central control valve (main control valve) is connected to the air source 102C through the main tyre vale 104 thereby providing each central control valve (main control valve) in air communication with the air source 102C through the main tyre valve 104. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide each central control valve (main control valve) in direct air communication with the air source 102C. Each central control valve (main control valve) is provided in communication with the controller unit 106 so as to enable actuation of each central control valve (main control valve) by the controller unit 106.
[0020] The air source 102C is provided in air communication with plurality of air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre through the plurality of regulating valves 102 which are provided in air communication with the air source 102C through the main tyre valve 104. The air source 102C is provided in communication with the controller unit 106 thereby enabling the controller unit 106 to selectively actuate/control the air source 102C to control at least one of the flow of air (compressed air) from the air source 102C to corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre through corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104, and the flow of air from corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to the air source 102C corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 thereby regulating the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to facilitate at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively on actuation of the air source 102C by the controller unit 106 which occurs on receiving information (output signal) from the controller unit 106 based on at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance. The air source 102C is used to provide compressed air to corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre through corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre vale 104, and also receives air from corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre through corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to facilitate at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively on actuation of the air source 102C by the controller unit 106 which occurs on receiving information (output signal) from the controller unit 106 based on at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance. The air source 102C is at least one of an air compressor and air pump. In another embodiment, the air source 102C could be a turbocharger of an engine of the vehicle, a supercharger of the engine, other devices and the like. The main tyre valve 104 is provided in air communication with the air source 102C and the plurality of regulating valves 102 thereby enabling air communication between the air source 102C and corresponding plurality of regulating valves 102.
[0021] The controller unit 106 is provided in communication with the module 108, the plurality of regulating valves 102, the air source 102C and the manual control mechanism 110. The controller unit 106 is adapted to receive information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, from at least one of the module 108 (input module or control module) and the manual control mechanism 110, and also receives measured pressure information of the plurality of air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre from pressure sensor of corresponding each regulating valve 102, and accordingly the controller unit 106 selectively actuates the regulating valves 102 (pressure control valves) and the air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and the air source 102C through actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively based on the information provided by at least one of the module 108 and the manual control mechanism 110, in accordance with at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance. The controller unit 106 is an electronic controller unit. In another embodiment, the controller unit 106 could be provided in direct communication with at least one of a smartphone, a computing device and any other electronic devices, for directly receiving information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly the controller unit 106 selectively actuates the regulating valves 102 (pressure control valves) and the air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and the air source 102C through actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively based on the information provided by at least one of the smartphone, the computing device and other electronic devices, in accordance with at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance. In another embodiment, the controller unit 106 could be directly provided in communication with a plurality of sensors embedded in the vehicle, where corresponding sensors could sense (detects) the load of the vehicle, the road and/or soil condition, weather condition and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly corresponding sensors directly provides the information to the controller unit 106 which in turn selectively actuates the regulating valves 102 (pressure control valves) and the air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and the air source 102C through actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively based on the information provided by corresponding sensors, in accordance with at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance.
[0022] The module 108 (also called as input module or control module) is provided in communication with the controller unit 106. The module 108 could be provided in communication with a plurality of sensors embedded in the vehicle, where corresponding sensors could sense (detects) the load of the vehicle, the road and/or soil condition, weather condition and other parameter/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly corresponding sensors provide the information to the module 108 which provides the information to the controller unit 106. The module 108 could be provided in communication with at least one of a smartphone, a computing device and other electronic devices for receiving information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly the module 108 provides the information to the controller unit 106. The module 108 (also called as input module) is used to at least one of collect and process at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, received from at least one of the plurality of sensors, smartphone, computing device and other electronic devices, and accordingly the module108 automatically provides the information (output signal) to the controller unit 106 which selectively actuates the regulating valves 102 (pressure control valves) and the air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and the air source 102C through actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively, in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance.
[0023] The manual control mechanism 110 is provided in communication with the controller unit 106 therein to enable the manual control mechanism 110 to provide the information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, to the controller unit 106. The manual control mechanism 110 is configured to be operated by the operator (driver driving the vehicle) to set/select at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly the manual control mechanism 110 provides user defined values/parameters (could be at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance) to the controller unit 106. The manual control mechanism 110 could be used as override arrangement when at least one of the module 108, the sensors, smartphones, computing devices and other electronic devices are not functioning or working or not available. The manual control mechanism 110 could comprise at least one control means, or a plurality of control means (mot shown) which could be operated (moved) by the operator (driver driving the vehicle) to set/select at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance, and accordingly the manual control mechanism 110 provides user defined values/parameters (could be at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other parameters/factors that influences tyre life and performance) to the controller unit 106 which selectively actuates the regulating valves 102 (pressure control valves) and the air source 102C to regulate flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and the air source 102C through actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 therein to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively, in accordance to at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance as selected by the operator. Each control means of the manual control mechanism 110 could be at least one of knob, lever, buttons, switch and the like.
[0024] The working of the tyre pressure regulating system 100 is as follows. The controller unit 106 receives information about at least one of road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, from at least one of the module 108, the manual control mechanism 110, smartphone, computing devices, plurality of sensors and other electronic devices, and accordingly the controller unit 106 selectively actuates regulating valves 102 (control valves) and the air source 102C to regulate the flow of air between corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre and the air source 102C through corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 by controlling at least one of the flow rate of air from the air source 102C to corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre through corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104, and the flow of air from the corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre to the air source 102C through corresponding actuated regulating valves 102 and the main tyre valve 104 to regulate the air pressure in corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre thereby facilitating at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding air chambers of the inner tyre of the modular tyre respectively to enable at least one of selective inflation and deflation of corresponding portions (sections) of the modular tyre respectively, in accordance with at least one of the road and/or soil condition, load of the vehicle, weather condition, and other factors/parameters that influences tyre life and performance, while the vehicle is stationary or in motion.
[0025] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.