The Self Inflating Tire SIT integrates inflation system that uses atmospheric air to compensate for the natural loss of tire pressure. It consists of only two components: tire-integrated chamber and managing valve. The SIT System is based on peristaltic pump principles. It integrates a tube chamber into the tire wall.
The tube chamber is kept closed at its lowest point by the normal tire deformation caused by the weight of the vehicle.
As the tire turns against the road this closure moves along the tube chamber, forcing more air into the tire with each wheel revolution. Simultaneously, it pulls outside air back into the chamber from the other side.
The chamber continuously pushes air into the tire until it reaches its optimal pressure. Then, a managing valve stops the intake of outside air and allows for inside circulation between the tire and the tube chamber, back and forth.
Once the tire pressure falls below its optimal level, the managing valve disables internal air circulation and opens the intake of atmospheric air to activate the inflation again.
CODA Development s.r.o. has finalized prototype testing and will be presenting the SIT system at the 2008 SAE World Congress, which takes place in Detroit’s Cobo Center on April 14th – 17th, 2008.
