TYRE APPARATUS

摘要

A tyre apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a tyre body for attachment to a wheel rim to define a first inflatable volume. An inner chamber defines a second inflatable volume which is located within the first inflatable volume of the tyre body. A first fluid communication path is provided between the first and second inflatable volumes and a second fluid communication path is provided between the first inflatable volume and the atmosphere. A first valve opens and closes the first fluid communication path, and a second valve opens and closes the second fluid communication path. The tensile strength and pressure-containing capacity of the material structure of the second inflatable volume is greater than that of the tyre first inflatable volume. A first fluid pressure within the first inflatable volume of the tyre body is optimisable by opening the first valve to allow pressure transfer from the second inflatable volume into the tyre body, and/or opening the second valve to allow pressure to vent from the tyre body to atmosphere. A vehicle wheel and active tyre pressure control system incorporating the tyre apparatus are also provided.

主权项

1. A tyre apparatus including:
a tyre body for attachment to a wheel rim to define a first inflatable volume; an inner chamber defining a second inflatable volume located within the first inflatable volume of the tyre body; a first fluid communication path between the first and second inflatable volumes; a second fluid communication path between the first inflatable volume and the atmosphere; a first valve for opening and closing the first fluid communication path; and a second valve for opening and closing the second fluid communication path; wherein the tensile strength and pressure-containing capacity of the material structure of the second inflatable volume is greater than that of the tyre first inflatable volume; and wherein a first fluid pressure within the first inflatable volume of the tyre body is optimisable by: opening the first valve to allow pressure transfer from the second inflatable volume into the tyre body; and/or opening the second valve to allow pressure to vent from the tyre body to atmosphere.