Self-Inflating Tyres

At Automechanika, SKF will be presenting a so-called ‘air wheel bearing’ through which air-pressure can be filled into the tyre. The bearings are used within the Tire Intelligent Pressure Management (TIPM) system, which was developed under the leadership of Michelin. TRW Automotive and WABCO are involved in this tyre pressure control improvement project.

TRW developed the directly measured system (TPMS) with Michelin in the context of a 50:50 joint venture, culminating in the “EnTire Solution” for passenger cars and light trucks. Within the venture TRW contributes its know how in the area of radio data communication to the project. The systems major selling point is the claim that EnTire Solution almost completely avoids the inconvenience of false alarms.

TIPM is still in development, but its developers are aiming to include a compressor, which will enable the driver to adjust the pressure in the tyres while the vehicle is moving and which will automatically compensate for natural leakage and slow-punctures.

Michelin and WABCO have been cooperating in a similar way since 1997, in the area of commercial vehicles.