[0001 ] The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling tyre pressure. In particular, the present invention concerns a system and method for controlling tyre pressure with heavy vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Tyres on trucks, cranes and other heavy vehicles may catch fire under a range of circumstances with the potential for the tyres to explode. In such scenarios, enormous amounts of energy may be released, which can lead to significant equipment damage, serious injuries and even fatalities. Indeed, the danger area can be up to 300m from the tyre.

[0003] In some instances, combustion may even take place inside the tyre, with no external signs. For example, excess heat developed in or applied to a tyre can initiate a process known as pyrolysis, which can result in a build-up of flammable gasses and pressure within the tyre and ultimately explosion or rupture of the tyre.

[0004] Mines and other heavy vehicle work sites have established procedures to follow when a vehicle catches fire or there is a risk of a tyre explosion. These procedures include creating a 300m exclusion zone around a suspected vehicle tyre for at least a 24 hour period and alerting the relevant firefighting services.

[0005] It will be appreciated that the creation of a 300m exclusion zone for at least a 24 hour period can severely disrupt mine and work site operations, typically at significant cost.

[0006] Although tyre pressure monitoring systems are known and used on such heavy vehicles, such systems only monitor tyre pressure. Accordingly, while such systems may alert a user when tyre pressure increases or a tyre pressure spike occurs, the vehicle will still need to be isolated by an exclusion zone for at least a 24 hour period and again at great cost.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a tyre pressure control system and method of use, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tyre pressure control system including: a tyre pressure control device mountable to a valve stem of a tyre for measuring at least tyre pressure and selectively deflating the tyre; and

a controller operatively connected to the device for monitoring tyre pressure measurements received from the device and instructing the device to deflate the tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre-set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command from a user.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tyre pressure control device for or when used with the system of the first aspect, said device configured to be mountable to a valve stem of a tyre for at least measuring tyre pressure and selectively deflating the tyre.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tyre pressure control device for use with a controller for measuring at least tyre pressure and selectively deflating a tyre when the tyre pressure being measured reaches or exceeds a pre-set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command from a user, said device including:

a housing configured to be mountable to a valve stem of the tyre and be in fluid communication with the tyre;

a pair of opposed ports and at least one internal inflation passage extending within the housing between the ports, said pair of opposed ports including an inner port configured with the inflation passage to at least partially receive the valve stem and an opposed outer port having a valve to selectively seal the port;

at least one pressure sensor associated with the inflation passage for measuring tyre pressure;

a deflation port and at least one internal deflation passage extending within the housing between the deflation port and the inflation passage, said deflation passage being in fluid communication with the inflation passage; and

a piston valve including a piston passage extending within the housing and being in fluid communication with the deflation passage and a piston having at least one sealing ring and being selectively slidable within the piston passage between a sealing position in which the piston functions as a sealing member and seals the deflation passage and a deflation position in which the deflation passage is unsealed to allow selective deflation of the tyre, wherein the piston passage extends entirely through the housing and extends in a direction substantially parallel with the inflation passage.

[001 1 ] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tyre pressure control system including:

the tyre pressure control device of the third aspect, said device configured to be mountable to a valve stem of a tyre and be in in fluid communication with the tyre for measuring at least tyre pressure and selectively deflating the tyre; and

a controller operatively connected to the device for monitoring tyre pressure measurements received from the device and instructing the device to deflate the tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre-set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command from a user

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for or when used with the system of the first or fourth aspects or the device of the second or third aspects, said controller configured to be operatively connected to the tyre pressure control device for monitoring tyre pressure measurements received from the device and instructing the device to deflate the tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre-set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command from a user.

[0013] Advantageously, the system of the present invention provides a means to remotely deflate a tyre on fire or at risk of exploding thereby obviating the creation of a 300m exclusion zone and the associated disruptions to mine and work site operations. By actively monitoring tyre pressure and automatically deflating a tyre when a tyre pressure spike is detected, the system advantageously significantly reduces if not eliminates the risk of tyre explosions occurring.

[0014] A“valve stem” is a self-contained valve associated with a wheel rim around which a tyre is fitted. The valve stem is in fluid communication with the tyre to permit the introduction and removal of a pressurised fluid into the tyre, usually air. The valve stem is typically in the form of a tube.

[0015] Generally, the valve stem includes a valve at an outer end of the tube. The valve is typically a pin valve, a bleeder valve or a Schrader valve. The valve is normally kept closed by a combination of fluid pressure and a spring urging a stopper into contact with an opening. The valve is removable.

[0016] The valve generally includes a pin extending outwardly from the valve. The pin may be urged inwards by a nozzle of a hose, such as, e.g., an air hose, to open the valve and permit the introduction of pressurised fluid into the tyre.

[0017] The tyre pressure control device of the present invention may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be formed from any suitable material or materials to be mounted to a valve stem of a tyre, preferably also to a rim of an associated wheel. The device is mounted to the valve stem such that it is in fluid communication with the fluid within the tyre. Generally, the device may be formed from plastic and/or metal materials.

[0018] The device may include a housing. The housing may include a bottom wall, an opposed top wall and at least one sidewall extending therebetween.

[0019] The bottom and top walls may be of any suitable size and/or shape, preferably the same size and shape.

[0020] For example, in some embodiments, the bottom and top walls may be circular or oval-shaped and a curved sidewall may extend therebetween.

[0021 ] In other embodiments, the bottom and top walls may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon, for example, and more than one sidewall may extend therebetween.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the housing may have rectangular-shaped bottom and top walls and four sidewalls extending therebetween. The four sidewalls may define an inner rim facing surface, an opposed outer surface and opposed side surfaces of the housing of the device.

[0023] The inner rim facing surface of the housing may be configured to be mounted to the rim of the wheel associated with the tyre. The device may be mounted to the rim with one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) extending through the rim and into corresponding openings defined in the inner rim facing surface of the device. Preferably, the one or more mechanical fasteners may extend through existing bolt holes defined in the rim of the wheel.

[0024] The housing may include a pair of opposed ports and at least one internal inflation passage extending within the housing between the ports. The pair of opposed ports may preferably include an inner port defined in the bottom wall and an opposed outer port defined in the top wall. Preferably, the inflation passage may be in fluid communication with the ports.

[0025] The inflation passage may extend entirely through the housing between the bottom wall and the top wall, preferably in a linear direction. The inflation passage may be configured to at least partially receive the valve stem of a tyre via the inner port. When mounted to the valve stem, the valve at the end of the valve stem may be removed such that the inflation passage is in fluid communication with the fluid within the tyre.

[0026] The outer port may be adapted to couple to a conventional air hose. For example, the outer port may protrude outwardly from the top wall and may include an externally threaded cylindrical protruding portion adapted to mate with a correspondingly threaded boss in the nozzle of a fluid hose, such as, e.g., an air hose.

[0027] The outer port may include a valve to selectively seal the port. The valve may allow a fluid, such as, e.g., air, to flow from the fluid hose into a tyre via the device when the valve is engaged by the nozzle of the hose, for example. The valve may typically be a pin valve, a bleeder valve or a Schrader valve as are known in the art. In preferred embodiments, the valve removed from the end of the valve stem may be fastened to the outer port when the device is mounted.

[0028] Likewise, the inner port and the inflation passage may be adapted to at least partially receive a valve stem, and preferably be in fluid communication with the fluid within the tyre.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inner port and/or a portion of the inflation passage may be further adapted to engage with and open the valve on the valve stem, so that a conventional valve stem requires no modification for installation of the device of the present invention.

[0030] For example, in some such embodiments, the inner port and/or a portion of the inflation passage adjacent the inner port may include an internally threaded boss to sealingly engage a threaded outer end of a valve stem. The boss may include a pin to open the valve of the valve stem when the inner port and/or the portion of the inflation passage is/are in engagement with the valve stem.

[0031 ] The inflation passage includes at least one pressure sensor for measuring fluid pressure within the inflation passage and thus tyre pressure. The sensor may be located on a wall of the inflation passage, preferably at a location between the inner and outer ports.

[0032] The pressure sensor may be of any suitable type capable of detecting fluid pressure, particularly air pressure. Generally, a suitable pressure sensor may be selected that is capable of detecting fluid pressure over a range of pressures associated with an operating heavy vehicle tyre. Typically, the sensor may be an electronic gauge pressure sensor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be a force collector type, such as, e.g., piezoresistive strain gauge, a capacitive, an electromagnetic, a piezoelectric, a strain- gauge, an optical or a potentiometric electronic pressure sensor.

[0034] In other embodiments, the pressure sensor may be a resonant electronic pressure sensor. For example, the pressure sensor may incorporate a MEMS based pressure die.

[0035] In some embodiments, the device may further include at least one temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature within the inflation passage and thus the internal temperature of the tyre. Like the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor may be located on a wall of the inflation passage, preferably at a location between the inner and outer ports.

[0036] The temperature sensor may be any suitable type of electrical temperature sensor capable of detecting fluid temperature, particularly air temperature. Generally, a suitable temperature sensor may be selected that is capable of detecting fluid temperature over a range of temperatures associated with an operating heavy vehicle tyre.

[0037] The temperature sensor may be a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance thermometer or a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, for example.

[0038] The housing may further include a deflation port and at least one internal deflation passage extending within the housing between the deflation port and at least one of the inner port and the inflation passage. The deflation port may be located on any one of the four sidewalls and the top wall, preferably one of the sidewalls, more preferably a side surface or an outer surface of the housing.

[0039] Typically, the deflation passage may extend between the inflation passage and the deflation port. The deflation passage may branch or fork off from the inflation passage and extend to the deflation port, preferably in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the inflation passage. The deflation passage may be in fluid communication with the inflation passage and the deflation port to allow deflation of a tyre.

[0040] The deflation passage may include one or more segments or bends, for example.

[0041 ] In preferred embodiments, the deflation passage may include at least three segments extending between the inflation passage and the deflation port.

[0042] The three segments may include a first segment that branches off from the inflation passage in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the inflation passage, a second segment that orthogonally extends from the first segment, and a third segment that orthogonally extends from the second segment to the deflation port.

[0043] The deflation passage and/or port may further include a sealing member for sealing the passage and/or port, preferably a fluid-tight seal. The sealing member may be of any suitable size, shape and/or form, and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0044] Generally, the sealing member may be moveable between a sealing position in which the deflation passage is sealed or blocked and deflation via the deflation port is prevented and a deflation position in which the deflation passage is unsealed or unblocked and deflation via the deflation port may occur.

[0045] For example, in some embodiments, the sealing member may be in the form of a plug locatable within the deflation passage or the deflation port and moveable between the sealing and deflation positions to respectively block and unblock the deflation passage and/or the deflation port.

[0046] In other embodiments, the sealing member may form part of a deflation valve. For example, the deflation valve may include a valve seat located within or associated with the deflation passage, a sealing member moveable into or out of engagement with the valve seat, and an operable lever, handle or knob for moving the sealing member between the sealing and deflating positions.

[0047] In some such embodiments, the valve may be a solenoid valve that includes a sealing member locatable within a valve seat to seal or block the deflation passage or port when in the sealing position and a solenoid, which uses an electric current to generate a magnetic field and thereby operate a mechanism, to move the sealing member out of engagement with the valve seat to the deflating position.

[0048] In other preferred such embodiments, the valve may be a piston valve including a piston having at least one sealing ring, the piston being slidable within a piston passage in fluid communication with the deflation passage between the sealing position in which the piston seals or blocks the deflation passage and a deflating position in which the deflation passage is unsealed or unblocked.

[0049] The piston passage may extend entirely through the housing between the bottom wall and the top wall, preferably in a linear direction. The piston passage may preferably extend substantially parallel to the inflation passage. Preferably, the piston passage may be in fluid communication with the deflation passage.

[0050] The piston passage may be configured to intersect the deflation passage to enable the piston sliding within the piston passage to seal or block the deflation passage when in the sealing position.

[0051 ] Typically, part of the piston passage and the deflation passage may at least partially overlap, preferably at least one of the segments of the piston passage, more preferably the second segment of the deflation passage.

[0052] The piston may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to be slidable within the piston passage between the sealing and deflating positions.

[0053] Generally, the piston may have a substantially cylindrical shape configured to closely fit within the piston passage but still be freely slidable.

[0054] The piston may include opposed ends and a curved sidewall extending therebetween. The opposed ends may include a lower end located adjacent the bottom wall of the device and an opposed upper end.

[0055] The lower end of the piston may be enlarged and thus sized and shaped such that it may not pass through the piston passage to thereby prevent the piston sliding out of the piston passage via an upper end of the passage.

[0056] The piston may include at least one sealing ring extending about and outwardly from the curved sidewall of the piston to sealingly engage with an internal surface of the piston passage and/or part of the deflation passage.

[0057] The at least one sealing ring may be of any suitable size, shape and form. Typically, the sealing ring may be a gasket or O-ring capable of forming a fluid-tight seal between the piston and the piston passage. The sealing ring may typically be formed from rubber.

[0058] Generally, the piston may include at least two sealing rings, preferably four sealing rings.

[0059] For example, of the two sealing rings, a first sealing ring may be located at or near the lower end of the piston and be configured to seal or block a lower end of the piston passage when the piston is in the sealing position, and a second sealing ring may be located about midway along the piston and be configured to seal or block overlapping parts of the piston and deflation passages when the piston is in the sealing position, preferably seal or block the second segment.

[0060] In use, when the piston slides to the deflating position, the second sealing ring may slide out of engagement with the overlapping parts of the piston and deflation passages thereby enabling fluid to escape from the tyre via the deflation port.

[0061 ] In some embodiments, the piston may include a recessed portion configured to enhance a flow of fluid about the piston when in the deflating position. The recessed portion may have a smaller diameter than a remaining portion of the piston.

[0062] The device may include an actuating mechanism for moving the sealing member between the sealing and deflating positions, or from the sealing position to the deflating position. Any suitable type of actuating mechanism may be used.

[0063] The actuating mechanism may be manually actuated or by using a drive, preferably the latter. Movement may preferably be linear, although non-linear movement such as rotary movement is also envisaged.

[0064] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism may include one or more biasing mechanisms so that movement of the sealing member to the deflating position works against the force of the biasing mechanism, so that the sealing member moves to sealing position under the force of the biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil or leaf springs. Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of biasing mechanisms, such as, e.g., magnets or magnetized elements and the like may be used.

[0065] In preferred embodiments, the actuating mechanism may include an electromechanical solenoid. Typically, the electromechanical solenoid may be used to slide the piston in the piston passage from the sealing position to the deflating position.

[0066] In some embodiments, the housing of the device may further include an access port and access passage for manually deflating the tyre. The access port and passage may be in fluid communication with the deflation passage and the inflation passage and is thus not sealed or blocked by the sealing member.

[0067] The access passage may extend from a part, portion or segment of the deflation passage to the access port defined on one of the sidewalls, preferably the same sidewall as the deflation port. The access port may include a closure, such as, e.g., a cap or grub screw, which may be manually removed to deflate the tyre, when, e.g., the actuating mechanism is not powered or not working.

[0068] In some embodiments, the device may include at least one amplifier for amplifying an output electrical signal from the pressure sensor indicative of a pressure sensed. Likewise, the amplifier may amplify an output electrical signal from the temperature sensor indicative of a temperature sensed.

[0069] The at least one amplifier may be operatively connected to the at least one pressure sensor, the at least one temperature sensor and other electronic components of the device via an electrical circuit.

[0070] In embodiments in which the pressure and/or temperature sensors provide an analog output signal, the device may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog signal to a digital signal. The analog-to-digital converter may communicate a digital signal indicative of the analog output signal from the pressure sensor or temperature sensor. The analog-to-digital converter may be operatively connected to the at least one amplifier if present, the at least one pressure sensor, the at least one temperature sensor and other electronic components of the device, again, via the electrical circuit.

[0071 ] The device may preferably include a power source for powering the electrical components. The power source may include an on-board power source, such as, e.g., one or more batteries or capacitors.

[0072] In some embodiments, the device may further include relative internal motion components for obtaining energy from relative motion of the device as the tyre to which it is attached spins. The energy may be converted to a current and coupled to the one or more batteries or capacitors. For example, the relative internal motion components may include a rotor coupled to a ratchet, wherein motion of the ratchet winds a spring.

[0073] The device may include a communications module for connecting the device to the controller. The communication module may be in the form of a wireless communication module, such as, e.g., a wireless network interface controller, such that the device may wirelessly connect to the controller via a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, Satellite communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or Bluetooth™).

[0074] The device may include a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may be low power processors. The processors may include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to other electronic components of the device.

[0075] For example, the processors may have an input coupled to the pressure sensor, optionally via the amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter. Likewise, the processors may have an input coupled to the temperature sensor, again optionally via the amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter.

[0076] For example, the processors may have an output coupled to the actuating mechanism, preferably being the electromechanical solenoid.

[0077] For example, the processors may have an input and an output coupled to the communications module for transmitting data indicative of a pressure and/or temperature sensed based on relevant output signals of the pressure and/or temperature sensor and for receiving data indicative of a command from the controller to operate the actuating mechanism. [0078] As indicated above, the system includes a controller for controlling operation of the device and for monitoring tyre pressure measurements received from the device and instructing the device to deflate the tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command from a user. The controller may be operatively connected to the device, preferably wirelessly, for receiving output data from the device and for instructing the device.

[0079] The controller may preferably be a remote controller. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to be hand-held by a user.

[0080] Generally, the controller may include a body. The body may be of any suitable size and shape. For example, the body may be circular, square, rectangular or oval-shaped, preferably substantially rectangular.

[0081 ] The controller may include one or more keys, buttons and/or switches for a user to control operation of the device.

[0082] The controller may preferably include at least one display. The display may display pressure and/or temperature measurements received from the device, for example.

[0083] The display may be of any suitable form. For example, the display may be a liquid- crystal display (“LCD”), plasma display or a light-emitting diode (“LED”) display. Preferably, the display is a LCD or LED display.

[0084] In some embodiments, the at least one display may include a touchscreen to allow a user to interact with the controller and thus the device and control various aspects of operation of the device.

[0085] Like the device, the controller may include a communications module for connecting the controller to the device. The communication module may be in the form of a wireless communication module, such as, e.g., a wireless network interface controller, such that the controller may wirelessly connect to the device via a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, Satellite communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or Bluetooth™).

[0086] The controller may include a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may be low power processors. The processors may include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to other electronic components of the controller.

[0087] For example, the processors may have inputs coupled to the communications module for receiving data transmitted from the device indicative of pressure and temperature measurements sensed. Likewise, the processors may have outputs coupled to the communications module for transmitting commands to the device to operate the actuating mechanism and thus deflate the tyre, for example.

[0088] The processors may have outputs coupled to the at least one display for displaying temperature and pressure measurements received from the device.

[0089] Likewise, the processors may have inputs coupled to the one or more keys, buttons and/or switches or a touchscreen associated with the at least one display for receiving a pre-set pressure and/or temperature value and storing the value in the memory and for receiving a manual command from a user, for example.

[0090] Generally, the pre-set pressure value may be a pressure threshold value for the tyre indicative of over inflation or an abnormally high operating tyre pressure.

[0091 ] The pre-set temperature value may be a temperature threshold value for the tyre indicative of an abnormally elevated operating tyre temperature.

[0092] The controller may preferably include a power source for powering the electrical components of the controller. The power source may include an on-board power source, such as, e.g., one or more batteries, preferably replaceable or rechargeable batteries.

[0093] In some embodiments, the controller may receive power from an external source, such as, e.g., a power outlet from a vehicle.

[0094] In some embodiments, the controller may be in the form of a mobile device, such as, e.g., a smart phone, a tablet or a smart watch.

[0095] In some embodiment, the system may further include at least one remotely accessible server operatively connected to the controller for receiving and monitoring data output from said tyre pressure control device, including data indicative of a pressure and/or temperature sensed based on relevant output signals of the pressure and/or temperature sensors. The server may configured to generate an alert when said data received is indicative that the tyre pressure and/or temperature being monitored has reached or exceeded a pre-set pressure or temperature value.

[0096] The remotely accessible server may be any appropriate server computer, distributed server computer, cloud-based server computer, sever computer cluster or the like. The server may also typically include one or more processors and one or more memory units containing executable instructions/software to be executed by the one or more processors. Generally, the server may be in communication with at least one database.

[0097] For example, in some embodiments, the server may be in communication with a tyre database containing a plurality of tyre pressure records or tyre temperature records for each tyre being monitored. The server may preferably be linked to or may maintain the tyre database. Each sensor record may include a sensor identifier. Each sensor record may further include a past record of the data output for the respective sensor.

[0098] In some embodiments, the remotely accessible server may additionally collect and record the data output from said sensors in the tyre database, preferably against a sensor record corresponding to the respective sensor.

[0099] In some embodiments, the remotely accessible server may further continuously or periodically monitor the tyre database for changes in the data output for any one of the plurality of sensors. The remotely accessibly server may generate an alert when a change in the data output is indicative of a change in sensor operational status, such as, e.g., a sensor fail or failing sensor (imminent failure). The alert may be generated and transmitted to a computing device of a fleet controller or the like. The alert may be an electronic notification as will be described later.

[00100] The remotely accessible server may be configured to transmit communications to and receive communications from the device via the controller over a communications network, which may include, among others, the Internet, LANs, WANs, GPRS network, a mobile communications network, a radio network (UHF-band), etc., and may include wire and/or wireless communication links, preferably the latter.

[00101 ] In some embodiment, the system may further include at least one remotely accessible server operatively connected to the controller for receiving and monitoring data output from said tyre pressure control device, including data indicative of a pressure and/or temperature sensed based on relevant output signals of the pressure and/or tyre sensors.

[00102] As indicated, the at least one remotely accessible server may at least receive and monitor data output from each device, preferably on a real-time basis. Preferably, the server may monitor the data received for any changes indicative of: an abnormal sensor operational status; a sensor failure; an abnormally high tyre pressure and/or an abnormally high tyre operating temperature.

[00103] Responsive to the remotely accessible server identifying data indicative of an abnormal sensor operational status; a sensor failure; an abnormally high operating tyre pressure and/or an abnormally high operating tyre temperature, the server may generate an alert to a fleet controller or the like advising of the abnormal reading.

[00104] An alert generated by the remotely accessible server may preferably be an electronic notification and may be effected by way of Short Message Server (SMS) protocol, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) protocol, over a secure Internet connection, or by way of data communication enabled by a software application installed on the computing device, for example.

[00105] The computing device may include a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a smart watch or a PDA, for example. The computing device may be connected to the at least one remotely accessible server by a wired connection or a wireless connection via a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or Bluetooth™), preferably the latter.

[00106] In some embodiments, the system may include software configured to be run on the controller, the remotely accessible server and/or the computing device of the operator or the like. The software may preferably be interactive. In some such embodiments, the software may be in the form of an application (i.e., an app) configured to be run on a smart phone, a tablet or other mobile computing device, for example.

[00107] In other embodiments, the remotely accessible server may include a web server providing a graphical user interface through which the operator or the like may interact with the system and the remotely accessible server. The web server may accept requests, such as HTTP requests and server responses, such as HTTP responses, along with optional data content, such as web pages (e.g., HTML documents) and linked objects. Generally, the web server may enable the fleet controller and the like to receive and transmit communications and commands with the remotely accessible server and with the device via the remotely accessible server.

[00108] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a tyre pressure control device of the second or third aspects to a wheel with an associated tyre, said method including:

mounting the device to a rim of the wheel; and

connecting a valve stem associated with the wheel and tyre to the device.

[00109] The method may include one or more characteristics of the device and controller as hereinbefore described. [001 10] The mounting may include fastening the device to the rim with one or more mechanical fasteners, preferably via the inner rim facing surface of the housing of the device.

[001 1 1 ] The connecting may initially include removal of the valve associated with an outer end of the valve stem. The valve stem may then be connected to the device, preferably via the inner port.

[001 12] In preferred embodiments, the valve stem may be at least partially received in the inner port and/or part of the inflation passage. The valve stem may be sealingly secured in place with an adhesive fastener or sealant, such as, e.g., a cyanoacrylate adhesive, a mastic sealant, or an epoxy adhesive.

[001 13] In some embodiment, the method may further include mounting a valve to the outer port of the device, preferably the same valve removed from the valve stem.

[001 14] The method may further include pairing, registering or connecting the device to the controller.

[001 15] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling tyre pressure, said method including:

monitoring tyre pressure with a tyre pressure control device mounted to a valve stem of a tyre and operatively connected to a controller; and

deflating the tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command by a user via the controller.

[001 16] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling tyre pressure, said method including:

monitoring tyre pressure with the tyre pressure control device of the second or third aspects, said device being operatively connected to a controller; and

deflating the tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command by a user via the controller

[001 17] The methods of the seventh or eighth aspects may include one or more characteristics of the system as hereinbefore described, including the tyre pressure controller device.

[001 18] For example, the monitoring may include the controller receiving the pressure measurements from the device and checking the measurements against the pre-set pressure value. [001 19] For example, the monitoring may include the remotely accessible server receiving the pressure measurements from the device via the controller and checking the measurements against the pre-set pressure value.

[00120] In some embodiments, the measurements may be received from the device at periodic intervals, such as, e.g., every 5s, every 15s, every 30s, every 45s, every 60s, every 90s, every 120s, every 150s, every 180s, every 210s, every 240s, every 300s, every 600s, every 1 ,200s, every 1 ,800s or even every 3,600s (or 1 hour).

[00121 ] In other embodiments, the measurements may be received from the device continuously.

[00122] In some embodiments, the monitoring may further include displaying the pressure measurements received from the device on the at least one display of the controller for the user. In some such embodiments, the measurement and past measurements may be displayed as graphical plot to assist the user in identifying an increasing tyre pressure.

[00123] When a tyre pressure being measured reaches or exceeds the pre-set pressure value, the controller may transmit a deflating signal to the device to deflate the tyre, preferably wirelessly. In other embodiments, the remotely accessible server may transmit a deflating signal to the device via the controller to deflate the tyre when a tyre pressure being measured reaches or exceeds the pre-set pressure value. Again, the deflating signal may preferably be a wireless signal.

[00124] Responsive to the device receiving the deflating signal from the controller or the remotely accessible server, the device may operate the actuating mechanism to move the sealing member to the deflating position thus enabling fluid, such as, e.g., air, within the tyre to escape via the deflating port.

[00125] In preferred embodiments, the one or more processors of the device may transmit an electrical signal to the electromechanical solenoid to slide the piston in the piston passage from the sealing position to the deflating position.

[00126] Conversely and as indicated, the controller or remotely accessible server may receive a manual command from a user or fleet controller to deflate the tyre. For example, a user or fleet controller may input the command via the one or more keys, buttons and/or switches or a touchscreen of the controller or a computing device connected to the remotely accessible server. The controller or the remotely accessible server via the controller may then transmit a deflating signal to the device to deflate the tyre, again preferably wirelessly. [00127] Responsive to the device receiving a manually initiated deflating signal, the device may again operate the actuating mechanism as outlined above to deflate the tyre.

[00128] In some embodiments, the monitoring may further include monitoring internal tyre temperatures. The device may include at least one temperature sensor and may transmit measurements to the controller and/or the remotely accessible server via the controller, preferably wirelessly.

[00129] Likewise, the deflating may further include deflating the tyre when the internal tyre temperature being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre-set temperature value or upon receiving a manual command by a user or fleet controller via the controller or the remotely accessible server via the controller.

[00130] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00131 ] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00132] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00133] Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a tyre pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted to a valve stem of a tyre;

[00134] Figure 1 B is a schematic of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00135] Figure 2 is a sectional view of part of the tyre pressure control device as shown in Figure 1 A;

[00136] Figure 3A is another sectional view of the tyre pressure control device as shown in Figure 1 A.

[00137] Figure 3B is another sectional view of the tyre pressure control device as shown in Figure 3A. In this view, the tyre pressure control device is shown in the deflating position in which fluid within a tyre is able to escape via a deflation port; and

[00138] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of controlling tyre pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00139] Figures 1 A and 1 B respectively show a tyre pressure control device (100) and a remote controller (800) according to embodiments of the present invention for controlling tyre pressure.

[00140] Referring to Figure 1A, the tyre pressure control device (100) is mountable to a valve stem (900) of a tyre for measuring tyre pressure and selectively deflating the tyre. Prior to mounting, a valve is removed from an outer end of the valve stem (900) such that the tyre is in fluid communication with the device (100).

[00141] The device (100) includes a housing (1 10) having a bottom wall (1 12), an opposed top wall (1 14) and four sidewalls extending therebetween. The sidewalls define inner and outer surfaces (1 16) and opposed side surfaces (1 18) of the housing (1 10).

[00142] The housing (1 10) includes a pair of opposed ports and an inflation passage (122; not visible) extending within the housing (1 10) between the ports. The ports include an inner port (124) defined in the bottom wall (1 12) and an opposed outer port (126) defined in the top wall (1 14). The inflation passage (122; not visible) is in fluid communication with the ports (124, 126).

[00143] Referring briefly to Figure 2, the inflation passage (122) extends entirely through the housing (1 10) between the top wall (1 14) and the bottom wall (1 12) in a linear direction.

[00144] Referring back to Figure 1 A, the inflation passage (122) is configured to receive the valve stem (900) of a tyre via the inner port (124).

[00145] The outer port (126) is adapted to couple to a fluid hose, such as, e.g., a conventional air hose. Specifically, the outer port (126) protrudes outwardly from the top wall (1 14) and includes an externally threaded cylindrical protruding portion adapted to mate with a correspondingly threaded boss in the nozzle of the fluid hose.

[00146] The outer port (126) further includes a valve to selectively seal the port (126). The valve allows a fluid, such as, e.g., air, to flow from a fluid hose into a tyre via the device (100) when the valve is engaged by the nozzle of the hose, for example.

[00147] Likewise, the inflation passage (122; not visible) is adapted to engage with and open the valve on the valve stem (900), so that a conventional valve stem requires no modification for installation of the device (100) of the present invention.

[00148] Referring again to Figure 2, the inflation passage (122) includes a pressure sensor (130) for measuring fluid pressure within the inflation passage (122) and thus an associated tyre pressure. The pressure sensor (130) is located on a wall of the inflation passage (122) at a location between the inner and outer ports (124, 126) that will not conflict with an upper end of the valve stem (not shown).

[00149] Referring back to Figure 1 , the housing (1 10) of the device (100) further includes a deflation port (140) and an internal deflation passage (142; shown in Figure 2) extending within the housing (1 10) between the deflation port (140) and the inflation passage (122; shown in Figure 2). The deflation port (140) is located on a side surface (1 18) of the housing (1 10).

[00150] Referring again to Figure 2, the deflation passage (142) branches off from the inflation passage (122) in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the inflation passage (122). The deflation passage (142) is in fluid communication with the inner port (124) and the deflation port (140) to allow deflation of a tyre.

[00151 ] In particular, the deflation passage (142) includes three segments extending between the inflation passage (122) and the deflation port (140). The three segments include a first segment (142A) that branches off from the inflation passage (122) in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the inflation passage (122), a second segment (142B) that extends from the first segment (142A) in a substantially orthogonal direction, and a third segment (142C) that extends from the second segment (142B) in a substantially orthogonal direction to the deflation port (140).

[00152] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the deflation passage (142) further includes a piston valve (300) for sealing the passage (142) in a fluid-tight seal.

[00153] Generally, the piston (310) of the piston valve (300) is slidable within a piston passage (320) between a sealing position in which the deflation passage (142) is blocked from the inflation passage (122) and deflation via the deflation port (140) is prevented and a deflation position in which the deflation passage (142) is unblocked and deflation via the deflation port (140) may occur.

[00154] The piston passage (320) extends entirely through the housing (1 10) of the device (100) between the bottom and top walls (1 12, 1 14) in a linear direction substantially parallel to the inflation passage (122). The piston passage (320) is in fluid communication with the deflation passage (142) and is configured to intersect the deflation passage (142) to enable the piston (310) to slide within the passage (320) to block the deflation passage (142) when in the sealing position.

[00155] In particular, part of the piston passage (320) and the second segment (142B) of the deflation passage (142) overlap.

[00156] The piston (310) is of a suitable size, shape and construction to be slidable within the piston passage (132) between the sealing and deflating positions.

[00157] The piston (310) has a substantially cylindrical shape configured to closely fit within the piston passage (320) but still be freely slidable. The piston (310) includes opposed ends and a curved sidewall (312) extending therebetween. The opposed ends may include a lower end (314) located adjacent the bottom wall (1 12) of the housing (1 10) and an opposed upper end (316).

[00158] The lower end (314) of the piston is enlarged and sized and shaped such that it may not pass through the piston passage (320) to thus prevent the piston (310) sliding out of the piston passage (320) via an upper end of the passage (320).

[00159] The piston (310) includes four sealing rings (318) extending around and outwardly from the curved sidewall (312) to sealingly engage with an internal surface of the piston passage (320) and the second segment (142B) of the deflation passage (142).

[00160] The four sealing rings (318) include an outer pair located at or near each end (314, 316) of the piston (310) to assist in sealing the lower and upper ends of the piston passage (320).

[00161 ] The four sealing rings (318) include an inner pair configured to seal or block the deflation passage (142) as shown in Figure 3A when the piston (310) is in the sealing position.

[00162] Referring to Figure 3B, when the piston (310) slides to the deflating position, the upper sealing ring (318A) of the inner pair of sealing rings (318) slides out of engagement with the second segment (142B) of the deflation passage (142) thereby enabling fluid to escape from a tyre via the deflation port (140).

[00163] The piston (310) includes a recessed portion (319) configured to enhance a flow of fluid about the piston (310) when in the deflating position. The recessed portion (319) has a smaller diameter than a remaining portion of the piston (310).

[00164] Referring to both Figures 3A and 3B, the device (100) generally includes an actuating mechanism for driving the piston (310) from the sealing position as shown in Figure 3A to the deflating position as shown in Figure 3B.

[00165] The actuating mechanism includes an electromechanical solenoid (not shown).

[00166] Referring back to Figure 1 A, the housing (1 10) of the device (100) further includes an access port (160) and access passage (162; shown in Figures 2, 3A and 3B) for, in use, manually deflating a tyre. The access port (160) and passage (162; shown in Figures 2, 3A and 3B) are in fluid communication with the deflation passage (142; shown in Figures 2, 3A and 3B) and the inflation passage (122; shown in Figures 2, 3A and 3B) and is thus not sealed or blocked by the piston (310) of the piston valve (300).

[00167] The access port (160) is closed by a grub screw (164), which is manually removed to deflate the tyre, when, e.g., the actuating mechanism is not powered or is not working.

[00168] The housing (1 10) of the device (100) further includes: an amplifier for amplifying an output signal from the pressure sensor (not visible); an analog-to-digital converter for converting the amplified output electrical signal from the amplifier to a digital signal; a communications module for wirelessly connecting the device (100) to the controller (800); a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory; and a power source being one or more batteries for powering the electrical components of the device (100).

[00169] Referring to Figure 1 B, the controller (800) is configured for controlling operation of the device (100), for monitoring tyre pressure measurements received from the device (100) and instructing the device (100) to deflate a tyre when the tyre pressure being monitored reaches or exceeds a pre-set pressure value or upon receiving a manual command from a user.

[00170] The controller (800) is a remote controller configured to wirelessly connect to the device (100).

[00171 ] The controller (800) includes a body (810).

[00172] The controller (800) includes a display (820) including a touchscreen enabling a user to interact with the controller (800) and thus the device (100) and control operation of the device (100).

[00173] Like the device (100), the body (810) of the controller (800) houses: a communications module for wirelessly connecting the controller (800) to the device (100); a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory; and a power source being one or more batteries for powering the electrical components of the controller (800).

[00174] A user may input a pre-set pressure value through the touchscreen of the controller (800). Generally, the pre-set pressure value is a pressure threshold value for the tyre indicative of over inflation or an abnormally high operating tyre pressure.

[00175] Likewise, a user may input a manual command to the device (100) via the touchscreen of the controller (800).

[00176] A method (400) of controlling tyre pressure with the device (100) of Figure 1 A and the controller (800) of Figure 1 B is now described in detail with reference to Figure 4.

[00177] At step 410, the controller (800) receives tyre pressure measurements from the device (100).

[00178] The tyre pressure measurements are received from the device (100) at periodic intervals.

[00179] Upon measuring the tyre pressure, the device (100) transmits the measurements as data to the controller (800).

[00180] At step 420, the controller (800) checks the pressure measurements received from the device (100) against a pre-set pressure value.

[00181 ] The pre-set pressure value is inputted into the controller (800) by a user prior to commencing use of the device (100).

[00182] At step 420, the controller (800) also displays the pressure measurements received from the device (100) on the display (820). The pressure measurements can be displayed as a numerical value or can be displayed as a graphical plot to readily enable a user to identify an increasing tyre pressure.

[00183] At step 430A, when the controller (800) detects that the tyre pressure being measured has reached or exceeded the pre-set pressure value, the controller (800) transmits an electronic deflating signal to the device (100) to deflate the tyre.

[00184] Responsive to the device (100) receiving the deflating signal from the controller (800), the device (100) operates the actuating mechanism to move the piston (310) of the piston valve (300) to the deflating position thus enabling fluid within the tyre to escape via the deflating port (140).

[00185] Conversely at step 430B, when a user inputs a manual deflate command into the controller (800) via the touchscreen, the controller (800) transmits an electronic deflating signal to the device (100) to deflate the tyre.

[00186] Responsive to the device (100) receiving the deflating signal from the controller (800), the device (100) operates the actuating mechanism to move the piston (310) of the piston valve (300) to the deflating position thus enabling fluid within the tyre to escape via the deflating port (140).

[00187] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including‘comprises’ and‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00188] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00189] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.