Adjustable Tire Pressure

Description

To potentially increase range, have the tire pressures change depending on the environment and speed. This might also increase safety.

Like this system but just with a compressor.

Competitive/Pricing/Notes

Remote tire pressure control is available on some trucks, but the systems are quite expensive ($1000+) and add weight and complexity.

More details:

An onboard compressor feeds the tires with air. When driving at high speed the car’s tires get harder and when you break the tire gets deflated a bit so the braking distance is reduced. Higher pressure would decrease the friction of the tire therefore more range.

Maybe the compressor would consume too much energy on short trips. but maybe on longer trips. The backside is the breaking streak would be too long if the tire is too stiff so an emergency deflation system would be good.

“If tire pressure is too high, then less of the tire touches the ground. As a consequence, your car will bounce around on the road. And when your tires are bouncing instead of firmly planted on the road, traction suffers and so do your stopping distances. You’ll also feel a decrease in ride comfort.

If tire pressure is too low, then too much of the tire’s surface area touches the ground, which increases friction between the road and the tire. As a result, not only will your tires wear prematurely, but they also could overheat. Overheating can lead to tread separation — and a nasty accident. One sign of low tire pressure is if your tires squeal when cornering.”

From (Cartalk.com)

Status

Unknown.