Goodyear has developed a new self-inflating tire technology for commercial vehicles.
With a help of special internal pressure regulator the Air Maintenance Technology determines when the pressure falls below a certain parameter. Then the regulator opens getting air into a pumping tube. The tube runs around the circumference of the tire, and as tire rolls, it squeezes the tube, effectively forcing air into the tire through an inlet. If there is enough air and pressure the regulator closes the pumping tube.
The technology helps to avoid long stops and usage of external compressor. Moreover it helps to save more fuel.
Goodyear says implementing Air Maintenance Technology on commercial vehicles was particularly difficult due to the higher-than-normal pressures found on large truck tires. Most commercial vehicles run an average of 105 psi compared to the 32 psi of passenger cars.
