The name of the technology is pretty self-explanatory: the SIT uses atmospheric air to inflate the tire automatically even while the vehicle is in motion, maintaining a constant tire pressure during a long period of time, as the engineers explained. In addition, the technology is also aimed at fuel economy and safety as it reduces the number of crashes caused by flat tires and reduces fuel consumption by maintaining the pressure at the appropriate level.
"The SIT System is based on proven, highly reliable peristaltic pump principles. It integrates a tube chamber into the tire wall. The tube chamber is kept closed at its lowest point by the normal tire deformation caused by the weight of the vehicle. As the tire turns against the road this closure moves along the tube chamber, forcing more air into the tire with each wheel revolution. Simultaneously, it pulls outside air back into the chamber from the other side," the official SIT website describes the way the technology works.
Coda Development says the company is now aiming to further improve its self-inflating tire technology and bring it into mass production. Obviously, it would need several partners in both the automotive and the tire industry but the Prague-based company believes this is mostly feasible given the attributes of this technology.
"It's a fantastic, beneficial technology, yet remains a simple, inexpensive solution designed to be manufacturer-friendly," says Adam Gavine, editor of Tire Technology International. "Production costs for incorporating this component will increase only marginally compared to regular tires, but the benefits the technology provides are considerable."
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