A California company has invented a new tire inflation system that uses the wheel’s rotational motion to pump and maintain optimal air pressure.
Aperia Technologies says it has tested its Halo Tire Inflator over eight million miles, including in Canadian winters. The bolt-on system doesn’t tap into the vehicle’s air system. Instead, it functions like a self-winding watch, using the rotational motion of the wheels for power.
Aperia says its new system, which will debut at the Technology and Maintenance Council meetings in March, works with dual and wide-base single tires.
“The fuel savings from properly inflated tires are well documented,” said Josh Carter, CEO and co-founder of Aperia. He cited FMCSA data that showed proper tire inflation pressure contributes to a 1-2% fuel economy increase, compared to the 55% of truck tires on the road today that are suspected of being at least 5 psi from their target pressure. Research also indicates underinflation is the cause of one tire blow-out per tractor-trailer each year.
“Numerous studies, including research by the FMCSA, show that by eliminating tire underinflation, the average fleet can save more than $2,200 annually for each tractor-trailer,” explained Carter.
The Halo system can be installed in five to 10 minutes per wheel-end and doesn’t require a connection to an air compressor, the company says.
“Bringing truly innovative technology like the Halo to market takes a great deal of time, money and thought,” said Brandon Richardson, CTO and co-founder of Aperia. “After four years of R&D and more than two years of on-road fleet testing we are confident the Halo will satisfy the needs of the most demanding fleet operations.”
