08/26/2011
Self inflating bike tires
Cyclists can reduce their fear of flats with a new pump system that uses the compression of the tire upon the ground to pump air into the tube until the optimal pressure is reached.
The pump system includes the tire, inner tube, and air valve. A one way valve draws in the air, which goes to the lumen, a small tube in the center of the tire. The lumen is compressed as the tire rolls along the ground, which forces air out of one end and into a second valve on the inner tube, inflating the tire.
The valve stops drawing air when proper tire pressure is reached, and resumes air intake when the pressure inevitably drops through use.
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