Visual Tire Pressure Indication

ABSTRACT: Vadum will develop a rugged, reliable low-cost visual tire pressure indicator system that will allow quick, objective assessment at standoff. The Visual Tire Pressure (VTiP) stem requires minimal changes as only the valve stem is replaced, thereby minimizing adoption cost and total cost of ownership. The VTiP stem has adjustable pressure set points, maintains closure of the valve core, and can be applied to any aircraft wheel. A key cost benefit of the VTiP stem is compatibility with certified valve caps and valve cores, as well as current maintenance tools and gauges, including clip-on chucks, filling hoses, and manual pressure gauges. The VTiP stem will be easy to understand, easy to adjust, and easy to service; an individual with minimal training will be able to objectively assess tire inflation status visually and with better accuracy than judging by deflection alone. The VTiP stem empowers every crew member to quickly and accurately assess tire pressure.; BENEFIT: Maintenance on critical aircraft systems is costly and time-consuming. Any effort to curb these costs must ensure that safety, reliability, and performance are not compromised. The current method for accurately verifying an aircraft tires pressure requires a maintenance crew member to physically connect a gauge to a tire. This process requires time, training, and tools. Under-inflation of tires leads to a dramatically-increased rate of wear due to large deflection and heat building during landings. Lapses in routine pressure measurements can lead to increased costs from reduced tire lifetime and increased net workload of maintenance crews. The VTiP stem solves these problems.