Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Interesting. I wonder, however, how efficient it would be.
Any time a one is doing "work", that generally means it is not truly free energy.
The other issue I've encountered is slow vs fast leaks. It seems like I'm more likely to get a fast leak if I have a thin, undersized tube. Sometimes with a good size match, and thicker tube, I'll get a slow leak.
Maybe it would work good with an internal sealant, that is if the pumping and pressure relief system doesn't get all gummed up.
I agree it has to continually consume rotational energy if it is continually pumping. It has to work that way if it is compressing a little bubble of air in front of the contact point all of the way around each revolution, no way out of that if it is always inflating... But for occasional riders that never use a tire pump (or do not even own one) or the folks I see scooting about on half filled tires, this might be a good invention. I doubt it will be seen in professional road racing or endurance events any time soon but it could have a great place among casual riders if it in fact works.