The ability to adjust tire pressure on the fly is potentially game-changing, and we’ve seen a few different Tire Pressure Management Systems (TPMS) in the past few years. From the UCI-approved Scope Atmoz to the Gravaa KAPS system, these functional pressure-adjusting hub systems have shown more than just promise. But even a few high-profile race-winning performances using the Gravaa system weren’t enough to keep the brand from going under. It seems that price has been a hurdle preventing TPMS from wider acceptance and commercial success (as well as tubeless compatibility).
Which is why I was intrigued when a Swiss inventor named Bernhard Buergler reached out the other day with information regarding his new TPMS patent. In the press release shared by Breugler, he states that his recently patented design (WO2025/261588) represents the next generation of TPMS, which will help keep these systems alive while making them more affordable, and therefore, more commercially viable.
From the Patent Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting pressure in tires (19) of a vehicle during operation, comprising a source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c); an inflow valve (12) for regulating the flow of gas from the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c) to the tire (19) and thus increasing the pressure in the tire (19); an exhaust valve (13) for regulating the flow of gas from the tire (19) and thus reducing the pressure in the tire (19); a wheel hub unit (30) able to control the flow of gas to and/or from the tire (19); and an electronic control sys- tem (21) in communication with and able to control the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c), the inflow valve (12), the exhaust valve (13) and the wheel hub unit (30) in order to increase and/or to reduce the pressure in tires (19).
He believes that his system addresses the two major weaknesses of previous systems — cost and complexity. In the press release, Buergler claims his TPMS is radically simplified compared to previous designs, and that “by using off-the-shelf industrial components, Buergler has drastically reduced the projected retail price to just 20-30% of previous systems.”
Unlike the Gravaa system, which essentially generated energy to power a small air compressor, in Buergler’s patented design, “the hub-mounted device contains a refillable tank for liquid CO2 and an array of micro-nozzles and orifices, which allow for the rapid inflation and deflation of a bicycle tire during operation.” Given that CO2 would be used for inflation, it would ultimately be limited in its inflationary capacity, but it might also inflate more rapidly than a tiny hub-based air compressor (and perhaps be lighter weight).
Buergler claims the “massive cost reduction is driven by a radical design simplification and a highly complex, yet inexpensive, 3D-printed manifold.” Like other systems, a tube would still need to extend between the hub and the rim/tire for inflation and deflation. Additionally, a handlebar-mounted control unit would be used to control the device, preferably “communicating with the device via Bluetooth or another appropriate protocol.”
The patent description goes on to say, “According to another embodiment of the invention, a battery-operated micro air compressor is used as a pressure source. For this embodiment, certain downstream components, in particular the pressure orifice, can be omitted or simplified in its specifications.” So, perhaps a mini-air compressor and a compact, rechargeable battery could be used instead of CO2, like a hub-based version of a portable electric tire inflator.
It’s important to note that so far, this newly patented TPMS design is just that, a design. There are still plenty of questions related to inflation capabilities, rates, the weight of the system, and the controls. But those are questions that can’t really be answered until the prototypes have been made. But, assuming it’s functional and reasonably priced, it could potentially decrease one of the major barriers to greater market acceptance of tire pressure management systems.
Buergler is offering his patent for sale and is currently seeking an established industry partner to help bring it to market. Interested? The published patent is easily searchable if you’re interested in reading through it in greater detail.
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