Vehicular tire deflation device and propulsion unit for vehicular tire deflation device

A propulsion unit for a tire deflation device, the propulsion unit comprising:

• a platform;
• a propulsion assembly configured to facilitate selective launching of the tire deflation device from the platform;
• a tether coupled to the platform and configured for attachment to the tire deflation device;
• and
• a retraction assembly that is configured to facilitate return of the tire deflation device to the platform once the tire deflation device has been deployed to a target, the retraction assembly comprising a first spool, a retractor cable, a linear actuator, a spooling cable, and a second spool that is attached to the first spool, wherein:
• the first spool is rotatably coupled with the platform;
• the retractor cable is attached to the first spool and is configured for attachment to the tire deflation device;
• rotation of the first spool in a first direction facilitates collection of the retractor cable onto the first spool;
• rotation of the first spool in a second direction facilitates dispensation of the retractor cable from the first spool;
• the linear actuator comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled with the platform;
• the spooling cable is attached to each of the second spool and the platform and is routed over the distal end of the linear actuator;
• the linear actuator is extendible between a retracted position and an extended position;
• and
• extension of the linear actuator from the retracted position to the extended position facilitates dispensation the spooling cable from the second spool which facilitates rotation of the first spool in the first direction.

A kit comprising:

• a plurality of tire deflation devices;
• and
• a propulsion unit comprising:
• a platform defining a plurality of slots;
• a plurality of propulsion assemblies, each propulsion assembly of the plurality of propulsion assemblies associated with one slot of the plurality of slots and facilitating selective launching of one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices from the platform;
• and
• at least one tether coupled to the platform and at least one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices, wherein:
• each propulsion assembly of the plurality of propulsion assemblies comprises a drive member slidably coupled with the platform and slidable between a loaded position and an ejecting position;
• and
• the drive member is slidably received in one slot of the plurality of slots and is biased into the ejecting position.

A kit comprising:

• a plurality of tire deflation devices;
• and
• a propulsion unit comprising:
• a platform defining a plurality of slots;
• a plurality of propulsion assemblies, each propulsion assembly of the plurality of propulsion assemblies associated with one slot of the plurality of slots and facilitating selective launching of one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices from the platform;
• and
• at least one tether coupled to the platform and at least one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices;
• and
• a retraction assembly that is configured to facilitate return of the plurality of tire deflation devices to the propulsion unit after the plurality of tire deflation devices have been deployed to a target, the retraction assembly comprising a first spool, a retractor cable, a linear actuator, a spooling cable, and a second spool that is attached to the first spool, wherein:
• the first spool is rotatably coupled with the platform;
• the retractor cable is attached to the first spool and at least one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices;
• rotation of the first spool in a first direction facilitates collection of the retractor cable onto the first spool to facilitate return of the plurality of tire deflation devices to the propulsion unit after the plurality of tire deflation devices have been deployed to a target;
• rotation of the first spool in a second direction facilitates dispensation of the retractor cable from the first spool;
• the linear actuator comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled with the platform;
• the spooling cable is attached to each of the second spool and the platform and is routed over the distal end of the linear actuator;
• the linear actuator is extendible between a retracted position and an extended position;
• and
• extension of the linear actuator from the retracted position to the extended position facilitates dispensation the spooling cable from the second spool which facilitates rotation of the first spool in the first direction.

A kit comprising:

• a plurality of tire deflation devices;
• a propulsion unit comprising:
• a platform defining a plurality of slots;
• a plurality of propulsion assemblies, each propulsion assembly of the plurality of propulsion assemblies associated with one slot of the plurality of slots and facilitating selective launching of one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices from the platform;
• and
• at least one tether coupled to the platform and at least one tire deflation device of the plurality of tire deflation devices;
• and
• a support base, wherein the platform comprises a canister that is pivotally coupled to the support base and pivotable between a collapsed position and a deployed position.