System and method for vehicle load management

Abstract

A method for analyzing and managing a vehicle load carried by a vehicle, the vehicle having a fluid suspension system, the method including sampling, at a manifold of the fluid suspension system, a set of fluid pressures corresponding to a set of fluid springs of the fluid suspension system, wherein the set of fluid springs supports the vehicle load; determining an existing stiffness distribution, the existing stiffness distribution including a stiffness value associated with each of the set of fluid springs; determining a contextual dataset during vehicle operation; determining a desired stiffness distribution based on the contextual dataset; automatically controlling the set of fluid springs at the plurality of actuation points based on the desired stiffness distribution, wherein controlling the set of fluid springs includes setting the stiffness value of the fluid spring associated with each of the plurality of actuation points.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 442,119 filed Jan. 4, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 564,953 filed Sep. 28, 2017, which are each incorporated in their entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates generally to the vehicle load management field, and more specifically to a new and useful system and method for analysis and control of vehicle pressure systems in the vehicle load management field.BACKGROUND[0003]Often, negative outcomes involving vehicles that carry loads are the result of improperly arranged and / or distributed loads within the vehicles. Such outcomes can include crashes (e.g., jack-knifing), poor handling and maneuverability, sub-optimal fuel and / or time efficiency, and other undesirable vehicular operating conditions.[0004]Thus, there is a need in the vehicle load management field for a new and useful system and / or method to address such issue...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes several drawbacks of conventional suspension systems, including inefficient pressure regulators, manual lift axle actuation, inconsistent lift axle deployment, delayed pneumatic height control systems, and asymmetric axle loading. The variations of the method and system described in the patent offer several benefits and advantages, such as improved efficiency, consistent and dynamic lift axle deployment, and improved fuel economy.

Problems solved by technology

Often, negative outcomes involving vehicles that carry loads are the result of improperly arranged and / or distributed loads within the vehicles.

Such outcomes can include crashes (e.g., jack-knifing), poor handling and maneuverability, sub-optimal fuel and / or time efficiency, and other undesirable vehicular operating conditions.

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