Heavy duty desert tire inflation control system and method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of vehicle control, and specifically provides a heavy desert tire inflation and deflation control system and method, which comprises an inflation and deflation control module, a tire inflation and deflation control assembly, a left tire pressure sensor, a right tire pressure sensor, a left axle load measurer, a right axle load measurer, a left axle ground clearance detector, a right axle ground clearance detector, a gravity centroid sensor, an inter-wheel differential lock and an inter-axle differential lock; the present application acquires corresponding vehicle state data of the vehicle through the left tire pressure sensor, the right tire pressure sensor, the gravity centroid sensor, the left axle load measurer, the right axle load measurer, the left axle ground clearance detector and the right axle ground clearance detector; in addition, the present application increases the tire-ground contact ratio by deflating the tire, reduces the tire rolling radius to increase the driving force of the vehicle, and engages the inter-axle differential lock and the inter-wheel differential lock, thereby effectively helping the vehicle to drive out of the sunken road surface in the desert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle control technology, specifically relating to a control system and method for inflating and deflating heavy-duty desert tires. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements and market demands for transportation, specialized large-scale special-purpose vehicles have emerged, and their use in desert regions is increasing. When heavy desert vehicles travel through sand dunes and soft sandy areas, the temperature difference between day and night can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. If tires are not deflated in time, tire blowouts or the vehicles may become stuck in the sand, rendering them immobile and potentially causing rollover accidents. Conversely, on gravel roads, inadequate tire inflation slows the vehicle, increases fuel consumption, and causes a rapid rise in tire temperature, reducing tire lifespan. Currently, manual inflation and deflation of tires based on driver experience is time-consuming, significantly reducing vehicle efficiency and sometimes leading to tire blowouts and increased operating costs due to misjudgments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a heavy-duty desert tire inflation and deflation control system and method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system, wherein the tires are symmetrically mounted on the axles of a vehicle. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system includes an inflation / deflation control module, a tire inflation / deflation control assembly, a left tire pressure sensor, a right tire pressure sensor, a left axle load measuring device, a right axle load measuring device, a left axle ground clearance sensor, a right axle ground clearance sensor, a gravity center sensor, an inter-wheel differential lock, and an inter-axle differential lock. The left tire pressure sensor, the right tire pressure sensor, the gravity center sensor, the left axle load measuring device, the right axle load measuring device, the left axle ground clearance sensor, and the right axle ground clearance sensor are all connected to the input terminal of the inflation / deflation control module, and the tire inflation / deflation control assembly, the inter-wheel differential lock, and the inter-axle differential lock are all connected to the output terminal of the inflation / deflation control module.

[0005] A further improvement to this technical solution is that the tire inflation / deflation control assembly includes an air source, a shut-off valve, an air distribution block, a left tire inflation / deflation control valve, a right tire inflation / deflation control valve, a first inflation line, a second inflation line, and a third inflation line. The air source is connected to the air distribution block through the first inflation line. The shut-off valve is located on the first inflation line. The air distribution block is connected to the left tire of the vehicle through the second inflation line. The left tire inflation / deflation control valve is located on the second inflation line. The air distribution block is connected to the right tire of the vehicle through the third inflation line. The right tire inflation / deflation control valve is located on the third inflation line.

[0006] A further improvement to this technical solution includes a left tire inflation indicator, a left tire deflation indicator, a right tire inflation indicator, and a right tire deflation indicator, all of which are connected to the output of the inflation / deflation control module.

[0007] Further improvements to this technical solution include a left tire temperature sensor, a right tire temperature sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor, all of which are connected to the input of the inflation / deflation control module.

[0008] A further improvement to this technical solution may include a wireless receiver, which is connected to the inflation / deflation control module.

[0009] Further improvements to this technical solution include a control module working indicator light and a fault indicator light, both of which are connected to the output terminal of the inflation / deflation control module.

[0010] Further improvements to this technical solution include a 24V DC power supply and a fuse. The positive terminal of the 24V DC power supply is connected to the power supply terminal of the charging / discharging control module through the fuse, and the negative terminal of the 24V DC power supply is grounded.

[0011] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for controlling the inflation and deflation of heavy-duty desert tires, comprising:

[0012] The vehicle status data is obtained by using the left tire pressure sensor, right tire pressure sensor, gravity center sensor, left axle load measuring device, right axle load measuring device, left axle ground clearance sensor, and right axle ground clearance sensor respectively.

[0013] The acquired vehicle status data is comprehensively analyzed to determine whether the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken or only one tire is sunken.

[0014] If so, the tire inflation / deflation control assembly will deflate the tires and engage the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock.

[0015] A further improvement to this technical solution is to comprehensively analyze the acquired vehicle status data to determine whether the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken. Specifically, this method includes:

[0016] When the axle load measured by the left and right axle load measuring devices remains unchanged, the tire pressure measured by the left and right tire pressure sensors remains unchanged, and the axle distance from the ground measured by the left and right axle ground clearance sensors decreases, it is determined that the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken. The tire inflation / deflation control module controls the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate both tires and engage the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock.

[0017] A further improvement to this technical solution is to comprehensively analyze the acquired vehicle status data to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of unilateral tire depression. Specifically, this method includes:

[0018] When the axle loads detected by the left and right axle load measuring devices remain unchanged, the tire pressures detected by the left and right tire pressure sensors remain unchanged, the axle ground clearance detector detected a decrease in the axle's distance from the ground, and the gravity center sensor detects that the vehicle's center of gravity is shifted towards the side where the axle's distance from the ground has decreased, it is determined that the vehicle is in a state of unilateral tire depression. The inflation / deflation control module controls the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate both tires. The deflation rate of the tire on the non-depressed side is greater than that of the tire on the depressed side, and the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock are engaged.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It acquires corresponding vehicle status data through a left-side tire pressure sensor, a right-side tire pressure sensor, a gravity center sensor, a left-side axle load meter, a right-side axle load meter, a left-side axle ground clearance detector, and a right-side axle ground clearance detector. The invention then comprehensively analyzes this data to determine the tire's sinking status. The sinking tire is slowly deflated, while the non-sinking tire is rapidly deflated, preventing the vehicle's center of gravity from shifting towards the sinking side and causing a rollover. Furthermore, deflation increases the tire's contact patch with the desert surface and reduces its rolling radius, increasing vehicle traction. Engaging the inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks effectively helps the vehicle escape from sunken desert surfaces.

[0020] Furthermore, the design principle of this invention is reliable, the structure is simple, and it has a very wide range of application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 110 is the tire inflation / deflation control module; 120 is the tire inflation / deflation control assembly; 121 is the air source; 122 is the shut-off valve; 123 is the air distributor; 124 is the left tire inflation / deflation control valve; 125 is the right tire inflation / deflation control valve; 126 is the second inflation line; 127 is the third inflation line; 131 is the left tire pressure sensor; 132 is the right tire pressure sensor; 141 is the left axle load cell; 142 is the right axle load cell; 151 is the left axle ground clearance sensor; 152 is the right axle ground clearance sensor; 160 is the gravity center of gravity sensor; 171 is the inter-wheel differential lock; 172 is the inter-axle differential lock; L L1 is the left tire inflation indicator, L2 is the left tire deflation indicator, L3 is the right tire inflation indicator, L4 is the right tire deflation indicator, 181 is the left tire temperature sensor, 182 is the right tire temperature sensor, 183 is the vehicle speed sensor, 184 is the wireless receiver, L5 is the control module working indicator, L6 is the fault indicator, 185 is the DC 24V power supply, F1 is the fuse, 191 is the left tire, and 192 is the right tire. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, this invention provides a heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system, wherein the tires are symmetrically mounted on the axles of the vehicle. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system includes an inflation / deflation control module, a tire inflation / deflation control assembly, a left tire pressure sensor, a right tire pressure sensor, a left axle load meter, a right axle load meter, a left axle ground clearance sensor, a right axle ground clearance sensor, a gravity center sensor, an inter-wheel differential lock, and an inter-axle differential lock. The left tire pressure sensor, right tire pressure sensor, gravity center sensor, left axle load meter, right axle load meter, left axle ground clearance sensor, and right axle ground clearance sensor are all connected to the input terminal of the inflation / deflation control module, and the tire inflation / deflation control assembly, inter-wheel differential lock, and inter-axle differential lock are all connected to the output terminal of the inflation / deflation control module.

[0028] Specifically, the tire inflation / deflation control assembly includes an air source, a shut-off valve, an air distribution block, a left tire inflation / deflation control valve, a right tire inflation / deflation control valve, a first inflation line, a second inflation line, and a third inflation line. The air source is connected to the air distribution block through the first inflation line. The shut-off valve is located on the first inflation line. The air distribution block is connected to the left tire of the vehicle through the second inflation line. The left tire inflation / deflation control valve is located on the second inflation line. The air distribution block is connected to the right tire of the vehicle through the third inflation line. The right tire inflation / deflation control valve is located on the third inflation line.

[0029] In addition, the heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system also includes a left tire inflation indicator, a left tire deflation indicator, a right tire inflation indicator, and a right tire deflation indicator. The left tire inflation indicator, the left tire deflation indicator, the right tire inflation indicator, and the right tire deflation indicator are all connected to the output of the inflation / deflation control module.

[0030] The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system also includes a left tire temperature sensor, a right tire temperature sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor. The left tire temperature sensor, the right tire temperature sensor, and the vehicle speed sensor are all connected to the input terminal of the inflation / deflation control module. When the vehicle is driving on normal road conditions, the inflation / deflation control module combines the left tire temperature sensor, the right tire temperature sensor, the left tire pressure sensor, and the right tire pressure sensor to perform comprehensive analysis and control the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to automatically adjust the tire pressure of each tire so that the tire pressure reaches the ideal load-bearing and driving state.

[0031] In addition, the heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system also includes a wireless receiver, a control module working indicator light, and a fault indicator light. The wireless receiver is connected to the inflation / deflation control module; the control module working indicator light and the fault indicator light are both connected to the output of the inflation / deflation control module, and the indicator lights can display the system's working status to the driver.

[0032] Finally, the heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system also includes a 24V DC power supply and a fuse. The positive terminal of the 24V DC power supply is connected to the power supply terminal of the inflation / deflation control module through the fuse, and the negative terminal of the 24V DC power supply is grounded.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a method for controlling the inflation and deflation of heavy-duty desert tires, comprising:

[0034] Step 210: Obtain the corresponding vehicle status data through the left tire pressure sensor, right tire pressure sensor, gravity center sensor, left axle load measuring device, right axle load measuring device, left axle ground clearance sensor, and right axle ground clearance sensor respectively.

[0035] Step 220: Perform a comprehensive analysis on the acquired vehicle status data to determine whether the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken or only one tire is sunken; if so, proceed to step 230.

[0036] Step 230: Control the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate the tires and engage the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock.

[0037] The method for comprehensively analyzing the acquired vehicle status data to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of tire depression on both sides includes: when the axle load measured by the left and right axle load measuring devices remains unchanged, the tire pressure measured by the left and right tire pressure sensors remains unchanged, and the distance between the axle and the ground detected by the left and right axle ground clearance sensors decreases, the vehicle is determined to be in a state of tire depression on both sides. The tire inflation / deflation control module controls the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate the tires on both sides and engages the inter-wheel differential lock and the inter-axle differential lock.

[0038] Furthermore, the method for comprehensively analyzing the acquired vehicle status data to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of unilateral tire depression specifically includes: when the axle load detected by the left and right axle load measuring devices remains unchanged, the tire pressure detected by the left and right tire pressure sensors remains unchanged, the axle ground clearance sensor detected by the left or right axle ground clearance sensor shows a decrease in the axle distance from the ground, and the gravity center sensor detects that the vehicle's center of gravity is biased towards the side where the axle distance from the ground has decreased, the vehicle is determined to be in a state of unilateral tire depression. The inflation / deflation control module controls the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate both tires. The deflation rate of the tire on the non-depressed side is greater than that of the tire on the depressed side, and the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock are engaged.

[0039] After the vehicle moves out of the sunken tire, it operates under normal road conditions. The tire inflation / deflation control module collects data through multiple sensors, transmits it wirelessly, and performs effective analysis to control the tire inflation / deflation assembly to inflate the tires, ensuring that the tire pressure is consistent with the axle load and driving speed. At the same time, the corresponding indicator light in the heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system illuminates, reminding the driver that the heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system is working properly and that the tire pressure of each tire is at its optimal state.

[0040] This invention acquires vehicle status data via a left-side tire pressure sensor, a right-side tire pressure sensor, a gravity center sensor, a left-side axle load meter, a right-side axle load meter, a left-side axle ground clearance sensor, and a right-side axle ground clearance sensor. It then comprehensively analyzes this data to determine tire depression. The depressed tires are slowly deflated, while the non-depressed tires are rapidly deflated to prevent the vehicle's center of gravity from shifting towards the depressed side and causing a rollover. Furthermore, deflation increases the tire's contact patch with the desert surface and reduces its rolling radius, increasing vehicle traction. The system also engages the inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks, effectively helping the vehicle exit the depressed desert terrain. After the vehicle exits the depressed area, the system automatically adjusts the tire pressure according to normal road conditions, achieving optimal load-bearing and driving performance, and then disengages the inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks. Furthermore, the system's data acquisition, analysis, and control are all completed intelligently by the electronic control unit. The components work together precisely, and the system is highly centralized, eliminating the need for manual operation by the driver and effectively reducing driver errors and workload.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto. Various equivalent modifications or substitutions can be made to the embodiments of the invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention, and such modifications or substitutions should all be within the scope of the invention. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the invention should also be covered within the protection scope of the invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system, wherein the tires are symmetrically mounted on the axles of a vehicle, characterized in that, It includes an inflation / deflation control module, a tire inflation / deflation control assembly, a left tire pressure sensor, a right tire pressure sensor, a left axle load cell, a right axle load cell, a left axle ground clearance sensor, a right axle ground clearance sensor, a gravity center sensor, an inter-wheel differential lock, and an inter-axle differential lock. The left tire pressure sensor, right tire pressure sensor, gravity center sensor, left axle load cell, right axle load cell, left axle ground clearance sensor, and right axle ground clearance sensor are all connected to the input terminal of the inflation / deflation control module, and the tire inflation / deflation control assembly, inter-wheel differential lock, and inter-axle differential lock are all connected to the output terminal of the inflation / deflation control module. The vehicle status data is obtained by using the left tire pressure sensor, right tire pressure sensor, gravity center sensor, left axle load measuring device, right axle load measuring device, left axle ground clearance sensor, and right axle ground clearance sensor respectively. The acquired vehicle status data is comprehensively analyzed to determine whether the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken or only one tire is sunken. If so, the tire inflation / deflation control assembly will deflate the tires and engage the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock. The method for comprehensively analyzing the acquired vehicle status data to determine whether the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken includes: When the axle load measured by the left and right axle load measuring devices remains unchanged, the tire pressure measured by the left and right tire pressure sensors remains unchanged, and the axle distance from the ground detected by the left and right axle ground clearance sensors decreases, it is determined that the vehicle is in a state where both tires are sunken. The inflation / deflation control module controls the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate both tires and engage the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock. The method for determining whether a vehicle is in a state of unilateral tire depression by comprehensively analyzing the acquired vehicle status data includes: When the axle loads detected by the left and right axle load measuring devices remain unchanged, the tire pressures detected by the left and right tire pressure sensors remain unchanged, the axle ground clearance detector detected a decrease in the axle's distance from the ground, and the gravity center sensor detects that the vehicle's center of gravity is shifted towards the side where the axle's distance from the ground has decreased, it is determined that the vehicle is in a state of unilateral tire depression. The inflation / deflation control module controls the tire inflation / deflation control assembly to deflate both tires. The deflation rate of the tire on the non-depressed side is greater than that of the tire on the depressed side, and the inter-wheel differential lock and inter-axle differential lock are engaged.

2. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tire inflation / deflation control assembly includes an air source, a shut-off valve, an air distribution block, a left tire inflation / deflation control valve, a right tire inflation / deflation control valve, a first inflation line, a second inflation line, and a third inflation line. The air source is connected to the air distribution block through the first inflation line. The shut-off valve is located on the first inflation line. The air distribution block is connected to the left tire of the vehicle through the second inflation line. The left tire inflation / deflation control valve is located on the second inflation line. The air distribution block is connected to the right tire of the vehicle through the third inflation line. The right tire inflation / deflation control valve is located on the third inflation line.

3. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a left tire inflation indicator, a left tire deflation indicator, a right tire inflation indicator, and a right tire deflation indicator. The left tire inflation indicator, the left tire deflation indicator, the right tire inflation indicator, and the right tire deflation indicator are all connected to the output of the inflation / deflation control module.

4. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a left tire temperature sensor, a right tire temperature sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor, all of which are connected to the input of the inflation / deflation control module.

5. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless receiver, which is connected to the inflation / deflation control module.

6. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control module working indicator light and a fault indicator light, both of which are connected to the output terminal of the inflation / deflation control module.

7. The heavy-duty desert tire inflation / deflation control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a 24V DC power supply and a fuse. The positive terminal of the 24V DC power supply is connected to the power supply terminal of the charging and discharging control module through the fuse, and the negative terminal of the 24V DC power supply is grounded.

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