Method for testing drying capacity of suspension air supply module

By precisely controlling the air path and environmental parameters, and combining hardware and software, the drying capacity of the suspension air supply module can be automatically and quantitatively evaluated. This solves the problems of inaccurate evaluation under extreme conditions and low automation in existing technologies, and enables high-precision and rapid drying capacity testing and data analysis.

CN121740477APending Publication Date: 2026-03-27HANGZHOU WOLEI INTELLIGENT TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-31
Publication Date
2026-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies cannot accurately assess the drying capacity of suspension air supply modules under extreme operating conditions, and have low automation and poor repeatability.

Method used

By precisely controlling air path and environmental parameters, and combining hardware and software, the drying capacity of the suspension air supply module can be automatically and quantitatively evaluated, supporting user-defined test logic and data analysis.

Benefits of technology

It achieves high-precision drying capacity testing under extreme conditions across all road conditions, with a high degree of automation, short testing cycle, and support for data storage and analysis, ensuring the reliability and repeatability of test results.

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Abstract

The invention provides a method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module, and the method comprises the following steps: receiving a control instruction from a bus detection tool, enabling the control instruction to be used for controlling a pneumatic control valve and / or an electromagnetic valve and / or a pressure pump to be started and stopped, and constructing a test air path which comprises an environment box, a dryer and an air storage tank; blowing an equipment pipeline and an air storage tank by using dry air, and recording an initial dew point value; simulating a target humidity and temperature environment through an environment box, and calculating and recording an environment dew point; the pressure pump is started, wet air in the environment box flows through the dryer and is filled into the air storage tank to reach the set pressure, and the dew point value of the air storage tank after inflation is recorded; according to the difference value between the initial dew point and the dew point after inflation, the single drying capacity of the dryer is calculated. Automatic quantitative evaluation of the performance of the dryer is achieved by accurately controlling the gas path and environmental parameters, a user can adjust the test logic by himself to achieve flexible testing, and data analysis can be conducted in combination with previous data.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent testing technology for automotive parts, and mainly to a method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module. Background Technology

[0002] The air supply module (ASU) is the core power source and control center of the air suspension system in commercial vehicles (such as trucks, buses, and rail vehicles) and high-end passenger cars. It is responsible for providing a stable, dry, and pressure-controlled supply of compressed air to the entire suspension system. Its function is analogous to the "heart and lungs" of the human body, directly determining the vehicle's driving stability, braking safety, and ride comfort. In the air suspension system, the dryer is the core component of the ASU, responsible for removing moisture from the compressed air, preventing pipe icing or valve corrosion. The dryer's drying capacity is a key indicator for evaluating the performance of the air supply module in a commercial vehicle or rail vehicle air suspension system, directly affecting braking safety and suspension stability.

[0003] The current testing methods for the drying capacity of suspension air supply modules have the following drawbacks: 1. Insufficient environmental simulation: Traditional test benches cannot reproduce extreme conditions such as high humidity and low temperature, resulting in distorted drying performance evaluation; 2. Missing dynamic parameters: Only static dew point is detected, ignoring the impact of flow rate and pressure on drying efficiency during inflation; 3. Low level of automation: It relies on manual data recording, resulting in poor test repeatability.

[0004] Patent CN120594115A proposes a comprehensive ASU performance testing method, but it does not cover a specific test for drying capacity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a high-precision, quantifiable, and automated drying capacity testing solution, so that users can perform repeated tests, adjust the test logic themselves, and conduct comprehensive analysis by combining previous test data.

[0005] The foregoing background information is intended to help those skilled in the art understand prior art that is similar to the present invention, and to facilitate the understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention. It should be clearly stated that, in the absence of clear evidence that the above content was disclosed before the filing date of this patent application, the foregoing background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty of the technical solution of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention aims to provide a method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module. By precisely controlling the air path and environmental parameters, the method enables automated quantitative evaluation of dryer performance. Users can adjust the test logic to achieve flexible testing and can combine it with past data for data analysis.

[0007] Technical solution To achieve the above objectives, the inventors of this application conducted in-depth research and discovered that by precisely controlling the gas path and environmental parameters and using hardware to switch the gas path, a single drying capacity test of ASU products can be completed. On the software side, modular programming is adopted, allowing users to adjust the test logic according to their needs as required, within the limits of hardware availability, to achieve flexible testing. At the same time, functions such as saving, copying, and switching test methods are available for repeated testing. Test data is automatically saved, and users can retrieve and view past data conclusions at any time. The software supports data export, which facilitates further data processing and analysis by users.

[0008] That is, the present invention is: Option 1, a method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module, includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive control commands from the bus testing tool. The control commands are used to control the opening and closing of the pneumatic valve and / or solenoid valve and / or pressure pump to construct a test gas path including an environmental chamber, a dryer, and a gas storage tank. Step 2: Purge the equipment pipelines and air tank with dry air and record the initial dew point value; Step 3: Simulate the target humidity and temperature environment using an environmental chamber, calculate and record the environmental dew point; Step 4: Start the pressure pump to allow the humid air in the environmental chamber to flow through the dryer and fill the air tank to the set pressure. Record the dew point value of the air tank after filling is completed. Step 5: Calculate the single-cycle drying capacity of the dryer based on the difference between the initial dew point and the dew point after inflation.

[0009] In some specific implementations, in step 1, the control command is used to control the opening of the pneumatic control valve to form a purging passage.

[0010] In some specific implementations, in step 1, the control command is used to control the opening of the solenoid valve and the pressure pump to form a test gas path.

[0011] In some specific implementation schemes, in step 1, the switching of the test gas path is controlled by binary code, and at least one test gas path mode is achieved through the combination state of the gas control valve; the gas path is equipped with an emergency exhaust valve, which automatically releases pressure when the pressure exceeds the preset pressure relief value.

[0012] In some specific implementation schemes, in step 1, eight test gas path modes are achieved through the combination of the 12-way gas control valve.

[0013] In some specific implementations, in step 1, the preset pressure relief value is 25 bar.

[0014] In some specific implementation schemes, step 2, the specific process of purging includes: The pressure range of the electronic proportional valve is set to 0.5-10 bar; Continue purging until the dew point of the gas storage tank stabilizes within the range of -40°C to -70°C.

[0015] In some specific implementation schemes, step 3, simulating the target humidity and temperature environment using an environmental chamber, specifically includes: The humidity range is controlled within the environmental chamber to be 0%-100%, preferably 5-95%, more preferably 10-95%; the temperature range is -60℃ to 85℃, preferably -40℃ to 85℃, more preferably -30℃ to 60℃.

[0016] In some specific implementation schemes, in step 3, the environmental dew point is calculated based on temperature and humidity data, with an accuracy of ±0.5℃.

[0017] In some specific implementation schemes, step 4, which involves allowing the humid air inside the environmental chamber to flow through the dryer and fill the storage tank to a set pressure, specifically includes: Control the pressure pump to charge the gas tank at a constant flow rate of 5-20L / min; The target inflation pressure is 5-20 bar. After inflation is complete, the solenoid valve will close 0.5-2 seconds later.

[0018] In some specific implementation schemes, step 5, calculating the single-cycle drying capacity of the dryer specifically includes: The dew point difference ΔTd = Td2-Td1, where Td1 is the initial dew point and Td2 is the dew point after inflation; A drying capacity of ΔTd ≤ 10℃ is considered acceptable, while a drying capacity of ΔTd > 10℃ is considered indicative of a decline in drying capacity.

[0019] In some specific implementation plans, a drying capacity classification is established: ΔTd≤5℃, excellent drying ability; Good drying ability (5℃ < ΔTd ≤ 10℃); When ΔTd > 10℃, the drying capacity decreases.

[0020] In some specific implementation schemes, step 6 is also included: automated data processing. Real-time acquisition of current, pressure, dew point, and temperature data, and generation of pressure-time curves and dew point change curves; The sliding window algorithm is used to identify the inflection point of dew point change and eliminate environmental interference.

[0021] A computer device includes a memory, a processor, a communication interface, and a communication bus; wherein the memory, processor, and communication interface communicate with each other through the communication bus; the memory is used to store computer programs; the processor is used to execute the computer programs stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer programs, it implements the aforementioned method for testing the drying capacity of the suspension air supply module.

[0022] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module.

[0023] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined to obtain specific implementation methods.

[0024] Beneficial effects According to this invention, the air circuit is tested by controlling the opening and closing components of the pneumatic control valve, solenoid valve, and pressure pump to accurately simulate actual working conditions and test the drying capacity of the suspension air supply module. The environmental chamber covers a temperature range of -60℃ to 85℃ and a humidity range of 0% to 100%, reproducing extreme climatic conditions across all road conditions. The method of this invention achieves full automation from air circuit switching and data acquisition to result determination, with a single test cycle of ≤5 minutes. A drying capacity grading standard is established based on dew point difference (Excellent: ΔTd≤5℃; Good: 5℃<ΔTd≤10℃; Decay: ΔTd>10℃), quantifying the evaluation system and supporting quality control. A dual pressure protection mechanism is established through an electronic proportional valve and an emergency exhaust valve to eliminate the risk of overpressure.

[0025] The present invention adopts the above-mentioned technical solution to achieve the above objectives, which makes up for the shortcomings of the prior art, is reasonably designed, and is easy to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To make the above and / or other objects, features, advantages and examples of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings used in the specific embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 Indicates the gas path for drying capacity testing Figure 1 ; Figure 2 Indicates the gas path for drying capacity testing Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a product designed to test drying capacity.

[0028] Among them, QV01~QV19 represent pneumatic control valves; T1&H1~T6&H6 represent temperature and humidity meters; P1~P6 represent equipment pressure sensors used to detect pressure changes; I-U1~I-U4 represent grating rulers; I-M1~I-M4 represent regulating motors; ID1 represents the equipment dryer, using the model number ID; A1, A2 represent pressure gauges; V1, V2 represent one-way valves; AS1, AS2 represent current sensors; FL, FR, RL, RR represent the left front wheel cylinder, right front wheel cylinder, left rear wheel cylinder, and right rear wheel cylinder, respectively; AD represents the product dryer (Air Dryer) for easy differentiation from the equipment dryer ID1; EV represents the exhaust valve (Exhaust value); P / U represents the product's internal temperature / pressure sensor, capable of simultaneously outputting temperature and pressure; CM represents the compressor motor; SV1~SV4 represent switching valves (Switching Value); AV1~AV4 represent air valves (Air... Value), AV1 to AV4 are connected to the four wheel ends respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Those skilled in the art can refer to the content of this document and appropriately replace and / or modify the process parameters to achieve the desired results. However, it should be particularly noted that all similar replacements and / or modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art and are considered to be included in this invention. The products and preparation methods described in this invention have been described through preferred examples, and those skilled in the art can obviously modify or appropriately change and combine the products and preparation methods described herein without departing from the content, spirit, and scope of this invention to realize and apply the technology of this invention.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. This invention uses the methods and materials described herein; however, other suitable methods and materials known in the art may also be used. The materials, methods, and examples described herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patent cases, provisional applications, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the definitions included in this specification shall prevail.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the materials, methods, and examples described herein are exemplary and not limiting. While similar or equivalent methods and materials can be used to implement or test the invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0033] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the abbreviations and key terms that may be involved in the embodiments of the present invention will first be explained or defined. For undefined abbreviations or key terms, they are all conventionally understood by those skilled in the art.

[0034] RES: This is the interface name on the suspension air supply module product. In actual vehicles, it is the interface that connects to the compressed air tank.

[0035] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods used in the embodiments are conventional methods; the materials and reagents used are commercially available unless otherwise specified. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all commercially available products. All disclosures and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0036] The present invention is described in detail below. Example 1: This paper provides a method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module. By adjusting the pressure pump and opening and closing various valves, different air paths are established between the air tank, inflation, deflation, and wheel cylinders. Different air path configurations are set according to different test items to complete the drying capacity test. In this testing system, the testing software allows for customization of the testing method and logic. Detailed steps are as follows: Standard drying capacity test according to Figure 1 The process involves using system dry air to replace the air inside the equipment and the product. This system dry air refers to dry air with a dew point value ≤ -40℃ at an absolute pressure of 11 bar, ensuring that the air dew point in the equipment pipeline meets the test requirements before testing. The pressure of the electronic proportional valve is set, and QV05, QV06, QV11, and QV12 are energized and opened. The RES storage tank is purged with 8 bar dry air for 120 seconds. The process is stopped after the dew point stabilizes within the set range, and the dew point value of the RES storage tank at this time, Td1 = -52℃, is recorded. An environmental chamber was used to simulate different gas source environments, providing atmospheric environments with different temperatures and humidity. The environmental chamber was set to 80% RH / 25℃. After the dew point stabilized within the set range, the environmental dew point value Td0 was calculated to be 21.3℃. like Figure 2 As shown, turn on SV4 and QV17 and QV18 to allow the gas in the environmental chamber to pass through the motor, dryer and RES storage tank, and pressurize to 15 bar at a flow rate of 10 L / min. Record the pressure of the RES storage tank from 0 to the set pressure. After a delay of 1 second, close the valve to stop the air pump and the solenoid valve in front of the RES storage tank. Record the dew point value Td2 in the RES storage tank as -45℃. Calculate ΔTd=7℃, and determine the drying capacity level as "good".

[0037] Example 2: High humidity environment extreme test like Figure 1 Use the system's dry air replacement equipment to replace the air inside the product, set the pressure of the electronic proportional valve, and turn on QV05, QV06, QV11, and QV12. Use 8 bar dry air to purge the RES storage tank for 120 seconds. Stop the process after the dew point stabilizes within the set range, and record the dew point value of the RES storage tank at this time as Td1 = –52℃. Adjust the ambient temperature chamber to 95% RH and 40℃, and calculate the ambient dew point value Td0 = 38.9℃. like Figure 2 Turn on SV4, QV17, and QV18 to allow the gas in the environmental chamber to pass through the motor, dryer, and RES storage tank, and pressurize to 15 bar at a flow rate of 10 L / min. Record the pressure in the RES storage tank as it rises from 0 to the set pressure. After a 1-second delay, close the valves to stop the air pump and the solenoid valve in front of the RES storage tank. Record the dew point value Td2 in the RES storage tank as -36℃.

[0038] Calculate ΔTd = Td2 - Td1 = 16℃. The drying capacity is deemed unqualified, and the desiccant needs to be replaced.

[0039] The data is processed automatically, and the pressure-dew point curve is displayed, showing that the dew point inflection point appears at 8 seconds of inflation (slope change > 5℃ / s), which the system automatically marks as the desiccant saturation critical point.

[0040] Furthermore, this example method is for testing the drying capacity of ASU products. The environmental chamber is used to simulate different gas source environments, providing atmospheric environments with varying humidity levels. Table 1 shows the test data under different temperature and humidity combinations.

[0041] Table 1. Test data under different temperature and humidity combinations

[0042] The temperature values ​​in the product drying test results in Table 1 above are actually the difference between the dew point of the ambient air after it has been dried by the dryer and the initial dew point of the dried air after purging the RES storage tank. That is, the value of Td2-Td1, which is the product drying capacity test result. As can be seen from Table 1, test No. 4 has ΔTd=13.5℃, which indicates that its drying capacity has decreased. It is judged that the drying capacity is unqualified and improvement operations such as replacing the desiccant are required.

[0043] Example 3: A computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a computer program that can be executed by a processor. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it runs the aforementioned method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not elaborate further.

[0044] Example 4: A computer device includes a memory, a processor, a communication interface, and a communication bus; wherein the memory, processor, and communication interface communicate with each other through the communication bus; the memory is used to store computer programs; the processor is used to execute the computer programs stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer programs, it implements the aforementioned method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module and achieves the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not elaborate further.

[0045] Computer-readable media include both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, which can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0046] The conventional techniques described in the above embodiments are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0047] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described in detail and specific embodiments have been cited, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0049] While the foregoing detailed descriptions have shown, described, and pointed out novel features applicable to various embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made to the form and details of the described apparatus or methods without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various features and methods described above may be used independently of each other or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Many of the foregoing embodiments include similar components, and therefore, these similar components are interchangeable in different embodiments. Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or applications, as well as their obvious modifications and equivalents. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific disclosure of the preferred embodiments herein.

[0050] All matters not covered in this invention are common knowledge.

Claims

1. A method for testing the drying capacity of a suspension air supply module, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Receive control commands from the bus testing tool, the control commands being used to control the opening and closing of the pneumatic valve and / or solenoid valve and / or pressure pump, and construct a test gas path including an environmental chamber, a dryer, and a gas storage tank; Use dry air to purge the equipment pipelines and air tanks, and record the initial dew point value; The target humidity and temperature environment is simulated using an environmental chamber, and the environmental dew point is calculated and recorded. Start the pressure pump to allow the humid air in the environmental chamber to flow through the dryer and fill the air tank to the set pressure. Record the dew point value of the air tank after filling is completed. The single-cycle drying capacity of the dryer is calculated based on the difference between the initial dew point and the dew point after inflation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control command is used to control the opening of the pneumatic valve to form a purging passage; and / or The control command is used to control the opening of the solenoid valve and pressure pump to form a test gas path.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific process of the purging includes: The pressure range of the electronic proportional valve is set to 0.5-10 bar; Continue purging until the dew point of the gas storage tank stabilizes within the range of -40°C to -70°C.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The simulation of the target humidity and temperature environment through the environmental chamber specifically includes: controlling the humidity range to 0%-100% and the temperature range to -60℃ to 85℃ through the environmental chamber; The ambient dew point is calculated based on temperature and humidity data, with an accuracy of ±0.5℃.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The process of allowing humid air in the environmental chamber to flow through the dryer and fill the storage tank to the set pressure specifically includes: Control the pressure pump to charge the gas tank at a constant flow rate of 5-20L / min; The target inflation pressure is 5-20 bar. After inflation is complete, the solenoid valve will close 0.5-2 seconds later.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calculated single-cycle drying capacity of the dryer specifically includes: The dew point difference ΔTd = Td2 - Td1, where Td1 is the initial dew point and Td2 is the dew point after inflation; A drying capacity of ΔTd ≤ 10℃ is considered acceptable, while a drying capacity of ΔTd > 10℃ is considered indicative of a decline in drying capacity.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes automated data processing: Real-time acquisition of current, pressure, dew point, and temperature data, and generation of pressure-time curves and dew point change curves; The sliding window algorithm is used to identify the inflection point of dew point change and eliminate environmental interference.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching of the test gas path is controlled by binary encoding, and at least one test gas path mode is achieved through the combination of pneumatic control valve states; and / or The gas circuit is equipped with an emergency vent valve, which automatically releases pressure when the pressure exceeds the preset pressure relief value.

9. A computer device, the computer device comprising a memory, a processor, a communication interface, and a communication bus; wherein, The memory, processor, and communication interface communicate with each other through the communication bus; the memory is used to store computer programs; the processor is used to execute the computer programs stored in the memory, characterized in that: when the processor executes the computer programs, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1-8.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Comprehensive performance detection method for suspension air supply module

    CN120594115A