Concrete mixer control system to operate variable capacity lift axle

Abstract

A concrete mixer vehicle has a lift axle and an actuator operatively connected to the lift axle and configured to move a position of the lift axle relative to a position of a chassis of the vehicle. An electronic controller of the vehicle is operatively connected to the actuator and is structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the lift axle. The controller includes a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a lift axle movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating parameter, and to communicate the lift axle movement command to the actuator.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONTITLE:CONCRETE MIXER CONTROL SYSTEM TO OPERATE VARIABLE CAPACITY LIFT AXLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 713,772 filed October 30, 2024. The contents of the foregoing application are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems for controlling lift axles in concrete mixer machines and concrete mixer vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0003] There is a continuing need for improvement in increasing the ease and safety of operations and improving accuracy of control of variable capacity lift axles in concrete mixer vehicles and similar machinery. Such concrete mixer vehicles are generally described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,239,403 issued March 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present disclosure includes an improved vehicle, device, system, and controller system for concrete mixer applications. In particular, an improved control system is provided for control of lift axles in concrete mixer machines and vehicles.

[0005] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further examples, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures for which like references indicate like elements.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a concrete mixer truck system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a concrete mixer truck system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a tag axle in a stowed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a tag axle in a deployed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a control system for a lift axle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] For the purposes of clearly describing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner, and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain examples, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the examples as would occur to one skilled in the art.

[0013] Provided is a mixer control system configured to operate a variable capacity lift axle. In certain art of concrete mixer vehicles, the variable capacity lift axle and its load capacity are controlled with an adjustable pressure reducing valve. The range of lift axle movement and direction of lift axle movement are controlled by multiple valves including a hydraulic direction valve. Lift axles are controlled by pneumatic direction valves for direction, and pressure is typically controlled by a pneumatic regulator which is typically set at one pressure setting. The driver of the vehicle is required to manually set the adjustable pressure reducing valve for a given load, every time an adjustment is needed. This manual setting procedure is tedious and is prone to operator mistakes. Additionally, drivers are supposed to depressurize the lift axle when the lift axle is stowed to minimize wear and tear on the truck’s systems. The control systems typically only operate the lift axles, whether pneumatic or hydraulically activated, in current control systems.

[0014] Provided in the instant invention is a vehicle, control system, and method that eliminates the tedious job of constant manual adjustment through an easy-to-use control system. The control system also improves the accuracy of the weight distribution of the truck on its axles and the provides the many benefits of doing so. Additionally, the vehicle and system is configured such that it can prevent valves in the actuator cylinders from exceeding safe pressure values.Additionally, the vehicle and system is structured to otherwise control the movement and positioning of lift axles in ways that enhance safety, efficiency, and correct operation of the truck.

[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams depicting a concrete mixer truck system according to exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein. The vehicle 200, here depicted as a truck, includes a prime mover engine 16, a steer axle 210, at least one drive axle 220, 230, and at least one variable capacity lift axle, here depicted as two lift axles in the form of a pusher axle 240 and a tag axle 250. The wheels on the axles are equipped with tires 202. The truck 200 has its components assembled on its chassis 12, and typically includes a cab 14 for seating of an operator or driver.

[0016] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the concrete mixer truck 200 includes a transmission 260, a hydraulic pump 262, a PTO shaft 264, a driveline 274, and a drive axle inter driveline 276. The concrete mixer truck 200 includes a mixer drum 102 for accepting, containing, mixing, holding, and dispensing concrete. The mixer drum 102 may be supported by a rear pedestal hoop 104, a front pedestal 106, and a rear pedestal 108. The mixer drum 102 may be driven by the action of a drum drive 120 to rotate around an axis of rotation, depicted in FIG.2 as axis 110. The mixer drum 102 may include in the drum interior a fin spiral 122 structured to agitate the contents of the drum 122 during drum rotation. A water tank 124 is structured to supply water to the drum and other components of the truck 200. A charge (intake) hopper 130 accepts intake of materials into the interior of the drum 102.

[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic representations of a lift axle; in this case, the lift axle is a tag axle 250, supported on a tag axle arm 360 at a rear end of the truck 200 (see FIG. 2). The tag axle 250 is shown in its upper, stowed position in FIG. 3A, and in an operating lower deployed position in FIG. 3B. Chassis 12 is operatively connected to an actuator 350 of the tag axle 250 at a hydraulic cylinder pivot point A2 with the chassis 12, around which an end of the actuator may pivot. Activation or deactivation of a hydraulic valve 308 (see FIG. 4), by means of changes inhydraulic pressurization in the hydraulic circuit, may actuate a hydraulic lift axle actuator 350, which is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B depicted as a hydraulic rod and cylinder device. The actuator 350 may move the lift axle 250 to a selected position or maintain the lift axle in a current position. To conduct the movement, the tag axle arm 360 supporting the tag axle 250 may be rotated relative to the chassis 12 at tag axle pivot point A1 with the chassis 12, by reason of action of the actuator 350.

[0018] The actuator 350 as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be in the form of a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator 350. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the hydraulic circuit of the actuator 350 has been pressurized. The pressure in the hydraulic circuit has pushed the rod of the hydraulic actuator 350 outwardly from the cylinder of the actuator 350. Thus, thus the rod has moved the arm 360, which in turn, has lowered the tag axle 250 into its lower, deployed position. In the lowered deployed position, the tag axle wheel 300 may be in contact with the surface or road on which the truck 200 is operating, and the tag axle may accept some of the load of the truck 200.

[0019] In examples, the actuator 350 for any lift axle of the truck 200, including a pusher axle 240 or a tag axle 250, may be employed to move the position of the lift axle, whether by pneumatic or hydraulic actuator operation. In some typical designs, concrete mixer trucks are configured with up to three pusher axles, normally positioned between the steer axle 210 and the drive axles 220, 230, and those pusher axles 240 typically may be pneumatically operated. In some typical designs, trucks have one tag axle 250, which may be either hydraulically operated or pneumatically operated by actuators such as the hydraulic actuator 350 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0020] In examples, the respective lift axle, whether a pusher axle or a tag axle, may be moved by an actuator into a stowed position, a deployed position, and optionally in any selected position between stowed and deployed positions. Based on a desired pressure or load input, in embodiments herein, the system may properly pressurize the deployed hydraulically operated tag axle and / or the right position and quantity of pusher axle(s) to carry the proper load. The control system can optionally be configured to reduce pressure to the minimum hydraulic pressure once the hydraulically actuated tag axle is in the stowed position. The control system may have a selected transit mode where the hydraulically operated tag axle deployed position is pressurizedmore than minimum, but also not enough pressure to affect the load balance of the truck. This mode may be used when a driver is driving an empty truck, to aid driver comfort.

[0021] The overall operation of the concrete mixer vehicle and its components typically may be controlled by a controller system that includes computer hardware and software configured to execute computer-readable instructions in order to provide operating commands to the vehicle and its associated devices and components. In an example of the invention, a controller 402 may be positioned under the hood of the vehicle with, and be structurally adapted to control, the engine 16.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a schematic design of an electronic control system for a lift axle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Electronic controller 402 is a component of the overall electronic control system. Controller 402 may include a memory module 404 for storage of data and instructions, a processor 406 for performing processing functions on data, for using instructions to process data, and for converting signals to data, and data to signals.

[0023] Controller 402 may be operationally connected to an actuator interface 420. The actuator interface 420 may be structured and operationally connected to send electronic communications such as commands, data, and instructions generated by the modules of controller 402 to the hydraulic control valves 308 and pneumatic control valves 309, to direct the movement and positioning of pusher axle 240 and tag axle 250 via their respective actuators. Actuator interface 420 also may be operationally connected and structured to transmit data back to controller 402 from the hydraulic and pneumatic actuator systems. For example, data such as pressure readings and positional information from the actuator 350 may be collected by one or more sensors (not shown) that are operationally connected to collect sensor data from the actuator 350.

[0024] The electronic control system may be a computer system including electronic controller 402 provided onboard the vehicle 200, In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, controller 402 includes a memory 404, a processor 406, and a lift axle positioning module 408 that accept, process, and generate signals and communicate with each other, and with other components of the controller 402, actuator interface 420, and the overall system. Modules may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or software on computer readable medium, and modules and their respective functions may be distributed across various hardware or software components.

[0025] Communications among electronic control system components may be conducted via bus (not shown). Bus structures employed can include any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any of a variety of known bus architectures.

[0026] Memory 404 of controller 402 can include various components (e.g., machine-readable media) including, but not limited to, a random-access memory component, a read-only component, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a basic input / output system including basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system can be stored in memory 404. Memory 404 can also include (e.g., stored on one or more machine-readable media) instructions (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure. In another example, memory 404 can further include any number of program modules including, but not limited to, an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, program data, and any combinations thereof. Controller 402 also may include a storage device (not shown). Examples of storage devices include, but are not limited to, disk drives and solid-state memory devices, and any combinations thereof.

[0027] Example interfaces included or used in the control system may include, but are not limited to, SCSI, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA, universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394 (FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. In one example, storage device (or one or more components thereof) can be removably interfaced with the control system (e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)). Particularly, a storage device of the controller 402 and an associated machine-readable medium (not shown) can provide nonvolatile and / or volatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data for the controller 402. In one example, instructions can reside, completely or partially, within a machine-readable medium. In another example, instructions can reside, completely or partially, within a processor 406 of the controller 402.

[0028] The exemplary control system of FIG. 4 may include an operator input device 410 structured to permit an operator or driver of the vehicle 200 to enter operator inputs in the nature of settings, limits, commands, requests, and / or other information into the control system via operator input device 410. Examples of the commands or requests that may be entered by the driver or operator include requests to raise, lower, stow, move to a selected position, or holdstationary a position of, one or more of the lift axles of the vehicles, including one or more tag axles 250 and pusher axles 240 Examples of settings or limits that may be input by the operator or driver may include a selected load size of concrete to be loaded into the mixer drum, or a selected pressurization level for one or more actuators that guide the position of one or more of the lift axles of the vehicle.

[0029] Examples of an operator input device 410 includes, but are not limited to, an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device, a joystick, a gamepad, an audio input device (e g., a microphone, a voice response system, etc.), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a touchpad, an optical scanner, a video capture device (e.g., a still camera, a video camera), a touchscreen, and any combinations thereof. Operator input device 410 can be interfaced to the controller 402 and its components via any of a variety of interfaces (not shown) including, but not limited to, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a game port, a USB interface, a wired or wireless interface, a direct interface via bus, and any combinations thereof. Operator input device 410 can include a touch screen interface that can be a part of or separate from a display. Operator input device 410 can be utilized as a user selection device for selecting one or more graphical representations in a graphical interface as described above. Operator input device 410 may also function as an operator display or signaling device which communicates information to the truck operator or driver, via typical means such as a video display screen, sound generator, or haptic output generator.

[0030] At least one sensor device 413 may be included as a component of the vehicle to detect conditions relevant to control of the lift axles. For example, cameras, radio wave sensors, thermal sensors, radar devices, or other sensor devices or detection methods may be used as sensors 413 to detect various conditions. For example, a sensor could detect obstacles that would be in the path of a lift axle before an instruction is sent to move the lift axle. A number of sensors 413 may be operatively connected to communicate data on detected conditions to a sensor input device 411 that is operatively connected to communicate the condition data generated by the sensors 413 to the controller 402 for processing to generate commands to control lift axle movement,

[0031] A network interface device, such as network interface device 412 can be utilized for connecting the onboard computer system to one or more of a variety of networks, such as a wireless telecom network, or to one or more remote devices that may be connected thereto.Examples of a network interface device 412 include, but are not limited to, a network interfacecard (e.g, a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, and any combination thereof Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local area network (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus, or other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a data network associated with a telephone / voice provider (e.g., a mobile communications provider data and / or voice network), a direct connection between two computing devices, and any combinations thereof. A network can employ a wired and / or a wireless mode of communication with the network interface device. In general, any network topology, telematics, or telecom system can be a network that may be operatively connected to the network interface device 412 of the vehicle 200. A batching system may be employed via wireless connection to convey data to the controller 402 on the load size, as contrasted with examples where a load size or a lift axle pressure setting is input by the driver.

[0032] Information such as data, instructions, and software updates, can be communicated to and / or from controller 402 via network interface device 412. In an exemplary embodiment, data can be communicated in the form of parameter data containing at least one operating parameter 414. In an example, the at least one operating parameter 414 may be a set value, or a minimum, or maximum value, of a condition or an operational mode of the vehicle 200. The operating parameter 414 may be a parameter set by a remote system and communicated to the 412 via wireless communication.

[0033] Some examples such of operational modes, parameters, or conditions may include a maximum speed mode of the vehicle; a stationary mode of the vehicle; a weight of the vehicle; a weight of concrete loaded into the mixer drum; positions of various components of the vehicle, like hoppers and chutes; operational condition of the engine such as fuel level or indicators of engine function or health; conditions of the roads or surfaces on which the vehicle is operating; geolocation of the vehicle; and other typical operating parameters or conditions for a concrete mixer truck.

[0034] As seen in FIG, 4, controller 402 may include a lift axle positioning module 408, which may be a separate module from memory 404 and processor 406, or may be integrated as a component of one or more of them. The positioning module 408 module may communicate with the other components of controller 402 including the memory 404 and processor 406 to provide data on the position of the lift axles of the vehicle, and to accept instructions from the othercomponents of the controller 402 on the position or change of position of the lift axles. The axle positioning module is structured to generate lift axle movement commands and communicate them to an actuator 350 operatively connected to a lift axle to move the lift axle, and such commands may be routed through actuator interface 420. In the FIG. 4 example, a lift axle movement command may be communicated by positioning module 408 via actuator interface 420 to hydraulic valve 308 which commands movement of actuator 350, which may be a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit device or system structured to physically move the position of a tag axle 250. The lift axle movement commands may be generated by the controller 402 based on one or more inputs from one or more of the input devices 410, 411, and 412, which in turn may be based on operator input signals, network input signals, and sensor input signals relevant to controlling the movement of the lift axles.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, actuator 350 may accept a lift axle movement command communicated by positioning module 408 through actuator interface 420 to the hydraulic valve 308. The hydraulic valve 308 may, in response to the command, increase, decrease, or maintain a pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and thereby trigger movement of actuator 350 to move tag axle 250 to a selected position or maintain the tag axle in a current position. In another FIG. 4 example, a lift axle movement command may be communicated to pneumatic valve 309 to actuate movement of pusher axle 240.

[0036] The system provided herein offers automation of the operation of lift axles not previously available to operators and owners or managers of concrete mixer trucks. In embodiments, a lift axle could be automatically deployed or deployed to a mid stop position after a status change event. Examples of such status change events, may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a number of concrete mix cycles being achieved; mode changes between a mix mode and a constant speed mode; mode changes between a load mode and a constant speed mode or mix mode; mode changes from constant speed to a load mode or a mix mode; mode changes from a mix mode to a constant speed mode; mode changes wherein a discharge chute is centered and lowered, mode changes wherein a gear of engine propelling the vehicle does not equal reverse or neutral; and mode changes wherein a vehicle speed is greater than zero; mode changes wherein an engine gear changes to reverse, axles are stowed, and actuator pressure changed to a minimum value. If the lift axle is deployed to a mid stop position, a change in status could also cause the axle position to be moved from a mid stop position to a fully deployed position basedon the same type of a status change event, though typically a different status change than what would cause the axle to be fully deployed. In a mode, chute that has not been folded could trigger a mode change event that trigger a command to prevent the lift axle from moving from deployed position to stowed position.

[0037] In embodiments, a concrete mixer vehicle is provided, comprising one or more of the foregoing features.

[0038] In embodiments, there is provided a controller system for a concrete mixer system configured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operations of the components as described above, and structured to communicate via network connections, operator inputs and displays, sensor data, and feedback data on results of movements of lift axles.

[0039] In embodiments, there is provided a method of operating a concrete mixer system comprising one or more of the features set forth in this disclosure.

[0040] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a concrete mixer vehicle, comprising a lift axle connected to the vehicle; an actuator operatively connected to the lift axle and configured to move a position of the lift axle relative to a position of a chassis of the vehicle; and an electronic controller operatively connected to the actuator and structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the lift axle, wherein the controller comprises a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a lift axle movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating parameter, and to communicate the lift axle movement command to the actuator.

[0041] In another aspect of the above invention, in response to the lift axle movement command, the actuator moves the lift axle to a selected position. In another aspect of any of the above versions, in response to the lift axle movement command, the actuator holds the lift axle in a current position of the lift axle. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the lift axle is a tag axle. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the lift axle is a pusher axle. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator system. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator system. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the operator input is a selected load size of a load carried by the vehicle. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the operator input is a selected pressurization level of the actuator. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the at least one operating parameter is an operational mode. In another aspect of any of the above versions,the operational mode is a moving transit mode. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the operational mode is stowed lift axle mode. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the operational mode is a stationary vehicle mode. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the selected position is a stowed position, and in response to the lift axle movement command, the actuator moves the lift axle to the stowed position and the actuator thereafter depressurizes to a minimum pressure. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the at least one operating parameter is a system setting unchangeable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect of any of the above versions, the at least one operating parameter is a system setting input to the controller remotely by a vehicle telematics control system. In another aspect of any of the above versions, there is provided an electronic controller for a concrete mixer vehicle, comprising a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a lift axle movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating parameter, and to communicate the lift axle movement command to an actuator operatively connected to a lift axle connected to the vehicle, wherein the actuator is configured to move a position of the lift axle relative to a position of a chassis of the vehicle, and the controller is structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the lift axle.

[0042] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0043] The non-transitory computer-readable media referenced in this description includes all types of computer-readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, and solid-state storage media. It should be understood that software implemented in the system herein can be installed in and sold with a device described herein. Alternatively, the software canbe obtained and loaded into the device, including obtaining the software via a disc medium or from any manner of network or distribution system, including, for example, from a server owned by the software creator or from a server not owned but used by the software creator. The software can be stored on a server for distribution over the Internet, for example.

[0044] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by a computer and / or processor(s), and include volatile and non-volatile internal and / or external media that is removable and / or nonremovable. For the control system herein, the various types of storage media accommodate the storage of data in any suitable digital format. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable medium can be employed such as zip drives, solid state drives, magnetic tape, flash memory cards, flash drives, cartridges, and the like, for storing computer executable instructions for performing the novel methods (acts) of the disclosed architecture.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0047] For purposes of this document, each process associated with the disclosed technology may be performed continuously and by one or more computing devices. Each step in a process may be performed by the same or different computing devices as those used in other steps, and each step need not necessarily be performed by a single computing device.

[0048] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, components, and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features, components, or acts described above. Rather, the specific features, components, and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0049] It is understood that the present subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this subject matter will be thorough and complete and will convey the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the subject matter is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present subject matter, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without such specific details.

[0050] While illustrative examples of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain examples have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed invention are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and examples lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0051] One of skill in the art may appreciate from the foregoing that unexpected benefits may be derived from the disclosed features of the subject design and features, without the need for additional components or parts, or other changes in the configuration of a conventional machineor system. Changes to configuration as disclosed may add costs, weight, and complexity to manufacture, operation, and maintenance of a device or system. A key benefit contemplated by the inventors is improvement in features and design, while excluding any additional components or changes in structural features. In this exclusion, maximum cost containment may be affected. Accordingly, the substantial benefits of simplicity of manufacture, operation, and maintenance of may reside in an example of the invention consisting of, or consisting essentially of, features of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Thus, examples of the invention explicitly contemplate the exclusion of features, parts, and components beyond those set forth herein.

[0052] Reference Numeral List

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A concrete mixer vehicle, comprisinga lift axle connected to the vehicle;an actuator operatively connected to the lift axle and configured to move a position of the lift axle relative to a position of a chassis of the vehicle; andan electronic controller operatively connected to the actuator and structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the lift axle, whereinthe controller comprises a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a lift axle movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating parameter, and to communicate the lift axle movement command to the actuator.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, in response to the lift axle movement command, the actuator moves the lift axle to a selected position.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, in response to the lift axle movement command, the actuator holds the lift axle in a current position of the lift axle.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lift axle is a tag axle.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lift axle is a pusher axle.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator system.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic actuator system.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the operator input is a selected load size of a load carried by the vehicle.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the operator input is a selected pressurization level of the actuator.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating parameter is an operational mode.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the operational mode is a moving transit mode.

12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the operational mode is stowed lift axle mode.

13. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the operational mode is a stationary vehicle mode.

14. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the selected position is a stowed position, and in response to the lift axle movement command, the actuator moves the lift axle to the stowed position and the actuator thereafter depressurizes to a minimum pressure.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating parameter is a system setting unchangeable by an operator of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating parameter is a system setting input to the controller remotely by a vehicle telematics control system.

17. An electronic controller for a concrete mixer vehicle, comprisinga positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a lift axle movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating parameter, and to communicate the lift axle movement command to an actuator operatively connected to a lift axle connected to the vehicle, whereinthe actuator is configured to move a position of the lift axle relative to a position of a chassis of the vehicle,and the controller is structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the lift axle.

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