Towing Vehicle Air Spring Pressure Sensor Wireless Mass Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-trailer systems lack an efficient method to determine the total mass or payload, as the pressure data from the towing vehicle's air suspension bellows is not effectively transmitted to the semi-trailer, leading to approximate calculations and limited control of the electronic brake system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tire pressure sensor with a radio module on the towing vehicle's air suspension bellows to wirelessly transmit pressure values to the semi-trailer, along with specific geometry parameters, allowing the semi-trailer's control unit to accurately calculate its own mass and payload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate bellows pressure sensor system is implemented, then mass determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing tire pressure sensor to serve dual functions: monitoring tire pressure and measuring bellows pressure for mass determination. The sensor is configured to detect pressure values from the air suspension bellows through appropriate connection, allowing one sensor to perform multiple measurement tasks without requiring separate dedicated bellows pressure sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the already-installed tire pressure sensor infrastructure to automatically determine the semi-trailer's mass. The sensor continuously monitors pressure values and the control unit calculates mass based on these readings, enabling the system to self-determine operational parameters without external intervention or additional specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If additional bellows pressure sensors are installed, then mass measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate bellows pressure sensors by making the existing tire pressure sensor perform dual functions. The sensor measures both tire pressure and bellows pressure, allowing mass determination without additional sensor hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the already-manufactured tire pressure sensor to automatically determine mass, eliminating the need for separate mass measurement equipment. This approach leverages existing infrastructure to provide additional functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
3Productivity
If wireless transmission of pressure data is implemented, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing radio module in the tire pressure sensor is utilized for dual purposes: communicating tire pressure data and transmitting bellows pressure data for mass determination. This allows efficient wireless data transfer without requiring separate communication systems, as the same radio infrastructure handles multiple data transmission tasks.
4Device complexity
If the existing tire pressure sensor is used for bellows pressure measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit that acts as an intermediary to ensure reliable mass determination. The control unit receives pressure values from the tire pressure sensor, identifies whether the reading represents bellows pressure, and performs appropriate calculations. This intermediary processing layer ensures that measurements are interpreted correctly regardless of the sensor's primary design purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors pressure values and uses them to determine mass. The control unit processes the pressure data, applies appropriate calculation algorithms based on the semi-trailer's state, and can trigger actions based on the determined mass, ensuring reliable and context-aware measurements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise determination of the semi-trailer's mass and payload, enhancing the accuracy of the electronic brake system and improving driving and braking behavior by providing real-time data without additional equipment on the semi-trailer.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor detecting a pressure value in the air spring bellows
Implementation Method 2
a radio module for the wireless transmission of pressure values
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a towing vehicle (10) for a semi-trailer (11) and equipped with air springs. A pressure sensor is provided on at least one air spring (23) or on a volume connected to the air spring (23), wherein the pressure sensor detects the pressure in the air spring and is connected to a radio module for the wireless transmission of pressure values.