Air Suspension Level Control via Dual Valve Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-sprung vehicle level control systems face inefficiencies in raising and lowering vehicle levels due to low pressure differences between air spring bellows and the compressed air supply, leading to slow level adjustments and increased costs with larger valve diameters.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneously operating the level control valve and auxiliary axle valve to increase the effective cross-sectional area for air flow, allowing for rapid pressure changes and improved dynamics in the air suspension system, enabling faster level adjustments without the need for larger, more expensive valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vehicle level is adjusted using a single level control valve, then the system structure remains simple, but the level adjustment speed is slow due to limited air flow cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the level control valve and auxiliary axle valve into a coordinated control system where both valves operate simultaneously to adjust vehicle level. The level control valve controls air spring bellows while the auxiliary axle valve controls auxiliary axle air spring bellows, merging their functions to achieve faster overall level adjustment by increasing total air flow cross-sectional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary axle valve, originally designed for auxiliary axle control, is made multi-functional by enabling it to participate in vehicle level control in addition to its primary auxiliary axle function. This allows the same valve to serve dual purposes: auxiliary axle positioning and main vehicle level adjustment, thereby increasing air flow capacity without adding dedicated new components.
2Speed
If larger diameter valves are used to increase air flow for faster level adjustment, then the level adjustment speed improves, but the valve cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large-diameter valve, the patent merges the flow capacity of two smaller valves (level control valve and auxiliary axle valve) working in parallel. This achieves equivalent or greater total air flow cross-sectional area while using smaller, less expensive valve components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the air flow path into two separate valve-controlled paths: one through the level control valve to air spring bellows and another through the auxiliary axle valve to auxiliary axle air spring bellows. This segmentation allows the use of multiple smaller valves instead of one large valve, reducing individual valve costs while maintaining or improving total air flow capacity.
3Productivity
If the auxiliary axle is raised to reduce rolling resistance, then fuel consumption and tire wear decrease, but the pressure difference for level adjustment becomes smaller slowing down the adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous level control capability regardless of auxiliary axle position. When the auxiliary axle is raised, the level control valve continues to operate on the air spring bellows to maintain vehicle level. The system continuously monitors and adjusts level through the available air spring bellows, ensuring uninterrupted level control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from relying on auxiliary axle position to directly controlling air spring bellows pressure through the level control valve. This allows level adjustment to proceed independently of auxiliary axle position, maintaining adjustment speed by directly manipulating the pressure parameter in the air spring bellows rather than indirectly through auxiliary axle positioning.
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
This method significantly accelerates both raising and lowering vehicle levels, enhancing driving comfort and operational safety while allowing the use of smaller, less expensive valves with equivalent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air supply system for supplying the air spring bellows with compressed air
Implementation Method 2
for simultaneous venting of all air spring bellows the level control valve is in its second switching position and the auxiliary axle valve in its second switching position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for leveling an air-sprung vehicle (1) with at least one main axle (2) and at least one auxiliary axle (3, 4), wherein the auxiliary axles are liftable or non-liftable, with an air spring system (6) comprising at least one air spring bellows (6a, 6c, 6c) per air-sprung main or auxiliary axle and connected to a compressed air supply system, with a leveling device (7) comprising a level control valve (10) for variably adjusting the level (Δl) of a vehicle body (5) of the vehicle (1) by inflating, deflating or shutting off at least one of the air spring bellows of the main or auxiliary axles, and with an auxiliary axle control (8) comprising an auxiliary axle valve (11) for inflating or deflating and optionally shutting off at least one of the air spring bellows (6c) assigned to or additionally arranged with the at least one auxiliary axle (4).wherein the level control valve (10) has a first switching position (N_B) for venting, a second switching position (N_E) for venting at least one of the air spring bellows and a closed position, and wherein the auxiliary axle valve (11) has at least a first switching position (L_V) for establishing a pneumatic connection between the at least one auxiliary axle (4) and the at least one main axle (2) and a second switching position (L_E) for venting at least one air spring bellows (6c) associated with or additionally arranged to the auxiliary axle (4).