Auxiliary Axle Control for Legal Payload and Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles, such as concrete mixer trucks, face challenges in efficiently managing load distribution and payload capacity due to weight restrictions on roadways, which are typically measured in terms of load per axle and axle spacing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an auxiliary axle system that can be transitioned between raised and lowered positions using an actuator, controlled by a processor-based controller that determines vehicle state based on load, location, and operating conditions to optimize load distribution and comply with weight regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an auxiliary axle system is deployed to increase the number of axles and spacing, then the total legal payload capacity is enhanced, but the device complexity and operational control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary axle system automatically determines when to deploy and retract based on sensor inputs (weight sensors detect load conditions, location sensors detect geographic position) and controller logic, eliminating the need for manual operator judgment and reducing operational complexity while maximizing payload capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle load through weight sensors and geographic position through location sensors, feeding this data back to the controller which automatically adjusts auxiliary axle deployment status to comply with weight restrictions while optimizing payload capacity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the auxiliary axle is manually deployed to share the truck's load, then the load distribution is improved, but the ease of operation and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of deploying the auxiliary axle is replaced with an automated electromechanical system where sensors and a controller automatically actuate the auxiliary axle assembly based on real-time load and location data, improving both ease of operation and load distribution stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively deploys the auxiliary axle before weight restrictions are violated by continuously monitoring load conditions and geographic position, and proactively retracts when conditions permit, maximizing payload capacity without requiring reactive manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a chassis, an axle assembly, an actuator, a parking brake, and a controller. The axle assembly is coupled to the chassis. The actuator is coupled to the chassis and the axle assembly. The actuator is configured to transition the axle assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to generate signals to determine a vehicle state based on data representing at least one of a vehicle load, a vehicle location, and a vehicle operating condition; and operate the actuator to transition the axle assembly between the raised position and the lowered position based on the vehicle state.