Axle Air Dump Control for Multi-Axle Vehicle Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air suspension systems for multi-axle vehicles face issues such as tire wear, air bag damage, and slow re-inflation when maneuvering at low speeds, with existing solutions either overloading a single axle or taking too long to redistribute load, and there is a need for a system that maintains pressure differential between axles while preventing full air exhaustion.
Innovation Solution
A system that modifies the anti-lock brake system controller to control air pressure in axle suspension systems, maintaining a higher pressure in the front axle and reducing pressure in the rear axle to 10 psi when vehicle speed is below 10 miles per hour, using a relay valve for quick re-inflation and preventing full air exhaustion, thereby improving maneuverability and reducing torque on the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all air is exhausted from the air suspension to improve maneuverability at low speeds, then the load is redistributed to multiple axles, but the air bags may be pinched and damaged, and tire chattering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by exhausting air from the air suspension only to the extent needed to achieve the desired load redistribution and maneuverability improvement, rather than completely emptying the air bags. This prevents air bag pinching and damage while still achieving the operational benefit of reduced tire wear and improved low-speed handling.
2Ease of operation
If air is exhausted from the air suspension system, then maneuverability improves at low speeds, but the re-inflation time takes 30-40 seconds which is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the exhaust valve to allow rapid air intake when re-inflation is needed, and by maintaining a ready supply of compressed air in the reservoir. This reduces the re-inflation time from 30-40 seconds to a much faster response, allowing the system to quickly restore load distribution when the vehicle exceeds the speed threshold.
3Ease of operation
If air pressure is reduced from the axle suspension, then tire wear is reduced during low speed maneuvering, but the vehicle speed must be limited to prevent overloaded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the air suspension pressure dynamically adjustable based on vehicle operating conditions. A speed sensor monitors vehicle speed and automatically controls the exhaust valve to reduce air pressure only when the vehicle is moving below a predetermined threshold speed. When the vehicle exceeds this speed, the system automatically restores full air pressure, allowing the vehicle to operate across the full speed range without manual intervention or risk of overloading.
4Device complexity
If the same air reservoirs are used for both brake system and suspension system, then system complexity is reduced, but air availability for suspension may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary component - a control valve with speed-sensing capability - that mediates between the shared air reservoir and the suspension system. This valve intelligently allocates air supply based on vehicle speed, ensuring that the suspension system receives adequate air pressure when needed while maintaining the benefit of a simplified single-reservoir architecture. The intermediary prevents direct competition for air resources by implementing priority-based distribution.
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
The system enhances vehicle maneuverability at low speeds, reduces tire wear, prevents air bag pinching, and allows for quicker re-inflation of air pressure, while conserving air and maintaining pressure differential between axles, integrating seamlessly with existing ABS systems.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosure also quickly refills the air bags using a relay valve
Implementation Method 2
A system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir of pressurized air and associated leveling valve that uses a relay valve to improve refill times when the vehicle returns from a dump mode operation to normal operation. The process reduces pressure in one or more of the axles when maneuvering the vehicle at predetermined slow speeds and maintaining that first predetermined pressure while the other axle(s) is at a greater pressure than the first axle. By preventing complete exhaustion of pressure from the suspension system, restoring air pressure is attained more quickly. Also, use of a relay valve enables higher flow rates to improve the refill time of the pneumatic suspension system after the dump operation.