Booster Steering Lock and Load Relief Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing self-steer axles in heavy haul trailers, particularly boosters, face instability at high speeds and the challenge of attaching velocity and direction sensors due to the absence of fixed axles, leading to manual operation and potential detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors on self-steer axles to detect direction and speed, automatically locking or unlocking the steer axle and adjusting the suspension system based on motion direction and speed to manage load and prevent self-steering, using a controller to engage or disengage the steer axle lock and inflate/deflate the pneumatic suspension system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to fixed axles for detecting velocity and direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for fixed axle structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor mounting function from the fixed axle structure and relocates it to the self-steer axle assembly. The velocity and direction sensors are now mounted on the self-steer axle housing or frame, eliminating the need for separate fixed axles while maintaining measurement capability through the rotating wheel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-steer axle assembly is given multiple functions: it serves both as the steering mechanism and as the mounting platform for velocity and direction sensors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated fixed axles, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If self-steer axles are permitted to self-steer at high speeds, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to potential detachment and oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the self-steer axle by introducing an automatic locking mechanism that responds to speed conditions. At low speeds, the axle remains unlocked for easy maneuvering; at high speeds, the system automatically locks the axle to prevent oscillation and detachment, maintaining stability while preserving operational ease when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses velocity sensors to provide feedback on the current speed of the booster. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically engages or disengages the self-steer axle lock based on whether the speed threshold is exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability without manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of self-steer axles is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own velocity and making appropriate adjustments to the self-steer axle locking state. The control system continuously reads sensor data and automatically engages or disengages the lock without requiring manual operation, improving productivity while maintaining acceptable device complexity through automated decision-making logic.
4Quantity of substance
If the suspension system is extended to support self-steer axles, then load capacity is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional suspension components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suspension system with the self-steer axle assembly, integrating the load-supporting function directly into the existing steering mechanism. By combining these functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent avoids the need for separate suspension components while maintaining load capacity, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A booster for a trailer system is provided comprising a control system in communication with a sensor(s) for determining the direction and speed of the booster when in motion. The control system comprises instructions corresponding to one or more booster operations such as: detection of a reverse state, retraction of a suspension system when the reverse state is detected; engagement of a steer axle lock when the reverse state is detected; detection of a forward state; extension of the suspension system when the forward state is detected; disengagement of the steer axle lock when the forward state is detected; detection of a high-speed forward state; engagement of the steer axle lock when the high-speed forward state is detected; detection of a low-speed forward state; and disengagement of the steer axle lock when the low-speed forward state is detected.