Coupling Vertical Load Control for Multi-Axle Vehicle Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current regulations limit the maximum allowable load for axles of tractor or trailer units, restricting the operational efficiency of multi-unit vehicle combinations, especially for electric vehicles which may have heavier designs.
Innovation Solution
A computer system is implemented to control the vertical load on the coupling between units of a vehicle combination by acquiring the current vertical load, determining the coupling load capability based on the virtual wheelbase of the trailing unit, and setting a desired vertical load to adjust the load capacity and traction characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum allowable load limits are applied to axles of tractor or trailer units, then safety and road surface longevity are improved, but operational efficiency and payload capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of vertical coupling loads through active control of propulsion and braking forces. The system dynamically redistributes loads between tractor and trailer axles based on current operating conditions, allowing the vehicle combination to adaptively optimize payload capacity while maintaining compliance with maximum axle load limits throughout the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by actively modifying vertical loads on axles through controlled propulsion and braking actions. By varying the propulsion force applied to the tractor and the braking forces applied to both tractor and trailer, the system dynamically adjusts the vertical coupling load parameter, enabling flexible payload optimization within regulatory constraints.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electric tractors are used with heavier designs, then propulsion efficiency and environmental performance are improved, but the same load limits apply reducing payload capacity compared to internal combustion engine vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electric tractors to dynamically optimize payload capacity by actively controlling vertical coupling loads. Through real-time adjustment of propulsion and braking forces, the system compensates for the heavier tractor design, allowing electric vehicles to achieve comparable or superior payload capacity to internal combustion engine vehicles while maintaining energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
3Device complexity
If vertical coupling loads are not actively controlled, then system complexity is reduced, but load distribution and traction characteristics cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by utilizing existing propulsion and braking systems to simultaneously perform their primary functions and actively control vertical coupling loads. The same propulsion motor and braking mechanisms used for vehicle motion control are leveraged to adjust vertical loads, eliminating the need for separate active load control hardware while enabling optimized traction and payload characteristics.
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A computer system for controlling a vertical load on a coupling between units of a vehicle combination comprising a trailing unit and a preceding unit, wherein the trailing unit comprises two or more axles and is coupled to the preceding unit via the coupling, the computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to: acquire a current value of a vertical load on the coupling; determine a coupling load capability based on the current value of the vertical load on the coupling and a current value of a virtual wheelbase of the trailing unit; and determine a desired vertical load on the coupling based on the coupling load capability.