CTIS Controller Valve Actuation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current central tire inflation systems (CTIS) face inefficiencies in controlling pneumatic control valves, leading to prolonged pneumatic control signals and increased pressure in compressed air reservoirs, which necessitate more frequent compressor operation.
Innovation Solution
A controller with an electronic processor that monitors supply-side pressure signals to initiate and terminate pneumatic control signals efficiently, reducing the duration of these signals and minimizing pressure changes in the reservoir by detecting changes in the operating state of pneumatic control valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pneumatic control signal is extended to ensure reliable valve actuation, then the reliability of valve operation is improved, but the duration of air supply increases causing excessive pressure drop in the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pressure sensor that provides real-time feedback on the pressure differential across the pneumatic control valve. The controller monitors this feedback signal and dynamically adjusts the duration of the pneumatic control signal based on the actual valve response and pressure conditions, thereby ensuring reliable actuation while minimizing unnecessary air consumption and pressure drop in the reservoir.
2Loss of energy
If the duration of pneumatic control signal is reduced to minimize reservoir pressure drop, then energy efficiency is improved, but the reliability of valve actuation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-duration control signal approach to a dynamic, adaptive control strategy. The controller continuously monitors the pressure differential feedback and adjusts the pneumatic control signal duration in real-time based on actual system conditions, allowing the signal to be as short as possible while still ensuring reliable valve actuation under varying pressure conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If the compressor operates more frequently to maintain reservoir pressure, then the availability of compressed air is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts what would be considered waste (the pressure drop in the reservoir during valve actuation) into useful information. By monitoring the pressure differential feedback, the system optimizes control signal duration to minimize unnecessary air consumption, thereby reducing the frequency of compressor operation and energy consumption while maintaining adequate compressed air availability when needed.
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 approach reduces the duration of pneumatic control signals, decreases the pressure drop in the reservoir, and minimizes the need for compressor operation, enhancing the overall efficiency of the CTIS.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic processor is configured to monitor the supply-side pressure signal and to identify a change in the operating state of the pneumatic control valve in dependence on a change in the supply-side pressure
Implementation Method 2
the electronic processor being configured to control a first control valve to generate a pneumatic control signal for changing an operating state of a pneumatic control valve
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a controller (15) for controlling a pneumatic control valve (PCV) in a central tyre inflation system (CTIS). The controller (15) includes an electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving a supply-side pressure signal. The electronic processor is electrically coupled an electronic memory device having instructions stored therein. The electronic processor is configured to control a first control valve (V|Nss) to generate a pneumatic control signal for changing an operating state of a pneumatic control valve (PCV). The electronic processor also monitors the supply-side pressure signal and identifies a change in the operating state of the pneumatic control valve (PCV) in dependence on a change in the supply- side pressure. The electronic processor is configured to output a first valve close signal upon determining that the pneumatic control valve (PCV) has changed operating state. The present disclosure also relates to a CTIS incorporating a controller (15); to a vehicle; and to a method of controlling a pneumatic control valve (PCV).