Dynamic Weight Management Actuator Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dynamic weight management (DWM) mechanism in vehicles with multiple axles experiences frequent maintenance and degradation due to chain abrasion and tension variations, leading to reduced component life and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that maintains a threshold pressure in the actuation system to reduce slack in the linkage chain, detecting air leaks, and adjusting the lift mechanism to minimize chain motion and tension changes, thereby reducing wear and tear on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lift mechanism is adjusted to transfer load between axles, then weight distribution is improved, but chain tension variations cause increased wear and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains chain tension within a specified parameter range (10-50 pounds) during de-lift operations by controlling actuator pressure. This parameter control prevents excessive tension variations that cause chain link compression and bending, thereby resolving the contradiction between weight distribution adaptability and component reliability.
2Productivity
If the actuator pressure is reduced during de-lift operations, then load transfer is improved, but chain slack causes sudden tension changes and component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by maintaining minimum actuator pressure (10-50 pounds) during de-lift operations to prevent chain slack from developing. This preliminary tension counteracts the harmful effect of sudden tension changes and abrasion that would occur if the chain went completely slack, while still allowing sufficient load transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lift mechanism operates frequently to manage dynamic weight, then vehicle performance is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing minimum tension conditions (10-50 pounds) in the chain before and during de-lift operations. This preliminary protective measure prevents the chain and linkage components from experiencing damaging slack and sudden tension changes, thereby reducing wear and extending component life to decrease maintenance frequency.
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 extends the life of DWM components, decreases maintenance frequency, and maintains chain tension during de-lift operations, preventing sudden tension changes that cause degradation.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an air leak in a pneumatic actuator of the lift mechanism, where the actuator is coupled to the linkage arrangement and configured to adjust a both position of the linkage arrangement as well as tension on the linkage component
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing slack in a linkage chain of a vehicle truck assembly is provided. In one example, the method includes responding to a request to de-lift a lift mechanism by reducing pressure in an actuator coupled to the lift mechanism, where the lift mechanism is configured to transfer a load from a first axle to a second axle of the vehicle during the de-lift, and during the de-lift, maintaining the pressure in the actuator at or above a threshold pressure to maintain tension in a weight transfer device of the lift mechanism.