Dynamic Compressed Air Pressure Control for Vehicle Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compressed air systems in commercial vehicles face high energy consumption and reliability issues due to fixed switch-on and switch-off pressure values designed for the permissible total weight, which do not adapt to varying vehicle loads.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes a loading state determination device to adjust switch-on and switch-off pressure values based on the current vehicle load, using a control device to dynamically set these values, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing system reliability by optimizing air compressor efficiency and reducing mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed switch-on and switch-off pressure values are used designed for permissible total weight, then the compressed air circuit functionality is reliably ensured for fully loaded vehicles, but energy consumption increases significantly for lightly loaded vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air circuit functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure values are made dynamic by continuously adapting them to the current loading state of the vehicle. The control device receives loading state information and automatically adjusts the switch-on and switch-off pressure values in real-time, transforming the static pressure control system into a dynamic one that responds to changing vehicle conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameter values based on the vehicle's loading state. When the vehicle is lightly loaded, lower switch-on and switch-off pressure values are used, reducing energy consumption. When fully loaded, higher pressure values are applied to ensure sufficient braking force, thus adapting the pressure parameters to actual operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high switch-on and switch-off pressure values are maintained for fully loaded vehicles, then sufficient compressed air is available for braking, but mechanical stress on the air compressor and other components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking functionalityVSAvoidmechanical stress on components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pressure values based on actual vehicle loading conditions. For lightly loaded vehicles, lower pressure cycles reduce mechanical stress on the air compressor, dryers, and storage containers, while maintaining sufficient braking capability through appropriate pressure levels matched to the actual load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating pressure parameters according to vehicle load. By using lower switch-on and switch-off pressure values for lightly loaded vehicles, the mechanical stress on compressed air system components is reduced, extending their service life and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fixed pressure values designed for maximum load are used, then the compressed air system can handle fully loaded vehicles, but the air compressor efficiency decreases due to higher delivery counter-pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air system capabilityVSAvoidair compressor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes air compressor efficiency by adapting the switch-on and switch-off pressure values to the vehicle's loading state. For lightly loaded vehicles, lower pressure values reduce the delivery counter-pressure, allowing the compressor to operate more efficiently with lower power consumption while still providing sufficient compressed air for braking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly reduces energy consumption and increases the reliability of the compressed air system by adaptively adjusting pressure values to the vehicle's load status, enhancing the efficiency of the air compressor and reducing mechanical stress, while also optimizing air storage during overrun modes.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor, by means of which the current air pressure in the air storage device is determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

the air pressure in the air storage device is increased by means of the control device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3225483B1Method for operating a compressed air system of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3225483B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3225483B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a compressed air system of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the compressed air system (3) has at least one compressed air circuit (11, 13, 15, 17), in particular at least one compressed air brake circuit for braking the vehicle, wherein the compressed air circuit (11, 13, 15) has at least one air storage device (20), in particular at least one air storage reservoir, for intermediate storage of compressed air, wherein a pressure detection device (27), in particular a pressure sensor, is provided by means of which the current air pressure in the air storage device (20) is determined, wherein a control device (5, 9, 21) is provided by means of which the air pressure in the air storage device (20) is controlled as a function of the determined air pressure, wherein, if the determined air pressure falls below a defined switch-on pressure value (pE1, pE2), the control device (5, 9,21) the air pressure in the air storage device (20) is automatically increased until a defined switch-off pressure value (pA1, pA2) is reached, which is greater than the switch-on pressure value (pE1, pE2). According to the invention, a load-state detection device (23) is provided by means of which the current load state of the vehicle (1) is determined. In addition, particularly to reduce the energy consumption of the compressed air system (3), the switch-on pressure value (pE1, pE2) and/or the switch-off pressure value (pA1, pA2) are automatically set and/or adjusted by means of the control device (5, 9, 21) depending on the determined load state of the vehicle (1).