Electric Dolly Suspension Control for Towed and Towing Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically powered dollies need to operate differently when connected to a tractor or semi-trailer and when autonomously transporting a semi-trailer, lacking the flexibility to adapt their operational modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that controls axle height and axle-load distribution by adjusting electronically controlled suspensions, allowing the dolly to switch between towed and towing operational modes, ensuring proper alignment and stability in both scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dolly is designed to operate in multiple operational modes (towed and towing), then the adaptability and versatility of the dolly is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for mode switching mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions depending on the operational mode. The electronically controlled suspension system, for example, adjusts axle height and load distribution to accommodate both towed mode (connected to tractor) and towing mode (autonomous operation), allowing the same hardware to perform different roles without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly incorporates dynamically adjustable parameters through electronically controlled suspension systems that can modify axle height and load distribution in real-time based on the detected operational mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the physical configuration of the dolly to change according to whether it is being towed or performing autonomous towing, resolving the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
2Productivity
If the dolly autonomously transports semi-trailers without a tractor, then the productivity and operational flexibility are improved, but the reliability and safety requirements become more stringent due to the need for independent brake control and theft prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is equipped with self-service capabilities including autonomous brake control systems that can independently manage braking without tractor intervention, and theft prevention systems that autonomously detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts. These self-service features enable the dolly to operate reliably in autonomous mode while maintaining high safety standards through built-in protective mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly incorporates feedback systems that continuously monitor operational parameters, connection status, and security conditions. This feedback enables the control system to detect when the dolly is in autonomous mode versus towed mode, and to adjust safety protocols accordingly, ensuring that reliability requirements are met through continuous monitoring and adaptive response.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dolly uses electronically controlled suspension for each axle, then the manufacturing precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into individually controlled units for each axle, allowing independent adjustment of each axle's height and load distribution. This segmentation enables precise control of specific axles based on operational requirements without requiring complex centralized control of the entire suspension system, thereby improving precision while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method performed by a system for controlling at least two axles comprising an individually, electronically controlled suspension in different operational modes of an electrically powered dolly comprising a fifth wheel. The method comprises: - setting the dolly in a towed operational mode if the dolly is connected to a preceding vehicle, or - setting the dolly in a towing operational mode if the dolly is not connected to a preceding vehicle, - controlling the height and/or axle-load distribution of each axle by adjusting the suspension of each axle for each operational mode, wherein in the towed operational mode, a fifth wheel height is controlled to a predetermined height above ground and the axle-load distribution is set to a target value, wherein in the towing operational mode, the dolly is controlled to be essentially parallel with the surface on which it is standing.