Lift Axle Control Using Fill Level Sensing for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems for vehicles with lift axles, such as concrete mixers, require manual operation to raise or lower axles, which is inefficient and can lead to increased wear and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a controller connected to a fill level sensor, a GPS, a speed sensor, and a tire pressure sensor, which automatically controls the position of the lift axle based on the fill level of the mixing drum, optimizing weight distribution and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used to raise or lower lift axles, then the system is simple and easy to understand, but operational efficiency is reduced and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors fill level via sensors and actuates the lift axle without operator intervention. The system serves itself by using sensor data to trigger appropriate axle positions based on load conditions, eliminating manual operation while maintaining simplicity through automated decision logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates fill level sensors that continuously monitor the mixing drum load and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to automatically adjust lift axle position based on real-time weight conditions, improving operational efficiency while keeping the control logic straightforward
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual operation is used to control lift axles, then the control system is simple, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system independently manages fuel consumption by monitoring fill level and automatically positioning the lift axle to optimize weight distribution. This eliminates the need for operator knowledge of fuel-efficient axle positioning, reducing overall fuel consumption while maintaining simple control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of axle position based on fill level sensor data. By automatically adjusting axle position according to actual load conditions, the system optimizes weight distribution and reduces fuel consumption without requiring complex control algorithms
3Reliability
If manual operation is used to control lift axles, then the system is simple, but wear on axles and vehicle components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fill level sensors provide continuous feedback on vehicle load conditions, enabling the controller to automatically position the lift axle to distribute weight appropriately. This prevents excessive wear by ensuring axles are properly engaged or disengaged based on actual load, extending component life while maintaining simple control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically protects vehicle components from excessive wear by monitoring fill level and independently making decisions about axle positioning. This self-protecting mechanism reduces wear without requiring complex monitoring or manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a chassis, a lift axle coupled to the chassis and including a tractive element, a lift actuator coupled to the lift axle, a location sensor configured to provide location data indicating a location of the vehicle, and a controller operatively coupled to the lift actuator and the location sensor and configured to control the lift actuator to reposition the lift axle based on the location data.