Lift Axle Pressure Control for Payload-Adaptive Mixer Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with lift axles require manual operation for raising or lowering, which is inefficient and does not adapt to varying payload conditions, leading to unnecessary wear on roads and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a controller that automatically adjusts the position of lift axles based on fill level and other sensors, such as GPS and tire pressure, to optimize axle engagement with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation of lift axles is used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it does not adapt to varying payload conditions leading to road wear and reduced fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors payload weight through sensors and independently controls lift axle positioning without manual intervention. The controller receives weight signals and autonomously actuates the lift axle to engage or disengage based on threshold comparisons, enabling the system to serve itself and adapt to varying payload conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a weight sensor that continuously monitors payload weight and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller compares the sensed weight against predetermined thresholds and automatically adjusts lift axle positioning accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to changing payload conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lift axles are always engaged to distribute load, then road wear is reduced, but fuel efficiency decreases due to unnecessary weight when payload is light
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts lift axle positioning based on real-time payload weight conditions. When payload weight exceeds a threshold, the lift axle is automatically engaged to distribute load and reduce road wear. When payload weight falls below the threshold, the lift axle is disengaged to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for constant engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state (engaged or disengaged) of the lift axle based on changes in payload weight parameters. By monitoring weight threshold crossings, the system transitions the lift axle between different operational modes, optimizing the balance between road wear reduction and fuel efficiency based on current loading conditions.
3Productivity
If manual monitoring and adjustment of axle position is performed, then the system is simple, but productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical control system. Sensors electronically detect payload weight, the controller processes this information through logical comparisons, and actuators automatically position the lift axle. This substitution of manual mechanical monitoring and adjustment with automated sensing and control significantly improves operational efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a mixing drum rotatably coupled to a chassis, a fill level sensor configured to provide a signal indicative of a fill level of a material within the mixing drum, an axle assembly including a first tractive element, a suspension actuator coupled to the axle assembly and configured to apply a biasing force that forces the first tractive element into engagement with a ground surface, a lift axle including a second tractive element, a lift actuator coupled to the lift axle, and a controller. The controller is configured to calculate a target weight to be supported by at least one of the first tractive element or the second tractive element based on the fill level of the material within the mixing drum and control the suspension actuator to vary the biasing force based on the target weight.