Load Weight Determination in Multi-Circuit Pneumatic Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-circuit pneumatic air suspension systems present a challenge in determining load weight accurately, as pneumatic pressures in independent circuits may not equilibrate, making it difficult to base load percentage or interpreted weight on a single pressure measurement.
Innovation Solution
A controller receives electronic pressure signals from multiple pneumatically independent circuits and determines load weight by processing these signals, allowing for the control of vehicle operations based on calculated load weight, including load distribution and imbalance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pressure measurement is used to determine load weight, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement is inaccurate in multi-circuit pneumatic systems where pressures do not equilibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pneumatic system into multiple independent circuits, each with its own pressure sensor. Instead of using a single pressure measurement, the system segments the pressure sensing across multiple circuits and combines the readings through algorithms (averaging, weighted averaging, or selecting representative values) to determine accurate load weight despite pressure non-equilibration between circuits.
2Reliability
If multiple pressure sensors are deployed in independent circuits, then load weight measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary that receives pressure signals from multiple sensors and processes them through algorithms. This intermediary layer allows the system to maintain reliability by using multiple sensors while managing complexity through centralized electronic processing rather than complex mechanical pneumatic linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of pressure measurement from a single-point measurement to a multi-point measurement approach. By measuring pressure at multiple locations in independent circuits and applying mathematical transformations (averaging, weighted averaging), the system achieves more reliable load determination while the electronic processing manages the increased data complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic circuits are made independently controlled for better suspension management, then suspension control versatility improves, but the ability to determine load weight from a single pressure reading is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pressure sensing system universal by designing it to work with multiple independent pneumatic circuits while still providing accurate load weight measurement. The electronic control unit can process pressure readings from any configuration of independent circuits and apply appropriate algorithms, making the system adaptable to different circuit arrangements while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate determination of load weight and distribution across independent circuits, improving load stability and safety functions like roll stability and antilock braking by adjusting thresholds based on load weight, and reporting imbalances.
Implementation Method 1
sensors, which may be pneumatic to electronic converters, at each circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A controller determines a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system. The controller is adapted to receive a first electronic pressure signal, which is based on a first pneumatic signal representative of a first pneumatic pressure in a first of the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits, and receive a second electronic pressure signal, which is based on a second pneumatic signal representative of a second pneumatic pressure in a second of the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits. The controller is also adapted to determine the load weight based on the first electronic pressure signal and the second electronic pressure signal. The controller is also adapted to control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.