Dump Truck Tag Axle Steer Lock and Load Actuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for dump truck tag axle suspensions are limited in accommodating paving and dumping operations, lacking specific features to enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A tag axle suspension control system that engages a steer lock in response to a pusher suspension lift switch activation, uses a PTO switch to maintain engagement, and employs pressure sensors to manage hydraulic and air pressure applied to load actuators based on bed position, delaying pressure release until sufficient pressurization is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tag axle suspension steering is locked out during paving operations, then the safety and stability are improved, but the operational flexibility and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steer lock control system dynamically adjusts the locking state based on operational conditions. The controller receives signals from the pusher suspension lift switch and PTO switch, engaging the steer lock only when both conditions indicate paving operation mode, and disengaging it when conditions change. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain safety during paving while preserving maneuverability during other operations.
2Force
If pressure is applied to tag load actuators to support the bed, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback from pressure sensors that monitor the state of the bed lift actuator and tag suspension air spring. This feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust pressure application to the tag load actuators, ensuring proper load support without requiring complex manual control. The feedback mechanism simplifies the overall control by making it responsive and adaptive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the state of existing components (bed lift actuator pressure and air spring pressurization) to automatically control the tag load actuators. When the bed lift actuator reaches a predetermined pressure threshold, the controller automatically applies pressure to the tag load actuators, and when the air spring is sufficiently pressurized, it automatically releases pressure from the tag load actuators. This self-service approach reduces control complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pressure release from tag load actuators is delayed until air springs are pressurized, then the structural stability is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary pressurization of the air springs before releasing pressure from the tag load actuators. By ensuring the air springs are sufficiently pressurized first, the system maintains structural stability during the transition. This preliminary action prevents structural instability that would occur if pressure were released too early, while the automated sequencing minimizes the time penalty.
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
The system improves safety and efficiency by preventing steering during critical operations, managing load distribution effectively, and ensuring controlled pressure application, enhancing the overall handling and dumping capabilities of dump trucks.
Implementation Method 1
activating a switch to thereby begin operation of a hydraulic pump on the dump truck
Implementation Method 2
sensing the pressure applied to the bed lift actuator
Implementation Method 3
applying hydraulic pressure to a tag suspension load actuator, thereby transmitting a load from a frame of the dump truck to a tag axle via the load actuator
Implementation Method 4
releasing pressure from a tag suspension air spring when the sensed pressure applied to the tag suspension load actuator reaches a selected level
Data Source
AI summary
Dump truck tag axle suspension control. A method of controlling a tag axle suspension includes activating a pusher suspension lift switch; and engaging a steer lock on the tag axle suspension, thereby preventing steering of the tag axle suspension, in response to the lift switch activating step. Another method includes activating a switch to thereby begin operation of a hydraulic pump; and engaging a steer lock of the tag axle suspension, in response to the switch activating step. Yet another method includes applying pressure to a bed lift actuator; sensing the pressure applied to the bed lift actuator; and applying pressure to a tag suspension load actuator, thereby transmitting a load from a frame to a tag axle via the load actuator, in response to the sensed pressure applied to the bed lift actuator reaching a predetermined level.