Trailer Axle Valve Layout for Independent Bellows Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling trailing and lift axles in trailers are complex and costly, and there is a need for a simpler, cost-effective solution that allows independent adjustment of bellows pressures and automatic lowering of the trailing axle when the power supply is switched off.
Innovation Solution
A valve arrangement with two solenoid valve units, controlled independently by an electronic control unit, allows for independent adjustment of bellows pressures in the support and lift bellows, ensuring the trailing axle is automatically lowered when the power supply is switched off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing valve arrangements are used to control trailing and lift axles, then bellows pressures can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement is divided into two independent solenoid valve units: a first solenoid valve unit for controlling the support bellows pressure and a second solenoid valve unit for controlling the lift bellows pressure. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each bellows pressure without requiring a complex integrated system, thereby achieving adaptability while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each solenoid valve unit is designed to perform multiple functions: they can independently adjust bellows pressure, automatically lower the trailing axle when power is switched off, and work together to optimize load distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall valve arrangement while maintaining versatile control capabilities
2Reliability
If existing valve arrangements are used, then pressure control is possible, but automatic lowering when power is switched off is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve units are designed to automatically lower the trailing axle when the power supply is switched off, without requiring additional sensors or control systems. The valves self-actuate based on the power state, integrating the automatic lowering function directly into the existing pressure control mechanism, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
3Productivity
If bellows pressure is not independently adjusted, then system is simpler, but load distribution is optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement is divided into two independent solenoid valve units: a first solenoid valve unit for controlling the support bellows pressure and a second solenoid valve unit for controlling the lift bellows pressure. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each bellows pressure without requiring a complex integrated system, thereby achieving adaptability while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of bellows pressure parameters for both support and lift bellows through separate solenoid valve control. This parameter independence allows optimization of load distribution and operational efficiency by adjusting each pressure parameter according to specific operational requirements, rather than using a fixed coupled pressure system
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 solution provides a simple and cost-effective means to adjust bellows pressures independently, preventing overloading of other axles and ensuring the trailing axle is lowered automatically, thereby optimizing load distribution and reducing tire wear.
Implementation Method 1
The first solenoid valve unit (42) is designed as a 3/3-way solenoid switching valve (46) with a pressure inlet (48), a working outlet (50) and a vent outlet (52)
Implementation Method 2
The trailing axle (26) is supported on a vehicle frame (18) of the trailer by at least one support bellows (34) and can be raised or lowered by means of at least one lift bellows (36)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve arrangement (38) controllable by an electronic control unit (40) for controlling a trailing axle (26), wherein the trailing axle is arranged on a multi-axle trailer (6) in the forward direction of travel, in front of or behind a main axle (22), is supported on a vehicle frame (18) of the trailer by at least one support bellows (34), and can be raised or lowered by means of at least one lift bellows (36). The valve arrangement (38) is designed such that the bellows pressure in the support bellows (34) and the bellows pressure in the lift bellows (36) can be adjusted independently of each other, and that the trailing axle is automatically lowered to a road surface (3) when the power supply is switched off.According to the invention, the valve arrangement (38) comprises a first solenoid valve unit (42), controllable by the control unit (40), for stepless adjustment of the bellows pressure in the support bellows (34) of the trailing axle between ambient pressure and the bellows pressure in the support bellows (30) of the main axle (22), and a second solenoid valve unit (44), controllable independently of the first solenoid valve unit (42) by the control unit, for switching the bellows pressure in the lift bellows (36) between ambient pressure and a supply pressure. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the valve arrangement and a trailer (6) with the valve arrangement.