Semi-Trailer Height Adjustment via Inclination Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mismatch in height between the fifth wheel plate of a motor vehicle and the trailer chassis leads to tilting of the trailer, resulting in poor aerodynamics, handling, uneven load distribution, and exceeding the legally permissible vehicle height, which existing methods address through manual adjustments of the vehicle or trailer levels.
Innovation Solution
An automated method that determines the actual inclination of the semi-trailer chassis relative to the motor vehicle's chassis line, compares it to a desired inclination, and adjusts the height-adjustable suspension to align the trailer chassis parallel to the motor vehicle's chassis line, using sensors to transmit signals for automatic height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of vehicle or trailer levels is used to compensate for height mismatch, then the trailer tilting problem can be corrected, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-adjustment of the trailer suspension by using sensors to detect the actual inclination and comparing it with the desired inclination, then automatically controlling the height-adjustable suspension to achieve the target alignment without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual inclination of the semi-trailer chassis using sensors and feeds this information back to the control device, which then adjusts the suspension accordingly to maintain the desired inclination, creating a closed-loop control system
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is performed to achieve proper trailer alignment, then handling and aerodynamics improve, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-alignment by detecting the actual inclination through sensors and autonomously controlling the height-adjustable suspension to match the desired inclination, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining simplicity for the user
3Adaptability or versatility
If height-adjustable suspension is implemented, then the trailer can adapt to different fifth wheel plate heights, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustable suspension system serves multiple functions: it compensates for variations in fifth wheel plate heights across different countries and vehicle models, adapts to different loads, and maintains proper trailer alignment, making the system universally applicable to various operating conditions
4Productivity
If automated sensor-based adjustment is implemented, then adjustment speed and precision improve, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual inclination of the semi-trailer chassis and feeds this information back to the control device, which automatically adjusts the height-adjustable suspension to achieve the desired inclination, creating a rapid and precise closed-loop control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect inclination and electronically controls the suspension adjustment, significantly increasing adjustment speed and precision
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the height of a semi-trailer (10) to the height of a truck (11) with a fifth wheel (16), wherein the semi-trailer (10) has a semi-trailer chassis (17), at least one axle (12, 13, 14) and a height-adjustable suspension, with an actual inclination (a) of the semi-trailer chassis (17) relative to a running track (20) which runs parallel to a road surface (22) in the direction of travel, comprising the following steps: a) determining the actual inclination (a) of the semi-trailer chassis (17) relative to the running track (20), b) comparing the actual inclination (a) with a target inclination of the semi-trailer chassis (17), c) adjusting the height-adjustable suspension until the actual inclination (a) corresponds to the target inclination.