Trailer Level Control via Brake Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer electronic level control systems face challenges in adjusting air pressure in air suspension systems when the tractor park brake is applied, leading to insufficient force to overcome friction, resulting in potential damage or injury due to sudden changes in trailer height during loading, unloading, or when the automatic leveling system is engaged.
Innovation Solution
An electronic level control system that monitors the trailer's height and brake pressure, releasing and reapplying brakes in short bursts to facilitate air volume changes and maintain trailer height, using sensors to detect pressure changes and load adjustments, ensuring the trailer can adjust its height even when stationary and braked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the park brake is applied to hold the trailer stationary, then the trailer stability is improved, but the suspension system cannot generate enough force to overcome friction and adjust the trailer height
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically releasing the park brake before height adjustment is attempted, and reapplying it after adjustment is complete. This sequence of pre-actions enables the suspension system to adjust trailer height while maintaining stability during the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the brake state from applied to released and back to applied based on the height adjustment requirement. This dynamic behavior allows the trailer to transition between stable and adjustable states as needed.
2Ease of operation
If the operator continues to add or exhaust air to move the trailer body, then the height adjustment is attempted, but the air bellows become over filled or completely emptied causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by releasing the park brake before air pressure adjustment is attempted. This prevents the situation where air bellows would be over-filled or emptied by allowing the suspension system to adjust height gradually while the brake is released, maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from height sensors and air pressure sensors to monitor the trailer level and air bellows status. This feedback enables the control unit to regulate air flow and brake release timing, preventing over-pressurization or complete emptying of the air bellows.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the automatic leveling system is engaged during loading or unloading, then the leveling function is activated, but the system cannot adjust air volume because the trailer body is locked by the suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting when the park brake is applied and automatically releasing it when height adjustment is required during loading or unloading operations. This enables the automatic leveling system to function properly by removing the mechanical lock before air volume adjustment is attempted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by automatically detecting the need for brake release based on height sensor feedback and controlling the brake release timing itself. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures the leveling system can operate autonomously even when the trailer is stationary with load changes.
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 effectively compensates for load changes and maintains trailer height stability by releasing and reapplying brakes, preventing damage and injury by allowing controlled adjustments even when the trailer is locked in place, ensuring safe loading and unloading operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic control unit... an electrically controlled valve for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the air bellows
Implementation Method 2
the friction between the tyre and ground... the brake pressure applied to wheels of the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic level control system for a tracer comprises an electronic level control adapted to control air flow in an air suspension on a trailer. Change in brake pressure applied to wheels of the trailer is made in dependence on a status of a park brake on a tractor with a pneumatic connection to the trailer. The tractor park brake status status is detected or determined by at least one of the electronic level control or electronic brake control.