Semi-Trailer Loading with Rear Axle Suspension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for increasing the payload of semi-trailers within legal limits are either costly, unsafe, or not adaptable for semi-trailers, as they often require adding an additional axle which increases the length and reduces agility.
Innovation Solution
A method for loading a trailer with at least two axles connected by independently adjustable suspension systems, where the load on the kingpin is maintained at or below a threshold by adjusting the suspension parameters of the rearmost axle during loading, allowing for increased payload without exceeding legal limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an additional axle is added to increase payload, then the load capacity is improved, but the production cost and servicing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the suspension parameter (air pressure) of the rearmost axle to redistribute load from the kingpin to the trailer axles. By adjusting the suspension stiffness through pressure control, the system achieves increased payload capacity without adding physical axles, thereby avoiding the manufacturing and servicing costs associated with additional components.
2Quantity of substance
If an additional axle is added to increase payload, then the load capacity is improved, but the trailer length increases and agility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses suspension parameter adjustment (air pressure control) to achieve load redistribution without physically extending the trailer. By modifying the suspension characteristics of existing components rather than adding new structural elements, the trailer maintains its original length and agility while still increasing payload capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If the threshold load on the kingpin is exceeded to increase payload, then the payload capacity is improved, but the safety and legal compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the suspension parameter adjustment is based on the actual load measured on the kingpin. The control unit continuously monitors the kingpin load and adjusts the rearmost axle suspension pressure accordingly, ensuring the kingpin load remains at or below the threshold while maximizing payload capacity, thus maintaining safety and legal compliance.
4Quantity of substance
If the suspension parameter is adjusted to relieve kingpin load, then the payload capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating suspension system where the control unit automatically adjusts the rearmost axle suspension pressure based on kingpin load measurements without requiring external intervention. The system uses readily available components (air suspension, pressure regulators, load sensors) and performs self-adjustment, minimizing the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving increased payload capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method (1000) for loading a trailer comprising: providing (1100) a trailer having at least two axles connected to a trailer chassis by independently adjustable suspension systems, the at least two axles including a frontmost axle and a rearmost axle, the trailer further comprising a kingpin configured to be removably connected to a fifth wheel of a tractor; a first loading step (1400) comprising loading the trailer until a threshold load is reached on the kingpin; and then a second loading step (1500) comprising: loading (1510) the trailer further; and adjusting (1520) a suspension parameter of the rearmost axle to ensure that the load on the kingpin remains at or below the threshold load.