Variable Axle Controller Prevents Remote Start Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy vehicles with 10×4 cargo configurations face safety accidents due to automatic descent of the pusher axle during remote starting, posing a risk to people around the vehicle when the driver is not present.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that control the operation power to the pusher axle by using a second switch connected to the vehicle's power, which is controlled by a processor to determine if the vehicle is being remotely started, and if so, opens to prevent power supply to the axle, utilizing a smart junction box with CAN communication and an automatic switch to manage the ascent and descent based on ignition states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the pusher axle is configured to automatically descend in ignition on state, then the loading distribution is automatically adjusted, but safety accident risk increases when remote starting
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit detects remote starting conditions before the automatic descent function activates, and preemptively disables the descent function by controlling the switch to remain open. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect (axle descent) from occurring in the first place during remote starting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the automatic descent control system and the switch controlling power to the descent motor. The control unit monitors ignition states and remote starting conditions, then mediates the switch state accordingly - keeping it closed for normal operation and open during remote starting, thus preventing unsafe automatic descent.
2Ease of operation
If the second switch is always closed to enable automatic descent, then the axle control function is always available, but the axle may descend during remote starting causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The second switch transitions from a static always-closed state to a dynamic state that changes based on operating conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switch state - closed during normal ignition on state for full functionality, and open during remote starting to prevent safety hazards. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between availability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical state parameter of the second switch is changed conditionally based on detection of remote starting. The control unit monitors ignition state parameters and switch the second switch from closed (power supplied) to open (power cut off) when remote starting is detected, thereby changing the power flow parameter to eliminate the safety hazard while maintaining normal operation when appropriate.
3Reliability
If the pusher axle automatically ascends in ignition off state, then the axle returns to safe position, but the switch state management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing ignition state detection capability to automatically determine when remote starting is occurring. The control unit leverages the already-available ignition state information to make switching decisions, rather than requiring separate complex detection mechanisms. This self-service approach uses existing system resources to manage the switch states without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an apparatus and a method for controlling a variable axle for preventing a safety accident. An apparatus for controlling a variable axle that controls operation power to one switch which is short-circuited or opened according to a manipulation of a user, and supplies the operation power for a descent of a pusher axle, includes: the other switch having one end connected to power of a vehicle and the other end which is short-circuited or opened in response to a control signal, to thereby supply the power of the vehicle as the operation power at the time of the short-circuit; and a controller confirming whether or not the vehicle is remotely being started when an ignition of the vehicle is turned-on, and opening the other switch by the control signal in the case in which the vehicle is remotely being started as a result of the confirmation.