Methods and systems for dynamic weight management
AssigneeTransportation IP Holdings, LLC
InventorsJingjun Zhang, Bret D. Worden, Ibrahim Kacar, John Frederick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for reducing slack in a linkage chain of a vehicle truck assembly is provided. In one example, the method includes responding to a request to de-lift a lift mechanism by reducing pressure in an actuator coupled to the lift mechanism, where the lift mechanism is configured to transfer a load from a first axle to a second axle of the vehicle during the de-lift, and during the de-lift, maintaining the pressure in the actuator at or above a threshold pressure to maintain tension in a weight transfer device of the lift mechanism.
Claims18
A method for a vehicle comprising:
- responding to a request to de-lift a lift mechanism by reducing pressure in an actuator coupled to the lift mechanism, wherein the lift mechanism is configured to transfer a load from a first axle to a second axle of the vehicle during the de-lift;
- during the de-lift, maintaining the pressure in the actuator at or above a threshold pressure to maintain tension in a weight transfer device of the lift mechanism;
- and
- varying tension in the weight transfer device when a crank coupled to both the weight transfer device and the actuator is rotated by adjusting the pressure in the actuator, wherein adjusting the pressure in the actuator includes adjusting the pressure to a level that pulls the weight transfer device taut without weight shift onto the second axle.
A method for a vehicle comprising:
- adjusting a lift mechanism configured to transfer a load between a first axle and a second axle via a linkage arrangement coupled to the lift mechanism to reduce slack in a weight transfer device of the linkage arrangement, wherein the slack in the weight transfer device is reduced without causing weight shift onto the second axle;
- and
- detecting an air leak in an actuator of the lift mechanism, the actuator coupled to the linkage arrangement and configured to adjust a position of the linkage arrangement and tension on the weight transfer device.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a lift mechanism having a weight transfer device to transfer a load from a first axle to a second axle of the vehicle during a de-lift event;
- and
- an actuation system configured to maintain tension in the weight transfer device by maintaining a threshold level of pressure in the actuation system, wherein the tension is maintained in the weight transfer device without causing weight shift onto the second axle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.