Method for monitoring a work vehicle suspension
First Claim
1. A method for detecting a collapsed strut of a work vehicle having a plurality of left and right strut mounted wheels, comprising:
- periodically sensing the internal pressure of each of the struts and delivering a plurality of first signals each having a magnitude correlative to the internal pressure of each respective strut;
calculating ratios of the first signals of selected pairs of the struts;
comparing the magnitude of each of the ratios to an upper and lower setpoint and delivering a second signal in response to at least one of the ratios being outside the upper and lower setpoints; and
delivering a third signal indicative of a collapsed strut in response to receiving the second signal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Off-highway trucks generally rely on a suspension system which employs a plurality of gas-over-liquid type struts. These struts are critical to proper operation of the vehicle such that a single collapsed strut can have serious manifestations in structural damage, tire wear, and payload monitor accuracy. These consequences can be mitigated by an accurate and reliable strut monitor. Pressure type sensors are disposed on each of the struts and their pressure is monitored during three critical phases of operation. These phases include static, loading, and roading modes and each mode requires a distinct method for detecting a collapsing strut. The presence of a collapsing strut, detected by any of the three methods, is communicated to the vehicle operator whereby operation can be immediately suspended. The system avoids the serious consequences of vehicle operation with a collapsed strut by providing the operator with immediate and positive feedback on the condition of the struts.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for detecting a collapsed strut of a work vehicle having a plurality of left and right strut mounted wheels, comprising:
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periodically sensing the internal pressure of each of the struts and delivering a plurality of first signals each having a magnitude correlative to the internal pressure of each respective strut; calculating ratios of the first signals of selected pairs of the struts; comparing the magnitude of each of the ratios to an upper and lower setpoint and delivering a second signal in response to at least one of the ratios being outside the upper and lower setpoints; and delivering a third signal indicative of a collapsed strut in response to receiving the second signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification