Drive axle control system
US6578648B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C23/061
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.