| 摘要 |
<p>Off-highway trucks generally rely on a suspension system which employs a plurality of gas-over-liquid type struts (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R). These struts (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R) are critical to proper operation of the vehicle (12) such that a single collapsed strut (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R) can have serious manifestations in structural damage, tire wear, and payload monitor accuracy. These consequences can be mitigated by an accurate and reliable strut (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R) monitor. Pressure type sensors (54, 56, 58, 60) are disposed on each of the struts (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R) 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 (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R). The presence of a collapsing strut (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R), 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 (12) operation with a collapsed strut (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R) by providing the operator with immediate and positive feedback on the condition of the struts (16L, 16R, 18L, 18R).</p> |
