Load balancing systems and methods, and self-balancing trailers
Load balancing systems and methods, and trailers with components for load balancing across the trailers or portions (e.g., axles, springs, frame portions) thereof are provided herein. Some trailers comprise a frame, a suspension system configured to support the frame on a set of axles comprising a first axle, and wherein the first axle is movably coupled to the frame. Some trailers comprise a frame, a piping system coupled to the frame, and a set of tanks coupled to one another via the piping system. The piping system can comprise a set of pumps configured to pump fluid between the tanks for load balancing.
1 . A trailer, comprising:
a frame;
a suspension system configured to support the frame on a set of axles comprising a first axle and a second axle;
wherein the first axle and second axle are movably coupled to the frame;
one or more sensors coupled to the frame and are configured to detect sensor data associated with the trailer, wherein the sensor data comprise one or more of weight data, weight distribution data, load distribution data, or force distribution data; and
a controller, wherein the controller comprises:
one or more processors; and
a memory storing software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
obtain the sensor data from the one or more sensors;
identify at least one of an unbalanced load and a change in a load associated with the trailer based at least in part on the sensor data; and
cause an actuator to move at least the first axle side-to-side relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensor data; and
an upper sized and dimensioned to support cargo, and wherein the first axle is configured to move based at least in part on a distribution of a weight of the cargo on the first and second axles,
wherein the upper is movably coupled to the frame,
wherein the one or more processors cause a second actuator to move the upper relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensor data.
2 . The trailer of claim 1 , wherein the first axel is configured to move at least 1 foot in a first direction relative to the frame.
3 . The trailer of claim 1 , wherein the first axel is configured to move at least 2 feet in a first direction relative to the frame.
4 . The trailer of claim 1 , wherein the first axle and the second axle are coupled to the frame such that a distance between a mid-point of the first axle and a mid-point of the second axle can be modified by at least 1 foot.
5 . The trailer of claim 4 , wherein the distance can be modified while the trailer is coupled to a moving tow vehicle.
6 . The trailer of claim 1 , wherein the suspension system comprises a first spring, wherein the first axle is movably coupled to the frame via the first spring, wherein a first portion of the first spring is coupled to the first axle via a first bracket, and wherein a second portion of the first spring is coupled to a second bracket that is movably coupled to the frame.
7 . The trailer of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator coupled to the frame and the first axle, wherein the actuator is configured to move the first axle relative to the frame.
8 . The trailer of claim 1 , wherein the first axle is coupled to first and second wheels, and wherein the first and second wheels are steerable.
9 . The trailer of claim 1 , wherein the first and second moving axles are configured to move forward or backward relative to the frame based at least in part on a change in a load distribution.
10 . A load balancing system, comprising:
a trailer, comprising:
a frame,
a suspension system configured to support the frame on a set of axles comprising a first axle;
an upper that is movably coupled to the frame; and
wherein the first axle is movably coupled to the frame;
one or more sensors coupled to the trailer, and configured to detect sensor data associated with the trailer, wherein the sensor data comprise one or more of weight data, weight distribution data, load distribution data, or force distribution data; and
a controller, wherein the controller comprises:
one or more processors; and
a memory storing software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
obtain the sensor data from the one or more sensors;
identify at least one of an unbalanced load and a change in a load associated with the trailer based at least in part on the sensor data;
cause a first actuator to move the first axle relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensor date; and
cause a second actuator to move the upper relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensor data.
11 . A trailer, comprising:
a frame;
a suspension system configured to support the frame on a set of wheels comprising a first, second and third wheel;
wherein at least the first wheel is movably coupled to the frame;
one or more sensors configured to detect sensor data associated with the trailer, wherein the sensor data comprise one or more of weight data, weight distribution data, or force distribution data; and
a controller, wherein the controller comprises:
one or more processors; and
a memory storing software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
obtain the sensor data from the one or more sensors;
identify at least one of an unbalanced weight load and a change in a load associated with the trailer based at least in part on the sensor data; and
cause an actuator to diagonally move at least the first wheel relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensor data.