Trailer parking brake system and method

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for preventing undesirable movement of a trailer coupled to a traction vehicle. The method includes obtaining, via one or more sensors of the traction vehicle, sensor data indicative of movement of the traction vehicle and / or the towed body; and automatically activating a trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer in response to an indication of traction of movement of the vehicle and / or the trailer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for braking a trailer towed to a vehicle, and more particularly to automatic braking and / or user-guided braking over a set period of time. Background Art

[0002] Many vehicles are equipped to tow a trailer selectively coupled to the vehicle. Some of these vehicles include a function for controlling a brake signal sent to the trailer to apply a braking force by a trailer brake. This requires a trailer brake controller, which may be original equipment on the vehicle or may be added as an aftermarket product. When driving the vehicle, the trailer brake controller allows the driver to control the signal strength sent to the trailer brake to adapt to operating conditions. When no signal is sent to the trailer brake, i.e., when the trailer brake is not powered on, the trailer brake does not brake the trailer.

[0003] Accordingly, when the driver or other operator is not at the driver's seat to operate the trailer brake, the trailer brake is inoperable. This situation may be undesirable under certain conditions. For example, the vehicle and the trailer may be parked on a large slope such that the vehicle's parking brake may not provide sufficient braking force to prevent unwanted movement. Additionally, when loading the vehicle onto the trailer, the normal force of the rear tires of the towing vehicle may decrease due to the force exerted by the towed vehicle on the trailer. In fact, the rear tires of the towing vehicle may lift off the ground. As a result, the brakes of the towing vehicle may not effectively prevent the longitudinal movement of the towing vehicle and the trailer.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for initiating braking of a trailer coupled to a vehicle. The methods and systems may provide automatic braking of the trailer when movement of the trailer and / or the towing vehicle is detected. Additionally or alternatively, the methods and systems may provide user-guided braking of the trailer. Further, other desired features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for preventing unwanted movement of a trailer coupled to a towing vehicle is provided. The method includes: obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or the trailer; and automatically activating a trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer in response to an indication of movement of the towing vehicle and / or the trailer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method further includes: loading a towed vehicle onto a towing body; wherein, while loading the towed vehicle onto the towing body, sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle and / or the towing body is obtained via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle.

[0007] In some embodiments of the method, obtaining sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle and / or the towing body via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle includes: obtaining sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle or indicating rotation of the front wheels of the towing vehicle via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments of the method, obtaining sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle and / or the towing body via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle includes obtaining sensor data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a warning to a vehicle operator that the towing body brake has been automatically activated.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes automatically deactivating the towing body brake after a predetermined period of time.

[0011] In some embodiments of the method, automatically activating the towing body brake to prevent movement of the towing body further includes: automatically activating the parking brake of the towing vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method, the towing vehicle is in a parked position and turned off.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, the towing vehicle is in a parked position and turned on.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, the control module determines that the towing vehicle and / or the towing body is moving and instructs to activate the towing body brake to prevent movement of the towing body.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the control module determines that the towing body is connected to the towing vehicle; determines whether the towing vehicle is turned off or on; determines whether the towing vehicle is in a parked position or a neutral position; determines whether the sensor data is within a calibratable value; and activates the towing body brake power supply module to activate the towing body brake to prevent movement of the towing body.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, if the parking brake of the towing vehicle is not activated, the control module activates the parking brake.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the method, the control module independently activates the trailer brakes without manual input.

[0018] In another embodiment, a system for braking a trailer coupled to a towing vehicle is provided. The system includes: a trailer brake operable to prevent rotation of the wheels of the trailer, where the trailer brake is off when not powered; a trailer brake power supply module coupled to the trailer brake to selectively supply power to the trailer brake; and a switch operable by an operator to activate the trailer brake power supply module to selectively supply power to the trailer brake for a selected period of time.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the system, the switch is remote from the towing vehicle.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the system further includes: one or more sensors of the towing vehicle configured to obtain sensor data indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or the trailer; and a control module configured to: determine whether the trailer brake is activated, determine whether the towing vehicle and / or the trailer is moving based on the sensor data, and automatically activate the trailer brake power supply module to selectively supply power to the trailer brake for a selected period of time when the trailer brake is not activated and the towing vehicle and / or the trailer is moving.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the system further includes: one or more sensors of the towing vehicle configured to obtain sensor data indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or the trailer; a control module, where the control module is configured to: determine that the trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle; determine whether the towing vehicle is off or on; determine whether the towing vehicle is in a parked position or in neutral; determine whether the trailer brake is activated; determine whether the sensor data is within a calibrated value; and activate the trailer brake power supply module to activate the trailer brake for a selected period of time to prevent movement of the trailer.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the system, the control module is configured to convey a warning to the operator that the trailer brake has been automatically activated.

[0023] In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body configured to be coupled to a towed body having a towed body brake; one or more sensors configured to obtain sensor data of the vehicle; a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to: determine that the towed body is connected to the vehicle; determine whether the vehicle is off or on; determine whether the vehicle is in a parked position or a neutral position; determine whether the towed body brake is activated; determine whether the vehicle and / or the towed body is moving based on the sensor data; activate the towed body brake for a selected period of time to prevent movement of the towed body; and transmit a warning to the vehicle operator that the towed body brake has been automatically activated.

[0024] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a manual switch operable by the vehicle operator to activate the towed body brake for a selected period of time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements, and where:

[0026] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-towed body system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-towed body system showing various parameters according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a flowchart of a braking method for a towed body of a vehicle-towed body system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses of the embodiments herein. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the foregoing introduction, brief summary, or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term "module" refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control unit or component, processing logic, and / or processor device, alone or in any combination, including but not limited to: application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated, or groups) executing one or more software or firmware programs and memories, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of autonomous driving systems, including cruise control systems, automated driver assistance systems, and autonomous driving systems, and the vehicle systems described herein are merely one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (and various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. Additionally, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring Figure 1 , certain features of a vehicle-trailer system 28 including a vehicle 20 and a trailer 22 are illustrated in the form of a functional block diagram. It should be understood that the vehicle 20 is adapted to operate as a towing vehicle or tow-vehicle for towing a trailer, such as the trailer 22. In various embodiments, the vehicle 20 is an automobile. The vehicle 20 may be any one of a large number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a van, a wagon, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in certain embodiments may be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 20 may also include another type of mobile platform.

[0033] In various embodiments, the trailer 22 may include, for example, any number of different types of trailers and / or other types of mobile platforms coupled to and moving with the vehicle 20. As Figure 1 depicted, in various embodiments, the trailer 22 includes a plurality of wheels 56, a body 58, a braking system 60, and a trailer brake 114, among other features. The trailer brake 114 may be of any suitable design. For example, the trailer brake 114 may be electric or electro-hydraulic. Although the trailer 22 is depicted as having four wheels 56, it should be understood that the number of wheels 56 may vary in different embodiments.

[0034] The towed body 22 can be detachably coupled to the vehicle 20 via a connector 25 for traveling on a road 24. The connector 25 can be configured to include any of the following various types: fifth-wheel coupling, drawbar, towing hitch, ball type, gooseneck, etc. As used herein, "vehicle" can refer to a main vehicle that towed a towed vehicle "towed body" (such as the towed body 22), such as the vehicle 20. The term towing vehicle or towing-vehicle can also be used to refer to the vehicle 20 that performs towing. In an embodiment, a motor vehicle can be used as the vehicle 20 that tows the towed body 22 in the vehicle-towed body system 28. The towed body 22 is illustrated for presentation purposes, and the towed body 22 can be any mobile device towed by the vehicle 20, such as a boat towed body, a camping towed body, a multi-purpose towed body, a dedicated type of mobile equipment, etc.

[0035] As Figure 1 As depicted, the vehicle 20 includes a body 62 disposed on or integrated with a chassis. The body 62 substantially encloses other components of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 also includes a plurality of wheels 64. Each of the wheels 64 is rotatably coupled to the chassis near a respective corner of the body 62 to facilitate movement of the vehicle 20. In one embodiment, the vehicle 20 includes four wheels 64, although this can vary in other embodiments (e.g., for trucks and certain other vehicles).

[0036] A drive system 68 is installed in the vehicle 20 and drives the wheels 64 via, for example, shafts 66, 67. In certain embodiments, the drive system 68 includes a propulsion system 70. In certain exemplary embodiments, the propulsion system 70 includes a power unit 72 coupled to a transmission 65, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor / generator. In certain embodiments, the drive system 68 can vary, and / or two or more drive systems 68 can be used. By way of example, the vehicle 20 can also incorporate any one or combination of a number of different types of propulsion systems 70 such as: for example, an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline or diesel, a "flexible fuel vehicle" (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), an engine fueled by a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and / or natural gas), an internal combustion / electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor.

[0037] As Figure 1As depicted, in various embodiments, the vehicle 20 further includes a braking system 78. In an exemplary embodiment, the braking system 78 uses an actuator 82 to control the braking of the vehicle 20, and the actuator 82 can be controlled via an input provided by a driver, such as by a brake pedal that is the actuator 82, and in certain embodiments, is controlled via the automatic control of a control system 84. The braking system 78 includes brakes at any of the numerous wheels 64, such as brake 85. Additionally, the vehicle 20 can include a sensor 55 for obtaining sensor data indicative of the movement or non-movement of the vehicle 20. For example, the sensor 55 can be an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The sensor 55 can monitor the rotation of the wheels 64, such as the rotation of the rear wheels 64 and / or the front wheels 64.

[0038] As Figure 1 depicted, in various embodiments, the vehicle 20 further includes a steering system 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the steering system 80 controls the steering of the vehicle 20 via an actuator 86, such as by utilizing an input from a steering wheel 88 (e.g., in combination with a steering column coupled to the axle 66 and / or the wheels 64), and the input is controlled via an input provided by a driver and, in certain embodiments, is controlled via the automatic control of the control system 84.

[0039] In Figure 1 the depicted embodiment, the control system 84 is coupled to various systems of the vehicle 20, including the braking system 78 and the steering system 80, and to the braking system 60 of the towed body 22.

[0040] In various embodiments, the control system 84 can also be coupled to one or more other systems and / or components of the vehicle 20 and / or the towed body 22, and includes a control module or controller 90 and an automatic braking module 91. As Figure 1 shown, the controller 90 and the automatic braking module 91 are part of a computer system 92 or include a computer system 92. It should be understood that the controller 90 can otherwise be different from Figure 1 the example depicted. The controller 90 can be any number of controllers and / or microcontrollers configured to communicate with each other. The automatic braking module 91 can be integrated with the controller 90 or can be separate from the controller 90 and can be coupled thereto and coupled to the towed body braking system 60.

[0041] As Figure 1As shown, the controller 90 is coupled to various devices and systems of the vehicle 20, such as the braking system 78 and the steering system 80. The controller 90 can receive information from various sources, process the information, and provide control commands based thereon to affect the outcome, such as the operation of the vehicle 20 and its systems, including the braking system 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 90 includes a processor 94 and a memory device 96, and is coupled to a storage device 98. The processor 94 performs the computing and control functions of the controller 90 and can include any type of processor or multiple processors, a single integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and / or circuit boards that cooperate to perform the functions of the processing unit. During operation, the processor 94 can execute one or more programs and can use data, each of which can be contained within the storage device 98, and as such, the processor 94 controls the overall operation of the controller 90 in performing the processes described herein, such as the processes and methods described in more detail below.

[0042] The memory device 96 can be any type of suitable memory. For example, the memory device 96 can include volatile and non-volatile storage such as, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a permanent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 94 is powered down. The memory device 96 can be implemented using any of a number of well-known memory devices such as: PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory device 96 can store the programs mentioned above and one or more stored data values, such as for short-term data access.

[0043] The storage device 98 stores data, such as long-term data access used in the automated control of the vehicle 20 and its systems. The storage device 98 can be any suitable type of storage device, including direct access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash memory systems, floppy disk drives, and optical disk drives. The storage device 98 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium that is configured to store programs and data (such as parameters regarding the vehicle 20 and the towed body 22). In one exemplary embodiment, the storage device 98 includes a memory device 96 from which a source of a program that executes one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present disclosure is received. In another exemplary embodiment, the program can be directly stored in and / or otherwise accessed by the memory device 96. The program represents executable instructions used by the controller 90 in processing information and controlling the vehicle 20 and its systems, including the braking system 78. Although the components of the control system 84 are depicted as part of the same system, it should be understood that in some embodiments, these features can include multiple systems. Additionally, in various embodiments, the control system 84 can include all or a portion of various other vehicle devices and systems and / or can be coupled to various other vehicle devices and systems, such as the propulsion system 70 and / or other systems of the vehicle 20, etc.

[0044] It should be understood that although this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a full-featured computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure can be distributed as a program product having one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media for storing the program and its instructions and implementing its distribution, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium that bears the program and contains computer instructions stored therein for causing a processor (such as the processor 94) to execute and implement the program. Such a program product can take various forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-bearing medium used to implement the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include recordable media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, memory cards, and optical disks, as well as transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It should be understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies can also be utilized in certain embodiments. Similarly, it should be understood that the computer system 92 of the controller 90 can also be different in other ways from Figure 1 the embodiment depicted.

[0045] Controller 90 is coupled to various actuators and a propulsion system 70 including actuators 82, 86. Controller 90 is also coupled to various sensors that sense observable conditions of the vehicle-trailer system 28. In this embodiment, the sensing devices include, but are not limited to, a brake sensor 100 (such as a pedal position sensor), a steering angle sensor 102, an acceleration sensor (such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 55), and a torque request sensor 105 (such as at an accelerator pedal or throttle). Optionally, the sensing devices may include a tow load sensor 111. The IMU 55 may include accelerometers and gyroscopes that may be in electronic form to provide motion, position, and navigation sensing in multiple degrees of freedom. For example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices can be used to sense translations such as heave, surge, sway, and rotations such as roll, pitch, and yaw.

[0046] In various embodiments, the IMU 55 measures inertial measurement data and / or related parameters of the vehicle 20, which may include movement, acceleration, and the gradient or slope where the vehicle 20 is located. In certain embodiments, an optional tow load sensor 111 may measure the force at the connector 25 (such as between the trailer 22 and the vehicle 20).

[0047] In various embodiments, controller 90 is coupled to sensors, the braking system 78 of the vehicle 20, and the braking system 60 of the trailer 22, etc. For example, the trailer 22 may be electrically coupled to the vehicle 20 through a connector 110 (such as a multi-pin electrical connector). In certain embodiments, controller 90 may also be coupled to a steering system 80, a propulsion system 70, and / or one or more other systems, devices, and / or components of the vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22.

[0048] As shown, controller 90 may receive a brake pedal input or vehicle brake pressure from the brake sensor 100 as a sensor data input for trailer brake control.

[0049] In various embodiments, controller 90 receives sensor data, processes the sensor data, and controls the braking of the vehicle 20 and the braking of the trailer 22 (via the vehicle braking system 78 and the trailer braking system 60, respectively) based on the processing of the sensor data, as further described below.

[0050] It is noted that Figure 1 Controller 90 is described as an integrated controller that controls both the vehicle brake 85 and the trailer brake 114. In some embodiments, the control of the vehicle brake 85 and the trailer brake 114 may be performed by separate control systems.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2, schematically illustrates a vehicle-trailer system, where the vehicle 20 is connected to the trailer 22 and parked on the road 24. As shown, the vehicle 20 is stationary, and the emergency brake or parking brake 85 (see Figure 1 ) at the rear wheel 64 (see Figure 1 ) prevents the vehicle 20 and the trailer 22 from moving. At the rear wheel, the normal force 203 points from the vehicle 20 to the road surface 24.

[0052] As Figure 2 shown, a second vehicle 200 (i.e., the vehicle to be towed or the towed vehicle) is driven onto the ramp and reaches the trailer 22. As a result, the normal force 212 points from the towed vehicle 200 to the ramp of the trailer 22. As a result, the trailer 22 can pivot about its wheel 56 (see Figure 1 ) in the direction of the arrow 201, and at the connector 25 (see Figure 1 ) exerts a force 202 on the towing vehicle 20 that is opposite to the normal force 203. At the same time, the towed vehicle 200 can exert a longitudinal force 213 on the trailer 22.

[0053] If the longitudinal force 213 is greater than the maximum braking force 204 of the vehicle 20, the towed vehicle 200 will cause the trailer 22 and the towing vehicle 20 to move longitudinally.

[0054] In addition, the application of the force 202 on the vehicle 20 reduces the friction between the vehicle 20 and the road surface 24, thereby reducing the maximum braking force 204. In some cases, the force 202 may be sufficient to lift the rear wheels of the vehicle 20 off the road surface 24, such that the braking force 204 is zero.

[0055] Embodiments herein provide for, such as when loading the vehicle 200 onto the trailer 22, activating the trailer brake 114 (see Figure 1 ) to prevent the trailer 22 and the vehicle 20 from moving longitudinally. In some embodiments, the controller 90 automatically activates the trailer brake 114, such as when detecting movement of the vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22. In other embodiments, the user can manually activate the trailer brake 114, such as by transmitting a signal to the controller 90. Although some embodiments herein are described with reference to the active loading scenario, it should be noted that the automatic and / or manually actuated parking brake systems and methods are not limited to use during loading a vehicle onto a trailer. Instead, the system and method can be utilized at any time when trailer braking is needed to prevent unwanted movement.

[0056] Cross-reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the controller 90 can receive, for example, sensor data from the IMU 55 indicating that the front wheels 64 are rotating - indicating the movement of the vehicle 20. It should be noted that the rotation of the front wheels 64 can indicate vehicle movement more accurately than the rotation of the rear wheels 64, because the rear wheels 64 may lift off the road surface 24 and not rotate even though the vehicle 20 is moving longitudinally. Within the controller 90, the emergency trailer parking brake activation logic 250 can receive the sensor data and determine whether the vehicle 20 has moved, is moving, or is in danger of moving.

[0057] The emergency trailer parking brake activation logic 250 can transmit a signal to the internal trailer brake controller 260. The internal trailer brake controller 260 can in turn activate the trailer brake power supply module 270. When activated, the trailer brake power supply module 270 directs power to the trailer brakes 114. If the vehicle parking brake 85 is not activated, the system will activate both the trailer brakes 114 and the vehicle parking brake 85. In some embodiments, each trailer brake 114 is applied with 100% braking force of the trailer brake 114. In other embodiments, each trailer brake 114 is applied with a partial activation sufficient to prevent movement of the trailer 22.

[0058] As a result, a braking force 205 is applied to the trailer 22 by the trailer brakes 114, and the braking force 205 is greater than the longitudinal force 213 applied to the trailer 22 by the towed vehicle 200. Although the rear axle of the vehicle 20 may still be lifted due to the force 202 even after the trailer brakes 114 are applied, the vehicle brakes are no longer needed because the trailer brakes 114 are sufficient to hold the vehicle 20 and the trailer 22 in place. Additionally, the trailer wheels 56 are not at risk of being lifted from the road surface 24 by the force from the towed vehicle 200.

[0059] It should be noted that the trailer brake power supply module 270 uses power from the battery of the vehicle 20. Therefore, the trailer brakes 114 may eventually drain the battery and be deactivated due to lack of power. Additionally, long-term activation of the trailer brakes 114 may also damage the trailer brake power supply module 270. To avoid draining the battery and / or prevent damage to the trailer brake power supply module 270, the controller 90 can activate the trailer brake power supply module 270 only for a set period of time. Additionally, the controller 90 can transmit a signal to the user interface 290 to indicate that the trailer brakes 114 have been automatically activated for the set period of time.

[0060] Still cross-referencing Figure 1 and Figure 2, another operating mode is provided. Specifically, a user may use the user interface 290 to activate the trailer brake 114 at a set or predetermined time period. The user may activate the trailer brake 114 from a remote location (i.e., from a location external to the towing vehicle 20). Alternatively, the user may activate the trailer brake 114 from the driver's seat of the vehicle 20. However, since the trailer brake 114 is activated at a set time period and does not require continuous manipulation, such as holding the brake in a depressed configuration, the user does not need to remain in the driver's seat of the vehicle 20. The user interface 290 may include a driver interface in the towing vehicle 20, a mobile phone application located on the user's mobile device or phone. The user interface 290 may include a software switch or soft switch, or a physically manipulable switch, i.e., a hard switch.

[0061] As Figure 2 shown, a user may transmit a signal from the user interface 290 to the internal trailer brake controller 260. The internal trailer brake controller 260 may in turn activate the trailer brake power supply module 270. When activated, the trailer brake power supply module 270 directs power to the trailer brake 114. Further, the trailer brake power supply module 270 may power the trailer brake 114 for a set or selected time period. This operating mode allows a single user to load the vehicle 200 onto the trailer 22 since a second person is not required to be in the towing vehicle 20 during activation of the trailer brake 114.

[0062] Although Figure 2 illustrates a horizontal road surface 24 and a loading operation, the systems and methods described herein are not limited to use or loading operations on a horizontal road surface 24. For example, when parking on a slope, the parking brake of the vehicle 20 may not be sufficient to prevent the trailer 22 and the vehicle 20 from moving. Accordingly, the controller 90 may automatically activate the trailer brake 114 upon detection of movement, or the user may use the user interface 290 to activate the trailer brake 114 at a set time period.

[0063] Cross-reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, which shows a method for preventing an undesired movement of a towed body 22 coupled to a towing vehicle 20. The method includes: loading a towed vehicle 200 onto the towed body 22; while loading the towed vehicle 200 onto the towed body 22, obtaining sensor data via the towing vehicle 20 indicative of a movement of the towing vehicle 20 and / or the towed body 22; and, in response to an indication of a movement of the towing vehicle 20 and / or the towed body 22, automatically activating a towed body brake 114 to prevent movement of the towed body 22. In this method, the sensor data indicates rotation of the front wheels 64 of the towing vehicle 20. In this method, the sensor data can be obtained from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 55. The method can further include: warning or transmitting a warning to a vehicle operator that the towed body brake has been automatically activated. The warning can be transmitted via a user interface 290 (such as via a driver information center (DIC), via a touch screen, via a key fob, or via a mobile software application (such as a phone "app")). Additionally or alternatively, the warning can be transmitted by causing vehicle lights to flash or by activating a vehicle horn. The method can further include automatically deactivating the towed body brake 114 after a predetermined period of time. The method can further include warning or transmitting a warning to a vehicle operator that the towed body brake will be deactivated.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the method can be performed when the towing vehicle is in a parked position or neutral and is turned off or when the towing vehicle is in a parked position or neutral and is turned on.

[0065] In certain embodiments, a control module 90 determines that the towing vehicle 20 and / or the towed body 22 is moving and instructs activation of the towed body brake 114 to prevent movement of the towed body 22.

[0066] Cross-reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a system for braking a towed body 22 connected to a parked towing vehicle 20 includes a towed body brake 114 that is operable to prevent rotation of the wheels 64 of the towed body 22. The towed body brake 114 is closed or in a closed or deactivated state when not powered and is open or in an open or activated state when powered. The system includes a towed body brake power supply module 270 that is coupled to the towed body brake to selectively supply power to the towed body brake. The system includes a switch 290 that can be operated by an operator to activate the towed body brake power supply module 270 to selectively supply power to the towed body brake 114 for a selected period of time. As described above, the switch 290 can be remote from the towing vehicle 20 or can be located in the towing vehicle 20.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 3, an algorithm 300 for a control module 90 that automatically applies a trailer body brake 114 is provided. As shown, the algorithm 300 begins with a start operation 301.

[0068] At query 310, the algorithm 300 queries whether the trailer body 22 is connected to the vehicle 20. If "no", the algorithm 300 may wait at operation 311.

[0069] When the algorithm 300 determines that the trailer body 22 is connected to the vehicle 20, the algorithm proceeds to query 320. For example, the connection between the trailer body 22 and the vehicle 20 can be detected by a voltage drop due to the trailer body circuit resistance.

[0070] At query 320, the algorithm 300 queries whether the vehicle 20 is off. If "yes", the vehicle 20 is off, the algorithm 300 proceeds to query 330.

[0071] At query 330, the algorithm 300 queries whether the vehicle is moving, that is, whether an unexpected vehicle movement is detected. If "yes", the vehicle 20 is moving, the algorithm 300 proceeds to operation 340.

[0072] In some embodiments, at query 330, the algorithm 300 determines whether the vehicle is moving by comparing sensor data with a stored or calibratable value. For example, the sensor data can be provided by an IMU, and at query 330, the algorithm determines whether the IMU acceleration data is greater than the stored value.

[0073] At operation 340, the algorithm 300 activates the trailer body brake power supply module. The activation of the trailer body brake power supply module can stop the movement of the trailer body and the vehicle at operation 350 by: setting the trailer body brake duty cycle to, for example, 100% or a partial activation sufficient to prevent the movement of the trailer body 22; activating the trailer body brake 114; activating the vehicle parking brake 85 if it is not already activated; warning the user via the DIC, touch screen, flashing, horn, or via a mobile application; waiting for the user to deactivate the trailer body brake within a calibratable maximum time period; and deactivating the trailer body brake after the calibratable maximum time period if the user has not deactivated the trailer body brake during the calibratable maximum time period. It should be noted that the algorithm can determine the calibratable maximum time period based on the remaining power in the vehicle power source (i.e., the battery), and based on the power consumption of the trailer body brake, and / or based on a limited time period to prevent damage to the trailer body brake power supply module 270.

[0074] According to query 330, if the algorithm 300 determines "no", the vehicle 20 is not moving, the algorithm 300 can restart at query 310.

[0075] According to query 320, if algorithm 300 determines "no", and vehicle 20 is not shut down, then algorithm 300 proceeds to query 360.

[0076] At query 360, algorithm 300 determines whether the vehicle transmission is in the park position or the neutral position. If "yes", the vehicle transmission is in the park position or the neutral position, then algorithm 300 continues at query 370.

[0077] At query 370, algorithm 300 queries whether the vehicle is moving, that is, whether an undesired vehicle movement is detected. If "yes", vehicle 20 is moving, then algorithm 300 proceeds to operation 340, as described above.

[0078] In some embodiments, at query 370, algorithm 300 determines whether the vehicle is moving by comparing sensor data with a stored or calibratable value. For example, the sensor data may be provided by an IMU, and at query 370, the algorithm determines whether the IMU acceleration data is greater than the stored value. Alternatively, the sensor data may be provided by a sensor for determining the rotational speed of the vehicle's front wheels or the rotational speed of the vehicle's rear wheels. In each case, the sensor data is compared with a stored or calibratable value to determine whether the vehicle is moving.

[0079] According to query 370, if the algorithm determines that the vehicle is not moving, then algorithm 300 may restart at query 310.

[0080] According to query 360, if algorithm 300 determines that the vehicle transmission is not in the park position and not in the neutral position, then algorithm 300 may restart at query 310.

[0081] Thus, algorithm 300 provides for automatically and independently activating the trailer brakes without manual input.

[0082] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for preventing undesired movement of a towed vehicle, the method comprising: obtaining sensor data indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or towed body via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle; as well as In response to the indication of movement of the tow vehicle and / or tow body, tow body brakes are automatically activated to prevent movement of the tow body.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Loading the towed vehicle onto the trailer body; Wherein, while the towed vehicle is loaded onto the towing body, obtaining sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle and / or the towing body via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle is performed.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Obtaining sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle and / or towed body via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle includes obtaining sensor data indicating movement of the towing vehicle or indicating rotation of front wheels of the towing vehicle via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An alert is communicated to the vehicle operator that the towed body brakes have been automatically applied.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The trailer body brakes are automatically deactivated after a predetermined period of time.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Automatically activating the towed body brakes to prevent movement of the towed body further comprises automatically activating a parking brake of the towing vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control module determines that the towing vehicle and / or the towed body is moving and instructs activation of the towed body brake to prevent movement of the towed body, wherein the control module: Determining that the towing body is connected to the towing vehicle; determining whether the towing vehicle is off or on; determining that the towing vehicle is in a parked position or a neutral position; determining whether the sensor data is within a calibratable value; Activating a trailer brake power supply module to activate the trailer brake to prevent the trailer from moving; as well as If the parking brake of the towing vehicle is not activated, the parking brake is activated.

8. A system for braking a towed body connected to a towing vehicle, the system comprising: a trailer body brake operable to prevent rotation of wheels of the trailer body, wherein the trailer body brake is closed when not powered; a trailer body brake power supply module, the trailer body brake power supply module being coupled to the trailer body brake to selectively provide power to the trailer body brake; as well as A switch operable by an operator to activate the trailer body brake power supply module to selectively provide power to the trailer body brakes for a selected period of time.

9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising: one or more sensors of the towing vehicle, the one or more sensors being configured to obtain sensor data indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or towed body; A control module, wherein the control module is configured to: Determining that the towing body is connected to the towing vehicle; determining whether the towing vehicle is off or on; determining that the towing vehicle is in a parked position or a neutral position; determining whether the trailer brake is activated; determining whether the sensor data is within a calibratable value; and The trailer body brake power supply module is activated to activate the trailer body brake within a selected time period to prevent movement of the trailer body.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The control module is configured to transmit a warning to the operator that the tow vehicle brakes have been automatically activated.

Images