Method and system for evaluating the performance and condition of trailer braking systems

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for evaluating the performance and condition of a trailer braking system. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is provided that includes one or more sensors and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to receive sensor data about a trailer braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle. The processor is connected to the one or more sensors and configured to enable at least determining a condition of the trailer braking system using the sensor data.

Description

[0001] The technical field relates generally to vehicles and, more specifically, to methods and systems for evaluating a braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle.

[0002] Some vehicles today have features for towing a trailer that is coupled to the vehicle. Certain trailers have their own braking systems. However, the existing systems do not always optimally evaluate the performance and condition of the trailer braking system.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for evaluating the performance and condition of trailer braking systems. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 8.

[0004] DE 10 2021 208 620 A1 discloses a method for determining a deceleration value of a braking system of a vehicle. The braking system comprises at least one brake and at least one additional brake.The method comprises: providing a manipulated variable amount of a manipulated variable that is set by the braking system, wherein the at least one brake is designed to generate a deceleration variable in response to the manipulated variable amount of this manipulated variable; determining a braking effect acting on the vehicle by the braking system in response to the manipulated variable that was impressed on the braking system; determining a deceleration variable of the at least one brake that corresponds to the manipulated variable amount and is set based on a manipulated variable, in particular taking vehicle parameters into account; and determining a deceleration variable of the at least one further brake from the deceleration variable of the at least one brake and the braking effect on the vehicle, in particular taking vehicle parameters into account.

[0005] DE 10 2015 013 461 A1 discloses a method for monitoring a trailer brake of a vehicle trailer, wherein a tensile and shear force is detected by means of a force measuring element, an associated acceleration is calculated from a change in vehicle speed by means of a speedometer, and at least one mass of an unbraked vehicle trailer (3) is calculated from the determined values ​​by means of an evaluation unit, and a possible deviation of a current braking force from the braking force under normal conditions is provided according to a model calculation.

[0006] DE 10 2021 201 372 A1 discloses a method for determining the braking capacity of a brake of a vehicle while driving, wherein the vehicle has a drive. The method comprises: generating a braking effect by at least one brake of the vehicle; adjusting the drive power of the vehicle's drive, thereby at least partially compensating for the braking effect; and determining the braking capacity based on the adjusted drive power.

[0007] DE 10 2015 112 363 A1 discloses a method for controlling one or more brakes of a braking system of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: providing the vehicle with the braking system having at least one or more brakes with brake pads, which have a pad carrier plate and a friction lining, and at least one evaluation and control device; determining the braking energy converted for each brake during one or more braking operations using the evaluation and control device; comparing the determined braking energy with one or more predetermined target values; and increasing the energy input during a current and / or one or more subsequent braking operations if the determined braking energy falls below the target value.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided that includes obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors relating to a trailer braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle and determining, via a processor, a condition of the trailer braking system using the sensor data.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors related to a trailer braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle and determining, via a processor, a state of the trailer braking system using the sensor data.

[0010] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the step of obtaining the sensor data comprises obtaining sensor data including an electrical current, a voltage, or both of the trailer braking system; and the condition of the trailer braking system is determined based on the electrical current, the voltage, or both.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of obtaining the sensor data also includes determining an electrical current of the trailer braking system along with a trailer braking force of the trailer braking system; and the condition of the trailer braking system is determined based on both the electrical current and the trailer braking force.

[0012] The condition of the trailer braking system is determined using the sensor data by determining a trailer braking intensity index using a vehicle speed, a trailer mass, and an estimated trailer braking force; determining a trailer braking force-to-current coefficient based on a trailer braking current and an aggregation of a total drag force for the trailer and vehicle combined, a total braking force for the trailer and vehicle combined, and a vehicle braking force for the vehicle alone; determining an end-life force-to-current coefficient using a trailer profile for the trailer; obtaining weather-related parameters; and determining the condition of the trailer braking system using the trailer braking intensity index, the trailer braking force-to-current coefficient, the end-life force-to-current coefficient, the vehicle speed, and the weather-related parameters.

[0013] The total resistance force is determined based on vehicle acceleration, vehicle speed and axle torque.

[0014] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the total braking force is determined based on the vehicle acceleration and a total mass of the vehicle estimated based on the vehicle acceleration and the axle torque.

[0015] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle braking force is determined based on a vehicle braking pressure along with the vehicle acceleration, the vehicle speed, and a calculated value of a vehicle braking force coefficient.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises providing a notification of the condition of the trailer braking system in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

[0017] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the notification is provided with one or more causes of degradation of the trailer braking system, the causes being selected from the following: (a) end-of-life condition; (b) overheating condition; (c) wet condition; and (d) unknown condition.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided that includes one or more sensors and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to receive sensor data related to a trailer braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle. The processor is connected to the one or more sensors and configured to enable at least determining a condition of the trailer braking system using the sensor data.

[0019] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to receive the sensor data including an electrical current, a voltage, or both of the trailer braking system; and the processor is configured to determine the state of the trailer braking system based on the electrical current, the voltage, or both.

[0020] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to receive an electrical current of the trailer braking system along with a trailer braking force of the trailer braking system; and the processor is configured to determine the state of the trailer braking system based on both the electrical current and the trailer braking force.

[0021] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the condition of the trailer braking system using the sensor data by determining a trailer braking intensity index using a vehicle speed, a trailer mass, and an estimated trailer braking force; determining a trailer braking force-to-current coefficient based on a trailer braking current and an aggregation of a total drag force for the trailer and vehicle combined, a total braking force for the trailer and vehicle combined, and a vehicle braking force for the vehicle alone; determining an end-life force-to-current coefficient using a trailer profile for the trailer; obtaining weather-related parameters;and determines the condition of the trailer braking system using the trailer braking intensity index, the trailer braking force-current coefficient, the end-life force-current coefficient of the vehicle speed and the weather-related parameters.;

[0022] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the total drag force based on vehicle acceleration, vehicle speed, and axle torque.

[0023] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the total braking force based on the vehicle acceleration and a total mass of the vehicle estimated by the processor based on the vehicle acceleration and the axle torque.

[0024] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the vehicle braking force based on a vehicle braking pressure along with the vehicle acceleration, the vehicle speed, and a calculated value of a vehicle braking force coefficient.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor is further configured to enable at least providing notification of the status of the trailer braking system according to instructions provided by the processor.

[0026] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to enable notification of at least one or more causes of degradation of the trailer braking system, the causes being selected from the following: (a) an end-of-life condition; (b) an overheating condition; (c) a wet condition; and (d) an unknown condition.

[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes one or more sensors, a processor, and a display system. The one or more sensors are configured to receive sensor data related to a trailer brake system of a trailer coupled to the vehicle. The processor is connected to the one or more sensors and configured to at least enable determining a condition of the trailer brake system using the sensor data. The display system is configured to at least enable displaying a notification of the condition of the trailer brake system in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

[0028] Also in an exemplary embodiment, the notification includes one or more causes of degradation of the trailer braking system, wherein the causes are selected from the following: (a) an end-of-life condition; (b) an overheat condition; (c) a wet condition; and (d) an unknown condition.

[0029] The present specification will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system including a vehicle coupled to a trailer having a trailer braking system, the vehicle including a control system for evaluating the performance and condition of the trailer braking system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a functional block diagram of the control system of the vehicle of Fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the performance and condition of a trailer braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle, and which may be used in conjunction with the system of Fig. 1, including the vehicle, control system and trailer of Fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary step of the method of Fig. 3, namely the step of applying the logic to identify the trailer brake status according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a system 10 including a vehicle 102 and a trailer 104 coupled to the vehicle 102, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the trailer 104 includes a trailer braking system 108 with brake pads 110. In various embodiments, the trailer braking system 108 includes an electric braking system. As illustrated in certain embodiments, the system 10 may also include and / or be implemented in conjunction with a communications network 106 (e.g., one or more cellular, satellite, and / or other wireless communications systems and / or networks) and one or more third-party providers 107 (e.g., a weather service and / or other information usable by the vehicle 102 and / or the trailer 104).

[0031] As described in more detail below, in various embodiments, the vehicle 102 includes a control system 112 configured, according to an exemplary embodiment, for evaluating the performance and conditions related to the trailer braking system 108. In particular, the control system 112 uses, as described below in connection with the process 120, as described below in connection with Fig. 1 and in Fig. 3-4, measured values ​​of electrical current (or, in certain embodiments, voltage) for the trailer brake system 108 in combination with other parameters to evaluate the performance of the trailer brake system 108 as well as conditions of the trailer brake system 108 (including an end-of-life condition and further including when the brake pads 110 are wet).

[0032] In various embodiments, vehicle 102 comprises an automobile. Vehicle 102 may be any number of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may have 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. In certain embodiments, vehicle 102 may also include a motorcycle or other vehicle, such as an aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, etc., and / or one or more other types of mobile platforms (e.g., a robot and / or other mobile platform).

[0033] In various embodiments, the trailer 104 may also include any number of different types of trailers and / or other types of mobile platforms that are coupled to the vehicle 102 and move along with the vehicle 102, for example.

[0034] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle 102 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned control system 112, a drive system 118 and a vehicle braking system 119. In various embodiments,

[0035] A drive system 118 is mounted on a chassis (not shown) and drives the wheels, e.g. via axles (in Fig. 1 not shown). In various embodiments, the drive system 118 includes one or more internal combustion engines and / or motors coupled to a transmission. In various embodiments, 6.

[0036] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle also includes a braking system 119 (also referred to herein as a vehicle braking system). In exemplary embodiments, the braking system 119 controls the deceleration of the vehicle 102 using braking components controlled via driver inputs, such as a brake pedal. In various embodiments, the driver inputs are used to control both the vehicle braking system 119 and the trailer braking system 108 (in various embodiments, in accordance with instructions provided by the control system 112).

[0037] In the Fig. 1, the control system 112 is coupled to the vehicle braking system 119 and the propulsion system 118, as well as to the trailer braking system 108, and controls and monitors their operation in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the control system 112 may also be connected to one or more other systems and / or components of the vehicle 102 and / or the trailer 104. As previously mentioned, in various embodiments, the control system 112 is configured to evaluate the performance and conditions of the trailer braking system 108, as described further below in connection with the method 120.

[0038] As in Fig. 1, the control system 112 in various embodiments includes, among other components, a sensor assembly 114 and a controller 116, which are described in more detail below.

[0039] Now with reference to Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a more detailed representation of the control system 112. As in Fig. 2, the control system 112, in various embodiments, includes, in addition to the above-mentioned sensor arrangement 114 and the controller 116, a transceiver 202 and a display system 204.

[0040] In various embodiments, the transceiver 202 is configured to communicate via the communication network 106 of Fig. 1 with one or more third parties 107 of Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 202 receives weather information (e.g., regarding temperature, precipitation, etc.) from the third-party providers 107 relating to one or more geographic locations where the vehicle 102 and the trailer 104 are currently located and / or operating and / or were recently located and / or operated.

[0041] In various embodiments, the display system 204 enables the display of a notification regarding a condition of the trailer brake system 108. In certain embodiments, the display system 204 includes a display screen for visually displaying the notification. In certain embodiments, the display system 204 may also include audible, haptic, and / or other components.

[0042] As in Fig. 2, in various embodiments, the sensor assembly 114 includes some or all of the following elements: one or more current sensors 206, voltage sensors 208, speed sensors 210, acceleration sensors 212, brake pressure sensors 214, wiper sensors 216, temperature sensors 218, and rain sensors 220, as well as possibly additional sensors 222.

[0043] In various embodiments, the current sensors 206 measure an electrical current that is used as an input to the trailer braking system 108 of Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, one or more voltage sensors 208 may be used to similarly measure a voltage provided as an input to the trailer brake system 108, instead of or in addition to the current measured via the one or more current sensors 206.

[0044] In various embodiments, the speed sensors 210 measure a speed of the vehicle 102. In certain embodiments, this would also correspond to the speed of the trailer 104 when coupled to the vehicle 102.

[0045] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the speed sensors 210 include one or more wheel speed sensors; however, this may vary in other embodiments.

[0046] In various embodiments, the accelerometers 212 also measure an acceleration (or deceleration) of the vehicle 102 (which, in various embodiments, also corresponds to the acceleration of the trailer 104 when attached to the vehicle 102).

[0047] In various embodiments, the brake pressure sensors 214 measure the brake pressure of the trailer brake system 108.

[0048] In various embodiments, wiper sensors 216 also detect whether the windshield wipers of vehicle 102 are operating and / or have been activated (e.g., in certain embodiments, they include wiper activation sensors).

[0049] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the temperature sensors 218 measure the ambient temperature in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 102. Also in various embodiments, the rain sensors 220 determine information about whether it is currently raining in the vicinity of the vehicle 102. In various embodiments, the one or more other sensors 222 may include, among other possible sensors, one or more other types of weather sensors (and / or humidity sensors). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, weather information may also be obtained from one or more other sources, such as one or more third-party providers 107 from Fig. 1 (e.g. a weather service).

[0050] In various embodiments, the controller 116 receives sensor data from the sensor array 114 (and in certain embodiments, other data from the service providers 107 of Fig. 1), processes the sensor data (and, in certain embodiments, the other data), and evaluates the performance of the trailer braking system 108 and related conditions, as described further below in connection with method 120. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the controller 116 may also control the operation of various components of the vehicle 102 and / or the trailer 104, such as the propulsion system 118, the vehicle braking system 119, the trailer braking system 108, and so on.

[0051] As in Fig. 2, in various embodiments, the controller 116 includes a computer system (and is also referred to herein as computer system 116) that includes a processor 224, a memory 226, an interface 228, a storage device 230, and a computer bus 232. In various embodiments, the controller (or computer system) 116 monitors a condition of the trailer braking system 108. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the controller 116 also controls one or more aspects of the operation of the vehicle 102 and / or the trailer 104, including braking for the trailer 104.

[0052] In various embodiments, the controller 116 (and in certain embodiments, the control system 112 itself) is disposed within a body of the vehicle 102. In one embodiment, the control system 112 is mounted on a chassis (not shown). In certain embodiments, the controller 116 and / or the control system 112 and / or one or more components thereof may be located outside the body, for example, on a remote server, in the cloud, or another device where image processing is performed remotely.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the controller 116 is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. For example, the controller 116 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, for example, as part of one or more of the above-mentioned devices and systems of the vehicle 102.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system of controller 116 includes a processor 224, a memory 226, an interface 228, a storage device 230, and a bus 232. The processor 224 performs the computational and control functions of the controller 116 and may comprise any type of processor or multiple processors, individual integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any number of integrated devices and / or circuit boards that cooperate to perform the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor 224 executes one or more programs 234 contained in the memory 226 and, as such, controls the overall operation of the controller 116 and the computer system of the controller 116, generally in performing the processes described herein, such as the method 120 described below.

[0055] The memory 226 may be any suitable type of memory. For example, the memory 226 may include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as SDRAM, various types of static RAM (SRAM), and various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and Flash). In certain examples, the memory 226 is located on and / or disposed on the same computer chip as the processor 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 226 stores the aforementioned program 234 along with one or more stored values ​​236 (e.g., thresholds for the method 120 in certain embodiments).

[0056] Bus 232 is used to transfer programs, data, status, and other information or signals between the various components of the computer system of controller 116. Interface 228 enables communication with the computer system of controller 116, e.g., from a system driver and / or another computer system, and may be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. In one embodiment, interface 228 receives the various data from sensor array 114, among other possible data sources. Interface 228 may include one or more network interfaces for communicating with other systems or components. Interface 228 may also include one or more network interfaces for communicating with technicians and / or one or more storage interfaces for connecting to storage devices, such as device 230.

[0057] Storage device 230 may be any suitable type of storage device, including various types of random access memory and / or other storage devices. In one exemplary embodiment, storage device 230 includes a program product from which memory 226 may receive a program 234 that performs one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present description, such as the steps of method 120 described below. In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be stored and / or otherwise accessed directly in memory 226 and / or a disk (e.g., disk 238), as described below.

[0058] Bus 232 may be any suitable physical or logical means for connecting computer systems and components. These include, but are not limited to, direct, hard-wired connections, fiber optic, infrared, and wireless bus technologies. During operation, program 234 is stored in memory 226 and executed by processor 224.

[0059] While this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functional computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present description may be distributed as a program product including one or more types of non-transitory, computer-readable, signal-bearing media used to store the program and its instructions and to effect its distribution, such as a non-transitory, computer-readable medium carrying the program and including computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as processor 224) to perform and execute the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present description applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable, signal-bearing medium used to effect its distribution.Examples of signal-carrying media include writable media such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical disks, as well as transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. In certain embodiments, cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be used. It will also be appreciated that the computer system of the controller 116 may otherwise differ from the system illustrated in FIG. Fig. 2, for example, in that the computer system of the controller 116 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0060] With reference back to Fig. 1, in various embodiments, the system 10 is configured to implement the above-mentioned method 120 described in Fig. 1 in broad outline and in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown in more detail. As in Fig. 1, in various embodiments, the trailer brake input current (or voltage in certain embodiments) is determined in step 122. Furthermore, in various embodiments, other parameter values ​​(e.g., deceleration, speed, and brake pressure) are determined in step 124. Furthermore, in various embodiments, weather-related parameters (e.g., the activation status of the windshield wipers along with temperature, precipitation status, and / or other weather-related parameters) are determined in step 125. In various embodiments, the trailer braking force is estimated in step 126 using the parameter values ​​from step 124.In various embodiments, the resulting estimated trailer braking force 128, along with the trailer braking input current from step 122, is used in step 130 to analyze the trailer braking input / output in terms of force versus current (or, in certain embodiments, voltage), resulting in a force-to-current coefficient. In various embodiments, the weather-related parameters from step 125 are used to calculate a trailer braking intensity index in step 134, resulting in a calculated braking intensity 136. In various embodiments, the force-to-current coefficient 132 is used in step 138, along with the braking intensity 136 and the weather-related parameters from step 125, to create a warning strategy.

[0061] The Fig. 3-4 show a flow diagram of the method 120 of Fig. 1 in greater detail.

[0062] As in Fig. 3, in various embodiments, values ​​for the vehicle acceleration (a x ) and the vehicle speed (V) (step 302) as well as the axle torque (T a ) for the vehicle 102 (step 304). In various embodiments, these values ​​are measured via corresponding sensors of the sensor array 114 of Fig. 2, such as one or more acceleration sensors 212, speed sensors 210, and torque sensors 209. In various embodiments, these values ​​are used to calculate estimated mass and drag force values ​​for the combination of vehicle 102 and trailer 104 (step 306). In various embodiments, these calculations are performed via one or more processors, such as processor 224 of Fig. 2. Also in various embodiments, the calculations of step 306 result in a calculated trailer mass (mt) 308, total mass (mt + m v ) 310 and total resistance force (F RT ) 312.

[0063] In various embodiments, values ​​for the vehicle deceleration (a x ) measured (step 314) (e.g., from one or more acceleration sensors 212 in Fig. 2). In various embodiments, the vehicle deceleration (a x ) from step 314 together with the total mass (m t + m v ) 310 to create an estimate of the total braking force (step 316). In various embodiments, this is done via the processor 224 of Fig. 1 in accordance with the following equation: Fb=−(mt+mv)*ax

[0064] In various embodiments, the calculation of step 316 also results in a calculated total braking force (F b) 318. In various embodiments, this includes a combined total braking force for the vehicle 102 and the trailer 104.

[0065] In addition, in various embodiments, values ​​for the vehicle acceleration (a x ) and the vehicle speed (V) (step 320) as well as the vehicle brake pressure (P b ) (step 322) and used to calculate an estimated braking force coefficient (step 324). In various embodiments, the processor 224 performs these calculations in step 324 when the trailer 104 is not attached to the vehicle 102, resulting in the vehicle braking force coefficient (K) 326.

[0066] In various embodiments, the vehicle brake pressure (P b) is also determined in step 328 and used together with the vehicle braking coefficient (K) 326 to estimate the vehicle braking force (step 330). In various embodiments, the processor 224 performs these calculations when the trailer 104 is attached to the vehicle 102, according to the following equation: Fbv=K*Pb

[0067] In various embodiments, the calculations result in the estimated vehicle braking force (F bv ) 332, as in Fig. 3 shown.

[0068] Also in various embodiments, the total resistance force (F RT ) 312, the total braking force (F b ) 318 and the vehicle braking force (F bv ) 332 (step 334), resulting in a calculated estimated trailer braking force (F bt ) 336. In various embodiments, this is performed by processor 224.

[0069] In various embodiments, the vehicle speed (V) is determined again (step 338) and, together with the trailer mass (mt) 308 and the estimated trailer braking force (F bt ) 336 to calculate a trailer braking intensity index (step 340). In various embodiments, in step 340, the processor 224 calculates the trailer braking intensity index (Bt) 342 based on both the trailer braking energy and the trailer mass (in certain embodiments, by dividing the trailer braking energy by the trailer mass). In certain embodiments, in step 340, the trailer braking intensity index (Bt) 342 is calculated according to the following equation; BI=∫t−TtFbVdtmt

[0070] In various embodiments, the trailer braking current (i) is also measured or obtained (step 344) (e.g., from one or more current sensors 206 of Fig. 2) and together with the estimated trailer braking force (F bt ) 336 for calculating an estimated trailer braking force-current coefficient (K t ) is used (step 346). In various embodiments, in step 346, the processor 224 calculates the trailer brake force-current coefficient (Kt) 348 according to the following equation: Kt=Fbti2

[0071] Additionally, in various embodiments, a trailer profile is determined (step 350). In various embodiments, the trailer profile is retrieved from computer memory (e.g., from memory 226 as values ​​236 stored therein). In various embodiments, the resulting trailer profile 352 includes information about the trailer 104, including the trailer type, number of axles, and gross vehicle weight (GVW).

[0072] In various embodiments, the trailer profile 352 is also used to calculate an end-life force-current coefficient (step 354). In various embodiments, the processor 224 calculates this coefficient, referred to herein as the end-life force-current coefficient (K end ) 352.

[0073] In various embodiments, the vehicle speed is again determined (step 358), and various weather-related parameters are determined (step 360). In various embodiments, the weather-related parameters include, among other things, the status of wiper activation, the status of the rain sensor, the ambient temperature, and the weather status (e.g., including precipitation and / or other weather conditions). In various embodiments, the weather-related parameters are received via respective sensors of the sensor array 114 and / or from one or more service providers 107 (e.g., a weather service, as in Fig. 1 shown).

[0074] In various embodiments, the vehicle speed of step 358 is used along with the weather-related parameters of step 360, the trailer braking intensity index (Bt) 342, and the trailer braking force-current coefficient (K t) 348 in the application of the trailer brake status identification logic (step 362). In particular, in various embodiments, the trailer brake status identification logic is used to determine a status 364 of the trailer brake system 108 from Fig. 1. In various embodiments, the status includes, among other things, one of the following: (i) normal conditions; (ii) wet conditions; (iii) overheated conditions; (iv) an end-of-life situation (e.g., when the brake pads 110 have reached the end of their service life and need to be replaced); and (v) degradation of the trailer brake system 108 with an unknown cause.

[0075] In various embodiments, a notification of the trailer brake status 364 is provided (step 366). In various embodiments, the notification includes identification of the trailer brake status 364, along with any accompanying warnings and / or strategies (e.g., such as replacing the brake pads 110, etc.). In various embodiments, the notification of step 366 is provided via the display system 204 of the vehicle 102 in accordance with the instructions provided by the processor 224. In certain embodiments, the notification is provided on a visual display screen of the display system 204. In certain embodiments, the notification may also be delivered (e.g., via the transceiver 202) as a message to a smartphone or other personal electronic device of the driver or other user of the vehicle 102 and the trailer 104.In certain embodiments, one or more audible, haptic, and / or other notifications may also be provided.

[0076] With reference to Fig. 4 is a flowchart for step 362 of Fig. 3 (i.e., the application of the logic to identify the trailer braking status) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0077] In various embodiments, the trailer braking force-current coefficient K t348 is used to determine if the trailer brake force-current coefficient is less than the end-of-life force-current coefficient (Kend) 356 for at least a predetermined period of time (e.g., a predetermined number of days) (step 402). If it is determined in step 402 that this is the case (i.e., "yes"), an end-of-life warning is issued (step 404). In various embodiments, the end-of-life warning is used as part of the notification of step 366 and provides notification that the brake pads 110 of Fig. 1 may be nearing the end of their useful life (and are therefore recommended in various embodiments for inspection for possible replacement).

[0078] Conversely, in various embodiments, if the determination of step 402 is deemed false (i.e., "no"), notification is instead waited for (step 408), for example, until determinations are made. Also in various embodiments, in this scenario, a trailer braking force coefficient rate is calculated as the rate of change of the trailer braking force current coefficient (Kt) 348 over time (step 410). In various embodiments, the calculation is performed by the processor 224, and the resulting rate of change may be represented by ΔK t / Δ t be displayed.

[0079] In various embodiments, in step 412, it is determined whether the rate of change of the trailer brake force-current coefficient (Δ K t / Δ t) has significantly decreased (i.e., greater than a predetermined rate of change threshold) in less than a certain amount of time (e.g., a time threshold, e.g., in minutes or seconds). In various embodiments, if this is determined to be true (i.e., "yes") in step 412, the method continues to step 416 described below. Otherwise, in certain embodiments, the method waits (e.g., as described above for step 408).

[0080] In various embodiments, during step 416, it is determined whether the trailer braking intensity index (B1) 342 is greater than a predetermined threshold (step 416). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the processor 224 determines whether the trailer braking intensity index (B1) 342 is greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., as stored in memory 226 as a stored value 236 thereof). If determined to be so in step 416 (i.e., "yes"), an overheat warning is issued (step 417). In various embodiments, the overheat warning is used as part of the notification of step 366 and provides notification that the trailer braking system 108 may be overheating (and therefore, a corresponding warning and recommendation is provided to allow the trailer braking system 108 to cool down).

[0081] Conversely, in various embodiments, if the determination of step 416 is deemed false (ie, "no"), the method continues with step 420. In various embodiments, in step 420, the weather-related parameters 360 (ie, from Fig. 3) is used to determine whether precipitation is occurring (e.g., rain, sleet, snow, or the like). In various embodiments, this determination is made by processor 224.

[0082] In various embodiments, a wet trailer brake warning is issued (step 422) if the precipitation determination in step 420 is true (i.e., "yes"). In various embodiments, the wet trailer brake warning is used as part of the notification of step 366 and provides notification that the trailer brake system 108 (and / or its brake pads 110) may be wet (and therefore, a corresponding warning and recommendation is provided).

[0083] Conversely, in various embodiments, if the precipitation determination in step 420 is false (i.e., "yes"), a trailer brake degradation warning of unknown cause is issued (step 424). In various embodiments, this warning is used as part of the notification of step 366 and provides notification that the trailer brake system 108 is degraded and / or malfunctioning and that the cause of the degradation is unknown (and therefore, an appropriate warning and recommendation is provided, e.g., to inspect the trailer brake system 108).

[0084] Accordingly, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for evaluating a braking system of a trailer coupled to a vehicle in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, the methods and systems use measured values ​​of electrical current (or, in certain embodiments, voltage) for the trailer braking system 108 in combination with other parameters (e.g., trailer braking force and weather-related parameters) to evaluate the performance of the trailer braking system 108 as well as the condition of the trailer braking system 108 (including an end-of-life condition and further when the brake pads 110 are wet).

[0085] It will be appreciated that systems, vehicles, and methods may vary from those illustrated in the figures and described herein. For example, system 10 may be Fig. 1, including the vehicle 102, the trailer 104 and the control system 112 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and / or components thereof, in different embodiments. It will also be appreciated that the steps of method 120 may differ from those described in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and / or that different steps of the method 120 may be performed simultaneously and / or in a different order than in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 can take place.

Claims

[1] Method (120) comprising: Obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors (206-222) relating to a trailer braking system (108) of a trailer (104) coupled to a vehicle (102); and determining a state of the trailer braking system (108) via a processor (224) using the sensor data by: Determining (340) a trailer braking intensity index (342) using a vehicle speed, a trailer mass (308) and an estimated trailer braking force (336); Determining (346) a trailer braking force-current coefficient (348) based on a trailer braking current and an aggregation of a total drag force (312), a total braking force (318), and a vehicle braking force (332); Determining (354) an end-life force-current coefficient (356) using a trailer profile (352); Obtaining (360) weather-related parameters; and Determining (362) the condition of the trailer braking system (108) using the trailer braking intensity index (342), the trailer braking force-current coefficient (348), the end-life force-current coefficient (356), the vehicle speed and the weather-related parameters, wherein the total resistance force (312) is determined (306) based on a vehicle acceleration, the vehicle speed and an axle torque. [2] The method (120) of claim 1, wherein: the step of obtaining the sensor data comprises obtaining sensor data comprising an electrical current, a voltage, or both of the trailer braking system (108); and the condition of the trailer braking system (108) is determined based on the electrical current, the voltage or both. [3] The method (120) of claim 1, wherein: the step of obtaining the sensor data comprises determining an electrical current of the trailer braking system (108) together with a trailer braking force; and the condition of the trailer braking system (108) is determined based on the electrical current and the trailer braking force. [4] The method (120) of claim 1, wherein the total braking force (318) is determined based on the vehicle acceleration and a total mass estimated (316) based on the vehicle acceleration and the axle torque. [5] The method (120) of claim 4, wherein the vehicle braking force (332) is determined (330) based on a vehicle braking pressure along with the vehicle acceleration, the vehicle speed, and a calculated value for a vehicle braking force coefficient (326). [6] The method (120) of claim 1, further comprising: Providing (366) a notification of the status of the trailer braking system (108) according to instructions provided by the processor (224). [7] The method (120) of claim 6, wherein the notification is provided with one or more causes of degradation of the trailer braking system (108), and wherein the causes are selected from the following: (a) an end-of-life condition; (b) an overheat condition; (c) a wet condition; and (d) an unknown condition. [8] System (10) comprising: one or more sensors (206-222) configured to receive sensor data about a trailer braking system (108) of a trailer (104) coupled to a vehicle (102); and a processor (224) coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to enable at least determining a condition of the trailer braking system (108) using the sensor data by: Determining (340) a trailer braking intensity index (342) using a vehicle speed, a trailer mass (308) and an estimated trailer braking force (336); Determining (346) a trailer braking force-current coefficient (348) based on a trailer braking current and an aggregation of a total drag force (312), a total braking force (318), and a vehicle braking force (332); Determining (354) an end-life force-current coefficient (356) using a trailer profile (352); Obtaining (360) weather-related parameters; and Determining (362) the condition of the trailer braking system (108) using the trailer braking intensity index (342), the trailer braking force-current coefficient (348), the end-life force-current coefficient (356), the vehicle speed and the weather-related parameters, wherein the total resistance force (312) is determined (306) based on a vehicle acceleration, the vehicle speed and an axle torque.

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