Agricultural Train Braking Control for Jackknife Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural trains face critical driving situations due to delays in trailer braking systems, leading to potential jackknifing, which is exacerbated by the complexity of adjusting brake systems to match varying trailer and towing vehicle parameters, requiring extensive mechanical adjustments and operator familiarity with documentation.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural train equipped with a control device that automatically adjusts brake systems based on operating and status parameters, such as brake wear and trailer weight, ensuring the trailer brakes respond sooner and stronger than the towing vehicle brakes, thereby preventing jackknifing and eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of brake systems is performed to optimize braking behavior, then braking performance can be improved, but the complexity of adjustment and operator training requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines optimal control deviations for the trailer brake valve based on stored operating parameters (trailer weight, brake wear, braking system type) without requiring manual operator adjustment. The system self-configures by retrieving relevant parameters and calculating appropriate brake control settings, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex mechanical adjustments or study documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters (control deviation values for the trailer brake valve) based on varying operating conditions such as trailer weight, brake wear level, and braking system type. By changing these parameters automatically according to detected conditions, the system optimizes braking performance for different scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical modifications are made to adjust brake systems for different trailers, then braking compatibility improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required tools and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with an electronic control system. Instead of requiring operators to physically modify mechanical brake components using tools, the system uses electronic control devices that automatically adjust brake control parameters based on detected trailer characteristics, eliminating the need for mechanical modifications and operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it identifies trailer type, determines operating parameters, calculates optimal control deviations, and adjusts brake control for different braking system types (pneumatic, hydraulic, electric). This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle diverse trailer configurations without requiring separate adjustment procedures for each case.
3Reliability
If control deviation is increased to activate trailer brakes earlier, then jackknifing prevention improves, but the risk of insufficient adjustment and critical driving situations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors braking situations and adjusts control deviation dynamically based on detected conditions such as trailer weight, brake wear, and actual braking performance. This feedback mechanism ensures that the control deviation is always appropriate for current conditions, preventing both insufficient adjustment (which could cause jackknifing) and excessive adjustment (which could cause other problems).
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines optimal control deviations based on stored operating parameters before braking situations occur. By calculating and storing appropriate control settings in advance for different trailer configurations and conditions, the system is ready to apply the correct control deviation immediately when braking is needed, eliminating the risk of insufficient adjustment during critical moments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural train (1) comprising a towing vehicle (2), in particular a tractor, and at least one trailer (3) that can be coupled to or is coupled to the towing vehicle (2), wherein the at least one trailer (3) has a trailer braking system (4), wherein the towing vehicle (2), which has a drive system, has a towing vehicle braking system (5), and wherein the agricultural train (1) has a control device (6) for controlling and/or regulating at least one of the braking systems (4, 5). It is proposed that the control device (6) be configured to automatically adjust at least one of the braking systems (4, 5) of the agricultural train (1) depending on at least one state parameter and/or operating parameter of the agricultural train (1).