Articulation Angle Determination Using Wheel Speed Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the articulation angle in tractor-trailer combinations, especially when not equipped with specialized sensors, are limited and require additional sensor systems, leading to a need for a simple and cost-effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing wheel speed sensors, such as those from anti-lock braking systems or electronic stability assistants, to measure the speed differences between wheels on the inside and outside of a curve, allowing for the calculation of the articulation angle without the need for additional sensors or data exchange between the towing vehicle and semi-trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized articulation angle sensors are installed between the towing vehicle and semi-trailer, then measurement precision of the articulation angle is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using wheel speed sensors that serve multiple functions: they are part of the existing ABS system for braking control and simultaneously provide data for articulation angle determination. This eliminates the need for specialized articulation angle sensors while maintaining measurement capability through multi-functional use of existing sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the existing ABS wheel speed sensors and electronic stability assistant components to determine the articulation angle without requiring additional dedicated sensors. The existing sensor infrastructure serves itself by providing dual functionality for both braking control and articulation angle measurement.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensor systems are added to determine articulation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and retrofitting capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing wheel speed sensors from ABS and electronic stability assistant systems to determine articulation angle, making the solution universally applicable to vehicles already equipped with these standard safety systems. This universal approach enables easy retrofitting without manufacturer-specific adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies data from existing wheel speed sensors that are already present in the vehicle's ABS system. By utilizing the data output from these existing sensors rather than installing new physical sensors, the solution achieves measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture and retrofitting capability.
3Measurement precision
If data exchange between towing vehicle and semi-trailer is implemented, then articulation angle determination is improved, but device complexity and compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the articulation angle determination function from the complex data exchange system between towing vehicle and semi-trailer. By using only the wheel speed sensors on the semi-trailer side and performing calculations locally, the solution eliminates the need for complex inter-vehicle data exchange while maintaining determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit on the semi-trailer acts as an intermediary that processes wheel speed data locally to determine articulation angle. This intermediary approach avoids the need for direct data exchange between towing vehicle and semi-trailer systems, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing compatibility requirements.
4Reliability
If specialized articulation angle sensors are used, then reliability of articulation angle monitoring is improved, but loss of information and data exchange requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for articulation angle determination directly from the wheel speed sensor data of the semi-trailer. By taking out only the necessary wheel speed information and processing it locally, the system maintains monitoring reliability while minimizing information loss and eliminating complex data exchange requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has wheel speed sensors (RS1,RS2) for measuring the speed of left semi-trailer wheel (AL) and a right semi-trailer wheel (AR) respectively, which are arranged on the axle (AA) of semi-trailer (SA). A control unit (SE) is provided for computing the bending angle (KW) between semi-trailer and towing vehicle (ZF), based on the measured speed of left and right wheels of semi-trailer. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for determining bending angle of tractor-trailer; (2) tilting trailer; and (3) machine-readable medium storing computer program for determining bending angle of tractor-trailer.