Autonomous Trailer Control for Uncoupled Depot Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer systems lack the capability for remote control and autonomous operation, requiring constant human supervision and manual control for movement and maneuvering, especially in depot environments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic control device with a software program that enables remote or autonomous operation by connecting an electric drive and steering device to a communication system and sensor-based environment monitoring system, allowing for controlled movement and navigation through communication and sensor data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trailer is equipped with a battery-electric drive and steering device for independent movement, then the trailer can be moved uncoupled from a tractor, but the system requires constant human supervision and manual control without remote or automated operation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is equipped with an electronic control device that enables it to move and maneuver independently without constant human supervision. The system can autonomously control the electric drive and steering device, allowing the trailer to service itself by navigating to designated locations such as charging stations, maintenance areas, or storage positions within a depot environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication system serves as an intermediary between the operator and the trailer's control systems. This intermediary enables remote control capabilities where commands can be transmitted wirelessly to the electronic control device, which then executes the desired maneuvers through the electric drive and steering device, bridging the gap between human intent and autonomous execution.
2Reliability
If manual control elements are located directly on the trailer for driver monitoring and control, then the driver can continuously monitor and control longitudinal and lateral guidance, but partially or fully automated maneuvering is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical control system with physical control elements on the trailer is supplemented or replaced by an electronic control system with communication interfaces. The electronic control device receives commands via communication systems and automatically translates them into drive and steering commands, replacing the need for direct mechanical interaction while maintaining reliable control through electronic monitoring and feedback systems.
3Ease of operation
If support wheels are added to semi-trailers for ground movement, then the trailer can be moved balanced on the ground, but the device complexity increases with additional support legs and folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs with support wheels are designed to serve multiple functions: they enable the trailer to move independently on the ground, provide stability during autonomous operation, and can be folded away when not needed. The same support structure that aids in ground movement also serves as a platform for mounting sensors, communication antennas, and other automated operation components, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated system.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a trailer (2) with a chassis (4), an electric battery (8), an electric drive (10) for driving at least one wheel (18), at least one optionally usable support wheel (14), and a steering device (16) with which at least one of the wheels (18) and/or the at least one support wheel (14) is movable to perform a steering movement of the trailer (2).In order to be able to move such a trailer (2) even without a tractor unit, it is proposed to use a control device (20) which receives communication data (40) from the communication system (32) via an interface (26) to a communication system (32) and sensor data (42) from a sensor-based environmental monitoring system (34) via another interface (28) and generates control signals (38) to the electric drive (10) and/or the steering device (16) depending on data from the communication system (32) and the environmental monitoring system (34).