Autonomous Electric Trailer Virtual Tow-Link for EV Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle trailers are misaligned with the evolution of towing vehicles, particularly those powered by electric motors, leading to concerns about driving range and towing capability, especially for vehicles with lesser towing capacity.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous electric-powered trailer system that can operate in both physical and virtual tethering modes, using real-time sensing data to emulate the trajectory of a towing entity, maintain a predetermined trailing distance, and adapt to changes in the towing entity's dynamics, with a fail-safe mechanism for autonomous driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a passive trailer is used with electric-powered towing vehicles, then the towing vehicle can operate, but the driving range is reduced due to energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional towing relationship by making the trailer autonomous and capable of propelling itself, thereby eliminating the energy burden on the towing vehicle. The AEP trailer uses its own electric powertrain to move independently or in coordination with the towing vehicle, transforming from a passive load to an active participant in the towing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical passive towing system with an electronically controlled autonomous system. The AEP trailer uses electric motors, sensors, and control algorithms to replicate towing dynamics without mechanical connection, substituting electronic control for traditional mechanical coupling and eliminating the energy drag of passive towing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a passive trailer is used, then the towing vehicle can transport loads, but lesser towing-capable vehicles cannot effectively tow challenging loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the towing system. The AEP trailer can adjust its propulsion output, braking force, and trajectory in real-time based on road conditions, load requirements, and towing vehicle capabilities. This dynamic control allows lesser-capability vehicles to effectively tow challenging loads by having the trailer actively compensate for insufficient towing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors on the AEP trailer that continuously monitor position, speed, and trajectory relative to the towing vehicle. This feedback enables the trailer's control system to adjust its propulsion and positioning in real-time, allowing vehicles with limited towing capacity to handle heavy or difficult loads through active trailer assistance.
3Extent of automation
If a virtual tow-link system is implemented, then the AEP trailer can follow the towing entity, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual tow-link as an intermediary between the towing vehicle and AEP trailer. This software-based connection uses communication protocols and control algorithms to transmit trajectory information and coordination commands, replacing complex mechanical linkages with simpler electronic communication while achieving the same functional outcome of coordinated movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for orchestrating movement between an autonomous electric-powered (AEP) trailer and a towing entity includes detecting a presence of a towing entity, generating a movement synchronization pairing proposal between an autonomous electric-powered (AEP) trailer and the towing entity based on detecting the presence of the towing entity; and orchestrating a virtual tow-link between the AEP trailer and the towing entity based on obtaining user input accepting the movement synchronization pairing proposal.