BEV Trailer Brake Control Using Regenerative Braking Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles do not optimally control the braking of trailers, particularly in battery electric vehicle applications, where regenerative braking capabilities are not effectively integrated to manage trailer braking forces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors to obtain data on both friction and regenerative braking forces, calculating a dynamic regenerative scaling factor based on additional sensor data such as RESS charging capability, vehicle speed, and trailer mass, to control trailer braking forces, ensuring sensitivity to regenerative braking forces and maintaining vehicle stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If regenerative braking force is applied to the vehicle, then kinetic energy recoupment is improved, but trailer braking control becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that includes a sensor to detect regenerative braking force and a controller that processes this information. The controller acts as a mediator between the regenerative braking system and the trailer braking system, adjusting trailer brake application based on the detected regenerative force to maintain stable trailer control while preserving energy recoupment benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors the regenerative braking force applied to the vehicle, and this information is fed back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the trailer braking force accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains stability while enabling kinetic energy recoupment
2Reliability
If trailer braking force is increased to match vehicle braking, then braking effectiveness is improved, but energy recoupment efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic approach where the trailer braking force is not fixed but continuously adjusted based on the detected regenerative braking force. The controller dynamically modulates the trailer brake application to provide sufficient braking effectiveness while minimizing interference with the vehicle's regenerative braking and maximizing energy recoupment
3Device complexity
If friction braking force is applied to the vehicle, then braking control is simplified, but kinetic energy recoupment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking control into two distinct components: vehicle braking control and trailer braking control. The trailer braking control is specifically designed to respond to regenerative braking forces, allowing the vehicle to use simple friction braking while the trailer braking system compensates and enables energy recoupment without adding complexity to the overall system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach optimizes trailer braking by differentiating between regenerative and friction braking forces, enhancing kinetic energy recoupment and stability, while allowing for user preferences, thereby improving vehicle stability and driving range.
Implementation Method 1
Certain of these vehicles also include regenerative braking capabilities, such as in the case of battery electric vehicle (BEV) applications
Data Source
AI summary
In exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided that include: sensors configured to obtain sensor data for a vehicle having both friction braking and regenerative braking capabilities and coupled to a trailer, the sensor data including: friction braking data as to a vehicle friction braking force for the vehicle; and regenerative braking sensor data as to a vehicle regenerative braking force for the vehicle; and a processor coupled to the sensors and configured to at least facilitate controlling braking of the trailer by providing trailer braking force, via instructions provided by the processor, based on both the friction braking data and the regenerative braking sensor data, with a sensitivity toward the vehicle regenerative braking force such that the trailer braking force is affected differently by the vehicle regenerative braking force versus the vehicle friction braking force.