Brake Actuator Interface for Synchronized Trailer Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supplemental braking systems for towed vehicles are costly and time-consuming to install, requiring additional equipment and not providing seamless control with the towing vehicle's braking system.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system and method within the towing vehicle to control and communicate with the towed vehicle, using a brake actuator ECU to receive deceleration data, generate a brake signal, and apply hydraulic pressure to the towed vehicle's brakes, ensuring synchronized braking based on the towing vehicle's deceleration and controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supplemental braking system is purchased and installed on the towed vehicle, then the towed vehicle can brake independently, but the system becomes costly and time-consuming to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the braking control functions into the towing vehicle's existing brake actuator system. The brake actuator ECU in the towing vehicle directly controls the electric motor of the brake actuator on the towed vehicle, eliminating the need for separate supplemental braking systems. This integration reduces device complexity and installation requirements while maintaining reliable braking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing vehicle's brake actuator ECU is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling the towing vehicle's own brakes and simultaneously controlling the towed vehicle's brakes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated supplemental braking equipment on the towed vehicle, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable braking control for both vehicles.
2Reliability
If additional supplemental braking systems are installed on the towed vehicle, then braking control is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking control functions into the towing vehicle's existing brake actuator system. The brake actuator ECU in the towing vehicle directly controls the electric motor of the brake actuator on the towed vehicle, eliminating the need for separate supplemental braking systems. This integration reduces device complexity and installation requirements while maintaining reliable braking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing vehicle's existing brake actuator system serves dual purposes: controlling its own brakes and controlling the towed vehicle's brakes. The brake actuator ECU automatically manages both braking systems without requiring additional installation on the towed vehicle, saving installation time and resources while ensuring reliable braking control.
3Ease of operation
If the towing vehicle directly integrates brake actuator interface, then control synchronization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The towing vehicle's brake actuator ECU is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling the towing vehicle's own brakes and simultaneously controlling the towed vehicle's brakes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated supplemental braking equipment on the towed vehicle, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable braking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the brake actuator ECU to coordinate braking between the towing and towed vehicles. The ECU receives braking signals and automatically adjusts the brake application on both vehicles to maintain synchronization, improving ease of operation while managing system integration complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
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
Enables safe and controlled braking of the towed vehicle without the need for additional equipment, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution by directly integrating the brake actuator interface into the towing vehicle, allowing it to manage the towed vehicle's brakes as if they were braking independently.
Implementation Method 1
sending the brake signal from the brake actuator ECU to an electric motor of a brake actuator of the towed vehicle, and applying, by the brake actuator, a hydraulic pressure to brakes of the towed vehicle based on the brake signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the braking of a towed vehicle by a towing vehicle. The method includes receiving, at or by a brake actuator ECU, deceleration data of the towing vehicle and sensing, using a sensor, a longitudinal deceleration of the towed vehicle. The method also includes generating, at or by the brake actuator ECU, a brake signal based on the deceleration data and the longitudinal deceleration, sending the brake signal from the brake actuator ECU to an electric motor of a brake actuator of the towed vehicle, and applying, by the brake actuator, a hydraulic pressure to brakes of the towed vehicle based on the brake signal.