Brake Controller Automatic Calibration via Accelerometer and RF Override

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current brake controllers for towed vehicles require lengthy calibration processes and manual adjustments, limiting convenience and efficiency, especially when diagnosing and adjusting braking systems for optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

An electronic control system with a keyfob device and RF transmitter, incorporating an intelligent control unit connected to an accelerometer, GPS receiver, and visual indicator, allowing for automatic calibration and operator override of braking parameters, enabling wireless communication for brake force control and automatic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional brake controllers with microprocessors and accelerators are used, then braking control capability is improved, but calibration process becomes lengthy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking control capabilityVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brake controller performs automatic calibration without requiring external manual adjustment. The system self-calibrates by monitoring accelerometer data during normal operation and automatically adjusting braking parameters, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust dials or controls during calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with electronic automatic calibration. Instead of physically adjusting mechanical dials and controls, the system uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and software algorithms to automatically calibrate braking parameters based on real-time data from accelerometers and other sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment dials and controls are included, then operator control is enabled, but operation convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control capabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes manual adjustment dials and controls from the brake controller interface. By extracting these mechanical adjustment elements, the system eliminates the need for operators to physically manipulate controls during calibration and operation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability through electronic parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts braking parameters without requiring operator intervention. The intelligent control system monitors vehicle dynamics, load conditions, and braking performance, then self-adjusts calibration parameters and braking force distribution, eliminating the need for manual dial adjustments while maintaining operational adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If diagnostic features are integrated, then system monitoring is improved, but calibration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcalibration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines diagnostic monitoring functions with the automatic calibration process into a unified system. The same sensors, microprocessor, and control algorithms that perform calibration also continuously monitor system health, detect faults, and adjust parameters in real-time. This integration eliminates the need for separate diagnostic hardware and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The brake controller performs both calibration and diagnostics automatically without external intervention. The system continuously monitors its own operational parameters, compares them against expected ranges, and self-corrects calibration drift or detects faults, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simple operation through automated self-diagnosis and self-adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system facilitates automatic calibration and operator override, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of brake control, ensuring optimal braking performance and compliance with jurisdictional regulations, while allowing for remote tracking and stolen vehicle recovery.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer electrically connected to the intelligent control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a keyfob device having an RF transmitter and a braking control system associated with a towed apparatus, the braking control system including an intelligent control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF transmission:

Implementation Method 3

a visual indicator operatively connected to the intelligent control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisual indication:

Data Source

PatentUS9604613B2Brake controller

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 THE KYLE GRP LLC

AI summary

A braking control system associated with a towed apparatus is provided. The braking control system includes an intelligent control, an accelerometer electrically coupled to the intelligent control, a global positioning receiver electrically coupled to the intelligent control, and a visual indicator operatively coupled to the intelligent control. The braking control system may also include a wireless RF receiver operatively coupled to the intelligent control.