Brake System with Feedback Sensor for Trailer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for towed vehicles lack stability and precision, often resulting in undesirable brake activations and overheating, especially when driving downhill, due to inadequate control over braking forces and reliance on outdated overrun brake systems.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with a processor-controlled braking force control unit that utilizes a continuous feedback loop from a braking force sensor to precisely regulate braking forces, employing an electro-mechanical actuator with low internal losses and high precision, allowing for real-time adjustment and stabilization of braking forces, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional overrun brake systems are used in towed vehicles, then the system structure is simple, but the braking force control precision and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a braking force sensor continuously measures the actual braking force generated by the wheel brakes and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured braking force with the desired braking force and adjusts the actuator accordingly to eliminate any deviation, thereby achieving precise braking force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical overrun brake system with an electro-mechanical system that uses an electric actuator (such as a linear actuator or motor) to control the braking force. This substitution enables precise electronic control of the braking mechanism while maintaining mechanical connection to the wheel brakes.
2Reliability
If brake systems without continuous feedback are used, then the device complexity is low, but the control stability and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback signals from the braking force sensor and adjusts the actuator output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the actual braking force consistently matches the desired braking force, significantly improving control stability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts its own braking force output through the feedback loop without requiring external intervention. The control unit processes the sensor information and self-regulates the actuator to maintain optimal braking performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If electro-mechanical actuators with high precision are used, then the braking force regulation precision is improved, but the cost price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electro-mechanical actuators (such as linear actuators or electric motors) that provide high-precision control through electronic means. These actuators can be controlled with high accuracy through PWM (pulse-width modulation) or other electronic control methods, achieving precise braking force regulation while potentially offering better cost-effectiveness compared to high-precision mechanical actuators.
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 enhances stability and reliability by preventing excessive braking force variations, reducing vibrations, and improving safety, while being cost-effective and capable of replacing outdated overrun brakes, thus eliminating issues like unwanted brake activations and overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a movement, motion or acceleration sensor, hereinafter called G-sensor 6, which delivers a signal representative of the extent of acceleration or deceleration of the trailer 2
Implementation Method 2
one (in the figure) braking force sensor 8 interposed between the actuator 7 and the wheel brakes 4, which is also connected to the braking force control unit 3, which sensor is capable of measuring the braking force currently being generated by the wheel brakes 4
Implementation Method 3
the actuator is an electro-magnetic, electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic actuator, in particular an actuator which effects a rectilinear movement
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a brake system (1) for a trailer (2), comprising a braking force control unit (3) having an input (5) for a brake signal from a towing vehicle, a motion sensor (6) provided on the towed vehicle (2), which is provided with wheel brakes (4), which motion sensor (6) is connected to the control unit (3), and an actuator (7) connected to the control unit (3) and the wheel brakes (4). The brake system (1) further comprises at least one braking force sensor (8) interposed between the actuator (7) and the wheel brakes (4) and connected to the braking force control unit (3) for supplying the control unit (3) with information (E) concerning the braking force currently being generated by the wheel brakes (4). Control based on currently measured braking force leads to a higher degree of reliability and stability thereof.