Brake-Steer System for Trailer Turning Radius Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic control systems for large vehicles with trailers face challenges in reducing turning radius and trailerability without the added complexity, cost, and weight of four-wheel steering systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a brake-steer system that determines the presence of a trailer and selectively applies brake-steer to both the vehicle and trailer, using sensors and controllers to enhance control and reduce jackknifing, thereby improving turning radius and trailerability at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a four-wheel steering system is used to reduce turning radius and improve trailerability, then the vehicle's maneuverability is improved, but the cost, complexity, weight, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from the traditional four-wheel steering system and implements it through the brake-steer system instead. By using the existing brake system to create differential braking forces, the patent achieves steering effects without requiring additional steering actuators, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining maneuverability improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steering system with a brake-based system. Instead of using mechanical actuators to physically turn the wheels, the system uses differential braking forces to achieve the same steering effect. This substitution eliminates the need for complex steering hardware while achieving the desired turning radius reduction.
2Reliability
If a four-wheel steering system is installed to improve vehicle and trailer control, then the trailerability is enhanced, but the vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing brake system, which is already part of the vehicle's standard equipment, to perform the additional function of trailer control. By making the brake system perform dual functions (stopping and steering), the patent avoids adding extra weight while still achieving improved trailerability and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional stopping/braking and the additional function of steering/trailer control. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to achieve four-wheel steering effects without the weight penalty of dedicated steering actuators, as the same brake components are used for both purposes.
3Reliability
If individual wheel braking is applied to stabilize the vehicle, then the dynamic control is improved, but the system complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies braking force to only the necessary wheels rather than all four wheels simultaneously. By selectively applying brake-steer to specific wheels based on the trailer's presence and the desired steering effect, the system achieves stabilization with reduced response time and minimal system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle and trailer includes determining the presence of a trailer and applying brake-steer to the vehicle in response to the trailer to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle and the trailer.