Braking Controller Trailer Capability Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current towing vehicle safety systems face challenges in managing inter-vehicle gap distances during platooning due to indeterminate braking capabilities of towed vehicles, leading to potential collisions, as they default to a non-enhanced braking mode which may not fully utilize the towed vehicles' braking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A braking controller and method that determines the braking mode of towed vehicles based on verified capabilities, allowing for either non-enhanced or enhanced braking modes by comparing configuration data from the towing vehicle and towed vehicles, enabling the application of a second level of braking force when capabilities are confirmed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the towing vehicle defaults to non-enhanced braking mode due to indeterminate towed vehicle capabilities, then safety is maintained through conservative braking force application, but braking efficiency is reduced and inter-vehicle gap distances cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the braking force parameter applied to towed vehicles based on verified capability data. When capabilities are confirmed, the system transitions from conservative non-enhanced braking mode to aggressive enhanced braking mode, adjusting the braking force parameter to maximize efficiency while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring towed vehicle performance data and using this information to determine appropriate braking modes. The feedback loop allows the towing vehicle to adapt braking strategies based on actual towed vehicle capabilities rather than defaulting to conservative estimates
2Productivity
If enhanced braking mode is applied to towed vehicles without verified capabilities, then braking efficiency and stopping distance are improved, but collision risk increases due to potential over-braking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of towed vehicle braking capabilities before applying enhanced braking mode. By checking configuration data and performance parameters in advance, the system ensures that aggressive braking strategies are only applied when the towed vehicle can safely handle the increased braking force
Solution Approach 2:
The towed vehicles provide self-verification of their own braking capabilities through reported configuration data. This self-service approach allows the towing vehicle to trust the reported capabilities and apply appropriate braking modes without external intervention or conservative defaults
3Reliability
If the towing vehicle maintains larger inter-vehicle gap distances to account for indeterminate braking capabilities, then collision risk is reduced, but the aerodynamic benefits of tight platooning spacing are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts inter-vehicle gap distances based on verified towed vehicle capabilities. When capabilities are confirmed, the platoon can maintain tight spacing for aerodynamic efficiency; when unverified, larger gaps are automatically implemented, creating a dynamic spacing strategy that adapts to capability uncertainty
Data Source
AI summary
A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information.