Camera Mirror Sway Detection for Multi-Trailer Brake Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting trailer sway and managing braking distribution in heavy-duty vehicles are inadequate, particularly when trailers are unevenly loaded, leading to potential instability and inefficient braking.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based system monitors trailer sway and estimates relative trailer weights to apply customized braking forces to individual trailers, using a vehicle controller to send electronic signals to the braking system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mirror systems are used for driver visibility, then the driver can see the side of the vehicle, but the system cannot detect trailer sway or provide automated braking control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mirror systems with camera-based optical systems that capture images of trailers. These images are then processed by controllers to detect sway movements, substituting mechanical observation with electronic detection and analysis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces camera systems as intermediary devices between the driver and the trailers. These cameras capture visual information that is then processed by control systems to detect sway and trigger braking actions, serving as a mediator that enables automated detection without requiring direct mechanical contact or driver observation.
2Productivity
If uniform braking force is applied to all trailers, then the braking system is simple to control, but trailers with varying loads experience inefficient braking and potential instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different braking forces to different trailers based on their individual characteristics and detected sway. Instead of uniform braking, each trailer receives customized braking control tailored to its specific load conditions and sway behavior, optimizing braking efficiency for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic braking control where the braking force applied to each trailer varies in real-time based on detected sway conditions and estimated weight. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt braking forces to changing operational conditions rather than using fixed uniform braking.
3Reliability
If camera systems are added to detect trailer sway, then sway detection capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system perform multiple functions: it serves as both a driver visibility aid (replacing mirrors) and a trailer sway detection device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sway detection cameras, as the existing mirror-replacement cameras are utilized for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the camera system to automatically detect sway and trigger braking actions without requiring additional dedicated sensors or complex external detection equipment. The system uses its own captured images to identify sway patterns and initiate appropriate braking responses.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are presented for trailer sway detection and braking distribution using a camera mirror system. In one embodiment, a vehicle controller is provided comprising: one or more processors; a non-transitory computer-readable medium; and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: monitor images captured by at least one image capture device to detect sway of a plurality of trailers being towed by a tractor; estimate a relative weight of each of the plurality of trailers based on the detected sway; determine braking force to apply to each of the plurality of trailers based on the estimated relative weight of each of the plurality of trailers; and send an electronic signal to a braking system of each of the plurality of trailers to apply the determined braking force to each of the plurality of trailers.