Active Converter Dolly Torque Control for Forward Jackknifing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current converter dollies are passive and limited in their ability to prevent jackknifing in tractor-trailer configurations, particularly when additional trailers are added, as they lack active control systems to manage kinetic energy and traction effectively.
Innovation Solution
An active converter dolly apparatus with an electrical kinetic energy recovery device, motor control, and a forward jack-knifing detection system that includes sensors to detect risk conditions, allowing for selective activation and deactivation of drive modes and regenerative braking to prevent jackknifing by adjusting motive rotational force and applying brakes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive converter dolly is used to support the front end of the pup trailer, then the basic coupling function is achieved, but the ability to prevent jackknifing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The converter dolly is transformed from a passive static structure to an active dynamic system by incorporating motor-generators that can actively adjust wheel torque and speed. The control system continuously monitors wheel speeds, trailer positions, and road conditions to dynamically adjust the drive modes of individual wheels, enabling real-time prevention of jackknifing conditions while maintaining system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system is implemented that continuously monitors wheel speeds via sensors, detects jackknifing risk conditions, and automatically adjusts the motor-generator output accordingly. The system uses feedback from wheel speed differential detection to activate or deactivate drive modes, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that enhances reliability without requiring excessive system complexity.
2Productivity
If larger trucks and trailers are used to achieve larger loads, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the risk of jackknifing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter dolly system performs self-service by autonomously detecting jackknifing risk conditions and automatically adjusting its drive modes without external intervention. The control system monitors wheel speed differentials and trailer position, then independently activates regenerative braking or adjusts motor torque to prevent jackknifing, allowing larger truck-trailer configurations to operate safely with improved productivity.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is implemented to recover energy, then fuel economy is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generators used for active jackknifing prevention are merged with the regenerative braking system, allowing the same components to serve dual functions. During normal braking, the motor-generators operate in generator mode to recover kinetic energy, while during jackknifing prevention, they provide controlled torque adjustment. This merging eliminates the need for separate systems, reducing overall complexity while achieving both fuel economy improvement and enhanced safety.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of jackknifing by actively managing traction and kinetic energy, improving the stability and safety of tractor-trailer configurations with multiple trailers, while also enhancing fuel efficiency through regenerative braking and energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a kinetic energy recovery device adapted to recover energy from regenerative braking of at least one wheel of the at least one pair of wheels
Implementation Method 2
the kinetic energy recovery device converts kinetic energy generated by rotation of the at least one wheel to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
at least one motor operably coupled to the at least one wheel of the at least one pair of wheels, wherein the at least one motor is operable in a drive mode for applying motive rotational force to the at least one wheel
Implementation Method 4
the at least one motor comprises at least one motor-generator; the at least one motor-generator is operable in a generator mode for converting the kinetic energy to the electrical energy, the generator mode effecting deceleration of the at least one wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and computer readable medium for a self-powered towed vehicle in a road train or tractor-trailer vehicle configuration to detect and respond to forward jack-knifing risk conditions. The apparatus may detect jack-knifing risk conditions based on sensors and information including sensors to detect an angle of misalignment between the towed vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of it in the road train. The apparatus may respond to the presence of a jack-knifing risk condition by reducing or eliminating the motive rotational force applied to the wheels of the towed vehicle.