Trailer Coupling Force Sensing for Off-Road Traction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for traction control of vehicles and vehicle combinations do not accurately determine the surface being driven on, leading to imprecise adaptation of traction, which results in increased fuel consumption and the risk of getting stuck, especially in off-road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a sensor device on the coupling element of a trailer hitch to measure coupling forces in all vehicle directions, determines the dynamics of these forces to characterize the surface, and adjusts traction measures based on a comparison with a limit value to adapt to the surface properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for traction control are used without accurate surface determination, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the traction adaptation is imprecise leading to increased fuel consumption and risk of getting stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the coupling element as an intermediary to indirectly measure surface properties. Instead of directly sensing the ground, the system measures coupling forces transmitted through the trailer hitch, which reflect the interaction between the towing vehicle and the surface. This intermediary approach enables surface determination without requiring direct ground-contact sensors on the towing vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device on the coupling element serves multiple functions: it measures coupling forces for trailer control, determines surface properties for traction control, and provides data for both active and passive traction control modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise surface determination without adding dedicated sensors solely for surface detection.
2Loss of energy
If passive traction control measures are implemented, then fuel consumption increases due to continuous engagement of traction-enhancing devices, but if no measures are taken, the vehicle risks getting stuck on difficult surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts traction control measures based on real-time surface determination. Instead of continuous passive engagement, the system activates traction-enhancing measures only when surface conditions indicate they are needed. This dynamic approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliability by applying measures selectively rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from coupling force measurements to continuously monitor surface conditions and adjust traction control measures accordingly. When the determined surface properties indicate difficult terrain, the system activates appropriate measures; when conditions improve, measures are deactivated. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability while minimizing energy loss.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor device measures coupling forces in all vehicle directions, then the surface determination becomes more accurate, but the device complexity and measurement processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into three independent directional components (x, y, z directions). Each sensor element measures force in a specific direction, and the evaluation unit processes each component separately before combining them for comprehensive surface determination. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining three-dimensional measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves as an intermediary structure that naturally transmits forces in all three spatial directions from the trailer to the towing vehicle. By placing sensors on this existing structural element, the system obtains multi-directional force measurements without requiring a complex array of independently mounted sensors, thus reducing device complexity.
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
Enables precise traction control by directly determining terrain conditions, reducing fuel consumption, and preventing vehicles from getting stuck by automatically or manually implementing measures to enhance traction.
Implementation Method 1
The webs of the measuring plate are elastically deformed under load from the trailer hitch. The sensor elements can be load cells, strain gauges, or SAW elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for traction control of a vehicle (70) or a vehicle combination (24, 44) consisting of a towing vehicle (26, 46) and at least one coupled trailer vehicle (34, 56). The vehicles are wheeled vehicles. The towing vehicle is provided with a sensor device (2) arranged on a coupling element of a trailer device (32, 54), wherein, using same, in all vehicle directions (x, y, z), a respective coupling force (FX, FY, FZ) transmitted from a counter coupling element of the trailer vehicle to the coupling element of the towing vehicle is measured and output as a force signal, wherein the coupling force acting in the respective vehicle direction is determined from these force signals in an evaluation unit (4) connected to the sensor device and transmitted to a control device (6) of the towing vehicle, and wherein the traction of the towing vehicle is adjusted to the properties of the ground (25) by means of the control device. According to the method, the ground is determined on the basis of the dynamics of the coupling forces, in such a way that: in the evaluation unit, the dynamic portions are each filtered out of consecutive sequences of the coupling forces and a characteristic value KDyn characterising the dynamics of the coupling forces is determined from same and transmitted to the control device; in the control device, the characteristic value KDyn is compared with a stored threshold value KDyn_Gr; at least one measure for improving traction of the towing vehicle is carried out, if the characteristic value KDyn has exceeded the threshold value KDyn_Gr; and reversing this measure if the characteristic value KDyn has fallen below the threshold value KDyn_Gr again.