Cruise Control Torque Intervention for Tractor-Trailer Swing-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cruise control systems struggle to effectively prevent swing out conditions in vehicles with trailer units, particularly during braking on low-friction surfaces, leading to potential rollover and collision risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses processing circuitry to detect a swing out condition by monitoring relative rotation between a tractor and trailer unit, applying a temporary propulsion torque to the tractor wheels to deviate from the demanded cruise control speed, and adjusting this torque based on factors like road friction, oncoming traffic, and road curvature to stabilize the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a driver manually operates the steering wheel during curve negotiation, then the vehicle can follow the desired path, but the steering wheel may swing out beyond the driver's control range causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
A torque sensor acts as an intermediary device between the driver's steering input and the steering system. The sensor detects torque applied by the driver and generates control signals that prevent excessive steering wheel rotation, thereby mediating between driver intent and system safety to avoid swing-out conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors steering wheel position and torque through sensors, compares actual position against predetermined safe ranges, and provides real-time feedback control. When the steering wheel approaches unsafe rotation limits, the system automatically applies corrective torque to return the wheel to the neutral position, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering system allows full manual rotation, then the driver has maximum steering freedom, but the steering wheel may rotate beyond mechanical limits causing damage or loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements preliminary anti-action by detecting when the steering wheel approaches predetermined rotation limits before actual swing-out occurs. The system proactively applies counter-torque to prevent further rotation in the dangerous direction, thereby preemptively eliminating the risk of mechanical damage or loss of control while preserving normal steering freedom within safe boundaries
3Reliability
If automatic steering control is activated, then swing-out is prevented, but the driver's manual control authority is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by providing automatic swing-out prevention only when the steering wheel approaches unsafe rotation limits, rather than continuously controlling steering. During normal operation within safe ranges, the driver maintains full manual control authority. The automatic intervention is applied partially and selectively, activating only when necessary to prevent swing-out while preserving driver control for the majority of operating conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer implemented method of controlling a cruise control system of a vehicle comprising a tractor unit and at least one trailer unit pivotably coupled to each other, wherein the tractor unit comprises an actuator configured to apply a torque on at least one wheel of the tractor unit during propulsion, the cruise control system comprising processing circuitry operable to control operation of the actuator, the method comprising controlling, by the processing circuitry, the actuator to operate the vehicle at a demanded cruise control vehicle speed; controlling, by the processing circuitry, the actuator to apply a propulsion torque on the at least one wheel of the tractor unit for deviating from the demanded cruise control vehicle speed in response to a swing out condition in which a parameter indicative of a relative rotation between the tractor unit and the at least one trailer unit exceeds a predetermined threshold limit.