Dolly Brake and Wheel Speed Control for Reversing A-Train Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
A-train vehicle configurations, used in truckload freight shipping, are less maneuverable when reversing due to the extra degree of freedom associated with a pintle hook connection, making them difficult to dock without manual disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a memory, sensors, and processors is used to automatically control braking and wheel speed at the dolly, determining the distance and angle to the forward trailer and applying braking or wheel speed control based on the trailer's rotation and steering angle to enhance maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If A-train vehicle configuration is used, then flexibility in extending trailer service is improved, but maneuverability when reversing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the dolly's wheel speed and braking based on real-time sensor data about trailer rotation and vehicle steering angle. The controller continuously adjusts braking force on individual dolly wheels to counteract the pintle hook's degree of freedom during reversing, transforming the static mechanical limitation into a dynamically controllable system that achieves B-train-like maneuverability while maintaining A-train configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors (ultrasonic, LIDAR, cameras) to continuously monitor the angle and distance between the dolly and forward trailer, as well as the vehicle's steering angle. This feedback is processed by the controller to determine the appropriate braking force to apply to dolly wheels, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically compensates for the pintle hook's rotational freedom during reverse maneuvers
2Ease of operation
If manual breakdown of vehicle configuration is performed, then maneuverability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the A-train vehicle configuration to self-regulate its own maneuverability through automated braking control. The controller on the dolly autonomously processes sensor data and applies braking force without requiring manual intervention to reconfigure the vehicle, allowing the system to maintain optimal maneuverability throughout the reversing operation without time-consuming manual breakdown
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the dolly wheels by dynamically adjusting wheel speed and braking force based on real-time conditions. This parameter control allows the A-train configuration to achieve maneuverability characteristics similar to B-train vehicles without requiring physical reconfiguration or manual breakdown of the vehicle assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for automatically controlling braking and/or wheel speed at a dolly to increase maneuverability. In one form, a system comprises a memory, a first sensor, and at least one processor. The first sensor is configured to determine at least one of a distance from a dolly to a forward trailer or an angle from the dolly to the forward trailer. The at least one processor is configured to: determine that a forward trailer is moving in a reverse direction; determine a steering angle of a vehicle coupled to the forward trailer; measure a rotation of the forward trailer based on information received from the first sensor; and apply at least one of braking or wheel speed control to at least one wheel of the dolly based on the measured rotation of the forward trailer and the determined steering angle of the forward trailer.