Dynamic Drawbar Gap Adjustment for Trailer Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for adjusting the gap between a motor vehicle and a trailer fail to automatically adjust based on driving speed and cannot accommodate both steered and non-steered trailers, leading to aerodynamic inefficiencies and safety risks during cornering and braking.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit connected to speed sensors and actuators adjusts the gap based on driving speed, using a characteristic curve to determine optimal gap settings, and incorporates locking mechanisms and force-measuring elements for precise adjustments, ensuring safety during emergency maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the gap between motor vehicle and trailer is reduced to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but the risk of collision during cornering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar length is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator system that automatically changes the gap between motor vehicle and trailer based on driving conditions. The control unit processes signals from speed sensors and angle sensors to dynamically extend or retract the drawbar, optimizing the gap for both aerodynamic efficiency and safety margins during cornering maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops using speed sensors and angle sensors that continuously monitor driving conditions. The control unit receives real-time data about vehicle speed and articulation angle, automatically adjusting the drawbar length to maintain optimal gap settings, thereby resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and collision prevention.
2Loss of energy
If the drawbar is made length-adjustable to optimize gap settings, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system serves multiple functions: it adjusts the drawbar length for aerodynamic optimization, provides emergency extension for safety, and adapts to different trailer types (steered and non-steered). The control unit handles various sensor inputs and decision-making scenarios, making the system universally applicable to different driving conditions and trailer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously without manual intervention. The control unit automatically processes sensor data, determines optimal gap settings, and actuates the drawbar adjustment mechanism based on real-time driving conditions, eliminating the need for driver input while managing the increased system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to work with both steered and non-steered trailers, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to accommodate both steered and non-steered trailers through universal sensor integration and adaptive control algorithms. The system automatically detects trailer type and adjusts its control strategy accordingly, providing broad compatibility without requiring separate dedicated systems for each trailer configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system for automatically adjusting the gap (1) between a motor vehicle (2) and a trailer (3) coupled to it is described, comprising a length-adjustable drawbar (4) with a drawbar (5) and a drawbar eye (6) arranged at its end, wherein the drawbar eye (6) can be moved relative to the drawbar (5) along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle over a predetermined travel distance by means of an actuator (7), and a control unit. The control unit is an electronic control device (8) which is connected to a speed sensor (9) for processing a speed signal and is connected to the actuator (7).