Electric Trailer Wheel Drive Control for Towing Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric trailer towing consumes significant vehicle power, especially when towing heavy trailers or in harsh weather conditions, leading to reduced vehicle mileage and increased drag, which existing technologies fail to optimize effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that control electric trailer drive motors and wheels based on information from the trailer and towing vehicle, allowing the trailer to operate independently using its own batteries when conditions require, such as on upgraded or challenging roads, and deactivating motors when not needed, like on downgraded roads, to conserve vehicle power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the towing vehicle uses its own power to drive the trailer, then the trailer can move reliably, but vehicle power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power source function between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The trailer is equipped with its own drive motors and battery pack, creating an independent power system that segments the previously unified power supply (vehicle-only) into dual sources (vehicle and trailer), thereby reducing the burden on the towing vehicle's power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer becomes self-powered through its own drive motors and battery pack, enabling it to move independently without relying entirely on the towing vehicle's power. The controller activates the trailer's drive motors to propel the trailer, making the trailer serve its own movement needs rather than being a passive load on the vehicle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer is equipped with drive motors and battery pack, then the trailer can move independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer's battery pack serves multiple functions: it powers the drive motors for propulsion, supplies electricity to trailer accessories (air conditioning, heater, lights), and can potentially recharge the towing vehicle's battery. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution between the trailer battery, drive motors, and accessories. It intelligently activates or deactivates drive motors based on road conditions and power availability, coordinating the complex interactions between multiple components to simplify overall system operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the trailer uses its own power on upgraded roads, then vehicle power consumption is reduced, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors road conditions, battery charge levels, and power consumption patterns. Based on this feedback, it dynamically decides when to activate the trailer's drive motors and when to rely on vehicle power, optimizing energy usage. The system also monitors accessory power demands and adjusts drive motor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system is dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts power distribution in real-time based on changing conditions such as road gradient, trailer load, battery state of charge, and accessory usage. Drive motors are activated or deactivated dynamically, and power flow directions can change (trailer charging vehicle or vice versa), providing adaptive energy management.
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
This approach reduces vehicle power consumption by allowing the trailer to move using its own power, stabilizes movement on challenging terrain, and optimizes energy use by transferring stored power back to the vehicle when necessary, enhancing towing efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The trailer may include a trailer wheel drive motor and a trailer wheel steering actuator for each trailer wheel
Implementation Method 2
The trailer wheel drive motor may operate by using power drawn from the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A system to control a trailer is disclosed. The trailer may be attached to a towing vehicle. The system may include a transceiver configured to receive road information, vehicle information and trailer information. The system may further include a processor configured to determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the received road information, the vehicle information, and the trailer information. The processor may be further configured to transmit a command signal to a trailer wheel control unit to activate a trailer wheel drive motor responsive to a determination that the predefined condition is met. The trailer wheel drive motor may be located in a trailer.