Electronic Brake Controller With Three-Axis Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic trailer brake controllers lack advanced sensing capabilities and flexibility in orientation, leading to suboptimal braking performance and requiring precise manual adjustments, while also lacking comprehensive diagnostic and warning systems.
Innovation Solution
An electronic trailer brake controller incorporating a three-axis acceleration sensor and a microprocessor to generate deceleration signals proportional to towing vehicle deceleration, along with a liquid crystal display and pushbuttons for programming and displaying operating conditions, including warning messages, to ensure adaptive and self-diagnostic braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-axis acceleration sensors are used in brake controllers, then the controller can detect vehicle deceleration, but the controller requires precise manual orientation adjustments and lacks flexibility in installation orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis acceleration sensing to three-axis acceleration sensing, adding two dimensional capabilities. This allows the sensor to detect deceleration forces from any orientation in three-dimensional space, eliminating the need for precise manual orientation adjustments during installation while maintaining accurate deceleration detection for brake control
2Reliability
If basic acceleration sensing is used, then the controller can provide proportional braking, but it lacks comprehensive diagnostic and warning capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The brake controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides proportional braking control based on three-axis acceleration sensing, simultaneously performs system diagnostics by monitoring sensor signals and circuit conditions, and displays warning messages to the operator. This multi-functional approach enhances reliability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the acceleration sensor signals and system operating conditions, providing real-time feedback through display warnings when anomalies are detected. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable braking performance while alerting operators to potential issues, effectively using information feedback to enhance system reliability
3Ease of operation
If manual variable resistors are used for brake control, then the operator can adjust braking force, but the system lacks automatic proportional response to vehicle deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (variable resistors) with an automated electronic control system that uses three-axis acceleration sensors to automatically detect vehicle deceleration and proportionally control brake application. This substitution maintains ease of operation through electronic interfaces while achieving automatic proportional braking response based on actual vehicle deceleration forces
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
The solution provides proportional braking force based on towing vehicle deceleration, enhances flexibility in controller orientation, and offers comprehensive diagnostic and warning capabilities, improving braking performance and safety through adaptive control and real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a three axis acceleration sensor operable to generate at least one towing vehicle deceleration signal
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnet is mounted on one end of a lever to actuate the brake shoes. When an electric current is applied to the electromagnet, the electromagnet is drawn against the rotating brake drum
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for electric trailer brakes that includes a three axis accelerometer for detecting deceleration of a towing vehicle and an interactive liquid crystal display controlled by a plurality of pushbuttons.