Vehicle Speed Control for Heavy Load Trailer Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining whether a trailer is connected to a vehicle are either inaccurate, such as weight-based methods that can incorrectly identify trailer connection during heavy passenger loads, or unreliable, like signal-based methods that may fail to detect trailer connection status, leading to increased driving resistance and potential engine overheating when climbing slopes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a G sensor to determine road gradient and calculate differences with torque-based gradients, combined with trailer connection signals and temperature monitoring, to identify heavy load trailers and implement dedicated shift maps to manage vehicle speed and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If downshifting is performed to respond to increased driving resistance when climbing a slope with a trailer, then the vehicle can maintain climbing performance, but the engine speed increases causing overheating and potential engine failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shift control strategy adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts shift behavior based on real-time detection of heavy load conditions using G sensor data and torque information. When heavy load is detected, the system switches to a dedicated shift map that prevents excessive downshifting, thereby controlling engine speed and temperature while maintaining adequate climbing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters by switching between different shift maps based on detected conditions. The system monitors G sensor values and torque to determine when heavy load conditions exist, then changes the shift control parameters by selecting a dedicated heavy load shift map that limits downshifting frequency and magnitude, thus controlling engine speed increase and preventing overheating.
2Device complexity
If the weight-based method is used to determine trailer connection, then the determination process is simple, but it incorrectly identifies trailer connection during heavy passenger loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary parameters (G sensor data and torque information) to mediate between the simple weight-based detection and accurate trailer connection determination. Instead of directly using weight comparison alone, the system uses these intermediary measurements to infer actual driving conditions and distinguish between heavy passenger loads and actual trailer towing situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based detection system with a sensor-based detection system using G sensors and torque monitoring. This substitution allows for more accurate detection of actual driving conditions by measuring acceleration and force rather than relying solely on weight comparisons, thereby eliminating false positives during heavy passenger loads.
3Measurement precision
If the electric signal method is used to determine trailer connection, then the trailer connection can be quickly and accurately determined, but the signal may fail to detect trailer connection status reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring G sensor data and torque information to verify and supplement the electric signal-based trailer connection detection. The system uses this feedback loop to cross-validate the connection status, ensuring reliable detection even when electric signals fail or are unreliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential signal failures by having alternative detection mechanisms (G sensor and torque-based detection) ready in advance. This cushioning approach ensures that if the electric signal method fails, the system can still reliably determine trailer connection status through the backup sensor-based methods.
4Reliability
If a dedicated shift map is used for heavy load trailer towing, then overheating is prevented and transmission stability increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a control system that handles both normal and heavy load conditions through a unified architecture. The same G sensor and torque monitoring infrastructure serves multiple functions: detecting trailer connection, determining heavy load conditions, and triggering appropriate shift maps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the shift control system dynamic by implementing conditional switching between normal and heavy load shift maps based on real-time sensor data. Rather than requiring separate static control systems for each condition, the system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on detected conditions, simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining specialized control when needed.
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
Effectively determines heavy load trailer situations, preventing engine overheating and transmission instability by adjusting vehicle speed and shift control, even when traditional connection signals are unreliable, thereby enhancing vehicle stability and operation.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether the vehicle is in a slope-climbing situation or not using a G sensor based road gradient value
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for vehicle speed control when towing a heavy load trailer are disclosed. The method includes determining whether a vehicle is in a trailer towing mode; determining whether the vehicle is in a slope-climbing situation or not using a G sensor based road gradient value when the vehicle is determined to be in the trailer towing mode; calculating a difference between the G sensor based road gradient value and a torque-based road gradient value, and determining whether a towed trailer is a heavy load trailer on the basis of the calculated difference, when it is determined the vehicle is in the slope-climbing situation; and performing shift control using a heavy load trailer dedicated shift map when the towed trailer is determined to be a heavy load trailer.