Linear Actuator Braking Synchronization for Towed Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking systems for towed vehicles when connected to towing vehicles face increased stopping distances and brake wear, mechanical stress, and ABS system contamination issues, with existing solutions being cumbersome and prone to contamination during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A braking control system with a portable device installed between the driver's seat and brake pedal of the towed vehicle, featuring a linear actuator arm and remote control for synchronized braking with the towing vehicle, using electric actuator drive motors and microcontrollers to apply braking force proportionally and remotely, reducing mechanical stress and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the towed vehicle brake system is used alone, then the system is simple, but the stopping distance increases and brake wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary braking device as an intermediary component that connects the towing vehicle's brake system to the towed vehicle's brake system. This mediator transfers braking force through hydraulic, pneumatic, or electronic means, enabling the towed vehicle to contribute to braking without requiring a completely independent brake system, thus improving stopping distance while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary braking device is installed permanently, then braking performance improves, but the installation and removal process becomes cumbersome and causes contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary braking device is divided into separable modules that can be independently installed and removed. The connection interfaces between the towing vehicle and towed vehicle brake systems are designed as detachable couplings, allowing the auxiliary device to be segmented into distinct components that can be quickly connected or disconnected without contaminating the closed brake systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured connection interfaces and sealing mechanisms that are prepared in advance. The closed brake systems have predetermined connection points with sealing features that prevent contamination before connection, during connection, and after connection, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures while maintaining braking performance.
3Force
If hydraulic or pneumatic lines are used to connect braking systems, then braking force can be transmitted, but air or fluid contamination occurs during connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the potential contamination source by designing a system where the auxiliary braking device connects to sealed, closed brake systems through controlled interfaces. The hydraulic or pneumatic lines are contained within sealed housings that only open during controlled connection and disconnection procedures, preventing air or fluid contamination of the closed brake systems during normal operation.
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 system effectively synchronizes braking between towed and towing vehicles, reducing brake wear and mechanical stress while minimizing contamination risks, providing efficient and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator arm movable between a retracted position and extended position in response to G force exerted on the towed vehicle extends outwardly from the front wall of the enclosure and is coupled between the electric actuator drive motor and a brake pedal coupler
Implementation Method 2
a brake control including braking control electronics circuitry and processor software and an electric actuator drive motor. A linear actuator arm movable between a retracted position and extended position in response to G force exerted on the towed vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A braking control system and method to synchronize the operation of the braking system of a towed vehicle with the braking system of a towing vehicle to match the deceleration and acceleration of the towed vehicle with the deceleration and acceleration of the towing vehicle wherein the braking control system includes a braking device comprising an electrically driven linear actuator coupled between an electric motor and the brake pedal of the towed vehicle and a control device coupled to the electric motor and including logic to control operation of the electrically driven linear actuator to selectively extend and retract the electrically driven linear actuator to selectively depress and release the brake pedal of the towed vehicle as the towing vehicle decelerates and accelerates.