Multi-Trailer Stability Detection Using Tractor-Based Motion Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combination vehicles with multiple trailers face instability issues such as rolling over and jack-knifing, which are challenging for both manual and autonomous operations, and existing stability management systems are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A computer system estimates the motion of trailers relative to the tractor using vehicle condition signals and relative positions, employing statistical models to predict trailer motion and determine vehicle instability without requiring sensors on each trailer, allowing for preventive actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on each trailer to directly measure trailer motion, then measurement precision of trailer motion is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the trailer motion system that replicates the physical behavior of trailers. Instead of measuring actual trailer motion directly with sensors on each trailer, the system creates a statistical model that copies trailer motion characteristics based on tractor motion data and relative position measurements, thereby achieving accurate motion estimation without complex sensor deployment on trailers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor measurement system with a computational estimation system. Instead of using physical sensors mounted on trailers to mechanically detect motion, the system uses processing circuitry to calculate trailer motion based on tractor motion signals and relative position data, substituting physical measurement with mathematical modeling.
2Reliability
If external sensors are placed on each trailer to measure motion, then reliability of stability determination is improved, but ease of operation and communication requirements worsen due to limited trailer communication capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement requirements from the trailers themselves and concentrates them on the tractor. Instead of requiring sensors on each trailer, the system extracts sufficient information from tractor motion signals and single-point relative position measurements to infer the motion state of all trailers, thereby eliminating the need for complex trailer-side sensing and communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the tractor's motion sensors serve multiple functions: they not only control the tractor but also provide data for estimating the motion of all attached trailers. The single relative position measurement system serves both for positioning and for stability assessment, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If statistical models are used to estimate trailer motion from tractor motion signals, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of trailer motion may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the statistical model with training data that captures the relationship between tractor motion and trailer motion under various conditions. The model is trained in advance on datasets containing synchronized tractor and trailer motion signals, enabling it to accurately predict trailer motion from tractor signals alone during actual operation, thereby maintaining precision without requiring complex real-time measurement systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system (1000) comprising processing circuitry (1002) configured to determine whether a combination vehicle (1) is unstable is provided. The combination vehicle (1) comprises a tractor (10) and a plurality of trailers (12). The plurality of trailers (12) comprises a first trailer (11). The processing circuitry (1002) is configured to obtain vehicle condition signals indicative of a status of the combination vehicle (1). The processing circuitry (1002) is configured to obtain relative positions of the first trailer (11), relative to the tractor (10). The processing circuitry (1002) is configured to, estimate a motion (m1, m2) of the plurality of trailers (12). based on the relative positions of the first trailer (11) and the status of the combination vehicle (1).The processing circuitry (1002) is configured to, determine whether or not the combination vehicle (1) is unstable based on the estimated motion (m1, m2) of the plurality of trailers (12).