Predictive Trailer Sway Control Using Wheel Torque Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems react to trailer sway after it occurs, which can lead to premature activation of emergency controls and compromise vehicle maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that use prediction circuitry to anticipate trailer sway based on sensor data, and activate vehicle controls such as applying torque to trailer wheels to prevent sway from occurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing vehicle systems react to trailer sway after it occurs, then trailer sway can be detected and addressed, but vehicle maneuverability is compromised and emergency controls are prematurely activated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting trailer sway conditions before they occur using sensor data analysis and machine learning models. The prediction circuitry identifies conditions that are likely to result in trailer sway, allowing the system to take preventive measures (such as adjusting vehicle controls) before the actual sway occurs, thereby avoiding the need for emergency reactive controls that compromise maneuverability
2Stability of the object's composition
If reactive controls are activated to address trailer sway, then trailer stability can be restored, but the activation occurs after the problem has already developed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by predicting trailer sway conditions before they manifest. The prediction circuitry analyzes sensor data to identify conditions likely to result in trailer sway, enabling the system to take preventive measures in advance rather than waiting for the sway to occur and then reacting, thus eliminating the time loss associated with delayed response
3Reliability
If prediction circuitry is implemented to anticipate trailer sway, then preventive measures can be taken, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating the prediction circuitry into the existing vehicle control architecture. The prediction circuitry leverages existing sensor data from the vehicle (such as steering angle, wheel speed, and acceleration sensors) and uses machine learning models to predict trailer sway conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform both normal vehicle operation and trailer sway prediction using the same hardware infrastructure, thereby minimizing the increase in system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to prevent trailer sway are disclosed. An example apparatus to prevent trailer sway of a trailer coupled to a vehicle includes prediction circuitry to predict, based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the vehicle, whether a trailer sway condition associated with the vehicle is likely to occur, and control activation circuitry to, in response to the prediction that the trailer sway is likely to occur, activate at least one vehicle control of the vehicle to prevent the trailer sway condition from occurring, the at least one vehicle control to include applying torque to at least one of one or more trailer wheels of the trailer or one or more vehicle wheels of the vehicle.