Rear Steering Control for Trailer Jackknife Deterrence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jack knife prevention systems for towing vehicles do not effectively control rear wheel steering and allow for variation in trailer movement, leading to potential jackknifing during turning or reversing.
Innovation Solution
A jackknife deterrent system for towing vehicles that includes sensors to detect distance and turning direction relative to the trailer, a controller to monitor and control rear wheel steering, and a rear steering system to maintain a threshold distance to prevent jackknifing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing jack knife prevention systems are used, then trailer movement is allowed to vary, but rear wheel steering is not controlled and jackknifing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the distance between the towing vehicle and trailer using sensors, and the controller adjusts rear wheel steering based on this feedback to maintain safe distance and prevent jackknifing while allowing normal trailer movement variation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical jackknife prevention systems with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect distance and a controller to automatically adjust rear wheel steering, providing more precise and reliable control
2Reliability
If rear wheel steering is controlled to maintain threshold distance, then jackknifing is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions including distance monitoring, jackknife detection, rear wheel steering control, and alert generation into a single system, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced functionality provided
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the sensors that detect distance and the rear wheel steering system, processing sensor data and translating it into appropriate steering adjustments, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If sensors and controller are added to monitor distance and control steering, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines distance monitoring, jackknife detection, and rear wheel steering control into an integrated system where sensors, controller, and steering mechanism work together as a unified safety apparatus, managing complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A jackknife deterrent system, for a towing vehicle configured to be connected to a trailer, includes at least one sensor configured to detect a distance between the towing vehicle and the trailer, and a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and a rear steering system of the towing vehicle. The controller is configured to monitor the distance between the towing vehicle and the trailer based on input received from the at least one sensor. The controller is further configured to control the rear steering system to keep the distance between the towing vehicle and the trailer equal to or above a first threshold distance value during turning of the towing vehicle relative to the trailer.