Self-Propelled Trailer Control for Stable Path Following

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trailer systems require significant driver attention and skill due to passive response to mechanical inputs, leading to potential damage, destabilization of the lead vehicle, and undesirable forces during towing, especially during turning maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A multi-vehicle control system (MVCS) with a controller that receives signals from the lead and trailer vehicles, including throttle, brake, and steering inputs, and adjusts the trailer's acceleration and steering outputs based on these signals, using sensors to determine deviations and extension length of a slidable tow bar system, allowing independent control of both vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional towing systems are used, then the trailer passively responds to mechanical inputs, but the trailer does not follow the exact path of the lead vehicle and may increase the possibility of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer path following accuracyVSAvoidtrailer damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely passive mechanical response system with an active electronic control system. The trailer vehicle includes a controller that receives signals from the lead vehicle and independently controls the trailer's acceleration, deceleration, and steering to follow the lead vehicle's path more accurately, reducing damage risk during turning maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If towing/hitch systems transfer load from trailer to lead vehicle, then the connection is simple, but the lead vehicle requires payload carrying capability proportional to trailer weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetowing system simplicityVSAvoidlead vehicle payload capacity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical load-transfer towing system with an electrically coupled system. The trailer vehicle has its own powertrain and controller that independently manages acceleration and deceleration, eliminating the need for the lead vehicle to support trailer weight capacity requirements while maintaining a relatively simple connection through the tow bar system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional towing systems are used, then the connection is straightforward, but the system can induce undesirable forces that destabilize the lead vehicle or impart harsh impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetowing system simplicityVSAvoidlead vehicle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control where the trailer vehicle's controller continuously monitors signals from the lead vehicle including acceleration, deceleration, and steering inputs, and adjusts the trailer's response accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents destabilizing forces and harsh impacts by coordinating the trailer's actions with the lead vehicle's movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical connection that transmits destabilizing forces with an active electronically controlled system. The independently powered and steered trailer vehicle uses electronic signals to coordinate movements, eliminating harsh mechanical impacts and sway while maintaining a straightforward tow bar connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Weight of moving object

If a smaller lead vehicle tows a larger trailer, then vehicle size requirements are reduced, but stability and maneuverability are compromised without active control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead vehicle sizeVSAvoidmulti-vehicle system stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables smaller lead vehicles to tow larger trailers by replacing the mechanical weight-support system with an electrically controlled system. The trailer vehicle's independent powertrain and active control system manage the trailer's weight and movements, allowing smaller lead vehicles to maintain stability and maneuverability that would otherwise require larger vehicle sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12612042B2Self propelled trailer systems

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A multi-vehicle control system (MVCS) for control of a multi-vehicle system having independently powered and steered lead and trailer vehicles connected by a slidable length sensing tow bar system. The MVCS includes a controller configured to receive throttle, brake, and steering signals from the lead vehicle, receive signals from the tow bar system indicating an extension length of the tow bar system, a front angle deviation of the lead vehicle, and a rear angle deviation of the trailer vehicle. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the received signals, a trailer vehicle acceleration/deceleration output and a trailer vehicle steering output, determine a driving scenario of the multi-vehicle system, and operate the multi-vehicle system based on the determined driving scenario and the determined trailer vehicle acceleration/deceleration output and trailer vehicle steering output.