Self-Propelled Trailer Steering for Accurate Path Following
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trailer systems face challenges such as not following the lead vehicle's path accurately, potentially causing damage, destabilizing the lead vehicle, and reducing electric vehicle range, while also requiring the lead vehicle to carry significant trailer weight and inducing undesirable forces.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled trailer system with independent propulsion and control, featuring a steerable axle, electric traction motors, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that allows the trailer to follow the lead vehicle's path, manage its own stability, and share battery power, reducing the load on the lead vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional towing systems are used, then cargo hauling capacity is increased, but the lead vehicle must carry significant trailer weight and experience destabilizing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is equipped with its own electric propulsion system including traction motors on each axle, allowing it to move independently without relying on the lead vehicle for propulsion. The trailer's own battery system powers these motors, enabling the trailer to self-propel and self-steer, thereby eliminating the need for the lead vehicle to bear the full weight and propulsion burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion and control functions are segmented between the lead vehicle and the trailer. The trailer has its own independent propulsion system with motors on each axle and an autonomous control system, separating the functions so that the lead vehicle only needs to provide guidance rather than full propulsion and weight-bearing capability.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional towing systems are used, then cargo hauling capacity is increased, but the lead vehicle experiences destabilizing forces and harsh impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer independently manages its own propulsion, steering, and braking through its own electric motors and control system. This self-service capability eliminates the transmission of destabilizing forces and harsh impacts to the lead vehicle, as the trailer controls its own motion rather than being passively towed.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer's autonomous control system continuously receives feedback from sensors and cameras to monitor its position, orientation, and motion relative to the lead vehicle. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to steering and propulsion to maintain stable following without transmitting harmful forces to the lead vehicle.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional towing systems are used, then cargo hauling capacity is increased, but electric vehicle range is dramatically reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy systems are segmented between the lead vehicle and the trailer. The trailer has its own battery system that independently powers its propulsion motors, separating the energy consumption for trailer movement from the lead vehicle's energy reserves, thereby preserving the lead vehicle's range.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer serves its own energy needs through its own battery system and electric propulsion system, eliminating the need for the lead vehicle to expend additional energy to tow the trailer, thus maintaining the lead vehicle's original range while enabling cargo hauling capability.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional towing systems are used, then cargo hauling capacity is increased, but the trailer does not follow the lead vehicle's exact path
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer's autonomous control system uses continuous feedback from sensors and cameras to monitor the lead vehicle's path and the trailer's own position and orientation. This feedback enables the trailer to make real-time steering and propulsion adjustments to accurately follow the lead vehicle's path, achieving precise path following that traditional passive towing systems cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer employs dynamic steering and propulsion control through its independently controlled electric motors on each axle. This dynamic control system allows the trailer to actively adjust its motion to match the lead vehicle's path in real-time, providing precise path following capability that static or passive towing systems lack.
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 enables a smaller vehicle to tow a larger trailer efficiently, maintaining stability and range, while allowing precise maneuvering and reducing power demands on the lead vehicle, enhancing safety and utility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric traction motor configured to drive the steerable first axle and/or the second axle
Implementation Method 2
A high voltage battery system is configured to power the at least one electric traction motor
Implementation Method 3
wherein the suspension provides a ground force reaction for steering, acceleration, and braking to manage loading and clearance to the lead vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer platform system with independent propulsion and control includes a steerable first axle connected to a pair of first wheels, a second axle connected to a pair of second wheels, and at least one electric traction motor configured to drive the steerable first axle and/or the second axle. A high voltage battery system is configured to power the at least one electric traction motor. A load platform is supported by a chassis and a suspension, wherein the load platform is a wagon-style platform with the first and second wheels located at the four corners of the load platform. A lead vehicle hitch connection is configured to removably couple to a lead vehicle.