Sensorized Kingpin Control for Dynamic Trailer Tow Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tow control systems lack efficient dynamic control mechanisms for trailers, leading to issues such as jackknife events, increased fuel consumption, and emissions, due to inadequate force monitoring and torque management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a kingpin with integrated sensors and a controller that monitors lateral and longitudinal forces, calculates target preload forces, and adjusts torque output to maintain trailer stability and synchronization with the tow vehicle, incorporating modes like hibernation, manual, and tow modes to prevent unauthorized access and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional passive towing is used, then the trailer follows the tow vehicle passively, but jackknife events occur and control is lost during dynamic maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors (load cells, encoders, gyroscopes) to continuously monitor trailer forces, positions, and orientations, feeding this data back to the controller which adjusts motor torque in real-time to maintain desired trailer behavior and prevent jackknife events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely passive mechanical towing with an active electromechanical system that uses motors at the trailer axle to dynamically control trailer movement, substituting mechanical passivity with controlled active response
2Reliability
If constant torque is applied to the trailer, then the trailer maintains position, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor torque based on real-time trailer conditions and towing requirements, applying torque only when and where needed rather than maintaining constant torque, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving position control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies torque parameters dynamically based on sensor feedback, adjusting the magnitude and direction of applied forces according to the actual towing situation, trailer orientation, and road conditions to optimize energy efficiency
3Productivity
If active torque control is implemented, then towing efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions including force monitoring, position control, orientation maintenance, and energy management into a single control unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines sensors, motors, controllers, and communication interfaces into an integrated trailer control assembly, merging multiple discrete components into a unified system that improves towing efficiency while managing complexity through integration
4Reliability
If precise force monitoring is used, then trailer stability is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses load cells and force sensors as intermediaries to indirectly measure trailer forces and moments, converting complex force vector measurements into manageable electrical signals that the controller can process for stability control
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system includes a kingpin: arranged on a proximal end of the trailer; includes a sensor configured to output a signal representing lateral forces and longitudinal forces applied to the kingpin; and configured to couple to a tow vehicle. The system further includes an interface including a joystick and a kingpin interface configured to transfer forces, applied to the joystick, into the kingpin. The system also includes a controller configured to: access the signal from the sensor; based on the signal, calculate a magnitude of a force applied to the kingpin; calculate a first target speed of a first wheel of the trailer proportional to the magnitude; calculate a second target speed of a second wheel of the trailer proportional to the magnitude; and serve the first target speed and the second target speed to a drive system arranged on a distal end of the trailer.