Tow Hitch Brake Sensor System for Proportional Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow hitch systems do not effectively adjust braking forces proportionally to movement between a towing vehicle and a load, leading to inefficient braking and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A tow hitch system equipped with sensors that detect movement between the towing vehicle and the load, electronically communicating with the load brakes to adjust braking forces accordingly, ensuring proportional braking based on the detected movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tow hitch systems are used without sensors, then the device complexity is low, but the braking efficiency and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect movement between the towing vehicle and load, and this information is used to dynamically adjust braking forces. The sensor system continuously monitors drawbar pull and communicates braking needs to the load vehicle, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that improves braking safety and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical brake actuation systems with an electronic control system. Instead of purely mechanical linkages, the system uses sensors, electronic communication, and controlled actuation to adjust braking forces, enabling more precise and responsive brake control while maintaining system reliability.
2Productivity
If proportional braking adjustment is implemented, then the braking efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to added sensors and electronic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system and control mechanism to serve multiple functions: detecting movement, calculating required braking force, and actuating the brakes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving braking efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes braking parameters (force magnitude) based on detected movement parameters. By continuously adjusting brake application based on real-time sensor data about drawbar pull and movement characteristics, the system achieves proportional braking that optimizes stopping efficiency under varying towing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tow hitch that detects movement between a towing vehicle and a load and adjusts the braking forces of the load brakes proportionately to the movement, is disclosed. Said tow hitch comprising a load tow member selectively engaged with a vehicle tow member, a one or more sensors connected to the load tow member, and at least one of the one or more sensors is disposed between the vehicle tow member and the load tow member when the load tow member is engaged with the vehicle tow member. The at least one of the one or more sensors is in electronic communication with the load brakes, whereby the at least one of the one or more sensors senses movement between a load member and a vehicle member when the load tow member is engaged with the vehicle tow member and adjusts the braking forces of the load brakes.