Tow-Trailer Connector Sensing for Hitch Force Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailers, especially those with Electric Vehicle (EV) chassis, experience destabilizing forces at the tow vehicle hitch due to poorly timed throttle or wheel braking commands during acceleration or deceleration, posing safety and stability risks.
Innovation Solution
A connector apparatus that includes a first and second portion connected to the tow vehicle and trailer, respectively, with a sensor unit to detect tension or compression forces, generating signals to control trailer wheel operation based on tow vehicle movement, ensuring the trailer mimics the vehicle's movement to stabilize the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trailer electronic control system applies brakes or throttle based on tow vehicle movement, then the trailer can maintain its position and reduce drag on the tow vehicle, but poorly timed commands can generate destabilizing forces at the tow vehicle hitch
Solution Approach 1:
The connector apparatus predicts the tow vehicle's future movement state by analyzing current acceleration and velocity, then preemptively adjusts trailer brake and throttle commands before the destabilizing forces occur. This preliminary action prevents the timing mismatch that causes hitch destabilization while maintaining trailer stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors tow vehicle acceleration, velocity, and connector force measurements, using this feedback to dynamically adjust trailer control commands. The feedback loop ensures that brake and throttle applications are precisely timed to match actual tow vehicle movement, preventing destabilizing forces while maintaining reliable trailer operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer uses its own EV chassis with electronic control system, then the trailer can operate autonomously and improve safety, but system complexity increases and can lead to malfunction during off-nominal scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The connector apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the tow vehicle and trailer electronic control systems. It measures physical forces directly at the connection point and translates them into coordinated control commands, simplifying the overall system architecture by adding a dedicated mediation layer rather than increasing complexity within existing control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical linkage and timing mechanisms with electronic sensors and control algorithms. By using accelerometers, velocity sensors, and force measurements combined with computational prediction, the system achieves precise coordination without the mechanical complexity of traditional linkage systems.
3Speed
If the tow vehicle accelerates or decelerates abruptly, then the tow vehicle can respond quickly to changing conditions, but destabilizing forces are generated at the tow vehicle hitch
Solution Approach 1:
The connector apparatus predicts the tow vehicle's movement trajectory based on current acceleration and velocity data, then preemptively adjusts trailer control commands before the destabilizing forces from abrupt acceleration or deceleration occur. This allows the tow vehicle to maintain quick response while the trailer compensates in advance to prevent hitch instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies counteracting forces to the trailer wheels in advance of predicted destabilizing events. By analyzing current motion states and predicting future conditions, the system pre-applies brake or throttle commands that create opposing forces to cancel out the destabilizing effects of abrupt tow vehicle acceleration or deceleration before they occur.
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 apparatus stabilizes the connection between the tow vehicle and trailer by efficiently controlling trailer wheel movement, reducing destabilizing forces at the hitch, enhancing safety and stability during off-nominal scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit (324) connected to the first portion (306) and the second portion (308), and configured to generate a signal based on a second portion longitudinal movement in the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector apparatus configured to connect a first vehicle with a second vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first portion connected to the first vehicle and a second portion connected to the second vehicle. The second portion may be engaged with the first portion and configured to move horizontally relative to a first portion longitudinal axis when the second vehicle accelerates or decelerates. The apparatus may further include a sensor unit connected with the first portion and the second portion. The sensor unit may be configured to determine a distance and a direction of a second portion horizontal movement when the second portion moves relative to the first portion longitudinal axis, and generate a signal based on the distance and the direction. The sensor unit may further transmit the signal to a first vehicle microprocessor that may control a first vehicle operation based on the signal.