Towed Vehicle Brake Control Mode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer brake control systems lack flexibility to accommodate both trailers and powered vehicles, and existing solutions for two-way communication and force application to brake pedals are inefficient, prone to interference, and require additional wiring or complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A towed vehicle braking system with a master controller that can switch between trailer and powered vehicle modes, using a brake signal wire for communication and a brake pedal activation device with a force sensor to ensure proper force application, along with a breakaway cable combining traditional breakaway switches and electrical cords for automatic brake activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master brake controller is designed for communication with either a trailer or a powered vehicle, then optimum braking for the type of vehicle being towed is achieved, but the device lacks flexibility to accommodate both types of vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The master brake controller is designed with a mode selection mechanism that allows it to function optimally with both trailers and powered vehicles. The controller includes a switch or selector that enables the operator to choose between trailer mode and powered vehicle mode, thereby achieving universal compatibility while maintaining optimum braking performance for each vehicle type through algorithm-specific control strategies
2Reliability
If two-way communication is established using an additional wire between the master brake controller and the brake pedal activation device, then reliable communication is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake signal wire is designed to serve dual purposes: it provides braking control signals from the master brake controller to the brake pedal activation device, and simultaneously serves as a communication pathway for two-way data exchange. This multi-functional use of the existing brake signal wire eliminates the need for an additional dedicated communication wire, thereby maintaining reliable communication while simplifying installation
3Measurement precision
If a force sensor is added to directly determine the force applied to the brake pedal, then accurate force control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal activation device incorporates a force sensor that serves multiple functions: it directly measures the force applied to the brake pedal for accurate feedback control, and simultaneously provides data for monitoring brake system health and diagnosing issues. This multi-functional use of the force sensor justifies its inclusion by delivering precise measurement while contributing to overall system intelligence without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A towed vehicle braking system and method for applying brakes to a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle braking system may include a master controller, a brake pedal activation device, and a breakaway cable. The master controller may be mountable in a towing vehicle and may be selectively placed in a trailer mode or a powered vehicle mode. A brake signal wire used to apply braking power to trailer brakes may be used for communication between the master controller and the brake pedal activation device. The brake pedal activation device may use a force sensor to determine that a force applied to a brake pedal of the towed vehicle corresponds to a desired amount of braking force as indicated by the master controller. The breakaway cable may be a combination of a traditional breakaway switch and an electrical cord between the towed and towing vehicles.