Towed Vehicle Braking System with Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for towed vehicles can generate excessive towing forces, leading to reduced driving stability and potentially dangerous situations like jackknifing, despite advancements in control systems and force measurement technologies.
Innovation Solution
A braking system for towed vehicles that includes a mechanical coupling with a force sensor and a controller to continuously monitor and minimize towing forces by adjusting the braking force applied to the towed vehicle, using a force sensing spring and position determination unit to calculate towing forces and a closed control loop to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braking system for a towed vehicle is designed to provide effective braking force, then the braking performance is improved, but the towing force exerted on the towing vehicle increases excessively, leading to reduced driving stability and potential jackknifing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a force sensor continuously measures the towing force between the towing and towed vehicles. The controller receives this force signal and adjusts the actuator's braking force accordingly to maintain towing force within a predetermined safe range, thereby preventing excessive forces that would compromise driving stability while ensuring adequate braking performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the braking force parameter applied to the towed vehicle based on real-time measurements. By continuously adjusting the magnitude of the braking force through the actuator in response to measured towing forces, the system optimizes both braking effectiveness and towing vehicle stability, preventing conditions that could lead to jackknifing
2Productivity
If the braking force on the towed vehicle is increased to improve stopping capability, then the braking efficiency is improved, but the towing force becomes excessive and may cause jackknifing
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides continuous feedback on the actual towing force generated during braking. The controller uses this feedback to modulate the actuator's output, increasing braking force when safe and reducing it when approaching harmful levels, thus achieving high braking efficiency without generating excessive towing forces that could cause jackknifing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with an electromechanical control system. Instead of a purely mechanical linkage between the towing vehicle and towed vehicle braking systems, an actuator controlled by electronic signals and force feedback is used, enabling precise control of braking force to optimize efficiency while preventing harmful towing forces
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 effectively reduces towing forces to safe levels, enhancing driving stability and preventing hazardous conditions such as jackknifing by dynamically adjusting braking forces based on real-time towing force measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor (102) which is mechanically coupled to the first mechanical coupling... the force sensor comprises a force sensing spring
Implementation Method 2
a damper (220) that is configured to dampen the relative movement of the first and second members
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a braking system (100) for a towed vehicle (2) and to a towed vehicle (2) comprising the same. According to the invention, the towed vehicle braking system (100) comprises a coupling force determination unit (102,200,300,350) that is mechanically coupled to a first mechanical coupling (3) that couples the towed vehicle (2) and the towing vehicle (1). The coupling force determination unit (102,200,300,350) is configured to output a coupling signal that is indicative for a towing force that is exerted by the towing vehicle (1) onto the towed vehicle (2), and vice versa, through the first mechanical coupling (3). The controller (103) of the braking system (100) is configured for controlling an actuator (105), which actuates a brake (10,107) in dependence of the coupling signal and a received brake signal to reduce the towing force. According to the invention, the braking system (100) further comprises a handbrake (121,122,400) for manually actuating the brake (10,107).