Towing Vehicle Controller Brake Signal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current towing vehicle controllers do not optimize brake control transmission signals to trailers based on the specific stability conditions and load of the tractor-trailer combination, leading to suboptimal braking performance during automated deceleration requests.
Innovation Solution
A towing vehicle controller that receives signals for load, yaw rate, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, and uses control logic to determine a brake control transmission signal based on a comparison value derived from these inputs, allowing for enhanced braking response and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ESC controller transmits a control air signal to the trailer as if the trailer did not have an ABS or RSC system, then the system can accommodate a wide variety of tractor-trailer combinations, but the braking response of the trailer brake system may not result in optimal braking performance for the particular automated deceleration request and driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brake control transmission signal adjustable and adaptable based on real-time stability conditions (yaw rate, steering angle, lateral acceleration) and load signals. The controller dynamically modifies the control air signal transmitted to the trailer brakes according to actual driving conditions, transitioning from a static universal control approach to a dynamic condition-based control approach that optimizes braking performance for each specific situation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the brake control transmission signal based on detected stability conditions and load. The controller adjusts signal parameters (such as pressure, duration, or timing) according to the yaw rate, steering angle, lateral acceleration, and load signals, thereby optimizing trailer brake response for different driving scenarios and vehicle configurations
2Productivity
If a control air signal is sent from the tractor to the trailer based on the deceleration value, then the trailer brakes are actuated during automated deceleration, but the braking response may not be optimal depending on the particular tractor-trailer arrangement and electronic devices available on the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring stability conditions (yaw rate, steering angle, lateral acceleration) and load signals during automated deceleration, then using this feedback information to adjust the brake control transmission signal sent to the trailer. This closed-loop approach ensures the trailer braking response remains optimal across various tractor-trailer arrangements and electronic device configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value.