TPMS-Based Dynamic Trailer Braking Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic braking systems for vehicles with trailers require manual adjustment based on trailer weight, leading to potential safety issues due to inaccuracies in weight entry, resulting in uneven wear and tear on braking systems and handling impacts.
Innovation Solution
Integration of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors to measure tire footprint, pressure, temperature, and acceleration, which calculates the trailer load and adjusts the braking system automatically, ensuring optimal braking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of braking system is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the braking effectiveness is compromised due to inaccurate weight entry
Solution Approach 1:
The TPMS sensor automatically measures tire footprint and calculates trailer weight without operator intervention. The system self-adjusts by transmitting weight data to the braking control system, eliminating manual weight entry and ensuring accurate braking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic system. The TPMS sensor uses accelerometer data and tire footprint measurement to electronically calculate and transmit weight information to the braking system, substituting manual operation with automated sensing and control.
2Reliability
If TPMS sensor is integrated to automatically adjust braking system, then the braking effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TPMS sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures tire pressure, monitors tire temperature, detects acceleration, and calculates trailer weight. By making the sensor multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated weight sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving braking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines weight measurement functionality with the existing TPMS sensor rather than adding a separate weight sensing system. The sensor integrates accelerometer, temperature, and pressure measurements to derive weight information, merging multiple functions into a single component to minimize system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If TPMS sensor measures multiple parameters (footprint, pressure, temperature, acceleration), then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs comprehensive measurements including footprint, pressure, temperature, and acceleration, which exceeds the minimum required for weight calculation. This excessive measurement capability ensures high measurement precision for trailer load calculation, compensating for the increased energy consumption through improved accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The dynamic footprint of a tire is received and the dynamic footprint is determined by and received from a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor. A weight or load of the secondary vehicle attached to the primary vehicle is calculated based at least in part on the footprint. Instructions to alter the operation of the braking system of the secondary vehicle based on the calculated weight or load are transmitted to the secondary vehicle.