Tractor Brake Control Ratio Adjustment for Trailer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing brake control systems for tractors with auxiliary brakes tend to cause a jackknife phenomenon when a trailer is mounted, as the auxiliary brake exerts a greater braking force than the main brake, leading to instability between the tractor and trailer.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a trailer sensor to detect the presence of a trailer, adjusting the braking force ratio between the auxiliary and main brakes, decreasing auxiliary brake force and increasing main brake force based on the trailer's presence, with a smart cruise control system to prevent jackknife occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auxiliary brake generates maximum braking force (2000 NM) and the main brake generates the remaining braking force (1000 NM) for a total required braking force of 3000 NM, then the braking efficiency is improved, but the jackknife phenomenon occurs when a trailer is mounted due to excessive auxiliary brake force relative to main brake force
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system dynamically adjusts the braking force distribution between auxiliary and main brakes based on real-time detection of trailer presence. When a trailer is detected, the controller switches to a different braking force ratio than when no trailer is present, making the system adaptable to different operating conditions and preventing the jackknife phenomenon while maintaining braking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking force parameters (allocation ratio between auxiliary and main brakes) based on the detected condition of trailer presence. By modifying the control parameters dynamically, the system optimizes braking performance for different scenarios - using maximum auxiliary brake force for solo tractor operation and reduced auxiliary brake force with increased main brake force when towing a trailer.
2Temperature
If the auxiliary brake force is increased to prevent brake drum and lining overheating, then the thermal management is improved, but the jackknife phenomenon occurs due to larger auxiliary brake force compared to main brake force
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the auxiliary brake force based on trailer presence detection. When no trailer is mounted, the auxiliary brake operates at maximum capacity to prevent overheating. When a trailer is detected, the system reduces auxiliary brake force and increases main brake force proportionally, maintaining thermal management effectiveness while preventing the jackknife phenomenon.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operating parameters of the auxiliary brake based on the detected condition. By adjusting the auxiliary brake force parameter dynamically - maximum when solo, reduced when towing - the system achieves both thermal protection and operational stability across different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a brake of a tractor towing a trailer includes a trailer sensor for sensing whether or not the trailer is mounted at the tractor, an auxiliary brake driver for driving an auxiliary brake of the tractor, a main brake driver for driving main brakes of the tractor and the trailer, and a controller for setting a ratio of braking force of the auxiliary brake to a reference value with respect to a required braking force from a smart cruise control (SCC) system and allocating the remaining required braking force to the main brakes of the tractor and the trailer in the case in which the trailer sensor senses that the trailer is mounted at the tractor.