Tractor Controller Syncing Towed Vehicle Position Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tractor-trailer vehicle systems lack the ability to determine the number, location, and type of towed vehicles in real-time, affecting stability and control due to varying lengths and weights.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tractor controller and towed-vehicle controllers that communicate through electrical and pneumatic signals, allowing the tractor to transmit sync and start signals and receive data signals with time values and unique identifications from towed vehicles, enabling the calculation of their positions and sequence within the vehicle train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the tractor treats the towed vehicle train as a dumb extension, then the control system is simple, but the tractor cannot determine the number, location, or type of towed vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vehicle train into individual controllable units, with each towed vehicle equipped with its own controller that can independently identify and report its presence, position, and characteristics to the tractor controller
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where towed vehicle controllers send data signals back to the tractor controller containing identification and position information, enabling the tractor to continuously monitor and adjust control based on the actual configuration of the vehicle train
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle train length and weight vary from trip to trip, then the system is adaptable to different loads, but the stability and control of the tractor-trailer vehicle are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time detection of the vehicle train configuration. The tractor controller receives continuous feedback about the number, position, and type of towed vehicles, and automatically modifies braking and control settings to maintain stability regardless of load variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and physical connections with electronic communication between controllers. Data signals are transmitted electronically from towed vehicle controllers to the tractor controller, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing systems
3Speed
If electrical and pneumatic signals are used for communication, then real-time data transmission is achieved, but the system requires complex signal synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes signal synchronization protocols in advance, with predetermined timing relationships between electrical sync signals and pneumatic start signals. Controllers are pre-programmed with expected signal sequences and timing parameters, enabling automatic synchronization without complex real-time processing
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples of a controller, method and system for monitoring a tractor-trailer vehicle train are disclosed. In one example a tractor controller is manually-initiated or a user-initiated tractor controller and includes an electrical control port for receiving an electrical sync signal and an electrical start signal, and a communications port for receiving data. A processing unit of the tractor controller includes control logic and is in communication with the electrical control port. The control logic is capable of receiving a data signal at the communications port which includes a time value and a unique identification which corresponds to the towed vehicle in response to the electrical start signal. At a predetermined response time, the tractor controller determines the position of the towed vehicle in the tractor-trailer vehicle train based on the data received from the towed vehicles.