Tractor Trailer Brake Fade Control via Periodic Effort Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated trailer brake systems in tractor-trailer combinations experience brake fade during endurance braking, leading to reduced braking power and potential jackknife situations due to heat buildup, which can be dangerous and unpredictable for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjust the braking effort of the trailer brakes, temporarily reducing it to zero and detecting emergency braking situations to override and increase braking effort, using a control device that measures hydraulic or pneumatic fluid pressure and generates human-detectable alerts to inform the operator of brake fade and adjust braking accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated trailer brake systems are used during endurance braking, then jackknife situations are prevented, but brake fade occurs due to heat buildup reducing braking power
Solution Approach 1:
The control device periodically reduces the braking effort applied by the trailer brakes during endurance braking operations. This periodic reduction allows brake components to cool down temporarily, preventing excessive heat buildup and brake fade, while still maintaining sufficient braking power to prevent jackknife situations through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
2Temperature
If braking effort is reduced to mitigate brake fade, then heat buildup is decreased, but braking power becomes insufficient in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the braking effort applied to the trailer brakes based on real-time monitoring of braking operations and temperature conditions. During normal endurance braking, the system reduces braking effort to allow cooling. However, when emergency braking is detected through monitoring systems, the control device immediately increases braking effort to maximum levels, ensuring sufficient braking force is available when needed while still managing heat buildup during sustained operations.
3Ease of operation
If automated brake control is implemented, then operator judgment is removed, but operator awareness of brake fade is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements a feedback system that provides continuous information to the operator about the braking effort being applied to the trailer brakes and the thermal state of brake components. This feedback mechanism maintains operator awareness of braking conditions and system status, allowing the operator to understand when braking effort is being reduced to prevent fade and when maximum braking is available, thus compensating for the removal of manual judgment while preserving situational awareness.
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 solution effectively mitigates brake fade by reducing the risk of jackknife situations and ensures the operator is aware of reduced braking power, allowing for timely corrective action and improved control of the vehicle, enhancing safety during endurance braking operations.
Implementation Method 1
using a control device that measures hydraulic or pneumatic fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
using a control device that measures hydraulic or pneumatic fluid pressure
Implementation Method 3
This phenomenon is caused e.g. by heat build-up in components of the tractor brake such as the brake pads and discs
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling the braking of a tractor-trailer combination in which the tractor includes a drive train having an engine and at least one ground-engaging member driveably connected thereto; at least one ground-engaging member of the tractor includes at least one tractor brake (28, 29, 31, 32); and at least one ground-engaging member of the trailer includes at least one further, trailer brake the operation of which depends at least in part on the operative condition of the at least one tractor brake, comprises the steps of, on the initiation of operation of the at least one tractor brake and the at least one trailer brake to brake the tractor-trailer combination, commencing operation of a timer that times the duration of operation of the at least one tractor brake and/or the at least one trailer brake. On a parameter related to the duration of braking effort timed by the timer reaching or exceeding a threshold value, the method then includes adjusting the braking effort applied by the at least trailer brake in order to achieve or maintain a chosen braking performance of the tractor-trailer combination.