Triple-Axle Trailer ABS With Shared Channels and Load Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for triple axle trailers require separate hydraulic lines and wheel speed sensors for each wheel, making them complex and less adaptable for use with six-wheeled vehicles, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A common hydraulic channel is used for the front and center wheels, with a four-channel ABS actuator and wheel speed sensors, and an articulating spring mount that increases normal force on the center wheels relative to the front wheels during braking, allowing a four-wheeled ABS system to be adapted for a triple axle trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hydraulic lines and wheel speed sensors are used for each wheel, then each wheel can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic control for the front and center wheels into a single common hydraulic channel, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic lines and wheel speed sensors for each wheel. This merging reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining effective anti-lock braking control through the spring mount mechanism that differentiates normal forces between wheels.
2Device complexity
If a four-channel ABS actuator is used for a six-wheeled trailer, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to independently control each wheel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single hydraulic channel serve multiple functions by controlling both the front and center wheels through common hydraulic lines. The spring mount mechanism enables this multi-functionality by passively distributing hydraulic pressure to create appropriate normal forces on different wheels, allowing a four-channel actuator to effectively control six wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mount acts as an intermediary mechanism between the common hydraulic channel and the wheels. It receives hydraulic pressure and mechanically differentiates the normal forces applied to the front and center wheels, enabling the single hydraulic channel to achieve independent wheel control without requiring separate channels for each wheel.
3Device complexity
If uniform normal force is applied to all wheels during braking, then the braking system is simpler, but the center wheels may lock before the front wheels reducing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different normal forces to different wheels based on their specific requirements. The spring mount mechanism creates a locally differentiated braking system where the center wheels receive greater normal force than the front wheels, matching the higher braking capability needed at the center position while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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
This configuration enables effective anti-lock braking for a six-wheeled trailer using a four-channel ABS system, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining control by preventing center wheels from locking before the front wheels.
Implementation Method 1
The spring mount pivots in response to an applied brake torque to increase a normal force applied to the second wheel as compared to a normal force applied to the first wheel
Implementation Method 2
The spring mount pivots in response to an applied brake torque to increase a normal force applied to the second wheel as compared to a normal force applied to the first wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-lock braking system for a triple axle trailer having three axles and six wheels is disclosed. The system includes a first wheel speed sensor coupled to the first wheel of the trailer, a second wheel speed sensor coupled to the third wheel of the trailer, a spring mount pivotably coupled to the body of the trailer, a first suspension member coupled to the first wheel and to the spring mount and a second suspension member coupled to the second wheel and to the spring mount. The system includes a hydraulic braking actuator having a first channel coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel and a second channel coupled to the third wheel. The spring mount pivots in response to an applied brake torque to increase a normal force applied to the second wheel as compared to a normal force applied to the first wheel.