Trailer Bogie And Battery Positioning for Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer systems lack efficient and automated mechanisms for weight distribution and wheel adjustment, requiring manual and tool-dependent adjustments, which are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system with a bogie and battery assembly that transiently installs on a trailer chassis, controlled by a controller to autonomously adjust longitudinal positions for balanced weight distribution and wheelbase, using sensors and actuators to optimize weight distribution and transition between tow and service modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for weight distribution and wheel positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated weight distribution adjustment. The controller automatically calculates optimal positions for the bogie and battery assembly based on detected trailer weight, and actuates the bogie to adjust longitudinal positions without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through intelligent control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using sensors, controllers, and electric actuators. Weight sensors detect trailer weight, the controller processes this data to determine optimal positions, and electric motors actuate the bogie, substituting manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system
2Productivity
If automated weight distribution adjustment is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors, actuators, and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives weight data from sensors, calculates optimal longitudinal positions for the bogie and battery assembly, determines actuation commands, and coordinates the adjustment process. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than distributing it across multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates weight sensors that continuously detect trailer weight and feed this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically calculate and adjust the optimal positions of the bogie and battery assembly, ensuring accurate weight distribution while managing system complexity through closed-loop control
3Loss of time
If manual tool-dependent adjustment is used, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time increases due to tool requirements and manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual tools and operations by enabling self-service adjustment. The automated bogie positioning system uses electric actuators to move the bogie to optimal positions calculated by the controller, completely removing the time loss associated with manual tool-dependent adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for weight distribution of a trailer includes: a trailer chassis including a vehicle coupler arranged on a first end of the trailer chassis and configured to couple to a tow vehicle; a battery assembly arranged on the first end of the trailer chassis and configured to transiently install on a left rail and a right rail of the trailer over a range of longitudinal positions; a bogie including a chassis configured to transiently install on the left rail and the right rail of the trailer over the range of longitudinal positions and arranged on the second end of the trailer chassis opposite the first end, a driven axle suspended from the chassis, and a motor coupled to the driven axle; and a bogie actuator configured to longitudinally displace the bogie along the trailer chassis.