Trailer Bogie Coupling for Dynamic Tow and Regenerative Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for overland trucking lack efficient dynamic tow and regenerative braking capabilities, which are essential for optimizing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a bogie with a motor and driven axle, a battery assembly, and a controller that dynamically engages and disengages the bogie and battery assembly with the trailer's rails, allowing for both tow mode and regenerative braking mode operations based on real-time conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional braking systems are used for trailer braking, then braking function is achieved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates and regenerative energy recovery is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The motor acts as a self-servicing device that automatically functions as a generator during deceleration, converting kinetic energy back to electrical energy without requiring separate braking components or driver intervention. The controller automatically manages the energy flow from the motor-generator to the battery assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor serves dual functions: as a drive motor during acceleration and as a regenerative brake during deceleration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate braking systems while recovering energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in traditional friction brakes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bogie is permanently coupled to the trailer, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the bogie and trailer transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions. The movable coupling mechanism enables the bogie to engage or disengage from the trailer rails, providing versatility for different modes such as towing, independent operation, or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the bogie and trailer, enabling flexible connection and disconnection. This intermediary component allows the system to switch between coupled and uncoupled states, providing adaptability while maintaining connection reliability when engaged.
3Productivity
If friction brakes are used for trailer braking, then braking force is achieved, but energy recovery and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction braking systems with an electromagnetic motor-generator system. During deceleration, the motor functions as a generator, converting the trailer's kinetic energy into electrical energy that charges the battery, thereby eliminating energy waste as heat and improving fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the previously harmful effect of kinetic energy dissipation (which caused fuel consumption and energy loss) into a beneficial energy recovery process. The motor-generator captures the energy that would have been lost during braking and stores it in the battery for later use.
4Reliability
If complex braking systems are implemented, then braking performance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves as both the propulsion device and the braking device, eliminating the need for separate braking systems. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable braking performance through the motor's electromagnetic force during deceleration.
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 system enables dynamic control of the trailer, preventing jackknife events, maintaining traction, reducing fuel consumption, and extending battery life, while allowing for minimal driver intervention in braking.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to receive electrical energy from the battery assembly to drive the driven axle
Implementation Method 2
the motor to transform mechanical energy to electrical energy to regenerate brake and charge the battery assembly
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system includes a drive subsystem and a controller. The drive subsystem includes: a chassis configured to transiently install on a trailer over a range of longitudinal positions; a set of retention features configured to transiently engage a first subset of engagement features, in a first array of engagement features on a left rail of the trailer and in a second array of engagement features on a right rail of the trailer, to couple the drive subsystem to the trailer in a particular longitudinal position in the range of longitudinal positions; a driven axle suspended from the chassis; and a motor coupled to the driven axle. The controller is configured to: trigger the motor to output torque to the driven axle; and trigger the motor to regeneratively brake the driven axle.