Trailer Bogie and Battery Latching for Dynamic Tow Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current overland trucking systems lack efficient dynamic tow and regenerative braking solutions, leading to inefficiencies in energy use, increased emissions, and reduced trailer control, particularly in varying terrain and load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a bogie with a motor and battery assembly that transiently engages with trailer rails via latches, controlled by a system that dynamically adjusts torque output and regenerative braking based on real-time sensors and conditions to maintain traction and balance, reducing the need for manual braking and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional braking systems are used for trailer control, then stopping force is sufficient, but energy is wasted and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the kinetic energy that would normally be wasted during braking into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. The motor acts as a generator during deceleration, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in traditional friction brakes, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining braking effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction braking with an electromagnetic regenerative braking system. The motor/generator substitution allows the system to convert mechanical kinetic energy into electrical energy, eliminating the energy waste inherent in mechanical brake systems while providing equivalent or superior control capability
2Extent of automation
If manual braking intervention is used, then trailer control is maintained, but driver workload increases and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating braking system where the motor controller automatically manages torque application and regenerative braking based on real-time sensor feedback. The system monitors wheel speed, trailer dynamics, and road conditions to autonomously adjust braking force, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention while maintaining or improving control reliability through consistent automated response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates multiple sensors (wheel speed sensors, accelerometers, and communication systems with the towing vehicle) that continuously monitor trailer dynamics and feed this information back to the motor controller. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adjustment of braking torque to maintain optimal trailer control under varying conditions, enhancing reliability without manual intervention
3Use of energy by moving object
If battery capacity is increased for better performance, then energy availability improves, but weight increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous energy recovery during deceleration and coasting phases through regenerative braking. This continuous energy capture throughout the driving cycle offsets the energy consumption of the motor during acceleration, effectively increasing net energy availability without requiring proportionally larger battery capacity, thereby avoiding the weight penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts motor torque, regenerative braking intensity, and battery charge/discharge rates based on real-time operating conditions such as vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and battery state of charge. These parameter changes optimize energy utilization efficiency, allowing the system to maximize energy availability from a given battery capacity without increasing weight
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 enhances trailer control, reduces emissions and fuel consumption, extends battery life, and minimizes driver intervention by dynamically adjusting torque and braking in response to changing conditions, improving overall efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
trigger the battery assembly to supply electrical energy to the motor to output torque to the driven axle in a tow mode
Implementation Method 2
trigger the motor to supply electrical energy to the battery assembly to regeneratively brake the driven axle and charge the battery assembly
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system includes a bogie including: a chassis; a first set of latches configured to transiently engage a first subset of engagement features, in a first array of engagement features on a left rail and in a second array of engagement features on a right rail of the trailer, to retain the bogie below a floor of the trailer; a driven axle suspended from the chassis; and a motor coupled to the driven axle and configured to output torque to the driven axle and regeneratively brake the driven axle. The system further includes a battery assembly: including a second set of latches configured to transiently engage a second subset of engagement features, in the first array of engagement features and in the second array of engagement features, to retain the battery assembly adjacent the bogie; and configured to receive electrical energy from the motor.