Trailer Brake Control System with Programmable Further Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle trailer brake control systems lack the ability to easily integrate user-configurable safety criteria and expand controllability of trailer functions from the towing vehicle, limiting flexibility and safety in dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
An additional control device is connected to the brake control device via a signal path, allowing user inputs to be linked with sensor information for automatic control of actuators, such as the axle lift device, and enabling programmable control of trailer functions without altering safety-critical functions of the brake control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a brake control device with preset safety functions is used, then braking safety is ensured, but the ability to add user-configurable functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent parts: the brake control device (with safety functions) and the further control device (with user-configurable functions). This segmentation allows each device to be optimized independently - the brake control device maintains its safety-critical functions while the further control device provides flexible user-configurable capabilities without adding complexity to the safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
A signal path acts as an intermediary between the brake control device and the further control device. This intermediary enables communication and coordination between the two devices, allowing the further control device to access sensor information and control actuators while maintaining clear separation of safety-critical and user-configurable functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the brake control device is made highly programmable, then user flexibility increases, but safety-critical functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates safety-critical brake control functions from user-configurable control functions into different devices. The brake control device maintains stable, certified safety functions that cannot be accidentally modified, while the further control device provides programmable flexibility for non-safety functions, eliminating the risk that programming changes could compromise safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the brake control device programmable (which would risk safety), the invention inverts the approach by adding a separate further control device that is programmable. This reverses the traditional model where the primary control device handles both safety and flexibility, and instead assigns flexibility to a secondary device that cannot affect safety functions.
3Device complexity
If multiple control functions are integrated into one device, then system integration is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The further control device serves multiple functions: it provides user-configurable control, accesses sensor information from the brake control device, and controls actuators. This multi-functionality in a dedicated device improves ease of operation by consolidating user interactions in one accessible interface while the brake control device continues to handle safety functions automatically.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The arrangement has a brake control unit including safety criteria and controlling a brake unit, and a sensor unit to determine speed, loading and inclination of a trailer. A programmable control unit with input units operated by a user is connected with the brake control unit by a signal path. Instructions provided by the user via the input units are combined with the information from the sensor signals via the path.