Trailer Brake Current Diagnostic Circuit and Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and vehicles to determine the operational status of trailer brakes, including whether they are malfunctioning or properly connected, to ensure safe towing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising processors, memory modules, a trailer brake current output circuit, a trailer brake current sensing circuit, and a trailer brake activation input circuit, which intermittently supplies a diagnostic current to the trailer brakes during activation and non-activation periods to assess their operational status based on sensed current signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trailer brakes are equipped with electromagnets and brake shoes for effective braking, then braking performance is improved, but the complexity of the braking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the operational status of trailer brakes by analyzing current draw characteristics and provides real-time feedback about brake health, connection status, and malfunction detection to the user interface, enabling proactive maintenance and safety monitoring
2Measurement precision
If diagnostic current is supplied continuously to monitor brake status, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic diagnostic current supply at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The controller intermittently commands diagnostic current to flow through the trailer brakes and measures the resulting voltage drop or current characteristics, achieving adequate monitoring precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
3Measurement precision
If multiple circuits and sensors are added to determine operational status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing current output circuit serve multiple functions: it provides normal operating current to the trailer brakes during towing and simultaneously serves as a diagnostic current source for monitoring brake status. The same electrical pathway is used for both operational and diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated diagnostic circuits and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing electrical infrastructure and current flow characteristics of the brake system itself to perform self-diagnosis. By monitoring voltage drops, current draw variations, and electrical characteristics during normal operation and diagnostic cycles, the system enables self-monitoring without requiring external diagnostic equipment or additional complex sensing infrastructure
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
Enables the determination of trailer brake operational status, facilitating timely notification and corrective action for malfunctions or connection issues, thereby enhancing safety and reliability during towing.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric current is applied to the electromagnet, the lever is pivoted as the electromagnet is drawn against the rotating brake drum, thereby actuating the electric trailer brakes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and vehicles for determining an operational status of at least one trailer brake are provided. A system for determining an operational status of at least one trailer brake includes machine readable instructions stored in one or more memory modules that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the system to command a trailer brake current output circuit to intermittently supply a diagnostic current to the at least one trailer brake during a trailer brake activation period, receive a sensed current signal from a trailer brake current sensing circuit in response to the command to supply the diagnostic current, and determine the operational status of the at least one trailer brake based on the sensed current signal.