Electronic Trailer Brake Integration for EBS Degraded Conditions

The patent merges the vehicle EBS with the electronic trailer brake system into an integrated control architecture. The controller receives brake pedal position signals and system status signals from both the vehicle EBS and trailer brake systems, processes them centrally, and coordinates actuation of both vehicle and trailer brakes simultaneously. This integration enables the trailer brake to assist during degraded vehicle brake conditions and panic braking scenarios, improving overall stopping performance while maintaining a manageable system through unified control logic.

The patent implements periodic, pulsed activation of the electronic trailer brake for rust cleaning purposes. The controller monitors system status signals and activates the trailer brake in brief, periodic cycles at predetermined intervals or under specific conditions (such as during drive-off detection or when rust accumulation is detected). This periodic action effectively removes rust from the trailer wheel brakes through repeated mechanical contact, while limiting energy consumption and brake wear by avoiding continuous activation. The pulsed nature of the cleaning action maintains effectiveness while minimizing resource usage.