Redundant Trailer Brake Control for Pneumatic and ECU Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer brake systems are prone to failures due to pneumatic and electrical issues, leading to potential vehicle instability, asymmetric brake forces, and increased brake response times, which can result in accidents or unsafe driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A trailer braking system with redundant pressure control valves and ECUs, incorporating a selection valve and secondary pressure modulator, which distributes brake pressure and provides redundant power and communication management to ensure continued functionality in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant pressure control valves and ECUs are added to the brake system, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into multiple independent channels (first and second brake channels), each with its own pressure control valve and ECU. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality in one channel even if another fails, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant pressure control valves and ECUs as backup components before failures occur. The selection valve is pre-configured to switch between primary and backup components, ensuring that redundancy is already in place and can be activated immediately upon failure without adding operational complexity
2Reliability
If a selection valve is added to distribute brake pressure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selection valve acts as an intermediary component that distributes brake pressure between different channels based on system conditions. It mediates between the primary and backup pressure control valves, automatically routing pressure through functional channels while isolating failed components, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention
3Reliability
If redundant ECUs are used for power and communication management, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent ECUs, each managing specific communication protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay) and power distribution functions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication and power management capabilities even if one ECU fails, improving reliability while organizing complexity into manageable functional modules
Data Source
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AI summary
A brake system for a trailer comprising first and second pneumatic circuits for supplying air pressure to the wheel ends on the trailer, the air pressure to brake devices at the wheel ends being controllable by means of a first brake ECU 7. First and second pressure control valves 41, 42 control pressure from the pneumatic circuits to the respective wheel ends. The system further comprises a second ECU 17 adapted to electrically control the actuation of the pressure control valves.