Automatic Trailer Brake Gain Calibration Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic trailer braking systems require manual calibration of trailer brake gain, which is time-consuming, causes unnecessary wear on brakes and tires, and needs frequent recalibration due to changes in load or driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic trailer brake gain calibration module that detects the need for calibration based on changes in vehicle conditions, modulates the brake gain by applying brake pressure and comparing torque to thresholds, ensuring optimal brake gain adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual calibration of trailer brake gain is performed, then the brake gain can be adjusted, but it requires significant user time investment and causes unnecessary wear on brakes and tires
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic brake gain calibration without requiring user intervention. The calibration module autonomously determines optimal brake gain values by monitoring trailer braking conditions, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and reducing user time investment while preventing unnecessary brake wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the brake gain parameter based on changing operating conditions such as trailer load, driving conditions, and brake temperature. This automatic parameter adaptation eliminates manual recalibration needs and optimizes braking performance across varying conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual calibration of trailer brake gain is performed, then the gain can be set, but frequent recalibration is needed due to changes in load or driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The brake gain is transformed from a static manually-set value to a dynamic parameter that automatically adapts to changing conditions. The calibration module continuously monitors operating parameters including trailer load, driving conditions, and brake temperature, adjusting the gain in real-time to maintain optimal braking performance without requiring frequent manual recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the calibration module monitors actual braking performance and trailer operating conditions, then uses this information to automatically adjust the brake gain. This closed-loop control ensures the system adapts to changing load and driving conditions without user intervention.
3Force
If a gain that is too high is used, then trailer braking force is increased, but control of the trailer is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the brake gain parameter within optimal ranges based on real-time monitoring of trailer response and braking conditions. This prevents the gain from becoming too high (which would cause trailer control issues) or too low (which would cause excessive vehicle brake wear), maintaining optimal trailer control across varying operating conditions.
4Force
If a gain that is too low is used, then trailer braking force is reduced, but extra braking force from vehicle brakes is required causing unnecessary wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the brake gain parameter to ensure sufficient trailer braking force is applied, preventing the condition where excessive vehicle brake wear occurs. By automatically optimizing the gain based on trailer load and driving conditions, the system ensures the trailer brakes contribute appropriately to the braking effort, reducing harmful wear on the vehicle brakes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for automatic calibration of electronic trailer brake gain. An example apparatus includes a trailer brake gain calibration module programmed to compare a calculated trailer brake torque to at least one of a first or second threshold, adjust a gain value based upon satisfaction of at least one of the first or second threshold, and apply a pressure to a trailer brake based on the gain value.