Trailer Brake Gain Scaling Using Weight and Resistance Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling trailer brake gain require manual adjustments and testing, which can be time-consuming and challenging to optimize, leading to suboptimal braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically sets trailer brake gain using sensor data from the vehicle, including weight and resistance force calculations, to determine the optimal brake gain without driver input or testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gain adjustment and testing is used, then the driver can control brake intensity, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of brake gain by automatically calculating optimal values based on sensor data (trailer weight, resistance forces, deceleration rates) without requiring driver intervention or manual testing, thereby eliminating time-consuming adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and sets optimal brake gain values before braking events occur, using real-time sensor data to determine appropriate gain levels in advance, eliminating the need for trial-and-error testing during actual use
2Force
If gain is set too high, then braking force is increased, but trailer wheels may lock up during braking
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual braking performance and trailer response through sensors, using this feedback to dynamically adjust gain levels and prevent wheel lockup while maintaining optimal braking force
Solution Approach 2:
The brake gain is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting in real-time based on changing conditions such as trailer weight, resistance forces, and deceleration rates to prevent wheel lockup while maximizing braking effectiveness
3Reliability
If gain is set too low, then trailer brake force is reduced, but the towing vehicle's brakes must do the majority of the work resulting in suboptimal stopping distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor feedback to determine the actual braking contribution needed from the trailer, automatically adjusting gain to ensure optimal force distribution between vehicle and trailer brakes for reduced stopping distances
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the brake gain parameter dynamically based on calculated parameters including trailer weight, resistance forces, and deceleration rates to optimize the balance between trailer brake contribution and vehicle brake capacity
4Extent of automation
If automatic gain scaling is implemented, then optimal braking control is achieved without manual input, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated gain scaling mechanism that handles weight compensation, resistance force calculation, and real-time adjustment, reducing overall system complexity despite increased automation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems automatically scale and set trailer brake gain without a need for vehicle driver input and without testing. Scaling a trailer brake gain of a trailer towed by a vehicle includes obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors of the vehicle. A processor computes a trailer weight of the trailer and a trailer resistance force of the trailer. The processor automatically updates the trailer brake gain based on both the trailer weight and the trailer resistance force and may use vehicle data and axle torque.