Electronic Trailer Brake Control for Jack-Knife Risk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles, such as tractors, often lack electronic trailer brake control systems due to less stringent regulatory requirements and varying operational conditions, leading to a need for adaptable brake systems that can reduce the risk of jack-knifing at reasonable costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle brake system incorporating an electronic trailer brake control system with a control valve and electronic control unit (ECU) that selectively supplies pressurized fluid to the trailer brake control coupling, based on operational conditions, to actuate the service brake function and reduce the risk of jack-knifing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic trailer brake control system is implemented, then safety against jack-knifing is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electronic control unit with the existing fluid pressure signal system. The ECU receives fluid pressure signals from the towing vehicle's brake system and automatically generates corresponding fluid pressure signals for the trailer brakes, merging electronic intelligence with conventional hydraulic/pneumatic actuation to achieve safety without complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between the towing vehicle's brake system and the trailer brake system. It receives input signals, processes them according to jack-knifing prevention logic, and outputs controlled fluid pressure signals to the trailer brakes, mediating the interaction between vehicle and trailer braking systems
2Reliability
If dual service brake systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit is designed to work with various types of towing vehicles and trailer configurations, providing universal jack-knifing prevention functionality. It can process different input signal types and generate appropriate output signals for different trailer brake systems, reducing the need for vehicle-specific customizations
3Ease of operation
If electronic brake control is used, then brake force regulation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical brake force regulation mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses fluid pressure signals and electronic processing. The ECU electronically regulates brake force based on input signals and operational conditions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and adjustment mechanisms
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
The system effectively reduces the risk of jack-knifing by electronically controlling the trailer brakes, enhancing safety and adaptability while maintaining cost-effectiveness, suitable for agricultural vehicles operating at lower speeds with diverse implements.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressure output at a trailer brake demand output port which is dependent on the fluid pressure applied at a brake demand input port
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A Vehicle Brake System with Electronic Trailer Brake Control A vehicle brake system includes a service brake system (200) having a service brake circuit (221) and a trailer brake control system (400). The trailer brake control system includes a trailer brake valve (410) with a service brake demand input port (410c) connected to the service brake circuit and a trailer service brake demand output port (410f) connected to a trailer brake control coupling (430). The output at the trailer brake demand output port is dependent on the pressure applied at the service brake demand input port. An electronic trailer brake control system (500) has a control valve (510) operative when activated to fluidly connect a source of pressurised fluid with the trailer brake control coupling (430) to trigger actuation of a service brake function on the trailer. The electronic trailer brake control system (500) includes an ECU configured to actuate the control valve (510) to supply pressurised fluid to trailer brake control coupling (430) and apply service brakes on the trailer if it determines that the vehicle is at risk of jack-knifing. The vehicle service brake may be hydraulic or pneumatic and the trailer service brakes may be pneumatic. The source of pressurised fluid may be pressurised air.