Trailer Brake Pressure Balancing via Wheel End Temperature Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic braking systems for trucks with trailer towing capability fail to dynamically adjust brake pressure based on current conditions, leading to unbalanced braking, low trailer brake performance, and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measures wheel end brake temperatures of both the towing vehicle and trailer using integrated temperature sensors within active wheel speed sensors, determining average reference temperatures to dynamically adjust trailer brake pressure, increasing it when the towing vehicle's temperature is higher and decreasing it when the trailer's temperature is higher, while notifying the operator of compatibility limits and requiring maintenance when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic braking systems are used without dynamic temperature-based adjustment, then the system structure remains simple, but unbalanced braking occurs leading to safety hazards and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures wheel end brake temperatures of both the towing vehicle and trailer, compares these temperatures, and dynamically adjusts trailer brake pressure based on the temperature difference. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures balanced braking by automatically compensating for temperature imbalances, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system monitors its own thermal state through integrated temperature sensors and autonomously adjusts brake pressure without external intervention. The control unit automatically detects temperature differences and modulates trailer brake pressure accordingly, enabling the system to self-regulate and maintain safe operating conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If trailer brake pressure is fixed without dynamic adjustment, then the control system remains simple, but brake performance becomes unbalanced causing increased pad wear and repair costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed brake pressure control to dynamic adjustment based on real-time temperature measurements. The trailer brake pressure is continuously adapted according to the temperature difference between towing vehicle and trailer, allowing the control system to respond to changing thermal conditions and prevent excessive wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes the brake pressure parameter based on measured temperature differences. When the towing vehicle's brake temperature exceeds the trailer's temperature by more than a threshold, the system increases trailer brake pressure; when the trailer temperature is higher, it decreases pressure. This parameter adaptation optimizes braking balance and reduces wear.
3Reliability
If temperature-based dynamic adjustment is implemented, then braking balance and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors are integrated into the existing wheel speed sensors, combining two measurement functions into a single device. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components needed and leverages the existing sensor infrastructure, thereby minimizing the increase in system complexity while still achieving dynamic temperature-based brake pressure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel speed sensors are designed to perform multiple functions: measuring wheel speed and measuring wheel end brake temperature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing systems, reducing overall device complexity while enabling the dynamic temperature-based control required for improved braking balance.
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
This approach ensures dynamic adjustment of brake force distribution, enhancing safety by preventing jackknifing and maintaining balanced braking performance, reducing repair costs, and providing timely maintenance notifications.
Implementation Method 1
measuring wheel end brake temperatures of the towing vehicle and of the trailer via temperature sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling brakes of a trailer of a towing vehicle. The method can include measuring wheel end brake temperatures of the towing vehicle and of the trailer via temperature sensors; determining an average towing vehicle reference temperature for the towing vehicle from the measured wheel end brake temperatures of the towing vehicle; determining an average trailer reference temperature for the trailer from the measured wheel end brake temperatures of the trailer; and, adjusting a trailer brake pressure on a basis of the determined average towing vehicle reference temperature and the determined average trailer reference temperature. The operator can be warned if the difference between the determined average trailer reference temperature and the determined average towing vehicle reference temperature are outside the compatibility limit for a predetermined amount of time. The disclosure further relates to a trailer brake control system for an electronic braking system.