Trailer Overrun Brake Radar Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current overrun brake systems for motor vehicle trailers are costly and require complex wiring, with existing solutions not effectively detecting standstill and reversing movements without relying on expensive wheel sensors and cabling.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake force transmission system with a control unit, changeover valve, and radar unit for movement detection, which scans the road surface to reliably determine the trailer's direction and speed, eliminating the need for wheel sensors and complex cabling by integrating the radar unit into the changeover valve's metal housing with a dielectric window for protection and electromagnetic interference shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel sensors and magnet wheels are used to detect movement, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wheel sensors and magnet wheels with an optical radar system that uses electromagnetic waves to detect trailer movement. The radar unit transmits signals and analyzes reflections to determine motion state, eliminating the need for mechanical contact sensors and their associated complex wiring and mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the movement detection function from the wheel assembly area and relocates it to a centralized radar unit positioned on the trailer frame. This separates the detection mechanism from the rotating wheels, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of components required.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If complex cabling for wheel sensors is installed, then movement detection capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the extensive electrical cabling required for wheel sensors with a wireless or minimally-cabled radar system. The radar unit processes movement detection independently and communicates results to the control unit through simplified wiring, dramatically reducing installation complexity and manufacturing time.
3Measurement precision
If radar unit scans forward direction, then forward movement detection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to stone impacts and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional radar scanning approach by directing the beam backward toward the road surface instead of forward. This allows the radar to detect trailer movement by analyzing the motion of the road surface relative to the trailer, while the backward-facing position protects the radar unit from stone chips, dirt, and moisture that would otherwise damage a forward-facing sensor.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and reliable method for detecting trailer movement and adjusting brake pressure based on load conditions, reducing component costs and enhancing system reliability by avoiding damage from external factors.
Implementation Method 1
The motion detection system includes a radar unit that scans the road surface
Implementation Method 2
the metal housing comprising at least one window formed from a dielectric, the at least one radar unit being arranged behind this at least one window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In an overrun brake system for motor vehicle trailers with a hydraulic brake force transmission device, a motion detection system (14) is provided, which includes a radar unit (15) that scans the road surface (53).