Trailer Brake Control for Reverse Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking systems for trailer vehicles with steerable front axles and non-steered rear axles face challenges in controlling reverse maneuvering, particularly in maintaining directional stability and automating the steering process during reversing.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a control unit that independently actuates the brakes of the trailer's wheels, connected to the towing vehicle's control electronics, allows for selective braking of the steered front axle and non-steered rear axle to control the trailer's movement in the desired direction, enabling autonomous reverse maneuvering and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailer's braking system is disconnected from the towing vehicle's braking system when reverse gear is engaged to allow independent brake control, then the ease of operation for reverse maneuvering is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into two independent control modes: during forward travel, the trailer brakes are coupled to the towing vehicle's braking system for unified control; during reverse maneuvering, the trailer brakes are disconnected and controlled independently through a separate control device. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for ease of operation in reverse while maintaining simplicity during forward travel.
2Extent of automation
If selective braking of individual trailer wheels is implemented to enable autonomous steering during reversing, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control devices and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The control device provides selective braking control for individual trailer wheels based on the desired maneuvering direction. When reversing, the system applies brakes to specific wheels (left or right side) to generate the necessary pivoting moment, enabling autonomous steering without requiring complex active steering mechanisms on the trailer axle.
3Ease of operation
If the control unit is located outside the towing vehicle for operation by a second person, then the ease of operation is improved through external assistance, but the device complexity increases due to additional control interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile control unit serves as an intermediary between the operator and the trailer braking system. This external control device can be operated by a second person standing outside the towing vehicle, providing better visibility and control during reverse maneuvers in confined spaces, while communicating with the trailer's braking system through existing control lines.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The braking system has steerable front axle (9) and uncontrolled rear axle (11) that are drawn through a drawbar (13). A brake system control unit (18) is adapted externally along the direction of brakes (10,10 ',12,12') to slow down the wheels (16a-16d) of front axle and rear axle of trailer (8 ), so that the trailer is moved to desired range. The control unit is operatively connected with an electronic controller (19) in towing vehicle (2). A steering angle sensor and a gear sensor are connected with the control unit.