Trailer Backup Speed Limiting via Adaptive Brake Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging, especially for infrequent drivers, as existing trailer backup assist systems become unreliable in preventing jackknife angles and maintaining control at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that includes a brake system and a throttle sensor module, with a controller outputting brake torque requests and steering commands based on trailer mass to maintain control and prevent jackknife conditions by limiting vehicle speed and adjusting for road grade and throttle inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing trailer backup assist systems are used, then basic steering control is provided, but the systems become unreliable at higher speeds and cannot effectively prevent jackknife angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts brake torque based on vehicle speed, trailer mass, and throttle position parameters. As speed increases, the controller modifies braking intervention to maintain control, directly addressing the reliability degradation at higher speeds through parameter-based adaptation
2Reliability
If brake torque is applied to limit vehicle speed, then control reliability improves, but vehicle stopping distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial braking action rather than full braking, using proportional brake torque requests that are sufficient to maintain control and prevent jackknife conditions but not excessive enough to cause unnecessary stopping distance extension. The braking is calibrated to the minimum necessary level
3Measurement precision
If the system adjusts for varying trailer mass, then control accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing sensors (throttle position sensor, speed sensor, mass air flow sensor) that are already part of the vehicle's standard equipment to determine trailer mass and control parameters, rather than requiring additional dedicated sensors or complex measurement systems. The controller processes available data to achieve accurate control
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer is provided herein. The system includes a brake system and a steering system of the vehicle. A controller is configured to output a brake torque request to the brake system and a steering command to the steering system, wherein the brake torque request and the steering command are each based at least in part on a trailer mass.