Trailer Brake Valve Control for Jack-Knife Risk Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles, such as tractors, lack effective trailer brake control systems due to less stringent regulatory requirements and varying operational conditions, leading to a need for adaptable and cost-effective brake systems that can prevent jack-knifing and provide independent steering functionality.
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, reducing the risk of jack-knifing and allowing for independent trailer braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic trailer brake control system is implemented on agricultural vehicles, then safety against jack-knifing is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electronic brake control system with the existing fluid pressure supply system of the agricultural vehicle. The control valve integrates electronic control signals with the hydraulic/pneumatic brake actuation, merging two different control domains (electronic and fluid) into a unified brake control mechanism that leverages existing infrastructure while adding safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control system is designed to provide multiple functions: normal service braking, emergency braking, and jack-knife prevention. The control valve can respond to different input conditions (brake pedal activation, engine braking detection) and provide appropriate brake actuation modes, making the system versatile for various operating scenarios on agricultural vehicles.
2Reliability
If dual service brake systems with electronic control are implemented, then brake reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system is divided into independent functional segments: a control valve for electronic control, a fluid pressure supply system, and trailer brake actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each component can be produced separately and tested independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve acts as an intermediary component that translates electronic control signals into fluid pressure actuation. This intermediary element bridges the gap between electronic control systems and hydraulic/pneumatic brake mechanisms, allowing for reliable electronic control without requiring complete system redesign, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If trailer brake control is activated during engine braking, then jack-knife prevention is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates trailer brakes periodically or intermittently during engine braking events rather than continuously. The system monitors engine braking conditions and applies trailer brakes only when jack-knife risk is detected, creating a periodic activation pattern that provides safety while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous brake actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor engine braking status, trailer position, and brake activation conditions. This feedback allows the system to intelligently determine when trailer brake activation is necessary for jack-knife prevention, activating brakes only under appropriate conditions rather than continuously, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining safety.
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 and provides adaptable braking functionality, enhancing safety and operational flexibility for agricultural vehicles while maintaining reasonable costs.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid pressure output at the trailer brake demand output port is dependent on the fluid pressure applied at the brake demand input port
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle brake system includes a service brake system having a service brake circuit and a trailer brake control system. The trailer brake control system includes a trailer brake valve with a service brake demand input port connected to the service brake circuit and a trailer service brake demand output port connected to a trailer brake control coupling. 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 has a control valve to fluidly connect a source of pressurized fluid with the trailer brake control coupling to trigger actuation of a service brake function on the trailer. The electronic trailer brake control system includes an ECU configured to actuate the control valve to apply service brakes on the trailer if it determines that the vehicle is at risk of jack-knifing.