Trailer Hydraulic Brake Control for Variable Load Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for trailed vehicles struggle to provide precise control over braking force, leading to over-application or under-application of brakes, which can cause jerking or overwork the towing vehicle, depending on the weight of the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake system for trailed vehicles that includes a caliper assembly with multiple pistons and a manifold assembly with a pump and motor, directly coupled to each wheel, allowing for independent control of braking force based on the weight of the trailer through a computer and sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the brakes of the trailed vehicle exert more force, then the braking effectiveness is improved, but the towing vehicle may be jerked through over-application or the wheels may lock
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adjusts braking force based on real-time sensor feedback about trailer weight and towing conditions. The controller continuously modifies brake application strength to match actual operating conditions, transitioning from static to dynamic control to prevent over-braking while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor systems monitor trailer weight, brake application force, and wheel speed, feeding this information back to the controller which adjusts brake force accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents over-application by comparing actual brake force against desired levels and correcting deviations in real-time.
2Reliability
If the brakes of the trailed vehicle exert less force, then wheel locking is prevented, but the brakes on the towing vehicle are overworked
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically optimizes brake force distribution between the towing and trailed vehicles based on real-time weight sensing. When the trailer is heavily loaded, the trailed vehicle brakes are activated to share the braking workload, reducing strain on the towing vehicle brakes while maintaining safe stopping distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailed vehicle brake system serves itself by automatically engaging its own brakes based on detected weight conditions, rather than relying entirely on the towing vehicle's brakes. This self-service capability redistributes braking effort appropriately based on the trailer's actual braking needs.
3Device complexity
If a fixed brake control system is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the brake performance cannot be optimized for different trailer weights
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adaptive system that automatically adjusts brake force based on sensed trailer weight. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to optimize performance across different loading conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration or multiple fixed systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the brake system (brake force, application timing, duration) based on detected trailer weight parameters. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed values, the system achieves adaptability to different trailer configurations and weights using the same physical hardware.
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 system dynamically adjusts braking force to match the trailer's weight, optimizing brake performance and preventing over- or under-application, ensuring safe and controlled towing.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and a motor, wherein the manifold assembly is provided with and coupled to the caliper assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A trailed vehicle is configured for coupling with a motor vehicle and is adapted to be towed by the motor vehicle. The trailed vehicle includes a frame. At least one axle is rotatably coupled to the frame and carries a pair of wheels. A hydraulic brake system is operably coupled with the motor vehicle and with the wheels of the trailed vehicle. The hydraulic brake system includes a caliper assembly and a manifold assembly provided with the wheels of the trailed vehicle.