Trailer Center of Gravity via Braking Effect Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the loading status of semi-trailers or trailers of commercial vehicles are not simple and functionally reliable, as they often rely on spring deflection or wheel loads, which do not accurately assess the center of gravity, potentially affecting driving safety.
Innovation Solution
A method that initiates a defined braking process on the trailer or semi-trailer brake system to determine the actual braking effect values, which are compared to setpoint values, allowing for the calculation of the center of gravity in both longitudinal and transverse directions, using the locking tendency of wheels to infer the wheel load and thus the center of gravity, leveraging existing on-board brake testing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spring deflection or wheel loads are used to determine loading status, then the measurement can be obtained, but the accuracy of center of gravity assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods (spring deflection, wheel load sensors) with a braking-based detection system. By analyzing wheel locking tendencies during braking processes, the system infers wheel loads and calculates center of gravity position without requiring direct mechanical measurement of spring deflection or wheel loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical displacement or force measurement to braking effect analysis. By observing how different wheels lock during braking (which varies based on their load), the system derives wheel load information and subsequently calculates center of gravity position with higher accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a defined braking process is initiated to determine center of gravity, then the accuracy of loading status determination is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing brake system serve a dual function: its primary function for vehicle deceleration and an additional function for loading status detection. By analyzing wheel locking behavior during normal braking operations, the system determines wheel loads and center of gravity position without requiring separate measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system performs self-diagnosis and loading detection during its normal operation. The braking process itself generates the data needed for loading status determination, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment or additional sensors.
3Device complexity
If existing brake systems are utilized for loading check, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement reliability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wheel locking behavior during braking and compares it against expected patterns. By analyzing the feedback from wheel speed sensors and brake pressure data, the system reliably determines wheel loads and detects deviations from proper loading conditions, ensuring measurement reliability despite using existing brake components.
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
Enables a simple and reliable determination of the center of gravity, improving driving safety by accurately assessing the loading status and providing a warning or corrective measures if deviations occur, while utilizing existing brake and driver assistance systems to minimize complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a defined braking process is initiated after a defined route by means of the semi-trailer or trailer braking system... with each during a braking process braked left and right wheels, an actual braking effect value is determined
Implementation Method 2
detecting the actual axle load acting on at least one axle of the towing vehicle and/or on at least one axle of the semi-trailer or trailer while driving through the defined route, in particular an actual axle load caused by the braking process the basis of which is the driving-related dynamic axle load shift, which is a measure of the height of the center of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for checking the load status of a semi-trailer or trailer of a commercial vehicle, in particular a multi-axle semi-trailer or trailer of a commercial vehicle, characterized by the following method steps: a) Detecting whether a semi-trailer (2) or trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle (1), b) Initiating a load check in the event that a coupled semi-trailer (2) or trailer is detected, c) Initiating at least one defined braking operation by means of the trailer or semi-trailer braking system (5), wherein for each left and right wheel (7) braked during a braking operation an actual braking effect value is determined, which is compared with an existing target braking effect value, and wherein the center of gravity position in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the vehicle is determined on the basis of this comparison.d) Recording the actual axle load acting on at least one axle of the towing vehicle (1) and/or the semi-trailer (2) or trailer during travel along the defined route, on the basis of which the dynamic axle load shift is determined, which represents a measure of the center of gravity height, e) Determining a current center of gravity position for the semi-trailer (2) or trailer taking into account the evaluation result according to step c) and step d).,