Trailer Braking Control with Electronic Coupling Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer braking systems are limited by fluid-operated connections that lack monitoring capabilities, requiring time-consuming manual checks and complex operations to ensure proper connection, and are prone to hydraulic and power line breakages, leading to costly and inefficient repairs.
Innovation Solution
A device with electronic sensing and control mechanisms that monitor trailer connection status, automatically apply brakes in emergencies, and include an accumulator for safe towing, featuring solenoid valves and electronic switches to manage fluid and power lines, ensuring quick and safe verification of connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid-operated connections are used for trailer braking control, then braking synchronization between towing vehicle and trailer is achieved, but monitoring capabilities are limited and manual checks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensing means (electronic sensors) that detect the connection status between towing vehicle and trailer, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual verification while maintaining reliable braking synchronization through continuous monitoring of the fluid-operated connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification procedures with an electronic monitoring system. The control unit processes electronic signals from sensors to automatically determine connection status, substituting the mechanical/manual check process with an electronic control and detection system that provides the same reliability without requiring operator intervention.
2Reliability
If additional line is used for automatic brake operation, then emergency braking capability is provided, but further monitoring functions are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the additional line serve multiple functions: it continues to provide emergency automatic braking capability while simultaneously enabling monitoring functions through integrated sensing means. The control unit processes signals from the additional line to detect both braking status and connection status, allowing the same fluid connection to fulfill multiple roles without requiring separate dedicated lines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the emergency braking function and monitoring function into a single integrated system. The sensing means and control unit process information from the additional line to simultaneously manage automatic brake operation and provide connection status monitoring, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If manual operations are performed to verify connection, then connection status can be checked, but time-consuming and complicated procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification through automatically activated sensing means that detect connection status without requiring operator action. The control unit continuously monitors the state of the additional line and control line, automatically determining whether the trailer is properly connected, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification procedures while maintaining precise connection status detection.
4Reliability
If hydraulic lines are tensioned due to trailer disconnection, then safe disconnection is enabled, but power lines are subject to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensing means as an intermediary detection mechanism that identifies trailer disconnection before hydraulic line tensioning causes damage. The control unit receives signals from these sensors and can activate warning indicators or control mechanisms to prevent power line breakage, using the sensing system as an intermediary alert mechanism that enables preventive action before physical damage occurs.
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
Enhances the functionality and safety of trailer braking systems by allowing easy verification and quick restoration of connections, reducing manual checks, and preventing line breakages, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve (51, 52) arranged within the valve means (10) and configured to open or close and command the parking and/or automatic brake of the trailer depending on the presence of voltage
Implementation Method 2
the brake valve mounted on the trailer and adapted to adjust the outflow of the work fluid towards the braking line and towards the automatic and/or parking brake
Implementation Method 3
the valve connects and disconnects an accumulator to the braking line of the trailer so as to apply and release the automatic and/or parking brake
Data Source
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AI summary
The Device (1) for controlling the braking of a trailer comprises: one first female joint (2) communicating with a control line (3) connectable and intended to receive a first male joint (4); one second female joint (5) communicating with an additional line (6) and intended to receive a second male joint (7); one primary braking line (8a); one secondary braking line (8b); at least one accumulator (9) connected to the control line (3); valve means (10) placed between the accumulator (9) and the secondary braking line (8b) and movable between one supply position and one isolation position; at least one power line (11) connected to the second female joint (5); sensing means (15) arranged along the additional line (6); wherein: the additional line (6) comprises electrical connecting means (16) placed between the second female joint (5) and the valve means (10); the sensing means (15) are configured to command the movement of the valve means (10) between the supply position and the isolation position by means of the connecting means (16); the power line (11) is configured to exchange at least one electric/electronic signal with the valve means (10) by means of the connecting means (16); wherein the device (1) comprises: a first portion (22) connected to the second female joint (5) and connectable to the second male joint (7); a second portion (23) coupled, in use, to the first portion (22) in a removable manner; and wherein: the connecting means (16) are placed between the second portion (23) and the valve means (10); the coupling and uncoupling of the portions (22, 23) electrically connects and disconnects the connecting means (16) from the sensing means (15) and/or from the power line (11), respectively.