Trailer Differential Braking for Hitch Angle Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to address the instability in coupled vehicles during decelerated turning, particularly due to the hitch angle between the towing and towed vehicles, leading to potential jackknife phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A deceleration turning assistance device with braking devices on each wheel of the towed vehicle, generating a left-right braking force difference based on the hitch angle to reduce the hitch angle and stabilize the vehicles during decelerated turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hitch angle arises between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle during decelerated turning, then the turning motion is enabled, but unstable behavior such as bending of the coupled vehicles (jackknife phenomenon) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by generating a braking force difference between the left and right wheels of the towed vehicle in advance to counteract the hitch angle. The braking force difference creates a moment that acts opposite to the hitch angle, preventing the jackknife phenomenon before it fully develops. This is achieved by detecting the hitch angle and applying differential braking forces that preemptively stabilize the coupled vehicles during decelerated turning.
2Speed
If braking force is applied to the towed vehicle during deceleration, then deceleration is achieved, but the hitch angle increases causing unstable behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing braking forces differently across the left and right wheels of the towed vehicle. Instead of applying uniform braking force, the system creates a localized braking force difference that generates a stabilizing moment. This selective application of braking force to specific wheels allows deceleration while simultaneously counteracting the hitch angle and preventing instability.
3Reliability
If existing braking control systems correct braking force using coupling pressure, then braking correction is achieved, but unstable behavior during decelerated turning is not suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the braking force distribution adaptive and dynamic based on the hitch angle. The system continuously monitors the hitch angle and adjusts the braking force difference between left and right wheels in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the braking control system to respond to changing conditions during decelerated turning, maintaining stability while achieving reliable braking correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A deceleration turning assistance device, includes: braking devices respectively provided at each of a left wheel and a right wheel of a towed vehicle that is configured to be pivotably coupled to a towing vehicle via a coupling portion; and a braking force difference generating portion that, in a case of decelerated turning in a state in which the towed vehicle is coupled to the towing vehicle, is configured to generate a left-right braking force difference between the braking devices in accordance with a hitch angle between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle so as to decrease the hitch angle.