Trailer Differential Braking for Reversing Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a trailer while towing can be challenging, particularly during reversing, as it may lead to jackknifing, causing traffic disruptions, potential damage, and personal injury due to the complexity of controlling the trailer's movement.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses differential braking by applying independent brake torque to the trailer's wheels based on a processor-received driver command for a target path, utilizing sensors and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) to adjust wheel speeds and yaw rates, allowing for precise control and stabilization of the trailer's trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical brake interface is used to control trailer brakes, then the braking operation can be simplified, but the maneuverability and precision of trailer control during reversing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical brake interface with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and electronic signals to control trailer brakes. This substitution enables precise electronic modulation of brake torque on individual wheels, providing both ease of operation through electronic interfaces and superior maneuverability through differential braking control during reversing maneuvers.
2Device complexity
If all trailer wheels are braked simultaneously with equal force, then the braking system is simple to control, but the ability to prevent jackknifing and control trailer trajectory is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trailer brake system into independent left and right wheel brake controls. Each wheel can be braked independently with different forces, allowing the system to prevent jackknifing by applying differential braking torque to individual wheels based on real-time trajectory analysis and hitch angle monitoring, while maintaining reliable and simple overall system control through electronic coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different brake torques to different wheels based on local conditions. The left and right wheels can receive different braking forces tailored to the specific maneuvering situation, such as applying more brake force to the outer wheel during a turn to prevent jackknifing, while keeping the system control architecture simple through electronic management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If differential braking is implemented to improve trailer maneuverability, then the control precision and safety are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic control system that handles multiple functions: it monitors hitch angle, analyzes trajectory, determines required differential braking torque, and controls individual wheel brakes. This multi-functional integrated system achieves precise differential braking control for improved maneuverability while managing system complexity through a unified electronic architecture that coordinates all functions through a single control platform.
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 enhances the trailer's maneuverability and reduces the risk of jackknifing by enabling precise control over the trailer's movement, improving safety and efficiency during towing operations.
Implementation Method 1
applying, via the left brake and the right brake, the left braking torque and the right braking torque
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems to assist maneuvering of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The trailer includes a left wheel, a right wheel, an axle, a left brake device coupled to the left wheel, and a right brake device coupled to the right wheel. The methods and systems receive a driver command for a target path for the trailer, determine a left braking torque for the left wheel and a right braking torque for the right wheel based on the target path so as to provide for differential braking, and apply, via the left brake device and the right brake device, the left braking torque and the right braking torque to assist maneuvering of the trailer along the target path.