Trailer Count Detection by Reference Load Power in Brake Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional braking systems in vehicles with multiple trailers require manual adjustment of trailer count, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, affecting braking efficiency and overall vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that activates reference electrical loads in trailers with known power consumption, analyzes power consumption data to automatically determine the number of trailers, and adjusts braking system controllers accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of trailer count is used in traditional braking controllers, then the system structure remains simple, but the operation efficiency deteriorates and error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking controller automatically detects the number of trailers and adjusts braking parameters without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The system self-configures by monitoring electrical load connections, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electrical detection system. By monitoring electrical parameters and communication signals from trailers, the system automatically determines trailer count and configures braking control, substituting human operation with electronic automation.
2Extent of automation
If automated trailer detection is implemented, then operation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking controller performs multiple functions: it manages braking control, automatically detects trailer presence and count, monitors electrical system status, and adjusts parameters dynamically. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated controller, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors electrical load connections and communication signals from trailers, using this feedback to automatically determine trailer count and adjust braking parameters in real-time. The feedback mechanism enables automated adaptation without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
3Reliability
If manual trailer count adjustment is used, then device complexity remains low, but reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The braking controller automatically detects and adapts to the actual number of trailers connected, eliminating reliance on manual driver input. This self-configuration ensures accurate braking control matching the actual vehicle composition, significantly improving reliability by removing human error from the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual adjustment mechanisms with automated electrical and electronic detection systems. By using electrical load monitoring and communication protocols to determine trailer count, the system achieves higher reliability through objective sensor data rather than subjective human input.
4Measurement precision
If reference electrical loads are activated for detection, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates reference electrical loads in periodic or intermittent fashion rather than continuously, enabling trailer detection while minimizing energy consumption. The controller can activate loads temporarily to measure electrical characteristics and then deactivate them, achieving accurate detection with reduced power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical load activation to create measurable electrical signatures that copy or represent the presence and configuration of trailers. By measuring the electrical response of activated loads, the system indirectly detects trailer characteristics without requiring continuous high-power operation, achieving precision with efficient energy use.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for determining the number of trailers towed by a tractor unit in a tractor-trailer arrangement, wherein each trailer in the tractor-trailer arrangement comprises reference electrical loads that are controlled by the control unit and powered by a power supply in the tractor unit, and where the control unit is configured to activate one or more reference electrical loads in each trailer, whereby the activated reference electrical loads in each trailer has a known expected power consumption, contributing to a total expected power consumption that scales proportionally with the number of trailers. The control unit further configured to obtain power consumption data pertaining to the one or more reference electrical loads, and determine the number of trailers by analyzing the obtained power consumption data against the known expected power consumption of a single trailer.