Trailer Detection via Longitudinal Acceleration Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting whether a vehicle is towing a trailer are unreliable, often leading to incorrect assignments and suboptimal vehicle dynamics control due to the lack of direct connection between the trailer and towing vehicle, especially in cases where brake light connectors are not used or when other devices like bicycle racks are mistaken for trailers.
Innovation Solution
A method that compares actual vehicle longitudinal acceleration signals with target signals determined by a reference model, using input variables such as gas pedal position and brake pressure, to accurately detect trailer operation, and adjusts the trailer snaking logic and vehicle dynamics control system accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake light connector or pressure detection device is used to detect trailer operation, then trailer detection can be performed, but the system fails when no direct connection exists between trailer and towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical connection-based detection (brake light connectors, pressure sensors) with a dynamics-based detection method using acceleration sensors. The system infers trailer operation from the towing vehicle's longitudinal acceleration characteristics during braking, which differ when towing a trailer due to increased mass and momentum. This substitution enables trailer detection without requiring direct physical connection between vehicle and trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the towing vehicle's braking dynamics as an intermediary indicator of trailer presence. Instead of directly detecting the trailer or its connection, the system uses the vehicle's acceleration behavior during braking as a mediator that reflects the loaded state. This intermediary approach allows indirect but reliable trailer detection through observable vehicle response characteristics.
2Reliability
If trailer detection devices are installed, then trailer operation can be detected, but false positives occur when other devices like bicycle racks are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from static physical presence (brake light connector occupancy, pressure switch state) to dynamic behavioral parameters (longitudinal acceleration during braking). By monitoring how the vehicle's acceleration responds to braking inputs rather than whether a connector is physically occupied, the system distinguishes between actual trailer mass effects and other attachments like bicycle racks that do not significantly alter braking dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from acceleration sensors to continuously monitor vehicle response to braking inputs. By comparing actual acceleration against expected values for trailer-towing conditions, the system dynamically adjusts its detection logic. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn and adapt to the vehicle's specific braking characteristics, reducing false positives while maintaining sensitivity to actual trailer presence.
3Measurement precision
If acceleration sensors and reference models are used for trailer detection, then accurate detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functionality of vehicle dynamics control systems. The same acceleration sensors used for traction control, stability control, and brake slip prevention are repurposed for trailer detection. The reference model, already computing expected vehicle behavior for various driving conditions, is extended to include trailer-towing scenarios. This universal approach avoids adding dedicated detection hardware while achieving precise trailer identification through software-based differentiation of driving dynamics.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for identifying a trailer operation of a towing vehicle, in particular as part of a driving dynamic control system, with trailer roller logistics, in order to stabilise the combination of the towing vehicle and the trailer. The invention also relates to a control device for carrying out said method. According to the invention, the trailer operation is identified by comparing an actual signal characterising the vehicle state to a corresponding target signal.