Trailer Electric Drive and Braking for Overrun-Controlled Towing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric or hybrid towing vehicles face reduced range and traction issues when towing trailers with high permissible weights, especially on uphill stretches, due to the additional load and energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electric drive and braking system for vehicle trailers, including an electric drive and braking unit, a detection device, and a control system, which independently adjusts power output based on trailer motion parameters to assist the towing vehicle, providing traction support and energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an electric or hybrid towing vehicle tows a trailer with high permissible weight, then the trailer can be transported, but the range of the towing vehicle is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into two independent parts: the conventional overrun brake and the newly introduced electric brake. The electric brake operates independently to provide additional braking force, allowing the trailer to contribute to its own deceleration without increasing the towing vehicle's energy consumption during braking phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric brake enables the trailer to perform braking functions autonomously without requiring energy from the towing vehicle. The trailer's braking system serves itself by using the electric motor as a generator during deceleration, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy to power the brake, thus not increasing the overall energy burden on the towing vehicle.
2Quantity of substance
If an electric or hybrid towing vehicle tows a trailer with high permissible weight, then the trailer can be transported, but traction problems occur especially on uphill stretches
Solution Approach 1:
The braking forces from the overrun brake and the electric brake are merged and applied simultaneously to the trailer's drive wheels. This combination provides a unified braking action that stabilizes the trailer during deceleration, preventing traction problems and improving control on various road surfaces including uphill stretches.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric brake provides dynamic braking force that can be independently controlled and adjusted based on real-time driving conditions. The braking force is continuously adaptable to match the traction capabilities of the wheels and road surface, ensuring optimal performance during deceleration without causing wheel lockup or loss of traction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a roll brake with motorized actuator is installed to eliminate instabilities, then driving stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex motorized actuator system is replaced with a simpler electric brake system that uses the trailer's existing electric motor as a generator. This substitution eliminates the need for separate motorized brake actuators, sensors, and control systems while maintaining the ability to provide stable braking force and eliminate driving instabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it acts as a drive motor during acceleration and as a generator during deceleration to power the electric brake. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated brake actuators and reduces system complexity while maintaining driving stability through effective braking control.
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 towing vehicle's range and traction, particularly on hills, reduces load on the towing vehicle, stabilizes the trailer, and recovers energy during braking, allowing less powerful vehicles to tow heavier trailers efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The controller (37) controls the electric drive and braking unit (36) and regulates its power output. The electric drive and braking unit comprises at least one electric motor/generator (40, 41) which can function in generator mode during braking to recover energy.
Implementation Method 2
The detection device (10) which is arranged on the overrun device (4) detects the physical movement parameters of the motor vehicle trailer (1) during towing or trailer operation and signals them to the controller (37).
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric drive and braking device for a vehicle trailer (1) that can be coupled to a towing vehicle (2) and is equipped with overrun brakes. The electric drive and braking device (9) comprises an overrun device (4) designed for actuating a service brake (6) of the vehicle trailer (1), with a vehicle trailer coupling (21) with an overrun brake actuator (5), and an electric drive and brake unit (36) with a control unit (37) for driving and braking the vehicle trailer (1), as well as a detection device (10) which is arranged on the overrun device (4) and connected to the control unit (37).The detection device (10) records physical movement parameters of the vehicle trailer (1) in train and trailer operation, at least distance and force, and transmits electrical signals to the control unit (37), whereby the control unit (37) controls the electric drive and brake unit (36) depending on the signals from the detection device (10) and regulates its power output.