Trailer Drive Control for Towing Vehicle Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towing vehicle/trailer combinations face challenges in maximizing power density while adhering to weight limits, particularly in transferring drive torque effectively during difficult driving conditions, due to smaller drive components and reduced towing vehicle weight.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a target drive power for trailer axles based on contact force distribution and towing vehicle drive power, using electric drive control signals to achieve a proportional distribution of drive power, reducing wheel slip and power losses, and optimizing drive torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a smaller towing vehicle is used to adhere to weight limits, then weight compliance is improved, but drive power output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive function between the towing vehicle and the trailer by equipping the trailer with drive axles that can be actively controlled. The control system coordinates the drive torque distribution between the towing vehicle's drive wheels and the trailer's drive wheels, effectively combining them into a unified drive system. This allows a smaller towing vehicle to achieve the power output of a larger vehicle by utilizing the trailer's weight and drive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of drive torque distribution between the towing vehicle and trailer based on real-time operating conditions. The control system continuously adjusts the drive torque to the trailer's drive axles according to factors such as wheel slip detection, driving mode, and traction conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power delivery and maintain effective traction despite the reduced weight and power of the towing vehicle.
2Power
If drive power is increased to improve traction under difficult conditions, then traction capability is improved, but wheel slip and power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by detecting wheel slip conditions on both the towing vehicle and trailer, and using this information to dynamically adjust the drive torque distribution. When wheel slip is detected, the control system reduces drive torque to the slipping wheels and redirects power to wheels with better traction. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents excessive wheel slip and associated energy losses while maintaining effective traction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the drive system by actively controlling the drive torque to the trailer's drive axles based on detected operating conditions. The control system adjusts parameters such as drive torque magnitude, wheel slip thresholds, and power distribution ratios in response to changing traction conditions, terrain, and loading. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between traction capability and energy efficiency for each specific operating scenario.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling the drive of at least one drive axle (AA1) on the trailer (12) of a towing vehicle-trailer combination, comprising the following process steps: a) Determining a target drive power (P_AT1) for the drive axle (AA1) of the trailer (12) - depending on a distribution of ground forces (F_A1, F_A2, F_A3, F_ZA1, F_ZA2) on the trailer (12) and/or on the towing vehicle (10), and/or - depending on a train drive power (P_ZT) for the towing vehicle (10), and b) Providing drive control signals for controlling an electric drive (14) of the drive axle (AA1) of the trailer (12), wherein the drive control signals are derived from the determined target drive power (P_AT1).