Trailer Dynamics Monitoring for Load Bias and Stability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles struggle to accurately quantify trailer dynamics, particularly rearward bias, which affects vehicle stability, handling, and axle loading, as human-crewed vehicles can detect such conditions but autonomous systems lack immediate detection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous vehicle determines trailer loading configurations using sensors like radar or LiDAR to measure wheel distance and coupling angles, allowing it to calculate the center of mass and moment of inertia, and adjusts navigation based on these calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human-crewed vehicles use observation of loads stowed within the trailer or kinematic properties to detect rearward bias, then detection capability is improved, but the detection mechanism is inadequate to quantify the dynamics for ingestion by a vehicle control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual observation and simple kinematic property detection with automated sensor-based measurement systems. Sensors mounted on the vehicle continuously measure trailer position, orientation, and motion parameters, automatically quantifying trailer dynamics without requiring human crew observation or interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate computational processing between raw sensor measurements and control system inputs. The system processes sensor data to calculate derived parameters such as center of gravity position, moment of inertia, and sway characteristics, providing the control system with quantified dynamics information that is directly actionable.
2Reliability
If the vehicle control system lacks immediate detection mechanisms for trailer loading conditions, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to respond to unstable loading conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement and monitoring of trailer dynamics throughout vehicle operation. Sensors continuously track trailer position and motion, providing real-time feedback to the control system rather than periodic or manual checks, ensuring uninterrupted detection of unstable loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system where sensor measurements of trailer dynamics are continuously fed back to the vehicle control system. The control system uses this feedback to detect rearward bias and adjust vehicle operation accordingly, creating a responsive control mechanism that adapts to changing trailer loading conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle operates without real-time trailer dynamics data, then operational simplicity is maintained, but navigation safety and axle loading management are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle system to automatically monitor and assess its own trailer loading conditions without external intervention. The onboard sensors and control system work together to self-diagnose rearward bias conditions and self-adjust navigation parameters, maintaining ease of operation while improving safety through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and assessment of trailer loading conditions before they become critical safety issues. The continuous monitoring system identifies rearward bias early in the operation, allowing the control system to take preventive actions such as adjusting speed or routing before instability develops.
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
Enables the autonomous vehicle to navigate safely by adjusting speed and route based on trailer dynamics, preventing axle overload and improving stability.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor such as a radar or Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) system
Implementation Method 2
a distance sensor such as a radar or Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) system
Implementation Method 3
doppler LiDAR
Data Source
AI summary
Detection of trailer dynamic parameters is provided. A vehicle can receive a geometry of a plurality of points of support disposed along a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The vehicle can determine a center of mass of the trailer based on the plurality of points of support and weights bearing down thereupon. The vehicle can bound or otherwise determine, based on the geometry of the plurality of points of support and the center of mass, a moment of inertia of the trailer about at least one of the plurality of points of support. The vehicle can perform a navigational action based on the moment of inertia or center of mass.