Trailer Integrated Drive Braking System Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive and braking systems for vehicle trailers are not optimized for reliable and efficient propulsion and recuperative braking based on the driving situation, often leading to unwanted jerking movements and inefficient energy recovery.
Innovation Solution
A drive and braking system that uses a position detection device to determine the maximum extension position of the drawbar, combined with rotational wheel movements and longitudinal acceleration sensors, to control the motor/generator's power output and recuperation mode, avoiding immediate switching to regenerative braking when the drawbar is slightly subjected to pressure and using an overrun brake system for backup reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer is equipped with an electric drive and braking device, then the trailer can move independently and improve maneuverability, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive device and braking device into a single integrated unit mounted on the trailer axle. The drive unit includes an electric motor coupled to a differential, while the braking device uses disc brakes with calipers that share mounting structures and control systems with the drive mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite adding independent movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive and braking device serves multiple functions: propulsion through the electric motor, steering through differential control, and braking through disc brakes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems, addressing the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Reliability
If disc brakes are used with ventilation channels, then braking performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disc brakes incorporate ventilation channels that utilize airflow (pneumatic principle) to cool the brake discs during operation. The channels are designed to allow air passage for heat dissipation, improving braking performance through thermal management while using established pneumatic cooling principles rather than requiring ultra-precise manufacturing
3Use of energy by moving object
If the trailer has its own drive device, then energy independence is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the trailer's movement state, wheel speeds, and braking conditions to intelligently control the electric motor and regenerative braking system. The system adjusts power delivery and energy recovery based on real-time feedback, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining energy independence through the integrated drive system
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
Ensures smooth transitions between drive and braking modes, preventing jerking movements and optimizing energy recovery, while maintaining reliable operation even in failure scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor of the drive device transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
the disc brake transforms mechanical energy to thermal energy through friction to slow down the trailer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
In a drive and brake system for a vehicle trailer that can be coupled to a towing vehicle and has an electric drive and brake device (6), the electric drive and brake device (6) has a position detection device (29) for directly or indirectly detecting a maximum extension position of the drawbar (13) relative to the drawbar guide (14) of the drawbar (2), wherein the control unit (10) regulates the drive and recuperation power of the motor/generator (7) depending on the presence of the maximum extension position of the drawbar (13) and on rotation and acceleration signals provided by sensors that detect the rotation of the trailer wheels (5) and the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle trailer.