Intelligent Trailer Pivoting Rear Axle Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailers lack maneuvering capability, particularly in tight intersections and 'U' turns, leading to off-tracking and accidents, especially with longer trailers, due to their inability to steer independently and participate in complex maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivoting intelligent electric powered rear tires train with independent motors on each side, allowing the trailer to steer and change trajectory independently, coupled with a computed power control system that uses GPS and camera data for optimal path calculation and automatic control, enabling the trailer to assist in vehicle trajectory planning and energy recovery during braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the trailer length is increased to improve cargo capacity, then the cargo capacity is improved, but the maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer's rear tire train is segmented into independently controllable left and right sides, each with its own motor and control system. This segmentation allows differential speed control, enabling the trailer to perform complex maneuvers like tight turns, U-turns, and backtracking despite increased length, thus resolving the contradiction between cargo capacity and maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer transitions from a static, passive component to a dynamic, active system with independent motor control on each rear tire. The ability to vary speeds independently on left and right sides provides dynamic maneuvering capability, allowing long trailers to navigate tight intersections and perform U-turns without sacrificing cargo capacity
2Device complexity
If the trailer is made passive and pulled by the vehicle, then the system complexity is reduced, but the maneuvering capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer becomes self-propelled through independent motor control on each rear tire, eliminating the need for complex manual steering operations. The trailer can autonomously perform maneuvers like backtracking and tight turns by coordinating left and right tire speeds, improving maneuvering capability while keeping the control system manageable through automated differential drive logic
3Ease of operation
If independent motors are added to each side of the rear tires, then the maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independent motor system on each rear tire serves multiple functions: propulsion, steering, and stabilization. By using the same motorized axle components for both driving and steering operations, the system achieves enhanced maneuverability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one set of components performs multiple roles
4Ease of operation
If the trailer rear powered tires train is equipped with independent electric motors and control systems, then the control of trailer rear tires is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering linkages and hydraulic systems with electric motor control. Each rear tire has an independent electric motor that provides both propulsion and steering control through differential speed management. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical steering components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while improving control capability
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
This solution enhances the trailer's maneuverability, reduces the risk of accidents, and improves traffic fluidity by allowing the trailer to act as an 'active player' in navigation, especially in tight spaces, while also providing additional power for vehicle starting and slope climbing, and energy recharging during braking.
Implementation Method 1
The rear powered tires train of the trailer is equipped with independent electric motors, gear box and inverter for each side providing additional power
Implementation Method 2
The use of these intelligent electric powered trailers (IEPT) gives also the opportunity to save the braking energy during the vehicle stops or during the downhill slopes by reversing the electric motor into an electric generator, recharging the trailer battery
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a new design of an intelligent pooling vehicle and trailer system equipped with an intelligent pooling vehicle and an intelligent electric powered trailer capable to improve the efficiency of the system, avoid off-tracking and make the system more user friendly. The rear powered tires train is capable to turn around a pivot, taking different positions with respect to the trailer. The independent electric motors on each tire of the trailer rear tires train provide additional power to the vehicle and steering capability of the trailer rear tires train. This allows better control of the rear of the trailer and instead to be only pull by the truck, the trailer may be driven by it self, by using different speeds on each of the two tires, avoiding accidents and helping back parking and driving. The system may work in automatic or manual mode.