Trailer Power Distribution With Autonomous Charge-Tow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for power supply, power generation, and power distribution in overland trucking trailers are inefficient and lack autonomy in managing energy transfer between the trailer and the tow vehicle, as well as the ability to adapt to varying load conditions and charging requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system for a trailer that includes a battery assembly, a charging panel, a motor, and a controller, which autonomously transitions between charge and tow modes based on detected conditions, managing power distribution between the trailer, tow vehicle, and external charging elements using sensors and actuators to optimize energy transfer and balance load forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the trailer uses a traditional power supply system, then the structure is simple, but the system lacks autonomy in managing energy transfer and cannot adapt to varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller autonomously manages power distribution between the battery assembly, motor, and external charging elements without human intervention. The system self-adjusts operating modes (charge mode vs. tow mode) based on detected conditions, enabling the trailer to serve itself in energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a power source for the motor during towing, and as an energy storage device that can be recharged from external charging elements. The system handles both power generation and power consumption within a single integrated architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer uses a fixed power distribution system, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot adapt to varying load conditions and charging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between charge mode and tow mode based on real-time conditions detected by sensors. The controller continuously monitors system state and adjusts power distribution accordingly, making the power system flexible and adaptive rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect system conditions and provide feedback to the controller, which then adjusts power distribution in response. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to varying load conditions and charging requirements by continuously monitoring and responding to system state
3Loss of energy
If the trailer lacks regenerative braking capability, then the system complexity is reduced, but energy recovery during deceleration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The motor functions as both a motor and a generator. During deceleration, the motor converts the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost as heat into electrical energy, charging the battery assembly. This transforms the harmful energy dissipation into a beneficial energy recovery process
Solution Approach 2:
The motor serves dual functions: it acts as an electric motor to drive the trailer during towing operations, and as an electric generator to recover energy during deceleration and braking. This multi-functionality enables energy recovery without adding separate dedicated components
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
The system efficiently manages power distribution and load forces, ensuring optimal energy transfer and balancing during both charging and towing operations, enhancing the trailer's operational efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a battery assembly configured to supply electrical energy to the motor to drive the driven axle
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to receive electrical energy from the battery assembly and convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy to rotate the driven axle
Implementation Method 3
a charging panel configured to inductively couple to external charging elements
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system for power distribution of a trailer includes: a trailer chassis; a driven axle suspended from the trailer chassis; and a motor coupled to the driven axle. The system further includes a battery assembly coupled to the trailer chassis and configured to supply electrical energy to the motor to drive the driven axle and source electrical energy from the motor to slow motion of the driven axle. The system also includes a charging panel coupled to the trailer chassis and configured to couple to an external charging element. The system further includes a panel actuator configured to advance the charging panel from the trailer chassis to an open position to form a target gap between the external charging element and the charging panel and to retract the charging panel to a closed position to decouple the charging panel from the external charging element.