Trailer Profile Drive Mode Control for Towing Range and Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an efficient method to dynamically adjust drive modes based on trailer profiles, leading to suboptimal performance and user experience when towing trailers, as existing solutions do not effectively account for trailer attributes such as weight and aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a vehicle controller system that defines and selects trailer profiles based on detected trailer attributes, allowing for real-time adjustments to vehicle operations to optimize performance, including calculating range and enabling/disabling functions specific to the trailer being towed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed drive mode is used for towing, then the vehicle can operate with a trailer connected, but the performance and energy efficiency are suboptimal because the system cannot adapt to different trailer attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple predefined drive modes based on detected trailer attributes. The vehicle controller continuously monitors trailer weight, dimensions, and aerodynamic characteristics, then selects the most appropriate drive mode from available options (e.g., tow mode, eco mode, sport mode) to optimize energy efficiency for each specific towing scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as acceleration rates, maximum speed limits, gear selection patterns, and power delivery characteristics based on the selected drive mode. When a heavy trailer is detected, the system adjusts parameters to prevent overheating and optimize fuel consumption; when a light trailer is detected, it allows more aggressive performance parameters.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle system is simplified without multiple trailer profiles, then the control system is easier to manage, but the user experience and performance optimization are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects trailer attributes through sensors and onboard systems, then autonomously selects the appropriate drive mode without requiring manual user input. The vehicle controller processes trailer weight, dimension, and aerodynamic data to determine the optimal drive mode, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex settings while still achieving optimized performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual towing conditions and compares them against the selected drive mode parameters. Based on feedback from sensors monitoring vehicle performance, trailer behavior, and environmental conditions, the system can adjust drive mode selections in real-time to maintain optimal performance and safety.
3Device complexity
If trailer attributes are not detected and accounted for, then the system operation is simpler, but the calculated range and determined functions are inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing sensor suite and control systems are leveraged to detect multiple trailer attributes simultaneously. The same sensors used for basic vehicle operation also detect trailer weight, dimensions, and aerodynamic characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized sensors while achieving comprehensive trailer profiling for accurate range calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive mode hierarchy includes drive mode categories and drive modes belonging to each category. Each drive mode defines values for attributes of the drivetrain and/or suspension of a vehicle. Each drive mode may further have towing and non-towing sub-modes with the towing sub-mode being used when a trailer is detected. An interface is provided for selecting drive modes from the hierarchy and modifying the attributes. The vehicle may define a plurality of trailer profiles including attributes of trailers, such as weight and aerodynamic drag. A user may select among trailer profiles and define the attributes of the trailer profiles. Interfaces displayed by the vehicle may vary according to the selected drive mode and may include a chassis view with interface elements displaying real-time information of components of the vehicle, such as wheels, suspension, and battery. Tiles including real-time information may be displayed according to the selected drive mode.