Trailer-Aware Vehicle Range Estimation Using Existing Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle range estimation methods are not accurate when a vehicle is towing a trailer, as they do not adequately account for the additional energy consumption and drag caused by the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the vehicle range by detecting the connection of a trailer, measuring trailer parameters such as weight and size, and adjusting the range estimation based on these parameters, as well as environmental and path-related factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vehicle range estimation methods are used, then the estimation process is simple, but the range estimation accuracy deteriorates when towing a trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using existing vehicle sensors (load sensors, camera systems, steering systems) for multiple purposes. These sensors originally designed for other functions are repurposed to detect trailer parameters, avoiding additional dedicated hardware while improving range estimation accuracy when towing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting trailer presence and parameters using the vehicle's existing sensor infrastructure. The control system autonomously processes sensor data to determine trailer weight, dimensions, and drag characteristics without requiring manual input or additional specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If trailer parameters are measured using additional sensors, then the range estimation accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing vehicle sensors for trailer detection. Load sensors already present in the vehicle are used to detect trailer weight, while existing camera systems and steering sensors are repurposed to measure trailer dimensions and characteristics, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes data from existing sensors to extract trailer parameters. Rather than directly measuring trailer characteristics with specialized sensors, the system uses intermediate sensor readings (load changes, camera images, steering angles) to infer trailer properties.
3Device complexity
If the vehicle uses existing sensors for multiple purposes, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision for trailer parameters may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves as an intermediary that processes and interprets sensor data to extract accurate trailer parameters. It uses load sensor readings to determine trailer weight, analyzes camera images to measure trailer dimensions, and processes steering sensor data to infer trailer drag characteristics, achieving precise measurements through sophisticated data processing rather than specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensor-based detection and computational analysis. Instead of using dedicated mechanical trailer measurement devices, the system uses electronic sensors and control system processing to detect and calculate trailer parameters with high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a method for determining range for a vehicle connected to a trailer includes determining connection of a trailer to the vehicle, determining at least one trailer parameter relating to a size, shape or a weight of the trailer, and determining a reduction in vehicle range as a function of the at least one trailer parameter.