Trailer Anti-Sway Control Using Multi-Sensor Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sway phenomena during towing, caused by static and dynamic factors, pose significant safety risks and are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A trailer anti-sway system using sensors and IMUs to predict sway occurrence, warn drivers, and perform stability control through deceleration, steering, and partial braking to suppress sway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and IMUs are installed to detect sway parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple independent sensors (front sensor, rear sensor, hinge angle sensor) and IMUs (tow truck IMU, trailer IMU), each measuring specific parameters. This segmentation allows precise measurement of different sway aspects while keeping each sensor relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller integrates multiple detection functions into a single system that processes data from all sensors and IMUs to comprehensively predict sway occurrence. The system serves multiple purposes: detecting hinge angle, measuring acceleration, monitoring yaw rate, and predicting sway, all through one integrated control unit.
2Reliability
If stability control is performed for both tow truck and trailer, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts its response based on the severity of sway conditions. In the warning stage, only tow truck stability control is activated. In the dangerous stage, both tow truck and trailer stability control are engaged. This dynamic adaptation optimizes reliability while minimizing unnecessary system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sway parameters through sensors and IMUs, compares them against reference values, and adjusts control actions accordingly. The controller receives feedback from all detection devices and modifies stability control intensity based on whether conditions meet warning or dangerous stage criteria.
3Measurement precision
If warning stage and dangerous stage thresholds are set with multiple reference values, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple reference values (first through eighth reference values for different parameters) to define distinct warning and dangerous stages. By changing the threshold parameters for hinge angle, hinge angular speed, yaw rate, roll rate, and acceleration, the system achieves precise sway prediction while managing control logic complexity through structured parameter comparison.
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a trailer anti-sway system including a front camera, a front and side radar, a tow truck IMU, a hinge angle sensor configured to measure a hinge angle between the tow truck and a trailer, a rear camera configured to photograph a rear side of the trailer, a rear and side radar configured to monitor the rear and side of the trailer, a trailer IMU mounted to the trailer, and a controller configured to receive a signal of at least one of the front camera, the front and side radar, the tow truck IMU, the hinge angle sensor, the rear camera, the rear and side radar, the trailer IMU, predict the possibility of the sway occurrence to warn a driver of the possibility of the sway occurrence, and perform stability control for the tow truck and the trailer by stages according to a predetermined reference condition.