Trailer Tongue Load Estimation Using Steering Torque and Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack sensors to directly measure trailer tongue load, leading to sub-optimal lateral performance due to uncertainties in trailer tongue load and front axle load restoration, and adding additional sensors increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimates trailer tongue values, including load and front axle load restoration, using existing vehicle sensors such as IMU, EPS, and SAS data, through linear models combining steering torque and angle values, without requiring additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to directly sense trailer tongue load, then measurement precision of trailer tongue load is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses steering torque and steering angle as intermediary parameters to indirectly determine trailer tongue load. Instead of directly measuring the tongue load with specialized sensors, the system measures steering-related parameters that correlate with tongue load and uses these as mediators to infer the tongue load value, thereby avoiding direct measurement complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/direct sensing methods with a computational approach. Instead of using mechanical load cells or force sensors at the hitch point, the system substitutes a mathematical model that processes steering torque and steering angle data to calculate tongue load, transforming a mechanical measurement problem into a computational one
2Device complexity
If no sensors are added to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of trailer tongue load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing steering system serve dual purposes: not only steering control but also trailer tongue load measurement. The steering torque sensor and steering angle sensor, already present for steering operations, are additionally utilized to infer tongue load, making the system self-sufficient without requiring dedicated measurement sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using existing steering sensors for both their primary steering control function and secondary tongue load measurement function. This universal use of sensors eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors, maintaining low device complexity while achieving measurement capability
3Device complexity
If trailer tongue load is not accurately determined, then device complexity is reduced, but lateral vehicle performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using steering torque and steering angle information (naturally generated during vehicle operation) to continuously infer trailer tongue load conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing load conditions without additional sensors, maintaining reliable vehicle performance through continuous monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle towing a trailer. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, sensor data from one or more sensors of the vehicle; estimating, by a processor, a steering torque value based on the sensor data; estimating, by the processor, a steering angle value based on the sensor data; determining, by the processor, a trailer tongue value based on the steering torque value and the steering angle value; and generating, by the processor, a control signal to control the vehicle based on the trailer tongue value.