Trailer Drive Torque Control for Articulation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers with drive assemblies face instability issues during large articulation angles, particularly in tight bends, leading to potential jackknifing and destabilization of the vehicle combination, necessitating costly and maintenance-intensive sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A method adjusts drive torque based on trailer speed, using redundant speed signals to determine articulation angles and regulate torque, eliminating the need for separate sensors and ensuring safe navigation by restricting or increasing torque based on speed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used to determine articulation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing wheel speed sensors to self-determine the articulation angle through calculation rather than requiring separate articulation angle sensors. The controller computes the articulation angle based on differential wheel speeds, making the system self-sufficient using already-installed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical sensors for measuring articulation angle with a computational/mathematical approach. Instead of using mechanical sensors to directly measure the angle, the system calculates it from wheel speed data, substituting a mechanical measurement system with a computational one.
2Productivity
If drive torque is increased for better acceleration, then productivity is improved, but stability deteriorates during tight bends
Solution Approach 1:
The drive torque is dynamically adjusted based on real-time articulation angle and speed conditions. The system continuously monitors wheel speed differences to calculate articulation angle and modifies torque output accordingly, allowing high torque during straight travel for productivity while reducing torque during tight bends to maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring wheel speed sensors, calculating articulation angle, and using this information to regulate drive torque. The controller adjusts torque based on the feedback from articulation angle measurement, ensuring stability is maintained while allowing productivity when conditions permit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If speed threshold regulation is applied, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The speed threshold regulation uses feedback from the articulation angle calculation to automatically adjust torque. The system monitors the calculated articulation angle in real-time and compares it against threshold values, automatically regulating torque without requiring manual driver intervention, thus maintaining stability while preserving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages torque regulation based on calculated articulation angle without requiring driver input or manual adjustments. The system self-regulates by comparing calculated articulation angles against predefined thresholds and adjusting torque accordingly, maintaining stability while keeping the driving process simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for operating a drive of a trailer, in which a drive assembly of the trailer is actuated by a drive signal, the drive signal being used for adjusting a drive torque of the drive assembly in order to avoid destabilization of a vehicle combination including the trailer and the drive torque being adjusted as a function of a speed of the trailer or of the vehicle combination.