Trailer Torque Assist and Regenerative Braking on Inclines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overland trucking systems lack efficient methods for dynamically adjusting torque output and regenerative braking in trailers to maintain speed and stability, particularly in response to changes in incline and terrain without direct communication or measurement from the tow vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a controller on the trailer to autonomously detect changes in incline and terrain, estimate necessary torque and regenerative braking based on onboard sensors, and adjust motor output to maintain speed and stability, including torque modulation and regenerative braking without direct communication with the tow vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a trailer uses passive braking without active torque control, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain speed and stability on varying terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer control system autonomously detects terrain changes via onboard sensors and adjusts torque output without requiring communication with or measurement from the tow vehicle. The system serves itself by independently making control decisions based on local sensor data, eliminating the need for complex inter-vehicle communication systems while maintaining reliable speed and stability control
2Measurement precision
If the trailer uses direct communication with the tow vehicle for torque control, then the measurement precision of terrain conditions is improved, but the device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the terrain detection and control decision-making functions from the tow vehicle system and relocates them to the trailer's own control system. The trailer uses its onboard sensors to directly measure terrain conditions and independently determines torque requirements, eliminating the need for communication infrastructure with the tow vehicle while maintaining precise terrain awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer's control system acts as an intermediary between the terrain environment and the motor torque output. Rather than relying on the tow vehicle as an intermediary for communication, the trailer controller directly processes sensor data about terrain conditions and translates this into appropriate torque commands, creating a simpler direct control path
3Loss of energy
If the trailer implements active torque modulation based on terrain changes, then the energy efficiency through regenerative braking is improved, but the device complexity and control algorithm requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts torque output based on real-time terrain conditions detected by onboard sensors. The system continuously adapts its behavior by modulating motor torque in response to changing incline and surface conditions, enabling optimal energy recovery during downhill sections while maintaining adequate propulsion uphill, all through relatively simple sensor-feedback control logic
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient torque management and regenerative braking in trailers, maintaining speed and stability across varying terrain, enhancing traction and energy efficiency while stabilizing the trailer, even in emergency conditions, without requiring direct communication with the tow vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to: output torque to the driven axle; and regeneratively brake the driven axle
Implementation Method 2
receive electrical energy from the motor to recharge the battery assembly during regenerative braking of the driven axle by the motor
Implementation Method 3
supply electrical energy to the motor to drive the driven axle
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method includes: detecting a deceleration of a trailer during a first time period; detecting an incline angle of the trailer during the first time period; estimating a passive deceleration component of the deceleration based on the incline angle; and calculating a difference between the passive deceleration component and the deceleration. This variation of the method further includes, in response to the passive deceleration component exceeding the deceleration: interpreting an intent at a tow vehicle, coupled to the trailer, to accelerate; and increasing torque output of the motor proportional to the difference. This variation of the method further includes, in response to the deceleration exceeding the passive deceleration component: interpreting the intent at the tow vehicle to decelerate; and increasing regenerative braking of the motor proportional to the difference between the passive deceleration component and the deceleration.