Trailer Wheel Speed Sensing for Adaptive Brake Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer stabilization systems fail to reliably prevent trailer wheel locking during braking due to inconsistent load and road surface conditions, limiting their effectiveness across varying trailer weights and friction conditions.
Innovation Solution
A trailer stabilization system with a speed detection device that attaches to the brake hub or brake drum in a space-saving, retrofittable manner, using a flywheel with recesses and ribs to generate magnetic field changes detected by sensors, allowing for adaptive brake control based on wheel speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pole wheel is attached to the brake hub or brake drum using conventional methods, then the speed detection function is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pole wheel is merged with the brake hub or brake drum by directly integrating the speed detection function into the existing brake components. The pole wheel attaches to the outer circumferential surface of the brake hub or brake drum, combining the braking and speed detection functions into a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The brake hub or brake drum serves multiple functions: it provides the braking function and simultaneously serves as the mounting base for the pole wheel speed detection device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable wheel lock detection
2Ease of manufacture
If the pole wheel extends axially to the outer end face of the brake hub or brake drum, then the attachment is simplified, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the pole wheel axially to the outer end face, the attachment is achieved by utilizing the outer circumferential surface of the brake hub or brake drum. This dimensional shift from axial extension to radial surface mounting reduces the axial space required while maintaining secure attachment through the friction-fit connection
3Ease of operation
If the brake clamping force is calibrated to the trailer's unladen weight, then the system is simple to operate, but the trailer wheels lock up on slippery surfaces or with light loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pole wheel speed detection device to provide real-time feedback on wheel rotational speed. The electronic control unit monitors this feedback and dynamically adjusts the brake clamping force to prevent wheel lockup, adapting to varying load and road surface conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control
Solution Approach 2:
The brake clamping force transitions from a static, fixed calibration to a dynamic, adaptive system that automatically adjusts based on real-time wheel speed feedback. This dynamic adjustment prevents wheel lockup under varying conditions while keeping the system simple to operate through automated control
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 precise detection of wheel lock conditions, preventing wheel locking and enhancing stabilization across different load and road surface scenarios without requiring additional fasteners, thus improving system reliability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a flywheel with recesses and ribs to generate magnetic field changes detected by sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a trailer stabilization system for a vehicle trailer. The trailer stabilization system comprises a speed detection device for determining the rotational speed of at least one trailer wheel and an electronic control unit 44 connected to the speed detection device for controlling at least one brake actuator 19. A brake hub 24 or a brake drum has a circumferential mounting surface 29 on its outer circumferential surface 28 for attaching a flywheel 25, wherein the flywheel has a mounting collar 45 which can be placed on the mounting surface 29 and connected to it by force and/or material bonding.