Trailer Towing Control With Independent Wheel Torque and Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailers experience performance, control, and fuel economy losses during towing operations, particularly when ascending inclines, due to lack of independent wheel control and collective braking systems that can cause swaying and fishtailing.
Innovation Solution
A towing device with actuators, switches, and motors/generators connected to wheels, allowing for variable torque application and regenerative braking, controlled by a controller and sensors to maintain trailer stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If collective braking is applied to all wheels simultaneously, then braking force is provided to the trailer, but the trailer experiences swaying and fishtailing causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented to apply braking force to individual wheels or groups of wheels independently rather than collectively to all wheels. This allows selective braking on specific wheels to counteract swaying and fishtailing motions while maintaining overall trailer control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different braking forces are applied to different wheels based on their local conditions and the trailer's dynamic state. The system adjusts braking characteristics locally at each wheel or wheel group to stabilize the trailer during braking operations.
2Speed
If the vehicle controls all movement of the trailer, then the trailer is moved during towing, but the vehicle experiences significant reduction in performance and fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is equipped with its own propulsion system including motors/generators and energy storage devices that enable it to move and control itself during towing operations. This reduces the burden on the vehicle, improving fuel economy while maintaining trailer mobility and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion and control functions are segmented between the vehicle and the trailer. The trailer's own drive system handles trailer-specific movement requirements, while the vehicle focuses on primary propulsion, creating a more efficient division of labor that improves overall fuel economy.
3Force
If the vehicle exerts force to pull the trailer up an incline, then the trailer is moved forward, but the vehicle's performance is hindered during the towing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer's propulsion system actively contributes to overcoming inclines by providing its own tractive force. The motors/generators on the trailer wheels work in conjunction with the vehicle's pulling force, sharing the workload and reducing the power demand on the vehicle during uphill towing operations.
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
Enhances towing performance and fuel efficiency by enabling independent wheel control and regenerative braking, reducing swaying and improving control over the trailer, especially during inclines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor/generator provided on the trailer... a first torque is applied to at least one wheel on the trailer via the at least one motor/generator being operably engaged with the at least one wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A towing device operably provided on a trailer for powering and controlling the trailer. The towing device has an actuator operably connected with the trailer during a towing operation. The towing device also has at least one switch provided in the actuator and operable to variably control at least one motor/generator provided on the trailer. The at least one switch is also operable to send a first signal to the at least one motor/generator via a first force exerted on the actuator by a vehicle, and wherein a first torque is applied to at least one wheel on the trailer via the at least one motor/generator being operably engaged with the at least one wheel. In addition, the towing device may include a controller operably connected to the at least one switch and to the at least one motor/generator, to control the torque applied by the at least one motor/generator.