Trailing Vehicle Traction Boost Control for Low-Grip Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles face decreased traction when pulling or towing trailing vehicles due to weight and terrain conditions, leading to inefficiencies in tractive force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A traction control system that includes an electric machine, ground engaging apparatus, speed sensor, and a controller providing a variable and adjustable temporary increase in tractive force through a force increase control mechanism, allowing for enhanced traction in demanding conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work vehicle pulls or tows trailing vehicles, then the work vehicle can perform towing operations, but the traction between the work vehicle and ground surface decreases due to weight and terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
An electric machine is introduced as an intermediary device between the work vehicle and trailing vehicle. The electric machine provides additional tractive force to the trailing vehicle's ground engaging apparatus, effectively mediating the force transmission and compensating for the traction loss at the work vehicle level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter by providing a temporary increase in tractive force from the electric machine when demanding situations are detected or manually requested. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying terrain and loading conditions.
2Force
If additional tractive force is provided to the trailing vehicle, then traction in demanding conditions improves, but the system complexity increases due to the electric machine and control system
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine serves multiple functions: it can provide tractive force assistance to the trailing vehicle, and it can be controlled through both automatic activation based on sensor data and manual activation through the force increase control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic activation capability where the controller monitors operating conditions and automatically provides temporary force increase when demanding situations are detected, reducing the need for constant manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the underlying system complexity.
3Productivity
If a temporary increase in tractive force is provided, then operational efficiency in demanding conditions improves, but the energy consumption of the electric machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force increase control provides temporary rather than continuous tractive force assistance. The controller activates the electric machine only when demanding situations are detected or when manually requested, and deactivates it when conditions improve or the temporary period expires. This periodic action pattern reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, a speed sensor measuring the speed of the ground engaging apparatus, and a controller providing a traction control signal to the electric machine. The controller is in communication with a force increase control. The controller provides a temporary increase in tractive force of the electric machine when the force increase control is activated either manually or automatically. The amount of temporary increase in the tractive force can be variable and adjustable.