Trailer Wheel Side Identification via Rotation Sensor Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the left-or-right side installation position of a trailer wheel without ABS- or ESP-sensors are unreliable, as trailer wheels often lack these sensors and existing localization methods are not applicable.
Innovation Solution
A method using an acceleration sensor on the trailer wheel to determine its rotations and comparing them with the rotations of the tow vehicle wheels' ABS- or ESP-sensors to establish correspondence values, thereby determining the installation position based on which side has a higher correspondence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ABS- or ESP-sensors are used to localize vehicle wheels, then reliable localization is achieved, but trailer wheels cannot be localized because they lack these sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tow vehicle's ABS/ESP sensors as an intermediary to indirectly determine the position of trailer wheels. By comparing rotation data from the trailer wheel acceleration sensor with rotation data from the tow vehicle's ABS/ESP sensors, the system infers trailer wheel position without requiring direct sensing on the trailer wheel itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the ABS/ESP sensing capability by using the acceleration sensor on the trailer wheel to measure rotations, then comparing this data with the tow vehicle's actual ABS/ESP sensor data. This allows trailer wheels to be localized using a substitute measurement approach rather than requiring physical ABS/ESP sensors on the trailer.
2Loss of information
If wheel electronics with unique identifiers are installed on trailer wheels, then wheel identification is possible, but the installation position (left or right side) cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional identification (unique wheel ID) to two-dimensional localization (side position determination). By introducing rotational comparison across multiple wheels and time-based analysis, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the identification process, enabling determination of left-or-right side installation position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic rotation measurements over time intervals to determine static installation position. By analyzing the number of rotations within a predefined time interval and comparing correspondence values dynamically, the system infers the fixed left-or-right side position from dynamic motion data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If acceleration sensors are used on trailer wheels to determine rotations, then localization becomes possible without ABS- or ESP-sensors, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to dedicated ABS/ESP sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously comparing the rotation data from the trailer wheel acceleration sensor with rotation data from the tow vehicle's ABS/ESP sensors. This cross-validation approach compensates for potential inaccuracies in the acceleration sensor by using the more precise ABS/ESP sensor readings as a reference frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by analyzing correspondence values between different wheel rotation measurements rather than relying on absolute rotation accuracy. By comparing relative rotation differences and establishing correspondence relationships, the system achieves accurate position determination even with less precise acceleration sensor data.
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
This method allows for reliable localization of the trailer wheel's side position by leveraging existing wheel electronics, enhancing the accuracy and robustness of the determination process without requiring additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
determining a number of complete rotations of the trailer wheel using an acceleration sensor of the trailer wheel
Implementation Method 2
determining a number of complete rotations of a left side tow vehicle wheel of the tow vehicle using an ABS-sensor or ESP-sensor of the left side tow vehicle wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining a installation position of a trailer wheel (14) comprises the steps of: determining a number of rotations of the trailer wheel using an acceleration sensor (16); determining a number of rotations of a left side tow vehicle wheel (44); determining a number of complete rotations of a right side tow vehicle wheel (46); determining a first correspondence value indicating a correspondence between the number of rotations of the trailer wheel and the number of rotations of the left side tow vehicle wheel; determining a second correspondence value indicating a correspondence between the number of rotations of the trailer wheel and the number of rotations of the right side tow vehicle wheel; and determining a left or right side installation position of the trailer wheel in dependence of the relation between the first correspondence value and the second correspondence value.