Wireless Trailer Brake Controller for In-Motion Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake controllers for towed vehicles are often hard-wired to the towing vehicle, requiring time-consuming and expensive installations, and cannot be adjusted while in motion, limiting their functionality and compatibility with different towing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A trailer-mounted proportional brake controller with a hand control unit and power control unit that communicate via RF, allowing for remote adjustment of braking parameters and diagnostics, eliminating the need for hard-wiring and enabling operation on various towing vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake controller is hard-wired to the towing vehicle, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the installation is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wiring system with a wireless communication system. The brake controller communicates with the towing vehicle's braking system through wireless signals (such as radio frequency communication), eliminating the need for physical wiring installation while maintaining reliable connection stability.
2Reliability
If the brake controller is hard-wired to the towing vehicle, then the connection is stable, but the cost of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the expensive mechanical wiring installation with a wireless communication system. By using wireless transmission (such as RF modules or Bluetooth communication), the system eliminates the need for professional electricians, wiring harnesses, and extensive installation labor, thereby significantly reducing installation costs while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the brake controller is mounted in the cab or passenger compartment, then the control is convenient, but the interior component may be permanently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brake controller from the towing vehicle's interior (cab or passenger compartment) and relocates it to the trailer. This allows the controller to be mounted on the trailer's exterior or in the trailer's cargo area, eliminating the risk of damaging the towing vehicle's interior components while maintaining operational convenience through wireless communication between the controller and the towing vehicle's braking system.
4Ease of manufacture
If the brake controller is mounted to the towed vehicle, then the installation is simple, but adjustments cannot be made while in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment capability by allowing the brake controller's parameters (such as braking force, sensitivity, and response time) to be modified while the vehicle is in motion. The wireless communication system enables real-time parameter adjustments through a mobile device or remote interface, providing adaptability and versatility without compromising installation simplicity.
5Measurement precision
If the brake controller requires programming during vehicle motion, then diagnostics and accuracy improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service programming system where the brake controller automatically performs diagnostics and parameter optimization during vehicle motion without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors and wireless communication to self-adjust braking parameters, perform diagnostics, and optimize performance automatically, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer mounted proportional brake controller for a towed vehicle and a method of controlling the brakes of a towed vehicle is described. The brake control unit may control the brakes of a towed vehicle. The brake control unit may include a power control unit and a hand control unit. The power control unit may be connected to the brakes of the towed vehicle and the power control unit may be capable of selectively controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle based on a set of braking parameters. The hand control unit may be configured to remotely communicate with the power control unit. The hand control unit may be capable of transmitting information to the power control unit to adjust at least one of the braking parameters and receiving information from the power control unit.