17938483. OPTIMIZING INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL FOR BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV) APPLICATIONS simplified abstract (GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC)

OPTIMIZING INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL FOR BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV) APPLICATIONS

Organization Name

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor(s)

Michael Nguyen of Stoney Creek (CA)

Gursimran Chauhan of Courtice (CA)

Corey A Robinson of Royal Oak MI (US)

OPTIMIZING INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL FOR BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV) APPLICATIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17938483 titled 'OPTIMIZING INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL FOR BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV) APPLICATIONS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system for controlling braking of a trailer coupled to a vehicle with both friction braking and regenerative braking capabilities. The system uses sensor data to adjust the trailer braking force based on the vehicle's regenerative braking force.

• Sensors obtain data on friction braking force and regenerative braking force for the vehicle.
• A processor controls the trailer braking force based on the sensor data, with sensitivity towards the vehicle's regenerative braking force.
• The trailer braking force is adjusted differently in response to the vehicle's regenerative braking force compared to its friction braking force.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in the automotive industry for vehicles with regenerative braking systems, especially in scenarios where trailers are involved.

Problems Solved

1. Improved control of trailer braking force in vehicles with regenerative braking systems. 2. Enhanced safety and efficiency when towing trailers with vehicles equipped with regenerative braking capabilities.

Benefits

1. Increased safety and stability when towing trailers. 2. Optimal utilization of regenerative braking technology for improved overall braking performance.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimized trailer braking systems for vehicles with regenerative braking capabilities.

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to trailer braking systems, but specific examples of prior art related to the integration of regenerative braking data for controlling trailer braking force are not readily available.

How does this system handle different road conditions that may affect the effectiveness of regenerative braking?

The system may need to incorporate additional sensors or algorithms to adjust trailer braking force accordingly based on road conditions.

What impact does the sensitivity towards regenerative braking force have on overall braking performance and wear and tear on the vehicle and trailer components?

Further testing and analysis would be needed to determine the long-term effects of the system's sensitivity towards regenerative braking force on the vehicle and trailer components.

Original Abstract Submitted

In exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided that include: sensors configured to obtain sensor data for a vehicle having both friction braking and regenerative braking capabilities and coupled to a trailer, the sensor data including: friction braking data as to a vehicle friction braking force for the vehicle; and regenerative braking sensor data as to a vehicle regenerative braking force for the vehicle; and a processor coupled to the sensors and configured to at least facilitate controlling braking of the trailer by providing trailer braking force, via instructions provided by the processor, based on both the friction braking data and the regenerative braking sensor data, with a sensitivity toward the vehicle regenerative braking force such that the trailer braking force is affected differently by the vehicle regenerative braking force versus the vehicle friction braking force.