AU2012101599B4 - Improved Trailer Brake Control System - Google Patents
Improved Trailer Brake Control System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2012101599B4 AU2012101599B4 AU2012101599A AU2012101599A AU2012101599B4 AU 2012101599 B4 AU2012101599 B4 AU 2012101599B4 AU 2012101599 A AU2012101599 A AU 2012101599A AU 2012101599 A AU2012101599 A AU 2012101599A AU 2012101599 B4 AU2012101599 B4 AU 2012101599B4
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- trailer
- tow vehicle
- control module
- controller
- control system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
Landscapes
- Regulating Braking Force (AREA)
Abstract
A wireless trailer brake control system (10) for communicating braking information between a tow vehicle and a trailer using wireless communication, the control system comprising; a tow vehicle controller (100) including a wireless transceiver (140) and a multi volt converter (120); and a trailer sensor unit (200) including a trailer control module (215), the control module (215) including a wireless transceiver (240), a multi volt converter (251), an accelerometer (230) and a microprocessor (220) programmed to process information received from the tow vehicle controller (100) and the accelerometer (230); wherein the trailer control module (215) is communicatively coupled to the trailer brake system of the trailer.
Description
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012
Improved Trailer Brake Control System
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an improved trailer brake control system. More specifically, the 5 invention relates to a wirelessly operated trailer brake control system incorporating multi volt technology.
BACKGROUND ART
There are a variety of different systems and methods known for controlling braking systems of trailers and other towed vehicles. Typically, the brakes of a towed vehicle may be connected to o a brake control system that is operable from within the towing vehicle. The brakes of the towed vehicle may be applied using the external controller in an emergency situation, when the towing vehicle has stopped, or if the vehicle and trailer are negotiating particularly difficult or steep terrain. Gain and sensitivity of the brakes can also be altered using the controller located in the towing vehicle. 5 There are a number of disadvantages associated with the trailer brake control systems currently available. Many of the systems available operate using the electrical wiring system of the towed vehicle and towing vehicle. This means that controllers have to be specifically wired for electrical connection to both the towing vehicle and the trailer on which the system is to be used before they are able to be operated. :o While this is less of an issue for owners of one specific trailer that will always be used by the same towing vehicle, it constitutes a problem when managing fleets of rental trailers or trailers to be towed by a number of different vehicles over a period of time. When such complicated wiring is required, it becomes difficult for any vehicle to tow a trailer, particularly when the trailer is of a weight where the use of a brake controller is required by law. 25 Trailer brake controllers are available from a number of manufacturers located in a wide number of countries. This means that voltage requirements vary between countries and therefore multi-volt converters are necessary to ensure power sources can be safely and effectively linked. Multi-volt converters are available to be purchased separately, but it would be advantageous to develop a trailer brake control system that could effectively switch between 30 voltages without the need to purchase extra equipment.
While some of these issues have been addressed by products currently on the market, no product has been developed that overcomes each of the above problems with a single product solution. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to 1
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012 provide the public with a useful choice.
Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, 5 or group of elements, integers or steps.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a wireless trailer brake o control system for communicating braking information between a tow vehicle and a trailer using wireless communication, the control system comprising; - a tow vehicle controller including a wireless transceiver and a multi volt converter; and - a trailer sensor unit including a trailer control module, the control module including a wireless transceiver, a multi volt converter, an accelerometer and a microprocessor 5 programmed to process information received from the tow vehicle controller and the accelerometer; wherein the trailer control module is communicatively coupled to the trailer brake system of the trailer.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a trailer control module for ;o providing an output signal to the brakes of a trailer, the control module comprising a wireless transceiver; an accelerometer; a multi volt converter; and a microprocessor programmed to process information received via the wireless transceiver and 25 wherein the trailer control module is communicatively coupled to the trailer brake system.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the tow vehicle controller is adapted to connect to the power source of the tow vehicle.
More preferably, the tow vehicle controller is adapted to connect to the power source of the tow vehicle through the vehicle cigarette lighter. 2
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012
Preferably the multi-volt converter is adapted to allow the tow vehicle controller to connect to both 12V and 24V electronic vehicle circuitry within the tow vehicle.
More preferably, the tow vehicle controller is adapted to connect to the tow vehicle via a power 5 source only.
Preferably, the tow vehicle controller includes a display screen. More preferably the screen is and LED or LCD screen. This screen provides braking and setting information received from such as trailer speed, gain adjustment, braking sensitivity or battery life for example.
Preferably the wireless transceiver in the tow vehicle controller is a radio frequency transceiver, o In alternative embodiments the wireless transceiver utilises a close proximity wireless protocol such as Bluetooth®. Bluetooth® wireless technology allows short range communications between portable or fixed devices at distances of between one and 100 metres.
In further preferred embodiments of the invention, the wireless transceiver in the trailer control module is a radio frequency transceiver. In alternative embodiments the wireless transceiver 5 utilises a close proximity wireless protocol such as Bluetooth®. As would be clear to a person skilled in the art, the transceiver in the tow vehicle controller and the transceiver in the trailer control module must be compatible in order to effectively send information between them.
In further preferred embodiments of the invention the trailer control module is communicatively connected to the trailer lighting system. When the tow vehicle is in use, the brake light system :o of the trailer is connected to the brake light system of the tow vehicle in known fashion.
As with the tow vehicle controller, the multi-volt converter within the trailer control module is adapted to allow the trailer control module to connect to both 12V and 24V electronic vehicle circuitry within the trailer.
Preferably the trailer sensor unit further includes a battery. 25 More preferably, the battery includes a built in battery charger. Power for the built in battery charger may be drawn from the tow vehicles lighting system. If necessary the multi-volt converter ensures the correct voltage is applied between the tail light circuitry and the battery.
In further preferred embodiments, the trailer sensor unit includes a breakaway system. If the trailer breaks away from the tow vehicle, the trailer brakes automatically apply in order to 30 prevent the trailer from moving off at speed. The breakaway system works using current technology known in the art and can be connected to the trailer control unit using known methods. 3
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012
For the purposes of this specification the term “trailer” should be taken to mean any vehicle capable of being towed, for example a standard trailer, recreational vehicles such as caravans, boat and boat trailer or horse floats. For the purposes of New Zealand requirements (different requirements may exist for different countries) any trailer or towed vehicle over 2.5 T is required 5 to have a brake control system fitted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in o which:
Figure 1 shows the trailer brake control system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention including the tow vehicle controller and the trailer sensor unit;
Figure 2 shows the tow vehicle controller of Figure 1 in further detail; and
Figure 3 5 shows the trailer sensor unit of Figure 1 in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In its broadest sense, the invention of the present application relates to a trailer brake control system, used to facilitate breaking control between a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle such as a :o trailer. For the purposes of the below description the towed vehicle will be referred to as a trailer, however any number of different types of towed vehicles may be operated using the system described herein.
Figure 1 shows the overall concept of the trailer brake control system 10 of the present invention. System 10 includes tow vehicle controller 100 and trailer sensor unit 200. Controller 25 100 is positioned inside a vehicle towing a trailer and sensor unit 200 is located within the towed vehicle. Lighting systems of the tow vehicle and trailer are connected in standard known fashion by connector 300. Wireless communication between controller 100 and sensor unit 200 occurs via wireless transceivers as shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3.
Controller 100 is described in further detail in Figure 2. Controller 100 is adapted to connect to 30 a tow vehicle’s power source via connection means 110. The tow vehicle power source may be either 12 volts or 24 volts and connection means 110 is preferably connected to the cigarette lighter plug of a vehicle using a known adapter. Controller 100 includes a multi-volt reducer that is capable of receiving a 24 V current and converting it to 12V, or receiving a 12V current as 4
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012 required by controller 100. This feature enables the system to be use on either 12V or 24V power supplies with no further attachments or wiring required to support the different systems.
Controller 100 further includes microprocessor 130 communicatively connected to wireless transceiver 140. Transceiver 140 is adapted to both send instructions and information such as 5 brake settings and emergency stop commands from controller 100 to sensor unit 200 following an input of information from the driver of the tow vehicle. Wireless transceiver 140 also receives information from trailer sensor unit 200 regarding braking information which is displayed on LCD display monitor 115.
The interface of controller 100 may provide any arrangement of input methods capable of o providing appropriate information to the trailer unit 200 to facilitate effective braking. As seen in Figure 2, one such interface may include specific buttons or inputs for controlling trailer braking. Input 121 controls sensitivity of the braking, allowing more or less aggressive braking as required in different terrain or weather situations. Inputs 122 and 123 allow the user to simply decrease or increase gain according to the different loads placed on the trailer or other towed 5 vehicle. Input 124 is a brake override button, or an emergency override button. Activation of input 124 automatically sends a signal to the trailer brake system to apply the brakes regardless of braking signals received through the connector 300.
Controller 100 further includes speaker 145 which may be adapted to emit warning alarms or other sounds indicative of changes in the braking system status for example. It is envisaged :o that a range of different inputs and information displays signals may be present on controller 100 as required by a user. The type and configuration of inputs may also change to meet specific regulatory requirements or to include inputs specific to a particular type of towed vehicle, for example horse floats or boats.
Once information has been input into controller 100 via inputs 121 - 124 microprocessor 130 25 relays message to sensor unit 200 via wireless transceiver 140 located in controller 100 to wireless transceiver 240 located in sensor unit 200.
The wireless system preferably uses radio frequency signals to transmit information using a radio frequency transceiver. The wireless transceivers 140, 240 are individually coded together for each system 10. This individual coding prevents interference with external wireless systems. 30 While radio frequency signals are preferably used, close proximity wireless protocols such as Bluetooth® may also be used. Bluetooth® wireless technology allows short range communications between portable or fixed devices at distances of between one and 100 metres, making it particularly useful for wireless communications of the kind used in the present invention. 35 The ability of the wireless system to communicate braking information is essential in enabling 5
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012 the brake control system of the present invention to be used across a fleet of trailers that may be towed by numerous different vehicles. This provides a distinct advantage over known trailer control systems that need to be individually wired into the electrical systems of both the tow vehicle and trailer. 5 Figure 3 shows trailer sensor unit 200 in further detail. Sensor unit 200 includes control module 215 that is powered by a 12V trailer battery 210. Trailer battery 210 is installed on the trailer and is of a sufficient capacity to power both control module 215 and the trailer brakes.
Controller 215 comprises microprocessor 220. Microprocessor 220 is communicatively connected to wireless transceiver 240 that receives information provided by controller 100. o Information received via wireless transceiver 240 is stored and interpreted by microprocessor 220. Information is then passed to the trailer brakes and braking characteristics are altered as defined by information sent from microprocessor 220. For example, microprocessor 220 outputs relevant voltage on a variable voltage output 270 to the trailer brake system according to the brake level settings together with information received from accelerometer 230. 5 Microprocessor 220 is communicatively coupled to accelerometer 230. Information regarding acceleration or deceleration of the trailer is received at microprocessor 220. This information can then be relayed to trailer brakes via variable voltage output 270 and/or to display 115 within controller 100 via wireless transceivers 140 and 240.
Any faults in the detected by microprocessor 220 in the trailer braking system may be sent to :o controller 100 via wireless transceiver 240.
Accelerometer 230 is communicatively connected via microprocessor 220 to brake lights 250. When brake lights 250 are activated following compression of the brakes in the tow vehicle, this triggers accelerometer 230 to begin sensing the level of deceleration. Input from brake lights 250 is routed through multi-volt reducer 251 to ensure that 12V is output regardless of the 25 voltage received from brake lights 250. The incorporation of multi-volt reducer 251 enables the system to be used on a range of vehicles regardless of whether they are run on 12V or 24V circuitry.
Brake lights 250 are communicatively connected to tail light circuitry of the trailer 253. Tail light circuitry 253 sends power through powering up relay 260 to allow trailer to apply brakes even if 30 the tail lights are not on, provided battery 210 retains sufficient charge.
Tail light circuitry 253 connects tail lights of both the trailer and the towed vehicle to trailer battery 210. This allows trailer battery 210 to be charged from the tow vehicle’s power while the vehicle lights are running. Diode 255 prevents trailer battery 210 from powering tail light circuit 253. This circuit also routed through power up relay 260 which powers up control module 215 35 once the tail lights are switched on. 6
James & Wells ref: 237822AU/75 2012101599 25 Oct 2012
If the tow vehicle tail lights are not on or there is a break in electrical connection between the tow vehicle and trailer, control module 215 will send a signal to controller 100 to alert the driver of the tow vehicle to the problem.
While battery 210 may be charged via tail light circuitry 253, this should not be seen as limiting. 5 Other known methods of battery charging may be used as appropriate such as solar energy or kinetic energy recovery methods.
Trailer sensor unit 200 preferably includes break away switch 280. This break away switch operates in known fashion by sending power to variable voltage output 270 to apply the trailer brakes in the event that the trailer breaks away from the tow vehicle. o The current invention has a number of advantages over systems currently available and known in the art. The wireless connectivity of the trailer brake system allows it to be easily used on any tow vehicle. The tow vehicle controller may be simply plugged into the cigarette lighter of any suitable tow vehicle and instantly is able to connect to the trailer without the need to any additional wiring. 5 The incorporation of multi-volt controllers within both the tow vehicle controller and the trailer sensor unit provides a further feature that ensures a wide range of tow vehicles may be utilised to tow a trailer. Without the presence of the multi-volt controller built into the system, only vehicles with a 12V circuitry system would be able to use the brake controller system. Previously, if a 24V vehicle needed to tow a vehicle with a brake controller an expensive ;o separate multi-volt converter would need to be retrofitted to the system in order for it to operate.
The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a trailer brake control system with the flexibility to be used over a wide range of vehicles with minimal auto electrical work needed. In addition, the system may be used via the standard towing connection found on most vehicles, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. The trailer brake controller is not 25 affected by factory wiring looms found on many late model cars as many known brake controller systems are.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 7
Claims (5)
- Claims1. A wireless trailer brake control system for communicating braking information between a tow vehicle and a trailer using wireless communication, the control system comprising; o a tow vehicle controller including a wireless transceiver and a first multi volt converter adapted to allow the tow vehicle controller to selectively use power supplied from a 24V or a 12V power source; and o a trailer sensor unit including a trailer control module, the control module including a wireless transceiver, a second multi volt converter adapted to allow the trailer sensor unit to selectively use power supplied from a 24V or a 12V power source, an accelerometer and a microprocessor programmed to process information received from the tow vehicle controller and the accelerometer; wherein the trailer control module is communicatively coupled to the trailer brake system of the trailer.
- 2. The trailer brake control system of claim 1, wherein the tow vehicle controller is adapted to connect to the tow vehicle via a power source only.
- 3. The trailer brake control system of claim 2, wherein the tow vehicle controller is adapted to connect to the power source of the tow vehicle through the vehicle cigarette lighter.
- 4. A trailer control module for providing an output signal to the brakes of a trailer, the control module comprising o a wireless transceiver; o an accelerometer; o a multi volt converter adapted to allow the trailer control module to selectively use power supplied from a 24V or a 12V power source; and o a microprocessor programmed to process information received via the wireless transceiver and wherein the trailer control module is communicatively coupled to the trailer brake system.
- 5. The trailer control module of claim 4 comprising a 12V battery and a battery charger, wherein the multi volt converter ensures the correct voltage is applied to the battery by the battery charger.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012101599A AU2012101599B4 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2012-10-25 | Improved Trailer Brake Control System |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012101599A AU2012101599B4 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2012-10-25 | Improved Trailer Brake Control System |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2012101599A4 AU2012101599A4 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
| AU2012101599B4 true AU2012101599B4 (en) | 2017-04-13 |
Family
ID=47225185
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012101599A Ceased AU2012101599B4 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2012-10-25 | Improved Trailer Brake Control System |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2012101599B4 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103538575A (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2014-01-29 | 上海宏莘科技发展有限公司 | Safety braking device of track type animal power generator car |
| EP3618564A1 (en) | 2018-08-31 | 2020-03-04 | KNORR-BREMSE Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH | Information transmission system for a commercial vehicle and a commercial vehicle and commercial vehicle combination |
| EP3618292B1 (en) | 2018-08-31 | 2023-12-06 | KNORR-BREMSE Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH | System and method for establishing an intervehicle communication |
| US11167737B2 (en) * | 2019-04-12 | 2021-11-09 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Method and apparatus for assisted deceleration based trailer braking |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030168908A1 (en) * | 1999-04-14 | 2003-09-11 | United States Gear Corporation | Towed vehicle brake controller |
| US6845851B1 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2005-01-25 | Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Co. | Braking control system for a vehicle being towed by another vehicle |
| WO2008124073A1 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2008-10-16 | Thule Towing Systems, Llc | Towed equipment brake controller |
| US20100152989A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-06-17 | Bruce Edward Smith | Universal trailer mounted proportional brake controller |
-
2012
- 2012-10-25 AU AU2012101599A patent/AU2012101599B4/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030168908A1 (en) * | 1999-04-14 | 2003-09-11 | United States Gear Corporation | Towed vehicle brake controller |
| US6845851B1 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2005-01-25 | Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Co. | Braking control system for a vehicle being towed by another vehicle |
| WO2008124073A1 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2008-10-16 | Thule Towing Systems, Llc | Towed equipment brake controller |
| US20100152989A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-06-17 | Bruce Edward Smith | Universal trailer mounted proportional brake controller |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2012101599A4 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2920398C (en) | Apparatus and method for sway control | |
| US20160352120A1 (en) | Electric vehicle high-voltage system alert | |
| AU2012101599B4 (en) | Improved Trailer Brake Control System | |
| US10850715B1 (en) | Towed vehicle braking system with battery voltage controlled operation | |
| US10895492B2 (en) | Monitoring system for determining a vehicle safety setting based on weight | |
| JP6942753B2 (en) | Tire pressure monitoring system and tire pressure detector setting tool | |
| US11780279B2 (en) | Trailer visibility safety system | |
| JP6743114B2 (en) | Vehicle safety system | |
| CN108725298B (en) | Electric automobile rescue device | |
| US11618420B2 (en) | Under-hood installed towed vehicle braking system | |
| KR101101584B1 (en) | Apparatus for controlling indication lamp of bicycle | |
| KR100885539B1 (en) | Wireless bus stop bell system | |
| CN202923543U (en) | Remote-control driving system of electric wheel dump truck | |
| NZ617020B (en) | Improved Trailer Brake Control System | |
| US11400897B2 (en) | Towed vehicle braking system with combined vacuum and pressure supply | |
| KR20200004449A (en) | Remote lighting system operable to match vehicle lighting | |
| CN206658106U (en) | A kind of vehicle-mounted siren of wireless power supply type | |
| WO2019053022A1 (en) | System and method for a trailer towable by a vehicle | |
| CN112654530A (en) | Vehicle lamp | |
| TW201501967A (en) | Relay module of tire pressure detection system | |
| CN210680549U (en) | Starting vehicle condition reminding system and vehicle | |
| US20210309194A1 (en) | Trailer management system | |
| DK202100049U1 (en) | Wireless Trailer Indication System | |
| EP2931571B1 (en) | Trailer power system | |
| KR20200000431U (en) | Safety-off system for children's vehicle |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGI | Letters patent sealed or granted (innovation patent) | ||
| FF | Certified innovation patent | ||
| MK22 | Patent ceased section 143a(d), or expired - non payment of renewal fee or expiry |