Apparatus and Method for Configuring a Tire Sensor System

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence.

BRAKE ADJUSTMENT DETECTION USING WSS BASED THERMAL MEASUREMENT

When detecting a maladjusted brake component on a commercial vehicle, wheel end temperature is determined as a function of resistance measured by a wheel speed sensor at a wheel end. The measured temperature is compared to low and high temperature thresholds defined by a thermal model, as well as to one or more other wheel speed sensor temperatures. If the measured temperature is below the low temperature threshold and substantially different than the one or more other wheel speed sensors, the brake is determined to be under-adjusted and brake force at the under-adjusted brake is increased. If the measured temperature is above the high temperature threshold and substantially different than the one or more other wheel speed sensors, then the brake is determined to be over-adjusted, and brake force is reduced or modulated at the over-adjusted brake to prevent overheating. 1. A system that facilitates identifying and compensating for a maladjusted brake component in a commercial vehicle , comprising:a plurality of wheel speed sensor inputs for receiving wheel speed sensor signals from a plurality of associated wheel speed sensors installed at associated wheel ends each comprising a brake component; and receive a resistance value of an individual wheel speed sensor;', 'determine a temperature of the individual wheel speed sensor as a function of the resistance value and ambient temperature;', 'compare the determined temperature to a predefined expected temperature range for the received resistance value;', 'if the determined temperature is not in the predefined expected temperature range, compare the determined temperature to at least one other determined wheel speed sensor temperature;', 'determine that the determined temperature is not within a predefined percentage of the at least one other determined wheel speed sensor temperature;', 'and', 'generate and transmit an adjustment signal to the maladjusted brake component to compensate for the maladjustment., 'a ...

Apparatus and Method for Configuring a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel. 1. A method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system comprising:rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle;receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire;associating the first tire with a first wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor;generating a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire from a tire sensor associated with the first tire, the tire characteristic signal comprising a unique sensor identification;receiving the tire characteristic signal;associating the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period after receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire.2. The method as in claim 1 , wherein the predetermined time period is between about five seconds and about fifteen seconds.3. The method as in claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting a tire location message claim 1 , the message comprising ...

Apparatus and Method for Configuring a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel. 1. A controller for a tire pressure monitoring system comprising:a plurality of wheel speed ports for receiving wheel speed sensor signals, each of the plurality of wheel speed ports correlated with a specific wheel location;a communication port for receiving a plurality of tire characteristic messages, the tire characteristic messages including at least one of a unique sensor identification and tire characteristic information; anda processing unit comprising control logic, wherein the processing unit is in communication with the plurality of wheel speed ports and the communication port and the control logic is capable of:receiving a signal indicative of a wheel speed at a first wheel speed port correlated with a first wheel location;receiving a tire characteristic message at the communication port within a predetermined time period of receiving the signal indicative of the wheel speed correlated with a first wheel location;determining the wheel location of the tire characteristic message as being the first wheel location based on the association of the wheel speed signal and the tire characteristic ...

BRAKING CONTROLLER AND METHOD USING VERIFICATION OF REPORTED TRAILER CAPABILITIES

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information. 1. A braking controller for use in an associated towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle , the braking controller comprising:a processor;a controller first automatic configuration input operatively coupled with the processor, the controller first automatic configuration input receiving a first automatic combination vehicle configuration signal from an associated source in selective communication with the braking controller, the first automatic combination vehicle configuration signal comprising first combination vehicle configuration data representative of first combination vehicle configuration information provided by the associated source in operative communication with the associated towing vehicle;a controller second automatic configuration input operatively coupled with the processor, the controller second automatic configuration input receiving a second automatic combination vehicle configuration signal provided by the one or more towed vehicles of the combination vehicle, the second automatic combination vehicle configuration signal comprising second combination vehicle configuration data representative of second combination vehicle configuration information provided by the one or more ...

BRAKING CONTROLLER AND METHOD USING VERIFICATION OF REPORTED TRAILER CAPABILITIES

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information. 1. A braking controller for use in an associated towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle , the braking controller comprising:a processor;a controller manual configuration input operatively coupled with the processor, the controller manual configuration input receiving a manual combination vehicle configuration signal provided by an associated operator of the associated towing vehicle, the manual combination vehicle configuration signal comprising first combination vehicle configuration data representative of first combination vehicle configuration information;a controller automatic configuration input operatively coupled with the processor, the controller automatic configuration input receiving an automatic combination vehicle configuration signal provided by the one or more towed vehicles of the combination vehicle, the automatic combination vehicle configuration signal comprising second combination vehicle configuration data representative of second combination vehicle configuration information;a non-transient memory device operatively coupled with the processor, the non-transient memory device storing the first and second combination vehicle configuration data; and perform a comparison between ...

Rough road detection as an input to indirect air consumption measurement

When a vehicle is determined to be traveling on a rough road, wherein increased air consumption is expected by vehicle components, a warning threshold that triggers an alert regarding excessive air consumption is increased. A duty cycle for an on-board air compressor is also increased to a level just below the increased warning threshold. In this manner, the air compressor duty cycle can be increased to meet the increased air pressure demand caused by the rough road conditions without triggering false positive alerts or distracting the driver.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOAD WEIGHT

A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system is adapted to identify each of the respective pneumatically independent circuits, in turn, as a currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, measure a respective pneumatic pressure of the currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine a calculated pneumatic pressure based on the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine the load weight based on the calculated pneumatic pressure, and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight. 1. A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system , the controller adapted to:identify each of the respective pneumatically independent circuits, in turn, as a currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits;measure a respective pneumatic pressure of the currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits;determine a calculated pneumatic pressure based on the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits;determine the load weight based on the calculated pneumatic pressure; andcontrol an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.2. The controller for determining a load weight as set forth in claim 1 , the controller further adapted to:determine the calculated pneumatic pressure as an average of the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits.3. The controller for determining a load weight as set forth in claim 1 , the controller further adapted to:determine the calculated pneumatic pressure after measuring the respective pneumatic pressures in each of the pneumatically independent circuits.4. The controller for determining a load weight as set ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOAD WEIGHT

A controller determines a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system. The controller is adapted to receive an electronic pressure signal, at a controller electronic input port, based on a single pneumatic signal representative of respective pneumatic pressures in the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits. The controller is also adapted to determine the load weight based on the electronic pressure signal and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight. 1. A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system , the controller adapted to:receive an electronic pressure signal, at a controller electronic input port, based on a single pneumatic signal representative of respective pneumatic pressures in the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits;determine the load weight based on the electronic pressure signal; andcontrol an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.2. The controller as set forth in claim 1 , wherein:the function is at least one of a roll stability function, an antilock braking function, and a lift axle function.3. The controller as set forth in claim 1 , wherein:the function is a roll stability function; andthe controller is further adapted to control the operation of the roll stability function by setting a threshold of a parameter, based on the load weight, at which an automated braking associated with the roll stability function occurs.4. The controller as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the controller is further adapted to:decrease the threshold of the parameter at which the automated braking occurs as the load weight increases.5. The controller as set forth in claim 3 , wherein:the parameter is a lateral acceleration of the associated vehicle.6. The controller as set forth in claim 4 , wherein the controller is ...

Apparatus and method for determining load weight

A controller determines a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system. The controller is adapted to receive a first electronic pressure signal, which is based on a first pneumatic signal representative of a first pneumatic pressure in a first of the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits, and receive a second electronic pressure signal, which is based on a second pneumatic signal representative of a second pneumatic pressure in a second of the plurality of pneumatically independent circuits. The controller is also adapted to determine the load weight based on the first electronic pressure signal and the second electronic pressure signal. The controller is also adapted to control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.

DETECTION OF EXTRA-PLATOON VEHICLE INTERMEDIATE OR ADJACENT TO PLATOON MEMBER VEHICLES

A platoon management control system and method for local detection and determination of a non-platooning vehicle inserted or otherwise disposed between and/or adjacent to one or more platooning vehicle(s). A platooning vehicle determines a forward physical distance between itself and a vehicle physically ahead, and compares the determined physical distance with a value of a rearward distance to the platooning vehicle received from a next ahead platooning vehicle. The vehicle physically ahead is determined to be the next ahead platooning vehicle in accordance with a correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance. Conversely, the vehicle physically ahead is determined to be a non-platooning vehicle in accordance with a mis-correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance. 1. A system for detecting at least one non-platoon vehicle intermediate platooning vehicles comprising a platooning vehicle pair including an associated leading vehicle and an associated following vehicle cooperatively travelling as a platoon , the system comprising: a processor;', 'a non-transient memory device operatively coupled with the processor; and', 'logic stored in the non-transient memory and executable by the processor to determine the at least one non-platoon vehicle intermediate the platooning vehicle pair;, 'a platoon control unit configured to be disposed in the associated following vehicle of the platooning vehicle pair, the platoon control unit comprising sense a forward relative distance between the associated following vehicle of the platooning vehicle pair and an associated sensed forward vehicle located ahead of the associated following vehicle; and', 'generate forward relative distance data representative of the sensed forward relative distance between the associated following vehicle and the associated sensed forward vehicle located ahead of the associated following ...

Apparatus and Method for Conveying Information

A system for conveying information includes a visual signaling device and a processor. The visual signaling device is capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of messages. The processor electrically communicates with the visual signaling device. The processor receives a plurality of messages from respective systems via a communication system, identities a respective priority and at least one respective attribute of each of the messages, and transmits signals based on the priorities of the messages to cause the visual signaling device to simultaneously convey the respective priority and at least one attribute of at least one of the messages. The respective priorities and the at least one attributes of each of the messages is previously assigned, and a diagnostic message having a lowest of the priorities is previously assigned. 1. A system for conveying information , the system comprising:a visual signaling device, capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of messages; anda processor, electrically communicating with the visual signaling device, receiving a plurality of messages from respective systems via a communication system, identifying a respective priority and at least one respective attribute of each of the messages, and transmitting signals based on the priorities of the messages to cause the visual signaling device to simultaneously convey the respective priority and at least one attribute of at least one of the messages, the respective priorities and the at least one attributes of each of the messages being previously assigned, and a diagnostic message having a lowest of the priorities being previously assigned.2. The system for conveying information as set forth in claim 1 , wherein:the visual signaling device includes a plurality of display areas.3. The system for conveying information as set forth in claim 2 , wherein:the visual signaling device includes a plurality of segments and each of the display areas includes at least one of the ...

DETERMINING AND USING BRAKING CAPABILITIES OF VEHICLES FOR PLATOONING DECELERATION OPERATIONS

Platoon management control systems and methods arrange two or more vehicles cooperatively travelling seriatim as a platoon along an associated roadway into a platoon arrangement in accordance with their relative braking capabilities and other brake-related performance characteristics such as braking efficiency. Braking efficiency can change over time and is in general affected by many factors such as brake temperature, brake type, burnishing, vehicle weight, number of tires, tire wear, vehicle loading, road surface type and weather conditions. The relative braking capabilities are learned or otherwise calculated or determined in each vehicle and shared between the vehicles of the platoon. The platoon may be reorganized based on differences between the learned or otherwise calculated or determined relative braking capabilities. Desired gaps between the platooning vehicles may be increased or decreased in accordance with the learned or otherwise calculated or determined relative braking capabilities as necessary or desired. 12010304050. A system for determining a relative braking capability between an associated following vehicle () and one or more vehicles of a set of platooning vehicles comprising an associated leading vehicle () and one or more associated following vehicles ( , , , . . . ) cooperatively travelling as a platoon (P) along an associated roadway , the system comprising:{'b': '20', 'claim-text': a processor;', 'a non-transient memory device operatively coupled with the processor; and', 'logic stored in the non-transient memory and executable by the processor to determine the relative braking capability;, 'a platoon control unit configured to be disposed in the associated following vehicle (), the platoon control unit comprising {'b': 10', '20', '20, 'receive a deceleration command signal (Decel_Sig) from the associated leading vehicle (), the deceleration command signal (Decel_Sig) comprising deceleration command data (Decel_Data) selectively usable by ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING STATUS OF A BRAKE SPRING

A controller is adapted to output a predetermined input voltage signal across a Wheatstone bridge electrical circuit including a spring as a resistance in one leg of the Wheatstone bridge. The controller receives a response of a measured voltage across the Wheatstone bridge. The controller compares the predetermined input voltage with the measured voltage and determines a status of the spring based on the comparison. 1. A controller , the controller being adapted to:output a predetermined input voltage signal across a Wheatstone bridge electrical circuit including a spring and an additional predetermined fixed resistance in series as a resistance in one leg of the Wheatstone bridge;receive a response indicative of a measured voltage across the Wheatstone bridge;compare the measured voltage to one of a plurality of previously determined voltages based on the predetermined fixed resistance; anddetermine a status of the spring based on the comparison.2. The controller as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the controller is further adapted to:if respective resistances in the remaining three legs of the Wheatstone bridge electrical circuit are substantially equal, determine the status of the spring as acceptable if the response indicates the measured voltage is substantially zero (0) volts.3. The controller as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the controller is further adapted to:determine the status of the spring as compromised if the response indicates measured voltage is not equal to zero (0) volts and less than about one-half of an absolute value of the predetermined input voltage.4. The controller as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the controller is further adapted to:determine the status of the spring as severed if the response indicates the measured voltage is about one-half of an absolute value of the predetermined input voltage.5. The controller as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the controller is further adapted to:transmit the command to the electrical control device ...

CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LIFT AXLE AND AIR SUSPENSION ON A TRAILER

A trailer having a liftable first axle and an air suspended second axle includes a controller, a first valve coupled to the first axle and a second valve coupled to the second axle. The controller receives an air suspension exhaust request signal and a pressure signal from an air suspension bellows coupled to the second axle. The controller transmits an air suspension control signal to the second valve in response to the air suspension exhaust request signal and transmits a lift axle control signal to the first valve to lower the first axle in response to the pressure signal being less than a predetermined pressure value. 1. A trailer controller comprising:an air suspension bellows signal input for receiving a signal indicative of a pressure value in an air suspension bellows;a lift axle control output for transmitting a lift axle control signal; and receiving the air suspension bellows signal;', 'transmitting the lift axle control signal to lower the lift axle in response to the pressure value in the air suspension bellows being less than a predetermined pressure value., 'a processor having control logic, the control logic capable of2. The trailer controller as in claim 1 , further comprising:an air suspension request input for receiving an air suspension signal indicative of a request to exhaust suspension air pressure in the air suspension bellows; andan air suspension control output for transmitting an air suspension control signal to control the pressure in the air suspension bellows; wherein the control logic is further capable of receiving the air suspension signal indicative of a request to exhaust suspension pressure and transmitting the air suspension control signal to exhaust pressure in the air suspension bellows in response to the air suspension signal indicating a request to exhaust suspension pressure.3. The trailer controller as in claim 2 , wherein the air suspension signal indicative of a request to exhaust suspension pressure is received from a ...

Apparatus for supporting a component mounting plate between trailer beams

An apparatus is provided for supporting a component mounting plate that is suspended between a first trailer beam and a second trailer beam. The apparatus comprises a pair of top supporting members including (i) a first top supporting member secured to the plate, and (ii) a second top supporting member secured to the plate. Each of the first and second top members spans between and engages the first and second trailer beams. The apparatus also comprises a pair of bottom supporting members including a first bottom supporting member and a second bottom supporting member. The apparatus further comprises a pair of fastening mechanisms including (i) a first fastening mechanism that secures at least the first top member to the plate, and (ii) a second fastening mechanism that secures at least the second top member to the plate.

Apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.

Equipment and method for setting up a tire sensor system

Braking controller and method using verification of reported trailer capabilities

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information.

Configuring a tire pressure monitoring system

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.

Configuring a tire pressure monitoring system

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.

Abs on-off code diagnostics communication system

A trailer ABS diagnostics display system utilizes an output device to communicate specific ABS diagnostics information to a user located within the tractor cab in the form of ON-OFF code data. The system preferably includes wheel velocity sensors, at least one brake pressure modulator, an output device, a user interface which generates a user request signal, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the wheel velocity sensors, the brake pressure modulator, the output device, and the user interface. The electronic control unit generates the ON-OFF code data which is indicative of a diagnostic condition in response to the user request signal. The ON-OFF code data is transmitted to the output device for communication to the user located with the tractor cab.

Wheel speed sensor

A wheel speed sensor comprises a body, the body being overmolded and having a head zone and a coil zone. The wheel speed sensor also includes a cylindrical metallic canister fitted on the coil zone of the body, wherein the head zone has an equal or smaller diameter than the cylindrical metallic canister. The wheel speed sensor also comprises a cable, wherein the cable extends from the head zone. The wheel speed sensor is sized to be blindly insertable entirely through a bore in an associated mounting apparatus.

Apparatus and method for determining load weight

A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system is adapted to identify each of the respective pneumatically independent circuits, in turn, as a currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, measure a respective pneumatic pressure of the currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine a calculated pneumatic pressure based on the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine the load weight based on the calculated pneumatic pressure, and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.

Braking controller and method using verification of reported trailer capabilities

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information.

Trailer spring brake valve and method of operating the same to determine type of brake priority

A trailer spring brake valve is provided for a vehicle air braking system. The trailer spring brake valve comprises a number of components arranged to cooperate together to provide type of brake priority based upon trailer weight.

Apparatus for supporting a component mounting plate between trailer beams

An apparatus is provided for supporting a component mounting plate that is suspended between a first trailer beam and a second trailer beam. The apparatus comprises a pair of top supporting members including (i) a first top supporting member secured to the plate, and (ii) a second top supporting member secured to the plate. Each of the first and second top members spans between and engages the first and second trailer beams. The apparatus also comprises a pair of bottom supporting members including a first bottom supporting member and a second bottom supporting member. The apparatus further comprises a pair of fastening mechanisms including (i) a first fastening mechanism that secures at least the first top member to the plate, and (ii) a second fastening mechanism that secures at least the second top member to the plate.

Bremseinstellungserkermung durch raddrehzahlsensor-basierte thermische Messung

Bei der Erkennung einer fehleingestellten Bremskomponente an einem Nutzfahrzeug wird die Radendetemperatur in Abhängigkeit von dem Widerstand, der von einem Raddrehzahlsensor an einem Radende gemessen wird, ermittelt. Die gemessene Temperatur wird mit niedrigen und hohen Temperaturschwellenwerten, die durch ein thermisches Modell definiert sind, sowie mit einer oder mehreren anderen Raddrehzahlsensortemperaturen verglichen. Falls die gemessene Temperatur unter dem tiefen Temperaturschwellenwert liegt und sich wesentlich von dem einen oder den mehreren anderen Raddrehzahlsensor(en) unterscheidet, wird die Bremse als unterangepasst bestimmt und wird die Bremskraft an der unterangepassten Bremse erhöht. Falls die gemessene Temperatur über dem hohen Temperaturschwellenwert liegt und sich wesentlich von dem einen oder den mehreren anderen Raddrehzahlsensor(en) unterscheidet, wird die Bremse als überangepasst bestimmt und wird die Bremskraft an der überangepassten Bremse verringert oder moduliert, um eine Überhitzung zu verhindern.

Brake adjustment detection using wheel speed sensor based thermal measurement

When detecting a maladjusted brake component on a commercial vehicle, wheel end temperature is determined as a function of resistance measured by a wheel speed sensor at a wheel end. The measured temperature is compared to low and high temperature thresholds defined by a thermal model, as well as to one or more other wheel speed sensor temperatures. If the measured temperature is below the low temperature threshold and substantially different than the one or more other wheel speed sensors, the brake is determined to be under-adjusted and brake force at the under-adjusted brake is increased. If the measured temperature is above the high temperature threshold and substantially different than the one or more other wheel speed sensors, then the brake is determined to be over-adjusted, and brake force is reduced or modulated at the over-adjusted brake to prevent overheating.

Detection of extra-platoon vehicle intermediate or adjacent to platoon member vehicles

A platoon management control system and method for local detection and determination of a non-platooning vehicle inserted or otherwise disposed between and/or adjacent to one or more platooning vehicle(s). A platooning vehicle determines a forward physical distance between itself and a vehicle physically ahead, and compares the determined physical distance with a value of a rearward distance to the platooning vehicle received from a next ahead platooning vehicle. The vehicle physically ahead is determined to be the next ahead platooning vehicle in accordance with a correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance. Conversely, the vehicle physically ahead is determined to be a non-platooning vehicle in accordance with a mis-correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance.

Method and apparatus for determining a wheel end condition

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for determining a wheel end condition are disclosed. In one example, a controller for determining a wheel end condition comprises a plurality of wheel speed sensor inputs for receiving wheel speed sensor signals from a plurality of associated wheel speed sensors installed at associated wheel ends. The controller includes control logic that determines a speed as a function of the wheel speed sensor signal; receives a resistance value of the individual wheel speed sensor and compares the resistance value to a first and second high resistance threshold and a low resistance threshold. The control logic determines a wheel end condition exists at the associated wheel end as a function of the speed and the resistance value.

Braking controller and method using verification of reported trailer capabilities

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information.

Bestimmung und Nutzung der Bremsfähigkeit von Fahrzeugen für Zugverzögerungsvorgänge

Steuersysteme und Steuerungsverfahren für das Zugmanagement ordnen zwei oder mehr Fahrzeuge, die kooperativ hintereinander als ein Zug entlang einer zugehörigen Fahrbahn fahren, in Übereinstimmung mit ihren relativen Bremsfähigkeiten und anderen bremsbezogenen Leistungsmerkmalen wie beispielsweise der Bremswirkung in einer Zuganordnung an. Die Bremswirkung kann sich im Laufe der Zeit ändern und wird allgemein von vielen Faktoren wie beispielsweise der Bremstemperatur, dem Bremsentyp, der Brünierung, dem Fahrzeuggewicht, der Anzahl der Reifen, dem Reifenverschleiß, der Fahrzeuglast, der Art der Fahrbahnoberfläche und den Wetterbedingungen beeinflusst. Die relativen Bremsfähigkeiten werden in jedem Fahrzeug gelernt oder anderweitig berechnet oder bestimmt und von den Fahrzeugen des Zugs gemeinsam genutzt. Der Zug kann auf der Grundlage von Unterschieden zwischen den erlernten oder anderweitig berechneten oder bestimmten relativen Bremsfähigkeiten reorganisiert werden. Gewünschte Abstände zwischen den Fahrzeugen des Zugs können in Übereinstimmung mit den erlernten oder anderweitig berechneten oder bestimmten relativen Bremsfähigkeiten nach Bedarf oder Wunsch vergrößert oder verkleinert werden.

Detection of extra-platoon vehicle intermediate or adjacent to platoon member vehicles

Braking controller and method using verification of reported trailer capabilities

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information.

Braking controller and method using verification of reported trailer capabilities

A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. The enhanced braking mode strategy is used unless trailer capability information reported by one or more the trailers fails to match against expected trailer capability information.

Apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence.