Inventor: N’ton Kitapini,Diallo Kitoko Kitapini
Abstract
A ride control system for insuring safe operation of articulated vehicles by monitoring, detecting and suppressing erratic jackknifing, comprises a mechanism for monitoring among several inputs the driver’s intentions, road conditions, the vehicle behavior, a microprocessor, and a means for commanding an anti-lock brake system to apply brakes on selected trailer wheels to suppress erratic jackknifing and restore vehicle stability. The microprocessor is used primarily for computing the probability of trailer and tractor roll-over due in part to erratic jackknifing when the vehicle is expected to move straight ahead. The probability of roll-over is converted to a time varying voltage signal for use by an electronic control module to proportionally apply brakes to those wheels whose angular velocity is greater than the average in order to drag the trailer on the side until erratic jackknifing is suppressed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to RCS as a method and a structure for detecting and counteracting unwanted erratic jackknifing. The essential components of the system include several input ports for receiving signals from sensors such as a steering wheel sensor, wheel speed sensors, a trailer angle sensor, a suspension sensor, a central processing unit for evaluating the probability of trailer roll-over, and at least one output port for remotely applying brakes to selected wheels on the trailer.
There are several objects and advantages of this invention, including:
- Enhanced operation of on-highway semi-trucks, off-highway articulated trucks commonly found on the mining and construction sites, and other trailed vehicles;
- Enhanced safety for drivers of the above vehicles;
- Enhanced safety for other drivers in the vicinity of the above vehicles.
2009-04-21: Publication of US7522986B2 (Full description)
