US 12,416,536 B2Granted

System and method for dynamic tow of a trailer

AssigneeRange Energy Inc.

InventorsAli Javidan, Kyle Foley, Kyle Pollard, Bryan Booth, Ryan Flatland, Collin MacGregor, David Sands

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Abstract

One variation of a method includes, during a first time period: detecting a direction of motion of a trailer; detecting a first force applied to a kingpin; detecting an incline angle of the trailer; calculating a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the incline angle; and in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion. The method further includes, during a second time period: detecting a second force applied to the kingpin; detecting a decline angle of the trailer; calculating a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle; and in response to the second force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

during a first time period:
detecting a first load of a trailer;
detecting a first acceleration of the trailer;
deriving a first representation of force applied to a kingpin, arranged on a proximal end of the trailer, by a hitch of a tow vehicle based on the first acceleration and the first load of the trailer;
accessing an incline angle and a first direction of motion of the trailer;
defining a first target preload force opposite the first direction of motion and proportional to the first incline angle;
and
in response to the first representation of force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor, arranged in a drive system located proximal a distal end of the trailer, to increase torque output in the first direction of motion to decrease a first difference between the first representation of force and the first target preload force;
and
during a second time period:
detecting a second acceleration of the trailer;
deriving a second representation of force applied to the kingpin, by the hitch of the tow vehicle, based on the second acceleration and the first load of the trailer;
accessing a decline angle of the trailer;
defining a second target preload force opposite the first direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle;
and
in response to the second representation of force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the first direction of motion to decrease a second difference between the second representation of force and the second target preload force.

13 more elements

A method comprising:

during a first time period:
detecting a first acceleration of a trailer;
deriving a first representation of force applied to a kingpin, arranged on a proximal end of the trailer, by a hitch of a tow vehicle, based on the first acceleration of the trailer;
accessing a direction of motion of the trailer;
detecting a first wheel speed difference of the trailer;
defining a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and proportional to the first wheel speed difference;
and
in response to the first representation of force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor, arranged in a drive system located proximal a distal end of the trailer, to increase torque output in the direction of motion to decrease a first difference between the first representation of force and the first target preload force;
and
during a second time period:
detecting a second acceleration of the trailer;
deriving a second representation of force applied to the kingpin, by the hitch of the tow vehicle, based on the second acceleration of the trailer;
detecting a second wheel speed difference of the trailer;
defining a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and proportional to the second wheel speed difference;
and
in response to the second representation of force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion to decrease a second difference between the second representation of force and the second target preload force.

13 more elements

A method comprising:

during a first time period:
detecting a first direction and a first change in acceleration of the trailer;
accessing an incline angle and a direction of motion of the trailer;
calculating a first change in torque output in the direction of motion based on the first change in acceleration;
and
triggering a motor, arranged in a drive system located proximal a distal end of the trailer, to increase torque output in the direction of motion to the first change in torque output;
and
during a second time period:
detecting the direction of motion and a second change in acceleration of the trailer;
calculating a second change in torque output opposite the direction of motion based on the second change in acceleration;
and
triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion to the second change in torque output.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 18/614,218Filed 22 Mar 2024 · continuation
Priority: 25 Aug 2022
Published: US 2024/0068894 A18 Aug 2024
Granted: 16 Sep 2025
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

G01L 5/136
For measuring the tractive or propulsive power of vehicles: force sensors associated with a vehicle traction coupling
B60D 1/06
Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type: ball-and-socket hitches
B60D 1/248
Characterised by arrangements for particular functions: for measuring, indicating or displaying the weight
B60D 1/62
Auxiliary devices: involving supply lines, electric circuits or the like

Family

Application63/401,030Us provisional application · filed 25 Aug 2022
Application63/420,469Us provisional application · filed 28 Oct 2022
Application63/431,273Us provisional application · filed 8 Dec 2022
Application18/238,408Parent of this continuation · filed 25 Aug 2023
US 2024/0264019 A1Pre-grant publication · published 8 Aug 2024
US 11,965,795 B2Parent of this continuation
US 2024/0068894 A1Published application
US 12,416,536 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.