Multi-unit articulated road train propulsion system

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer, wherein said second propulsion system includes an electric motor;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer wherein said trailer further includes a removable dolly with said second propulsion system supported in said removable dolly;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer wherein said trailer includes a drawbar;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal and said load sensor is positioned along said drawbar;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system wherein said input device is an accelerator pedal;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal wherein said control mechanism is a single control module located on said tractor.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal, wherein said control mechanism is software.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal;
• and
• a weight sensor located on said trailer for detecting the weight of said trailer and producing a weight signal, said weight sensor electrically connected to said control mechanism with said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said weight signal.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal;
• and
• a second trailer having a third propulsion system for substantially propelling said second trailer, said second trailer secured to said trailer at a second articulated joint with a second load sensor for detecting a second load between said trailer and said second trailer associated with said second articulated joint and producing a second load signal, said request signal actuating said third propulsion system, said second load sensor electrically connected to said control mechanism, and said control mechanism further actuating said third propulsion system in response to said second load signal and said request signal.

A propulsion system for use with a trailer in a multi-unit articulated road train, said propulsion system comprising:

• a framed structure with a fifth wheel for supporting the trailer and a drawbar for connecting to another unit of the road train;
• a load sensor associated with said framed structure for detecting a tensile load in said framed structure;
• a drive system having a drive unit driving a drive wheel;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism having an input for receiving signals from an input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said drive system in response to said signals.

A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

• a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;
• a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;
• a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;
• an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system wherein said input device provides a desired rate of acceleration for the road train;
• and
• an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.