Integrated passenger vehicle trailer brake controller

Abstract

A trailer brake controller 10 for use in a passenger vehicle 12 is provided, including a control element 11 positioned within the passenger vehicle 12, a vehicle speed input 16 and a vehicle brake pressure input 14 providing speed and brake pressure data to the control element 11, and a trailer brake output 18 sending a signal to the trailer in response to the vehicle speed input 16 and the vehicle brake pressure input 14.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a passenger vehicle brake controller and more particularly to a passenger vehicle trailer brake controller.[0002]The design of passenger vehicles is often driven by a variety of factors. Two prevalent features are often the need for increased utility and the need for increased safety. Consumer convenience also can play a significant role. One area in which all such design factors must be considered is often a passenger vehicle's ability to transport objects. Passenger vehicle transport capabilities is an important design aspect of modern vehicles. The ability to haul objects and equipment is often as important as the vehicle's ability to transport additional passengers. Solutions aimed at increasing a vehicle's hauling capabilities must not only be directed at improving the vehicle's utility but must also be directed towards improving a vehicle's safety and performance while accomplishing this task. One traditio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a passenger vehicle braking system with an integrated trailer brake controller. This controller tailors the braking command signal to accommodate different vehicle speed inputs and brake pressure inputs, improving the cooperation between the vehicle and trailer braking. The technical effect is improved safety and efficiency in braking and trailer operation.

Problems solved by technology

When the size and weight capacity, however, are increased, it is known that the trailer can impact the performance of the towing vehicle.

Thus, the specific braking characteristics of a given passenger vehicle, a given trailer, or a given passenger vehicle / trailer combination are often not designed into these after-market brake controllers.

Due to the wide variety of passenger vehicles capable of towing trailers, the simplistic approaches towards trailer brake controlling are often undesirable.

In addition, these prior art approaches often leave the determination of a suitable brake controller to the vehicle consumer or after-market technician rather than relying on the preferable knowledge of the vehicle designers to determine suitability.

Yet, despite over two decades of popularity for large passenger vehicles such as SUV's, minivans, vans, and pickup trucks, the developments within the commercial sector have not always translated into approved passenger vehicle / trailer braking.

One significant difference between commercial and passenger vehicle braking systems is that commercial systems often utilize the trailer as the primary braking component of the vehicle.

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