초록 ▼

An integrated jackknife control device for a tractor trailer assembly requires minimal if any modification to the existing fifth wheel coupler of the tractor trailer. The device comprises a computer controlled braking system including one or more pivot brakes acting directly on the trailer body, sen

An integrated jackknife control device for a tractor trailer assembly requires minimal if any modification to the existing fifth wheel coupler of the tractor trailer. The device comprises a computer controlled braking system including one or more pivot brakes acting directly on the trailer body, sensors which detect tractor trailer conditions indicative of incipient or full-fledged jackknifing and possibly other hazardous conditions such as collision or panic braking, and a proportional controller which causes one or more brake to apply a resistive force directly to the trailer which increases proportionally with a sensed degree of trailer jackknifing. The braking system preferably will automatically remain in a standby mode during backing maneuvers and will allow the operator to actuate the braking system manually and also to reset or return the braking system to a standby condition.

대표청구항 ▼

A braking system for inhibiting a trailer of a tractor trailer assembly from jackknifing, said trailer comprising an underframe which has a front end portion supported on said tractor and a rear end portion supported on wheels, said braking system comprising: (A) a source of pressurized fluid; (B) a

A braking system for inhibiting a trailer of a tractor trailer assembly from jackknifing, said trailer comprising an underframe which has a front end portion supported on said tractor and a rear end portion supported on wheels, said braking system comprising: (A) a source of pressurized fluid; (B) a proportional control valve having an inlet port connected to said source of pressurized fluid and having an outlet port, said valve being controllable to selectively pressurize fluid in said outlet port to a variable level ranging from 0% of a maximum pressure level to 100% of said maximum pressure level; (C) a fluid pressure cylinder fluidically coupled to said outlet of said valve; (D) a friction brake which is mechanically coupled to said fluid pressure cylinder and which is located adjacent said underframe of said trailer; (E) means for detecting an incipient trailer jackknife condition; and (F) means, coupled to said means for detecting and to said proportional control valve, for automatically controlling said proportional control valve to actuate said fluid pressure cylinder in response to a detected incipient jackknife condition to cause said brake to apply a resistive force to said underframe of said trailer that increases proportionally with a detected degree of trailer jackknifing.