Brake by wire power source

• US 20040084963A1
• Filed: 11/06/2002
• Published: 05/06/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Original Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Inventors: Costello, Robert E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,109,601 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/9.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 1/10 by utilising wheel movement for accumulating energy, e.g. driving air compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 13/74 with electrical assistance or drive

Abstract

An electric trailer brake system includes an electric brake receiving energy from a battery. The battery is recharged by a generator disposed on the trailer independent from the towing vehicle. Recharging the batteries that power the electric brake assemblies on the trailer minimizes the effects of power restrictions caused by a standard sized connector and cable connection between the towing vehicle and cargo trailer.

Claims

1. An electric brake system for a trailer comprising;

an electric brake assembly for slowing and stopping the trailer;

a power storage device mounted to the trailer for providing energy to said electric brake assembly; and

a controller for controlling said electric brake assemblies and said power source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said power storage device is a battery.

3. The system of claim 2, further including a power generation device for regenerating said power source.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said power generation source is a generator.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein said generator is driven by an axle of the trailer.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein said generator is driven by air pressure.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said power generation device is a fuel cell.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said power generation device is a solar cell.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said electric brake assembly includes a brake controller, said brake controller activates said power generation device in response to a predetermined power level of said power source.

10. The system of claim 8, including a plurality of electric brake assemblies all including a brake controller, and a power source, and each of said brake controllers monitors a power level of said power source and activates said power generation device in response to a predetermined power level of said power source.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said controller is in communication with a main brake controller of a tractor, and said controller forwards brake condition information to said main brake controller.

12. A trailer brake system for a tractor-trailer comprising;

an electric brake assembly selectively engageable for braking an wheels of the trailer;

a power storage device in electrical communication with said electric brake for providing electrical energy to said electric brake assembly.

a controller in communication with said electric brake assembly, said power source and a main brake controller for controlling said electric brake assembly.

13. The system of claim 12, including a power-generating device for providing electrical energy to said power storage device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said power storage device is a battery and said power generating device is an electric generator driven by rotation of said axle.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said power storage device is a battery and said power generating device is a solar panel for converting solar energy into electric energy stored in said battery.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein said power storage device is a fuel cell for supplying electrical energy to said electric brake assembly.