Abstract: A control system is provided for platooning a plurality of vehicles, each of which equipped with vehicle braking control systems and V2V communication system components. The system determines nominal following distances for each of said following vehicles relative to an immediately preceding vehicle, based in part on brake performance capabilities. Vehicle sensors throughout the platoon are implemented to monitor target vehicles positioned relative to the platoon, and some or all of the nominal following distances are dynamically adjusted to account for braking event risks associated with the target vehicles. Adjustment to following distances for trailing vehicles may be proactively applied even before braking reaction is determined or applied for a lead vehicle, and control signals are simultaneously generated implementing vehicle movement adjustments based on the following distance adjustments.

Abstract: A control method is provided for a vehicle, especially a utility vehicle trailer, that has at least one lifting axle that can be lowered and raised in a controllable manner and/or at least one steered axle that can be locked and unlocked in a controllable manner, and that also has a control device operable to control the lifting axle and/or the steered axle. When the vehicle is traveling in reverse, the control device automatically generates a control signal that lowers the lifting axle, and/or automatically generates a control signal that unlocks the steered axle. The control device can be embodied as an electronic control unit having a processor suitably programmed to carry out the foregoing process steps. The control device can be incorporated into a vehicle control system for a vehicle having an anti-lock braking system or an electronically controlled braking system.

Abstract: A torque plate for a vehicle brake is comprised of a sheet metal body. The sheet metal body includes a center opening that defines a lateral axis and a plurality of mounting holes. The center opening receives an axle housing and the mounting holes are used to secure the vehicle brake to the torque plate. Each mounting hole is defined by a center axis that is non-parallel to the lateral axis.

Abstract: A tractor protection valve includes a trailer service brake portion, a trailer parking brake portion, and a stability control portion that are each formed within a common valve body. In one example, the trailer service brake portion includes three inlets that can be used to apply a trailer service brake. The three inlets cooperate with a service brake blocking piston, a service brake relay piston, and double check valves to apply the trailer service brakes as needed. The stability control portion includes a solenoid that can direct air to apply the trailer service brakes in response to a stability control signal. The trailer parking brake portion also includes multiple ports that cooperate with a parking brake piston and valve to control application and release of the trailer parking brakes.

Abstract: A combination quick release and service relay brake valve assembly is used to consolidate multiple valve functions within a common valve assembly, which reduces cost and overall complexity in an associated vehicle brake system. The combination quick release and service relay brake valve assembly includes a valve body with a quick release portion that has a parking brake port and a service brake control port, which is in fluid communication with an anti-compounding passage. The valve body also includes a service relay portion that has a supply port fluidly connected to a service brake air reservoir and a delivery port fluidly connected to a brake actuator that generates service brake requests.

Abstract: A drivetrain protection and management system (DPMS) monitors and determines individual wheel speeds to detect wheel spin and slip conditions on a drive axle. Wheel spin is caused by low surface friction, excessive input torque, lack of inter-axle differential and differential locks, excessive operating temperatures, or poor driving techniques. When wheel spin or slip exceeds a threshold, the DPMS automatically controls input torque to the drive axle by controlling engine or retarder torque. In addition to monitoring wheel speeds, the DPMS monitors other vehicle characteristics such as engine torque/speed, transmission ratio, transmission output speed, vehicle speed, throttle position, for example. The DPMS monitors and stores these vehicle characteristics over time and generates a data output that summarizes a history of vehicle operating conditions. The DPMS can communicate this data output real time during vehicle operation, which can be used by a fleet to maximize vehicle performance.

Abstract: A brake system for a tractor-trailer vehicle includes a service brake system and a park brake system. The service and park brake systems are used to brake both a tractor and a trailer towed by the tractor. A trailer hand control valve is actuated by a vehicle operator to brake the trailer. The park brake system includes a park brake control valve that receives input commands from the vehicle operator to apply and release park brakes on the tractor and the trailer. An interlock valve assembly fluidly connects the park brake control valve to primary and secondary air supplies. The trailer hand control valve is also fluidly connected to the interlock valve assembly. The interlock valve assembly includes an outlet port that supplies an air signal to the trailer from one of the primary air source, secondary air source, or trailer hand control valve via a single connection line.

Abstract: A combination valve assembly provides dual functionality within a single valve housing. In one example, the valve operates as a combination inversion valve and quick release valve. In another example, the combination valve operates as an inversion valve and a relay valve. The valve is particularly useful for controlling the operation of a spring applied, air release brake actuator in a heavy vehicle braking arrangement. A valve designed according to this invention preferably also provides anti-compounding features.

Abstract: An electronically controlled brake system includes a brake actuator wherein a valve is electrically controlled to maintain the spring chamber in the non-actuated position during normal operation. However, should there be a failure in the electrical system, then the spring chamber is allowed to set the brake actuator. The “failure” could also include a diagnostic system included in the control which identifies a failure in control operation. In this way, should there be an electrical failure, either in the control or power circuits, the truck is stopped.