Patent ID: 11965795
Assignee: RANGE ENERGY INC.
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC G  B | IPC B  G

Claim 18:
19. A method for dynamic tow of a trailer comprising:
during a first time period:
detecting a first force applied to a kingpin, arranged on a proximal end of a trailer, by a hitch of a tow vehicle;
detecting a first direction of motion of the trailer;
detecting a first tractor-trailer angle between longitudinal axes of the trailer and the tow vehicle;
detecting a first incline angle of the trailer;
calculating a first target preload force opposite the first direction of motion, proportional to the first tractor-trailer angle, and inversely proportional to the first incline angle; and
in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor, arranged in a drive system located proximal a distal end of the trailer, to reduce torque output in the first direction of motion to decrease a first difference between the first force and the first target preload force; and

during a second time period:
detecting a second force applied to the kingpin by the hitch;
detecting a second direction of motion of the trailer;
detecting a second tractor-trailer angle between longitudinal axes of the trailer and the tow vehicle;
detecting a second incline angle of the trailer;
calculating a second target preload force opposite the second direction of motion, proportional to the second tractor-trailer angle, and inversely proportional to the second incline angle; and
in response to the second force exceeding the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output in the second direction of motion to decrease a second difference between the second force and the second target preload force.