Inertia-Activated brake controllers (also referred to as pendulum style) operate
according to very straightforward electrical principles. On closing of the brake light
switch, charging current from the battery passes through resistor R1 and capacitor
C1, thus creating charging current in resistor R1.
At the junction, these components produce an electric potential which serves as an
input signal to a timing circuit and allows metering to take place.
Brake Activation
This electric-hydraulic actuator connects with your brake controller (sold separately)
to activate your trailer’s hydraulic disc brakes. It features a large brake fluid
reservoir, marine grade gasket rust protection and stainless steel hardware to
extend its lifespan and release heat, helping prevent premature corrosion of internal
components. Finally, vent plates allow excess heat out quickly for increased safety during use.
Most trailer brake actuators employ a system which sends an electrical signal to a
cab controller, who in turn applies pressure to the brake pedal of their tow vehicle,
thus enabling both truck and trailer to slow at equal rates, eliminating potential for
dangerous trailer sway.
Setting up your trailer brake actuator involves adjusting its braking force – also
known as gain – based on your load size. For calibration, find an open space to drive
at approximately 25 mph while pressing on the brake pedal, and observe how your
vehicle stops; if it accelerates quickly then increase maximum output of your controller.
Switching
Brake actuators serve to connect your truck or SUV’s braking system to that of its
trailer, applying pressure proportional to what pressure you apply on its brake pedal.
Selecting an appropriate model with regards to specifications and installation is essential.
The present invention presents an electronic controller for actuating electric wheel
brakes on a towed vehicle, featuring an onboard sensing device to measure current
flow to its brake electromagnets and interrupt any excessive current flow if it
becomes excessive. Furthermore, power outages do not alter gain settings and a
visual display indicates results of self-diagnostic testing.
The switching circuit comprises of several power field effect transistors (FET’s)
connected between the towing vehicle power supply and brake electromagnets for
towing vehicle wheel brakes, and which are switched between conducting and non-conducting states in response to a modulator generated output signal. A toroidal
flux concentrator hoop 55 extends from these FETs with first flat ends 57 and an L-shaped second end 58 that have circular portions that encircle wire 12 leading from
printed circuit board to towed vehicle brake electromagnets.
Control Circuitry
Microprocessor-based trailer brake controllers regulate the amount of power
supplied to trailer electric brake coils. It detects deceleration from multiple
directions on its multiple axes and supplies power according to an individual driver-selected gain setting.
The controller includes a power switch 72 connected between a towing vehicle
power supply and brake coils. This power switch enters its conducting state when
input voltage exceeds threshold value; otherwise it remains nonconducting.
Proportional brake controllers respond quickly and precisely to changes in inertia
levels, providing more control of the braking process. Unfortunately, their sensors
must be installed in sensitive places for proper functioning – meaning more costly
and time-consuming installation procedures than time-delay brake controllers.
Safety
Safety should always be at the forefront when it comes to transporting children or
pets in trailers. An electric trailer brake actuator helps provide effective braking
system to protect against potential accidents and ensure safe travels for you and your trailer.
Proportional Brake Controllers are an excellent choice for trailers carrying heavy
cargo over difficult mountain roads, as they sense inertia or resistance from tow
vehicles and synchroize braking ratio of trailer, providing efficient braking and smooth stops.
Time-Delayed Brake Controllers are less expensive than proportional ones while still
providing effective trailer braking. When your tow vehicle brake pedal is depressed,
this type of controller senses and releases an adjustable amount of braking capacity
you set based on expected load weight to the trailer’s electromagnets. Adjusting
ratio can be done easily using knob on in-cab controller. Plus they also feature a
lockout key to protect against accidental use when backing up.