Method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly
The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.
1. A method of controlling an active converter dolly comprising:
receiving truck and truck engine information signals from a truck OBD;
processing the truck control signals; and
transmitting motor/generator drive control signals to a motor/generator drive based on the truck and truck engine information signals.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the truck and truck engine information signals comprises:
processing the truck and truck engine information signals via a power line communicator unit.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the truck and truck engine information signals comprises signals representing a level of braking and the motor/generator drive control signals include signals to apply a corresponding brake torque.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the truck signals comprises signals indicating a truck is starting up and the motor/generator drive control signals include signals to generator a torque to assist start-up of the truck.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the truck control signals comprises: receiving sensor signals; and
determining motor/generator drive control signals based on the sensor signals to improve performance and fuel savings for a tractor-trailer.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the sensor signals comprise global positioning signals (GPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMS) sensor signals or real-time traffic and road information.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the truck control signals comprises:
generating the motor/generator drive control signals with respect to trailer shunting instructions.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the truck control signals comprises:
determining motor/generator drive control signals to improve tractor-trailer stability and control.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the truck control signals comprises:
determining motor/generator drive control signals based to assist in tractor-trailer backup operation.