Vehicle-Trailer Reverse Control Using Trailer-Driven Wheel Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reversing vehicle-trailer combinations lack accuracy, leading to potential collisions, damage, and safety risks during docking and reversing operations.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that shifts propulsion control to the trailer's driven wheels when the trailer is aligned with the target location, using sensors to measure angular offset and distance, and optionally utilizing a steerable axle for fine-tuning alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual control or basic sensor systems are used for reversing, then the operation is simple to implement, but the accuracy of reversing and docking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the angular offset between the trailer and target location using sensors, and adjusts propulsion control based on this feedback to maintain alignment within a predetermined margin, thereby achieving high reversing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically shifts propulsion control between vehicle and trailer driven wheels without requiring manual intervention, using sensor data and control algorithms to self-regulate the reversing operation and maintain precise alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If propulsion control is shifted to the trailer's driven wheels when aligned, then the precision of alignment is improved, but the complexity of control logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically shifts propulsion control between the vehicle and trailer based on real-time alignment conditions, transitioning from vehicle-driven to trailer-driven propulsion when the angular offset is within the predetermined margin, thereby optimizing alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the vehicle and trailer propulsion systems, managing the transfer of propulsion control based on sensor feedback and alignment conditions
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle-trailer combination is steered during reverse movement, then the maneuverability is improved, but the risk of collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical steering during reverse movement with controlled propulsion from the trailer's driven wheels, using differential wheel speed control to achieve directional changes without traditional steering, thereby reducing collision risk
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operational parameters by shifting propulsion control to the trailer and adjusting the speed differential between left and right driven wheels to achieve maneuvering without steering input
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for reversing a vehicle-trailer combination toward a target location, wherein the vehicle and the trailer each is equipped with driven wheels, and wherein the control unit is configured to: obtain sensor data, wherein the sensor data comprises an angular offset α of the trailer relative to the target location; determine whether the angular offset α of the trailer relative to the target location is within a predetermined alignment margin; and shift propulsion control to the driven wheels of the trailer for movement toward the target location in response to the angular offset α of the trailer being within the predetermined alignment margin.