Automated Hitching Target Area Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the lack of clear sightlines, requiring repeated maneuvers and reliance on inference for alignment, which can lead to overshots and contact with the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitching assistance system that includes a controller determining a trailer target area and outputting a steering signal to align the hitch ball with the coupler, using sensors and imaging systems to define lateral and longitudinal limits, and monitoring the coupler's position to prevent overshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the coupler through repeated forward and reverse driving, then the hitching can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple stopping maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cameras to capture images of the coupler and provides real-time visual feedback to the driver through a display device, showing the relative position and alignment status. This feedback loop allows the driver to make precise adjustments without repeated stopping and starting, significantly reducing the time required for alignment maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical trial-and-error alignment method with an optical detection system (cameras and image processing) that provides visual information about the alignment status. This substitution allows for more efficient alignment by eliminating the need for repeated physical maneuvers and manual inference of positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the driver relies on inference of positioning without direct visual contact, then the hitching process can continue without stopping, but alignment precision decreases and contact risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual inference of positioning with an automated optical measurement system. Cameras capture images of the coupler and hitch ball, and image processing algorithms precisely calculate their relative positions and orientations. This provides accurate measurement data while allowing continuous driving operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual feedback system that bridges the gap between continuous driving and precise alignment. The camera system and display device act as intermediaries, providing the driver with accurate visual information about the alignment status without requiring the driver to stop or directly see the components with the naked eye.
3Area of stationary object
If the vehicle steers to the maximum lateral limits to reach distant couplers, then the coverage area increases, but the vehicle front corner swingout may cause contact with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the target area boundaries based on real-time vehicle state information including steering angle and swingout characteristics. As the vehicle steers, the system calculates the projected path of the front corner and adjusts the acceptable target area accordingly, allowing maximum coverage when safe and reducing risk when obstacles are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the vehicle front corner swingout path before executing steering maneuvers. By predicting the swingout trajectory in advance, the system can determine safe target areas that account for the vehicle's dynamic behavior, preventing contact with obstacles while maximizing the coupler detection area.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a large target area to accommodate all possible coupler positions, then the system is more versatile, but the precision of coupler location identification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the target area size and boundaries based on the vehicle's current steering angle and position. When the vehicle is steady, the target area is smaller for higher precision. When steering maneuvers are required to reach distant couplers, the target area expands to accommodate the broader range of positions, maintaining versatility while preserving detection accuracy through context-aware adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitching assistance system including a controller determining a trailer target area to a rear of the vehicle. The trailer target area is positioned within left and right lateral vehicle steering limits, defined in a lateral direction between left and right boundaries respectively spaced inwardly of the left and right lateral vehicle steering limits by one of a system perception factor or a vehicle geometry factor, and defined in a longitudinal direction between a minimum movement limit and a maximum perception limit. The controller further identifies a trailer coupler within the trailer target area and outputs a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler during movement of the vehicle.