Autonomous Trailer Backing Control for Precise Vehicle Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, particularly those with limited rear visibility like cargo vans or Class 8 trucks, face challenges in backing up to trailers due to poor visibility and varying heights, leading to frequent coupling failures and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous backing system using sensors and control modules to determine the trailer's distance, angle, and path, autonomously controlling the vehicle's steering, braking, and suspension to align with the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual backing control is used, then the driver has direct control over the vehicle, but coupling precision deteriorates due to poor visibility and non-intuitive steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an autonomous control system that uses sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and electronic control modules to detect trailer position and automatically adjust steering angle, eliminating the visibility and intuition problems that plague manual backing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary autonomous control system that acts as a mediator between the driver's intent and the vehicle's physical movement. This system processes sensor data, calculates optimal steering commands, and executes them through electronic control of steering actuators, bridging the gap between poor visibility and precise coupling
2Reliability
If manual backing control is used, then the driver can respond to varying trailer heights, but coupling reliability deteriorates due to frequent coupling failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the distance and relative position between the vehicle and trailer, the control module processes this information, and steering commands are automatically adjusted in real-time to maintain proper alignment and prevent coupling failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and calculation of the optimal coupling path before actual coupling occurs. The system uses sensors to identify the trailer's position and orientation in advance, calculates the necessary steering adjustments, and prepares the vehicle for precise coupling, preventing failures before they happen
3Measurement precision
If autonomous control is implemented, then coupling precision improves through automated path determination, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control module that integrates multiple sensor inputs (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors), performs path calculation, determines steering commands, and controls execution through a single unified electronic control system. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, techniques are provided for autonomously backing a vehicle (such as a Class 8 truck) to a trailer. In some embodiments, environment sensors such as image sensors and range sensors mounted to the vehicle detect a trailer and determine distances between the trailer and the vehicle as well as relative angles of the trailer and the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle determines a path to the trailer based on this information, and autonomously controls braking, torque, and/or steering of the vehicle to autonomously back the vehicle along the determined path.