Autonomous Trailer Coupler Alignment Using Tethering Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle trailers are passive and often struggle with alignment and connection to towing vehicles, particularly in electric-powered systems, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in towing, especially for lesser-capable vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous electric-powered trailer system equipped with a tethering sensor and processing unit that autonomously controls the trailer coupler to align and connect with a towing hitch using image sensors and computer-executed instructions for motor, steering, and jack control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive trailer design is used, then the trailer structure is simple, but the towing capability and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer autonomously performs alignment and connection operations without requiring active user intervention. The processing unit controls the coupler assembly to automatically detect, align with, and connect to the towing vehicle's hitch, enabling the trailer to service itself during the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced with an automated system comprising image sensors for detection, a processing unit for computation, and motorized control mechanisms for the coupler assembly, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with an integrated electromechanical system
2Device complexity
If manual alignment and connection operations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the operation time and number of attempts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and alignment operations automatically before the actual connection is made. The image sensors detect the hitch position in advance, and the processing unit calculates the required alignment movements, preparing the coupler assembly for optimal connection positioning before physical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the alignment process using image sensors to detect the relative positions of the coupler and hitch. Based on this feedback, the processing unit adjusts the coupler's position and orientation in real-time, enabling dynamic correction and ensuring successful connection on the first attempt
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric-powered propulsion is added to the trailer, then the towing capability is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion to enhance towing capability, powers the coupling operations, and can potentially assist in alignment maneuvers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each operation, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
4Measurement precision
If the tethering sensor is positioned to capture images perpendicular to the hitch, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is positioned at a specific location on the coupler assembly with a fixed perpendicular orientation to the hitch. This localized, dedicated sensor placement provides optimal detection precision for the specific task of identifying the hitch position, while the fixed mounting simplifies the overall positioning mechanism compared to adjustable or multi-axis sensor systems
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer comprises a trailer chassis, a trailer enclosure supported by the trailer chassis, a trailer hitching assembly coupled to the trailer chassis. The trailer hitching assembly comprises a trailer coupler, and a tethering sensor configured to sense in a direction toward a tethering nexus of a tow vehicle. The trailer further comprises a processing unit that uses sensing data sensed by the tethering sensor to autonomously control a physical tethering of the trailer coupler to the tethering nexus of the tow vehicle.