Camera-Based Trailer Hitching Height Control for Coupler Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of connecting a nonconventional trailer, such as a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer, to a vehicle is tedious due to the need for accurate adjustment of the trailer coupler height relative to the vehicle's hitch, often requiring manual estimation and repeated attempts to achieve proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular trailer hitching assist system utilizing a rearward-viewing camera with an image processor to determine the required height of the trailer coupler relative to the hitch, providing feedback to the user or automatically adjusting the height, ensuring accurate alignment without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual estimation and repeated attempts are used to adjust trailer coupler height, then the hitching process can be completed without additional equipment, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical height adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The image processor captures images of the trailer coupler and hitch, calculates the required height adjustment, and sends control signals to the height adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for manual estimation and repeated attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the trailer hitching process to adjust its own height automatically. The image processing system detects the relative positions of the coupler and hitch, determines the required adjustment, and controls the height adjustment mechanism without external intervention, making the system self-sufficient.
2Measurement precision
If a rearward-viewing camera with image processor is added to determine trailer coupler height, then accurate alignment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images of the trailer coupler, identifying the hitch position, calculating height differences, and controlling the adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processor acts as an intermediary between the physical trailer coupler and the electronic control system. It converts visual information about the coupler's position into actionable data that the control system can use to automatically adjust height, bridging the gap between physical measurement and electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If automated height adjustment is implemented, then the hitching process is simplified and time is reduced, but the system requires additional electronic control components
Solution Approach 1:
The automated height adjustment system makes the trailer hitching process self-sufficient. The image processor detects the coupler position, calculates the required adjustment, and controls the height mechanism automatically without requiring user intervention, thereby simplifying operation despite the added electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the image processor continuously monitors the trailer coupler position, compares it with the target position, and adjusts the height mechanism accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures accurate alignment while managing system complexity through intelligent feedback-based decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer hitching assist system includes a rearward-viewing camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing a hitch of the vehicle and a trailer coupler of a trailer that is positioned rearward of the vehicle and not coupled to the hitch of the vehicle. The vehicular trailer hitching assist system, via image processing of image data captured by the rearward-viewing camera, determines height of the trailer coupler relative to the hitch of the vehicle. The vehicular trailer hitching assist system, responsive to the determined height of the trailer coupler relative to the hitch of the vehicle being greater than a threshold amount, generates a signal to adjust the height of the trailer coupler.