Combination Vehicle Coupling Angle Detection Using Target Shape Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling angle detection systems for combination vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting the coupling angle due to attenuation of reflected light from reflectors and interference from dirt, leading to unreliable detection.
Innovation Solution
A coupling angle detection device that utilizes a target member installed in the first vehicle and a shape information acquisition unit in the second vehicle to detect the coupling angle by recognizing the front-rear direction of the vehicle body based on the shape information of the target member, using sensors like cameras or LiDAR to measure and process shape information for accurate angle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflector is installed on the towed vehicle and scanning radar is used to detect reflected light, then the coupling angle can be detected, but the detection reliability deteriorates when the distance increases or dirt adheres to the reflector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system (scanning radar detecting reflected light from reflector) with an image recognition system using cameras or image sensors. This substitution eliminates the problems of light attenuation and dirt interference, as the system captures images of the target member and recognizes its shape and orientation directly, providing reliable coupling angle detection regardless of distance or environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical reflection intensity to geometric shape recognition. By detecting the shape information of the target member (such as rectangular shape, circular shape, or triangular shape) and calculating the coupling angle from the recognized orientation, the system achieves distance-independent and dirt-resistant detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reflector installation position changes or coupling angle changes, then the distance between scanning radar and reflector changes, but this causes reflected light intensity to attenuate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with an image-based detection system that captures images of the target member. This substitution eliminates the inverse square law attenuation problem, as the image sensor can detect the target member's shape and orientation at various distances without signal loss, maintaining consistent detection capability across different coupling angles and positions.
3Reliability
If dirt adheres to the reflector, then the reflected light intensity decreases, but this makes detection unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical reflector-based system with an image recognition system that detects the shape and orientation of a target member. This substitution eliminates the problem of dirt interference, as the image sensor can recognize the geometric features of the target member even when partially obscured, and the system can distinguish the target member from dirt through shape analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from detecting optical reflection properties to detecting geometric shape properties. By recognizing the specific shape (rectangular, circular, triangular) and orientation of the target member, the system achieves detection that is insensitive to surface contamination, maintaining reliable coupling angle measurement.
4Measurement precision
If the difference between reflected light intensity from reflector and surrounding area decreases, then the scanning radar cannot detect reflected light, but this reduces detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the scanning radar's optical detection with an image sensor-based recognition system. This substitution eliminates the contrast dependency problem, as the image sensor captures the entire scene and the processing unit identifies the target member through its geometric shape characteristics, not through intensity differences. This provides robust detection capability independent of lighting conditions and background variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of the coupling angle between vehicles with simple processing, ensuring safe driving by adjusting driving conditions or notifying the driver when the angle exceeds a prescribed value, regardless of changes in distance or reflector conditions.
Implementation Method 1
performing scanning horizontally with respect to the towed vehicle by a scanning radar installed in the towing vehicle, and detecting the direction of reflected light returning from the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling angle detection device acquires a shape information of a target member having a prescribed shape and installed in a first vehicle by a shape information acquisition unit installed in a second vehicle and detects an angle formed by a direction specified based on a prescribed condition from the acquired shape information of the target member and a front-rear direction of a vehicle body of the second vehicle that is held, as a coupling angle between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The target member is installed in the first vehicle such that the specified direction fits a front-rear direction of a vehicle body of the first vehicle.