Detachable Trailer Side Cameras for Blind-Side Reversing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular trailer assist systems have limited rearward and sideward visibility during reversing maneuvers, particularly when the trailer is not aligned with the vehicle, making it difficult for drivers to judge the distance and position of the trailer relative to obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a plurality of vehicle cameras and a trailer camera, with optional detachable auxiliary cameras that can be attached to the trailer to provide additional sideward and rearward views, enhancing the driver's field of view and aiding in maneuvering the vehicle and trailer during reversing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single trailer camera is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the field of view and visibility coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into multiple independent camera units (vehicle-mounted cameras and detachable auxiliary cameras) that can be selectively deployed. Each camera captures a specific portion of the scene, and together they provide comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and configuration of cameras based on operational needs. Auxiliary cameras can be detached when not needed, allowing the system to scale from a simple single-camera configuration to a multi-camera setup during reversing maneuvers requiring enhanced visibility.
2Reliability
If multiple fixed cameras are permanently installed, then comprehensive visibility is achieved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-camera configuration to a dynamic configuration where auxiliary cameras can be attached or detached based on operational requirements. This allows the system to provide comprehensive visibility coverage only when needed, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary cameras serve multiple functions: they can be attached to the trailer for enhanced visibility during reversing, stored when not needed, and potentially used with different trailer types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated specialized equipment for each scenario.
3Area of stationary object
If auxiliary cameras are always attached, then side visibility is improved, but the ease of operation and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary cameras are designed to be quickly attachable and detachable from the trailer, allowing the system to transition between configurations in minimal time. This dynamic setup capability maintains improved side visibility when needed while preserving ease of operation when the auxiliary cameras are not required.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a comprehensive multi-camera system is used, then collision risk is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into essential vehicle-mounted cameras and optional auxiliary cameras. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive collision avoidance coverage when auxiliary cameras are attached, while maintaining lower complexity when they are detached, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a plurality of vehicle cameras disposed at a vehicle, a trailer camera disposed at a trailer, and a video display screen disposed at the vehicle and viewable by a driver of the vehicle. When the trailer is hitched to the vehicle, the trailer camera captures image data and provides captured image data to an electronic control unit (ECU). The plurality of vehicle cameras capture image data and provide captured image data to the ECU. An auxiliary camera is detachably attached at an exterior side portion of the trailer. With the auxiliary camera detachably attached at the exterior side portion of the trailer and during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle with the trailer hitched to the vehicle, and responsive to a user input, video images derived from the image data captured by the auxiliary camera are displayed for viewing by the driver of the vehicle.