DSRC Trailer Angle Detection via Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle communication systems, particularly those using Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology, face challenges in accurately determining the trailer angle relative to the vehicle during towing, especially in extreme weather and high-speed conditions, which affects safety and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The system employs dual channel DSRC radios on both the vehicle and trailer, utilizing Received Signal Strength (RSS) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction methods for precise relative position estimation, along with triangulation techniques, to determine the trailer angle and orientation, enabling accurate trailer angle detection and automatic hitch guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If DSRC radio is installed only on the vehicle, then the system structure is simple, but the trailer angle detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into two segments: the vehicle-mounted DSRC radio provides communication infrastructure, while the trailer-mounted DSRC radio provides position information. This segmentation allows accurate trailer angle detection by combining data from both units, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If DSRC radio is installed on both vehicle and trailer, then the trailer angle detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer-mounted DSRC radio serves multiple functions: it provides position information for angle detection, enables safety communications, and supports hitch guidance operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits across multiple operational domains.
3Device complexity
If traditional communication systems are used, then the system is simple, but the reliability in extreme weather and high-speed conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs DSRC radio technology, which uses inexpensive, commercially available radio frequency components rather than complex wired communication systems. These radio components provide robust, weather-resistant communication suitable for extreme conditions while maintaining cost-effectiveness and system simplicity.
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
This approach provides reliable, high-speed, low-latency communication that enhances safety and maneuverability by accurately determining the trailer angle and position, facilitating safer towing and hitching operations, even in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) radio technology enables communications-based active safety systems. Communication links for such applications need to be reliable, high speed, low latency links
Implementation Method 2
The system employs dual channel DSRC radios on both the vehicle and trailer, utilizing Received Signal Strength (RSS) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction methods for precise relative position estimation
Implementation Method 3
The present invention may also utilize a vehicle GPS system that may be an integral part of the DSRC radio to estimate the trailer angle. by utilizing real time kinematic (RTK) correction methods and triangulation, the present invention may achieve a very high accuracy relative position estimation
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for vehicles includes a first communication device disposed at a trailer and a second communication device disposed at a vehicle. The communication device wirelessly transmits a communication to the second communication device, and the second communication device receives the transmitted communication from the first communication device. Responsive to processing of the transmitted communication received by the second communication device, the communication system determines an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle. The first and second communication devices may include first and second dedicated short range communication devices. One of the devices may include spaced apart antennae, whereby the system may determine the angle of the trailer via triangulation based on an antenna of one of the communication devices and the spaced apart antennae of the other of the communication devices.