Dual Camera Fifth Wheel System for Semi-Trailer Hitch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of semi-trailer trucks face challenges in coupling trailers due to limited visibility of the hitch area, often obstructed by sleeper cabs and air flow deflectors, and lack of assistance when connecting, especially without a person to guide the operation.
Innovation Solution
A dual camera system with a housing mounted on the tractor's frame, featuring two cameras that provide rearward and forward views of the hitch area, automatically opening and closing for protection and manual access, and displaying split-screen views in the cab to aid the driver in aligning and latching the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single camera is mounted to provide a rearward view for trailer approach, then the driver can see the trailer during approach, but the driver cannot see the final coupling stages and latch engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into two separate cameras: a rearward-facing camera for viewing the trailer during approach, and a forward-facing camera for viewing the final coupling stages and latch engagement. This segmentation allows each camera to capture specific critical views that together provide complete visibility of the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-view (one-dimensional information) to a multi-view (multi-dimensional information) system by adding the forward-facing camera. This provides the driver with multiple perspectives simultaneously displayed on the monitor, enabling comprehensive observation of both the trailer approach and the hitch coupling area.
2Reliability
If cameras are mounted exposed to the elements, then the cameras can provide clear views, but the cameras are vulnerable to damage from weather and debris
Solution Approach 1:
A protective housing structure is introduced as an intermediary between the cameras and the external environment. This housing shields the cameras from weather elements and debris while containing the camera mounting mechanisms, thereby protecting the sensitive optical components without interfering with their viewing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting mechanisms and cameras are nested within the protective housing structure. The housing serves as an outer protective shell that contains the camera assembly, providing a hierarchical protection system where the housing protects the cameras from environmental damage.
3Ease of operation
If the housing doors are always closed to protect cameras, then the cameras are protected, but the cameras cannot be inspected or cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The housing doors are designed to be dynamically controllable, switching between closed (protective) and open (accessible) states. The motorized actuation system allows the doors to open when the vehicle is in reverse gear, enabling camera inspection and cleaning, then automatically close to restore protection when reversing is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service protection by automatically opening the housing doors when the vehicle enters reverse gear (the condition when camera access is needed) and automatically closing them when reversing is complete. This automated behavior eliminates the need for manual intervention to balance protection and accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If manual door opening is required for camera access, then the system is simple, but the driver cannot access cameras without activating the reverse gear
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical door opening system is replaced with an automated motorized actuation system. This electrical/motorized system responds to the vehicle's reverse gear signal and automatically opens the housing doors, eliminating the need for the driver to manually open doors while providing convenient automatic access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door actuation system uses feedback from the vehicle's gear position (reverse gear detection) to automatically control door opening and closing. When the vehicle enters reverse gear, the system receives feedback and automatically opens the doors; when reverse gear is disengaged, the system closes the doors, creating a closed-loop automatic control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual camera system for viewing a coupling of a hitch to a trailer, such as on a semi tractor truck, includes a camera housing having two video cameras. The housing includes two doors that open automatically by a motor, arms and linkages when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. A split screen view is shown to the driver rearward toward the trailer and forward toward the hitch plate. The motor, arms and linkages automatically close the doors after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse, such as after a delay to determine if the hitch latch is secure. The linkages are sliding linkages with a spring so that the doors can be opened manually for cleaning the lenses of the cameras. A heating element is inside the housing.