Vehicle Hitch Alignment Controller Using Imaging Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the challenge of aligning the vehicle hitch ball with the trailer hitch, often requiring repeated driving maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system that includes a controller identifying a trailer coupler within a specified area relative to the vehicle and outputs a steering signal to align the hitch ball with the coupler, using imaging systems and sensors to determine the correct positioning and maintain a safe swingout distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used, then the driver has full control over the vehicle, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple stopping maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to perform self-alignment by automatically controlling steering and braking based on detected coupler position, eliminating the need for the driver to manually coordinate steering and braking maneuvers while reducing the time required for alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated system that uses imaging sensors to detect coupler position and electronically controls steering and braking systems to achieve automatic alignment, substituting driver skill and manual operation with automated sensing and control
2Loss of information
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball, then visibility of the trailer hitch is required, but the hitch ball cannot be seen by the driver under ordinary circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the coupler position through image processing of captured images, allowing the system to detect and measure the position of the coupler relative to the vehicle without requiring the driver to directly see the physical hitch components
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system and image processing algorithms serve as an intermediary between the physical coupler and the control system, converting visual information about coupler position into actionable data that guides the alignment process without requiring direct driver observation
3Manufacturing precision
If repeated steering maneuvers are performed to achieve alignment, then the hitch ball can be positioned accurately, but the risk of collision increases due to overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the position of the coupler relative to the vehicle through imaging sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust steering and braking commands, enabling precise alignment while preventing overshoot that could lead to collision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of the optimal alignment path before executing steering maneuvers, allowing the vehicle to approach the coupler in a controlled manner that minimizes the risk of collision while achieving accurate alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a controller identifying a trailer coupler within a specified area relative to the vehicle. The specified area is defined between a maximum distance and a minimum distance from a rear of the vehicle and within left and right lateral vehicle control limits. The controller also outputs a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler.