Vehicle Hitch Alignment System Using Phantom Identifier
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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 coupler, often requiring repeated maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to overshots and collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system that includes a rear-mounted imager, a controller, and steering and brake control systems to automatically align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler by processing image data and outputting steering and brake control signals to guide the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of hitch ball with trailer coupler is used, then the driver has direct control over the maneuver, but the process is time-consuming and requires repeated forward and reverse driving with multiple steering maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. The imager captures images of the trailer coupler, the processor identifies its position, and the controller automatically adjusts steering and braking, substituting the driver's manual mechanical control with an automated optical-mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to align itself with the trailer coupler autonomously. The driver initiates the process by activating the imager, but subsequent alignment maneuvers are performed automatically by the controller without continuous driver intervention, allowing the vehicle to service its own alignment needs.
2Ease of operation
If the driver attempts to align the hitch ball manually, then direct control is maintained, but the hitch ball cannot be seen and positioning must be inferred from experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an imager as an intermediary device that captures visual information of the trailer coupler and transmits it to the processor. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the driver and the hidden hitch ball position, providing objective visual data that replaces subjective inference based on experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the driver's sensory-based mechanical alignment process with an automated vision-based detection system. The imager and processor substitute for the driver's ability to visually locate and align with the hitch ball, eliminating the need to infer position from experience.
3Measurement precision
If repeated stopping and stepping out to confirm alignment is performed, then accurate positioning can be verified, but the process becomes even more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imager continuously monitors the relative position of the hitch ball and trailer coupler during the alignment maneuver. The processor analyzes this visual feedback in real-time, and the controller adjusts steering and braking accordingly, providing continuous verification without requiring the vehicle to stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous alignment verification throughout the maneuver by keeping the imager active and processing images in real-time. This eliminates the need to stop and step out for verification, as the useful action of monitoring alignment continues uninterrupted during the entire hitching process.
4Measurement precision
If the vehicle approaches the trailer closely for alignment, then precise positioning is achieved, but any overshoot can cause the vehicle to contact the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real-time visual feedback from the imager to monitor the distance and relative position between the vehicle and trailer. The controller continuously adjusts steering and braking based on this feedback, enabling precise positioning while detecting and preventing overshoot conditions that could lead to collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential overshoot by continuously monitoring position data and pre-adjusting control signals. The controller anticipates approaching the optimal alignment point and modulates braking and steering to cushion the approach, preventing contact before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes a vehicle steering system, an imager mounted with and directed to a rear of the vehicle and outputting image data, and a controller. The controller receives the image data, applies a location identifier of a vehicle hitch ball to the image data, and identifies a coupler of the trailer within the image data. The controller also outputs a steering control signal to the steering system in reversing of the vehicle to align the location identifier of the vehicle hitch ball in the image data with the coupler of the trailer.