Automated Hitch Alignment Using Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the lack of clear sight lines, requiring repeated driving and steering maneuvers to align the hitch ball with the trailer hitch, and there is a risk of collision from overshooting, especially since the hitch ball is often obscured and cannot be directly seen by the driver.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with ultrasonic and image sensors that process data to identify the trailer's coupler position and proximity, allowing the controller to align the hitch ball with the coupler position, correct for misidentifications, and control vehicle motion to prevent collisions by monitoring proximity and location, and providing notifications for repositioning when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the trailer hitch using repeated forward and reverse driving, then the hitching operation can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple stopping and steering maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Image sensors capture visual data of the trailer hitch, and a controller automatically calculates and executes the alignment maneuvers, substituting the driver's manual steering and driving operations with an automated control system that processes visual information and controls vehicle motion accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to perform self-alignment by using its own image sensors to detect the trailer position, calculate the required alignment maneuvers, and automatically control its motion. The vehicle serves itself by eliminating the need for the driver to continuously observe and manually adjust the alignment through repeated stopping and starting.
2Ease of operation
If the driver relies on inference of hitch ball position without direct visibility, then the hitching can proceed without constant stopping, but the positioning accuracy decreases and collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image sensors as an intermediary between the driver and the hitch ball. Instead of directly observing the hitch ball position, the driver receives processed visual information from the image sensors that accurately indicates the relative positions of the hitch ball and trailer hitch, enabling precise alignment without direct visual contact with the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the driver's inferential judgment about hitch ball position with an automated vision-based measurement system. Image sensors capture precise visual data, and the controller calculates accurate position information, substituting human estimation with machine-based optical measurement for improved precision.
3Measurement precision
If the hitch ball is positioned close to the rear bumper to improve alignment precision, then the positioning accuracy increases, but the risk of collision with the trailer increases due to overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where image sensors continuously monitor the relative positions of the hitch ball and trailer hitch during the alignment process. The controller receives this visual feedback and dynamically adjusts the vehicle's motion to achieve precise alignment while preventing overshoot, thereby maintaining both precision and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of the optimal stopping point before the vehicle reaches the final aligned position. By using image sensor data to predict the alignment status in advance, the controller can prepare to stop at the precise moment needed, preventing overshoot and collision while achieving accurate alignment.
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
The system improves the accuracy and efficiency of trailer alignment by using sensor data to guide the vehicle, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of collision, thereby simplifying the hitching process and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor configured to capture ultrasonic data rearward of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
An image sensor is configured to capture image data rearward of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system comprises a hitch ball mounted on a vehicle. The system further comprises a plurality of sensor devices comprising an ultrasonic sensor and an image sensor. A controller is configured to process image data from the image sensor identifying a coupler position of a trailer. The controller is further configured to process ultrasonic data from the ultrasonic sensor identifying a proximity of the trailer. Based on the proximity of the trailer, the system is configured to identify the trailer in a detection range of the image sensor.