Vehicle-Trailer Hitch Angle Control for Reverse Jack-Knife Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backward maneuvering of vehicle-trailer units is challenging due to trailer swiveling, requiring multiple operators and causing confusion, especially when aligning the trailer correctly, which can lead to jacking and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A system with an electronic control unit that determines the current hitch angle and calculates a requested hitch angle rate of change based on input from a joystick, sending a steering angle request to the steering system to maintain alignment and prevent jacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering control is used during reverse travel, then the driver can control the vehicle direction, but the trailer swivels uncontrollably causing jack-knifing and loss of course
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual hitch angle between vehicle and trailer during reverse travel and compares it to the desired hitch angle, using this feedback to automatically adjust steering commands and maintain proper alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electronic control system that calculates and executes steering commands based on sensor data and control algorithms, eliminating the need for driver judgment and manual adjustment
2Measurement precision
If multiple operators are used to control vehicle and trailer, then alignment accuracy improves, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs alignment functions that would otherwise require multiple operators, using sensors to detect hitch angle and automated algorithms to calculate and execute the necessary steering corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between the driver's intent and the vehicle-trailer system, automatically computing and executing the complex coordination needed for proper alignment without requiring direct manual intervention from multiple operators
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer is allowed to swivel freely around the hitch, then the vehicle-trailer unit can navigate corners, but the trailer cannot maintain straight path during reverse travel
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the degree of trailer swivel based on real-time conditions, allowing controlled rotation when needed while maintaining straight-path stability during reverse travel through automated steering intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operational parameters of the hitch angle, actively maintaining it within a desired range during reverse travel to ensure straight path while preserving the ability to navigate corners when forward travel is engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel with a backing system includes, among other things, determining that the vehicle-trailer unit is backing up with an electronic control unit for the backing system. A current hitch angle is determined, which represents the relative angle between the vehicle and the trailer with the electronic control unit. A requested hitch angle rate of change versus distance traveled is calculated with the electronic control unit, wherein the requested hitch angle rate of change is based upon an input which provides a requested hitch angle rate of change signal value. A steering angle is calculated with the electronic control unit based upon the requested hitch angle rate of change, wherein the steering angle will allow movement of the vehicle-trailer unit in the reverse direction to obtain the requested hitch angle rate of change; and a request is sent to a steering system to provide the steering angle.