Targetless Hitch Angle Detection for Vehicle-Trailer Backing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backup maneuvers of trailers attached to vehicles are challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the trailer's path, especially when reversing, often requiring multiple people and causing confusion about steering wheel adjustments, which can lead to trailer jack-knifing and loss of course.
Innovation Solution
A backing system for vehicle and trailer assemblies that uses a camera to record images of the hitch, learns geometry distances and reference points, determines the current hitch angle, and controls vehicle movements through an electronic control unit and control device, allowing single-user operation without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual trailer backing control is used, then the driver has direct control over the vehicle, but the trailer path control becomes difficult and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the driver to independently control the trailer backing path without external assistance. The electronic control unit automatically calculates steering commands based on camera images of reference points, allowing the driver to operate the system alone while maintaining precise trailer path control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electronic control system. The electronic control unit processes visual data from the camera and generates automated steering commands, substituting the purely mechanical driver-steering-wheel-trailer control chain with an electro-optical control system that enhances ease of operation.
2Reliability
If incorrect steering angle is applied, then the vehicle may move in the desired direction, but the trailer may jack-knife and lose its course
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of reference points on the trailer and recalculates the hitch angle in real-time during backing operations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the electronic control unit to monitor and adjust the steering angle dynamically, maintaining reliable trailer course while compensating for changes in hitch angle throughout the maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary learning of trailer geometry and reference point positions before actual backing operations. By pre-storing the hitch angle at straight-ahead position and learning reference point locations, the system establishes a baseline for accurate real-time hitch angle calculation, enabling reliable trailer course maintenance from the start of the backing maneuver.
3Ease of operation
If traditional backing assistance systems are used, then some guidance is provided, but calibration and setup procedures are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically learns and stores trailer-specific geometry parameters and reference point positions during a brief initialization phase. This self-calibration capability eliminates the need for complex manual setup procedures, allowing the system to adapt to different trailers automatically and reducing setup time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary learning procedures that automatically capture and store essential trailer geometry data before normal operation begins. By performing this calibration action in advance during a simplified setup routine, the system prepares all necessary parameters for accurate hitch angle calculation without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments during each use.
Data Source
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AI summary
A backing system for a trailer and vehicle and associated method includes recording an image of a hitch for the vehicle and trailer assembly with a camera. A plurality of distances related to geometry of the vehicle and the trailer and a plurality of reference points are learned based on the camera inputs. A plurality of reference distances related to the plurality of reference points are then determined. A current hitch angle may then be determined using the plurality of reference distances and the geometry distances.