Vehicle-Trailer Hitch Angle Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backward maneuvering of trailers attached to vehicles is challenging due to horizontal swivel movement, leading to confusion and potential jack-knifing, often requiring multiple operators and difficulty for inexperienced users to control the trailer's path accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an electronic control unit, sensor, and hand-held input device to determine and calculate requested hitch angles, limiting the steering angle to prevent jack-knifing, and allowing override for experienced users, enabling precise control of the vehicle-trailer unit during reverse travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer is allowed to swivel horizontally around the hitch for cornering maneuverability, then the vehicle-trailer unit can navigate turns effectively, but the trailer may jack-knife or lose its course when backing up
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum allowable hitch angle parameter based on the backing operation state. When backing is detected, the system imposes a first maximum hitch angle limit to prevent jack-knifing, while allowing a second, larger maximum hitch angle for forward travel, thus adapting the parameter to the operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual hitch angle during backing operations and compares it against the requested hitch angle and maximum allowable limits. This feedback mechanism allows the system to provide real-time guidance to the driver and prevent excessive hitch angles that would cause jack-knifing
2Reliability
If the maximum hitch angle is limited during backing to prevent jack-knifing, then trailer path control stability is improved, but the trailer's ability to navigate tight corners is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic range of motion for the hitch angle based on the operational state. During backing, a first (more restrictive) maximum hitch angle is enforced, while during forward travel, a second (less restrictive) maximum hitch angle is permitted, allowing the system to adapt its constraints to the current maneuvering context
3Ease of operation
If manual control of the vehicle steering wheel is used to control the trailer path during backing, then the driver has direct control, but multiple operators are often required and inexperienced drivers struggle to control the path accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the driver's steering input and the actual vehicle-steering-trailer system. This intermediary calculates the appropriate steering angle based on the desired hitch angle and provides automated assistance, reducing the skill level required while maintaining control accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle-trailer unit to control its own path during backing operations by automatically calculating and applying the appropriate steering angles based on sensor feedback and driver input, eliminating the need for a second operator to manually guide the trailer
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A backing system for a vehicle-trailer unit includes an input device for providing a input used to determine a first and second requested hitch angle. The first hitch angle is disposed within a standard range of motion of the input device while the second hitch angle is disposed within a maximum range of motion, different from the standard range of motion. Movement of the input device in the standard range of motion limits the requested hitch angle to a first maximum value to prevent jack-knifing of the vehicle-trailer unit. However, movement of the input device in the maximum range of motion does not limit the actual hitch angle.