Hitch Angle Sensor Adaptor Plate for Trailer Backing Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer backing systems face instability issues, leading to difficulty in aligning trailers with vehicles during backing, as they tend to jackknife, and existing solutions only address parts of the problem without providing a comprehensive, easily installable, and durable hitch angle sensor system.
Innovation Solution
A hitch angle sensor system that includes an adaptor plate with a toothed ring and stethoscope-wishbone pin mechanism, integrated with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for precise hitch angle measurement, and a graphical display to guide the driver in steering and controlling the vehicle to align the trailer correctly, using wireless communication for real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hitch angle sensor is installed at the axis of rotation to measure articulation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage during hitching and towing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an adaptor plate as an intermediary component that transfers the rotational movement from the hitch ball to a protected sensor location. The adaptor plate includes a toothed ring that engages with a stethoscope-wishbone pin mechanism, allowing the hitch angle to be measured indirectly at a location away from the vulnerable hitch ball area.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into separate functional components: the adaptor plate mounted on the hitch ball, the toothed ring for motion transfer, the stethoscope-wishbone pin mechanism for mechanical advantage, and the protected sensor unit. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned in a protected location while still accurately measuring hitch angle through the mechanical linkage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complete trailer backing guidance system is installed as original equipment, then system integration is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch angle sensor system is designed with universal adaptability to work with various trailer and vehicle combinations. The adaptor plate can be mounted on standard hitch balls, and the wireless communication capability allows integration with multiple types of display devices, making the system versatile across different applications without requiring complex custom installation for each vehicle-trailer pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless communication technology that eliminates the need for complex hardwired installations. The sensor unit communicates hitch angle data wirelessly to display devices, allowing easy installation and removal by the end user without requiring professional installation services or modification of vehicle wiring harnesses.
3Device complexity
If traditional sensing methods are used to detect hitch angle, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical sensing systems with a more elegant mechanical advantage mechanism. The stethoscope-wishbone pin arrangement with the toothed ring creates a mechanical linkage that amplifies small angular movements at the hitch ball into larger, more easily measurable movements at the sensor location, improving precision without requiring sophisticated electronic sensors or complex installation.
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 effectively stabilizes trailer alignment by providing accurate hitch angle data and visual guidance, reducing the risk of jackknifing and collision, and can be easily installed as an aftermarket product without interfering with the hitching system.
Implementation Method 1
an angle sensor is needed that can get its measurement in-line with the axis of rotation of the trailer tongue upon the hitch ball
Implementation Method 2
an adaptor plate with a toothed ring and stethoscope-wishbone pin mechanism, integrated with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to display means for systems for guiding a trailer while backing, and in particular to graphical display means to provide information to an operator who is steering, and controlling the accelerator and breaks by suggesting the amount of steering to apply to the towing vehicle to cause the trailer to be directed to where the operator wants the trailer to go.