Hitch Angle Sensor Assembly for Trailer Backup Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer is challenging due to the need for opposite steering inputs and the potential for jackknife conditions, which existing trailer backup assist systems fail to address effectively, especially when assuming a straight path and requiring complex human-machine interfaces and costly sensors.
Innovation Solution
A hitch angle sensor assembly that includes a spacer between the hitch ball and the vehicle, a rotatable element connected to the trailer, and a proximity or hall sensor to determine the hitch angle, allowing for intuitive path curvature control and jackknife prevention through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex human-machine interface devices and high-precision sensors are used to determine path curvature and detect obstacles, then the accuracy and reliability of trailer backup assist systems is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of hitch angle detection from complex sensor systems. By using a simple proximity sensor to detect the position of a reflector on the trailer hitch, the system obtains sufficient hitch angle information without requiring expensive high-precision sensors or complex processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs low-cost components including a simple proximity sensor and a passive reflector instead of expensive active sensors. This approach uses inexpensive objects that provide adequate functionality for the specific application of trailer backup assist, reducing overall system cost and complexity.
2Device complexity
If a zero curvature path assumption is made for trailer backup, then the control system becomes simpler, but the system loses effectiveness for real-world curved path scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the desired path curvature dynamic rather than fixed. The curvature parameter can be adjusted based on real-world conditions and trailer length, allowing the system to adapt between straight and curved path scenarios. This dynamic approach maintains system simplicity while improving versatility for different backup situations.
3Speed
If maximum steering input is applied continuously to reduce hitch angle during jackknife condition, then the response speed improves, but the system may cause damage to vehicle or trailer under certain operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting jackknife conditions early and applying counter-steering input before the condition fully develops. The system monitors hitch angle and steering rate continuously, and when a jackknife trend is detected, it applies opposite steering input to prevent the condition from worsening, rather than waiting for maximum intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of hitch angle, steering rate, vehicle speed, and acceleration. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust steering inputs dynamically based on current operating conditions, applying correction only when necessary and appropriate, thereby preventing damage while maintaining effective jackknife prevention.
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
Enables simple and cost-effective trailer path curvature control and jackknife prevention by determining the hitch angle and adjusting steering inputs, improving safety and reducing the complexity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
A hall sensor is coupled with the housing for sensing the magnetic portion to determine a hitch angle
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a hitch angle sensor assembly includes a spacer fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle. An element is rotatably coupled with the spacer about a vertical axis defined by the hitch ball, and connecting member secures the element to a trailer. A hall sensor is coupled with the spacer and senses a magnetic portion of the element to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer. This and other embodiments of the hitch angle sensor assembly may be used independently or in combination with other hitch angle sensors or systems to estimate the hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer, which may be advantageously used for operation of the vehicle with a trailer backup assist system.