Hitch Angle Sensor Zero-Point Estimation During Vehicle Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for estimating the zero point of a hitch angle sensor in a combination vehicle require the vehicle to travel straight, limiting their applicability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A zero point estimation method using a first sensor for detecting yaw motion and a second sensor for a different physical quantity, with processes to acquire and synchronize detection values during changes in vehicle direction, enabling zero point estimation without requiring straight travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vehicle travels straight to estimate the zero point, then the zero point estimation can be performed, but the applicability and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motion state parameter from straight travel to arbitrary travel with direction changes. By using yaw motion data and correlating it with hitch angle sensor data during turning maneuvers, the system estimates the zero point without requiring straight travel, thus improving adaptability while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces yaw motion (detected by yaw rate sensor or steering angle sensor) as an intermediary parameter to correlate with hitch angle sensor data. This intermediary enables zero point estimation through mathematical correlation during turning maneuvers, eliminating the need for straight travel condition
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle travels straight to estimate the zero point, then the zero point estimation can be performed, but the efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from requiring straight travel to utilizing arbitrary travel with direction changes. By processing yaw motion data and hitch angle data during normal turning operations, the zero point is estimated more efficiently without requiring the vehicle to maintain a straight trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs zero point estimation during regular vehicle operations (turning maneuvers) rather than requiring a separate straight travel phase. This integrates the calibration process into normal vehicle usage, improving efficiency by eliminating dedicated calibration time
Data Source
AI summary
A zero point estimation device is configured to perform a first acquisition process, a second acquisition process, and a zero point estimation process. The first acquisition process is a process of acquiring a plurality of first detection values of a first sensor sampled at different timings from each other while a vehicle is traveling with a change in a direction of travel. The second acquisition process is a process of acquiring a plurality of second detection values of a second sensor sampled in synchronization with the sampling timings of the first detection values to be acquired by the first acquisition process. The zero point estimation process is a process of estimating a zero point of the second sensor by using, as inputs, the plurality of first detection values acquired by the first acquisition process and the plurality of second detection values acquired by the second acquisition process.