Hitch Assist System Autonomous Alignment and Fault Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of hitching a vehicle to a trailer is often difficult, especially for inexperienced users, and existing systems lack simplicity and intuitiveness in assisting this process.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assist system that includes a sensing system to detect the trailer, a steering system to align the hitch ball with the trailer's coupler, and a controller to autonomously control the vehicle's path, detect faults, and pause operations when necessary, while monitoring the coupler during repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous control is implemented to simplify the hitching process, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitching system performs autonomous alignment and coupling operations without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically controls the steering system to align the hitch ball with the coupler, and the system self-monitors for faults during operation, enabling the system to service itself during the hitching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational parameters including steering system status and transmission gear changes. When faults are detected or gear changes occur, the system receives feedback and automatically pauses the hitch assist operation, allowing for real-time adjustments and ensuring safe operation throughout the hitching process.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring and fault detection are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring the steering system and transmission system. When faults are detected through this feedback mechanism, the system automatically pauses the hitch assist operation, ensuring reliable and safe operation throughout the hitching process.
3Manufacturing precision
If autonomous path control is implemented to align hitch ball with coupler, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller autonomously calculates and executes the precise path required to align the hitch ball with the coupler. The system self-determines the necessary steering adjustments and movement sequence without requiring manual positioning, achieving precise alignment automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with electronic control of the steering system. The controller electronically manages the steering actuators to achieve precise alignment of the hitch ball with the coupler, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electronic-mechanical integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. A steering system is configured to alter a path of the vehicle. A transmission system has one or more gears therein. A controller is disposed within the hitch assist system and is configured to control the steering system of the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer, detect a fault of the steering system or a gear change in the transmission system and pausing the control of the vehicle, and monitor the coupler during repositioning of the vehicle.