Hitch Assist Offset Correction via Reversal Maneuver
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of hitching a vehicle to a trailer can be difficult, especially for those without experience, as it requires precise alignment of the hitch assembly and trailer coupler, which existing systems fail to simplify effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system that includes a sensing system to detect the hitch assembly and trailer coupler, a controller to determine offsets and generate alignment paths, and a steering system to maneuver the vehicle forward and rearward to achieve alignment, ensuring the hitch assembly aligns with the coupler within specified thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of hitch assembly and trailer coupler is performed, then user experience and safety are improved, but the complexity and time required for the hitching process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the trailer coupler position and calculates the optimal vehicle path before the actual hitching maneuver. The controller pre-computes the alignment trajectory and steering commands, so that when the vehicle begins movement, the alignment process is already optimized, reducing both time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system continuously monitors the relative position between the hitch assembly and trailer coupler during the alignment maneuver. The controller receives real-time feedback from the sensors and dynamically adjusts steering commands to maintain optimal alignment, ensuring accurate coupling while minimizing adjustment time and user intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic alignment control is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated unit: it processes sensor data, calculates offset distances, generates steering commands, and monitors alignment status. The sensing system also serves dual purposes by detecting both the trailer coupler position and the hitch assembly position during different phases of the maneuver, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing steering system and movement capabilities to achieve alignment, rather than requiring separate actuation mechanisms. The controller leverages the vehicle's natural steering response and motor control to execute the alignment maneuver, making the system self-sufficient and reducing additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assist system for a vehicle is provided herein. The hitch assist system includes a sensing system configured to detect a hitch assembly and a coupler. A controller is configured to determine an offset between the hitch assembly and the coupler. The controller is further configured to generate a command for maneuvering the vehicle forward based on the offset exceeding an offset threshold. The controller is further configured to generate a command for subsequently maneuvering the vehicle rearward along an alignment path. The controller is configured to prompt termination of the forward maneuver of the vehicle based on a determination that alignment of the hitch assembly with the coupler is feasible via execution of the alignment path.