Hitch Assist System Using Touchscreen Pre-Hitch Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch assist systems often fail to correctly align a tow hitch with a hitch coupler, requiring repositioning of the vehicle or trailer, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assist system featuring a human machine interface with a touchscreen display that allows users to adjust the pre-hitch position of the tow hitch via graphical icons and touchpoints, with a controller generating commands to maneuver the vehicle for alignment, and storing the adjustment differences for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing hitch assist systems maneuver the vehicle toward the trailer, then the vehicle can be positioned near the hitch coupler, but the tow hitch remains misaligned with the hitch coupler requiring repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions by calculating and executing the precise maneuvers needed to bring the tow hitch into alignment with the hitch coupler before the final connection is made. The controller determines the specific lateral and longitudinal adjustments required and executes them in advance, so that when the vehicle reaches the pre-hitch position, the tow hitch is already properly aligned with the hitch coupler, eliminating the need for repositioning.
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle is repositioned to correct misalignment, then alignment can be achieved, but time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from cameras and sensors to continuously monitor the position of the tow hitch relative to the hitch coupler. The controller processes this information and automatically adjusts the vehicle's position through calculated maneuvers, providing real-time feedback control that achieves precise alignment in a single operation without requiring manual repositioning iterations, thereby reducing the time required for the hitching process.
3Measurement precision
If manual repositioning is required to achieve alignment, then alignment can be achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assist system performs self-service by automatically calculating the required alignment adjustments and executing the corrective maneuvers without user intervention. The controller determines the precise lateral and longitudinal position corrections needed based on sensor data and autonomously controls the vehicle's movement to achieve proper alignment, eliminating the need for manual repositioning operations and reducing operational complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assist system is provided herein. A human machine interface is configured to receive user-input for adjusting a pre-hitch position of a tow hitch of a vehicle. A controller is configured to generate commands for maneuvering the vehicle such that the tow hitch is moved to an adjusted pre-hitch position at which the tow hitch is aligned with a hitch coupler of a trailer.