Overhead Hitch View Camera System for Trailer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difficulty in aligning a vehicle hitch with a trailer coupler due to view and sight line limitations, making it challenging for drivers to properly connect the two components while operating the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A hitch connection system equipped with cameras and a controller that generates an overhead view image, allowing drivers to determine the distance and relative height between the vehicle hitch and trailer coupler, and provides alerts or automatic adjustments to ensure proper alignment and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the driver operates the vehicle without assistance, then the driving operation is simple, but the driver cannot directly see the towing ball or trailer coupler alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras and a display system as intermediaries between the driver and the hitch alignment. The cameras capture images of the towing ball and coupler, while the display device presents this information to the driver, enabling indirect observation of alignment without adding complex mechanical assistance systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment assistance (such as physical guides or manual measurement tools) with an optical/electronic system. Instead of using mechanical devices to physically indicate alignment, the system uses cameras and digital display to provide visual information about the relative positions of the towing ball and coupler
2Manufacturing precision
If the driver manually aligns the hitch without visual feedback, then the system is simple, but the alignment precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where cameras continuously capture images of the hitch area, and the display device shows real-time visual information about the towing ball and coupler positions. This feedback loop enables the driver to make precise alignment adjustments by observing the relative positions and distances displayed on the screen
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the alignment process by capturing three-dimensional spatial relationships through cameras and presenting them on a two-dimensional display. The system provides overhead and side views that show longitudinal and lateral distances, enabling the driver to perceive alignment in multiple dimensions simultaneously and achieve more precise positioning
3Measurement precision
If no distance measurement is provided, then the system is simple, but the driver cannot determine proper alignment distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical measurement tools (such as tape measures or laser range finders) with image processing algorithms. The controller analyzes images captured by the cameras to calculate distances between the towing ball and coupler, converting visual information into quantitative measurement data without requiring additional mechanical sensing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the controller as an intermediary that processes images from the cameras and extracts distance information. The controller acts as a mediator between the optical capture system and the driver, converting raw image data into meaningful measurements and presenting them in a format that aids alignment decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for using a hitch connection system to attach a vehicle to a trailer. The hitch connection system includes at feast one camera and a controller. The camera is configured to collect snags data of a vehicle hitch and a trailer coupler. The controller is configured to generate an overhead view image based on the image data. The controller is farther configured to calculate a relative height between the vehicle hitch and the trailer coupler based on the image data and generate an alert when the relative height is less ton a predetermined threshold.