Hitch Cross Path Alert System for Pedestrian Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedestrians may accidentally walk into a vehicle tow hitch or tow ball when it is not connected to a trailer, as it is positioned low to the ground and not easily visible, leading to potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A hitch cross path alert system that includes sensors to detect the presence of a tow hitch, identify nearby pedestrians, and predict their path, triggering audio or visual warnings if they are likely to intersect with the tow hitch or tow ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tow hitch is positioned low to the ground, then it can be removed when not in use, but pedestrians may not see it and may accidentally walk into it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reflective material or lighting elements to the tow ball and hitch assembly to enhance visibility. The reflective material causes the tow ball to reflect light from vehicle headlights or external sources, making it visible to pedestrians even when positioned low to the ground and not connected to a trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and warning systems as intermediaries between the tow hitch and pedestrians. Sensors detect the presence of pedestrians near the vehicle, and warning lights or audio signals alert pedestrians to the presence of the tow ball, preventing accidental collisions.
2Illumination intensity
If the tow ball is not connected to a trailer, then it is not easily visible, but it remains positioned low to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflective materials that change apparent brightness based on incident light. When vehicle headlights illuminate the area, the reflective material on the tow ball reflects this light back toward pedestrians, creating high visibility despite the low position. Some embodiments include active lighting elements that illuminate the tow ball directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal and informational dimensions to visibility. Rather than relying solely on spatial position (height), the system uses time-dependent warning signals (flashing lights, sequential illumination) and informational layers (sensor-detected pedestrian presence triggering warnings) to make the low-positioned tow ball visible and detectable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors and warning systems are added to alert pedestrians, then pedestrian safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing vehicle systems. The sensor system uses the vehicle's existing cameras or proximity sensors for pedestrian detection. The warning system utilizes existing vehicle lights, display screens, or audio output systems. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by leveraging already-present vehicle components rather than adding entirely new dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tow hitch detection function with the existing pedestrian detection and warning systems. The control unit that manages pedestrian safety warnings also detects whether the hitch is connected to a trailer, and the same warning system alerts pedestrians to both unhitched tow balls and potential pedestrian hazards. This merging reduces component count and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch cross path alert system for a vehicle is presented. A first sensor may detect whether a hitch is connected to a hitch receiver connected to the vehicle. A second sensor may identify a pedestrian in proximity to the vehicle. A processor may be configured to predict a path of the pedestrian based on data captured by the second sensor and to cause the vehicle to output an audio or visual warning to the pedestrian.