Hitch Force Sensor for Trailer Coupler Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the lack of sight lines, requiring repeated maneuvers and potential collisions, as the hitch ball is often obscured, necessitating inference-based alignment and manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with sensors and a controller that detect forces applied to the hitch, approximating force direction to generate instructions for height adjustments of the trailer coupler, and an imaging system to align the hitch with the coupler position, enabling automated alignment and collision prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated hitch alignment routine is used to improve alignment speed, then productivity increases, but collision risk increases due to lack of sight lines
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect forces applied to the hitch ball during automated alignment, providing real-time information to the controller to adjust vehicle motion and prevent collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual alignment with an automated sensor-based detection system that uses force sensors and imaging systems to detect coupler position and guide alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If repeated forward and reverse driving maneuvers are performed to align hitch ball, then alignment precision improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of coupler position using imaging systems and force sensors before initiating alignment maneuvers, allowing for more direct and efficient alignment paths
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from force sensors detects when the hitch ball contacts the coupler, providing precise alignment information to eliminate the need for repeated trial maneuvers
3Ease of operation
If driver manually monitors hitch ball position without visual confirmation, then operation simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual estimation with automated force sensors and imaging systems that precisely measure hitch ball position and coupler alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of hitch ball position through integrated sensors, eliminating the need for driver intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and safe hitching by automatically adjusting the coupler height and aligning the hitch with the trailer coupler, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of collisions during the hitching process.
Implementation Method 1
A force sensor in connection with the hitch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system comprises a hitch mounted on a vehicle and at least one sensor in connection with the hitch. A controller is configured to identify a force applied to the hitch via the at least one sensor. In response to the force, the controller is further configured to approximate a direction of the force. Based on the direction, the controller generates instructions identifying a height adjustment of a coupler of a trailer.