Laser Scanner Trailer Parameter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems for commercial vehicle combinations face challenges in simply and accurately determining static and dynamic parameters, such as the width, height, and relative yaw angle between the towing vehicle and trailer, which are crucial for supporting drivers, especially during reversing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an optical measuring device, like a laser scanner, to align a measuring line parallel or congruent to transverse or vertical edges of the trailer's outer contour, allowing for the simultaneous determination of the trailer's width, height, and relative yaw angle with simplified calculations, enabling accurate and quick parameter output to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measuring devices or repeated measurements are used to determine trailer parameters, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single optical measuring device to determine multiple trailer parameters (width, height, yaw angle) simultaneously through a single measuring line. The measuring line is oriented to intersect multiple edges of the trailer head, allowing one device to perform what would traditionally require multiple measuring devices or repeated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single measuring line orientation. By aligning the measuring line to intersect both transverse and vertical edges of the trailer head, the system merges width measurement, height measurement, and yaw angle determination into one simultaneous operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple measuring devices are used to determine all trailer parameters, then measurement completeness improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measuring device is configured to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. A single device determines width, height, and yaw angle by orienting the measuring line to intersect multiple trailer head edges, eliminating the need for operators to switch between or reposition multiple measuring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary orientation of the measuring line to intersect multiple edges before actual parameter determination. This preliminary alignment enables subsequent automatic calculation of all parameters from a single measuring line position, reducing operational complexity during the actual measurement process.
3Productivity
If the measuring line is oriented to intersect multiple edges, then parameter determination simplicity improves, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-device measurement systems with an optical measuring device that uses light-based measurement. The optical system automatically determines the measuring line position and calculates parameters through coordinate geometry, substituting mechanical alignment and manual measurement with optical detection and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from measuring multiple separate parameters with different devices to determining all parameters from the position and orientation of a single measuring line. By changing from multiple independent measurements to a unified coordinate-based calculation, the system improves productivity while managing precision requirements through computational methods.
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
This approach simplifies the determination of static and dynamic parameters, providing accurate and real-time information to the driver, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by using a single measuring device without the need for re-adjustment, and improving the accuracy of parameter measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a towing vehicle (3) of the commercial vehicle combination (1) has an optical measuring device, in particular a laser scanner (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a commercial vehicle combination, wherein a towing vehicle (3) of the commercial vehicle combination (1) has an optical measuring device (7), in particular a laser scanner, by means of which the position of at least one measuring line (17) that can be mapped on a front head surface (11) of a trailer/semi-trailer (5) of the commercial vehicle combination (1) as seen in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle is determined, wherein at least one static and/or dynamic characteristic parameter of the commercial vehicle combination (1) is determined from the position of the measuring line (17), and wherein an outer contour (13) of the head surface (11) is essentially rectangular.According to the invention, the measuring line (17) is aligned parallel or congruent to at least one transverse edge (19, 21) extending in the vehicle's transverse direction (y), in particular the upper edge and/or lower edge, of the outer contour of the head surface (13) in order to determine the width of the trailer/semi-trailer (5) and/or the relative yaw angle (α) between the towing vehicle (3) and the trailer/semi-trailer (5). Alternatively and/or additionally, the measuring line (17) can be aligned parallel or congruent to at least one vertical edge (23) extending in the vehicle's vertical direction (z), in particular a side edge, of the outer contour of the head surface (13) in order to determine the height of the trailer/semi-trailer (5).Alternatively and/or additionally, the measuring line (17) can be aligned such that it intersects both a transverse edge (19, 21) and a vertical edge (23) of the head surface outer contour (13) in order to determine the relative yaw angle (α) between the towing vehicle (3) and the trailer/semi-trailer (5) and/or the height of the trailer/semi-trailer (5) and/or the width of the trailer/semi-trailer (5).