Load-Based Sensor Height Estimation for Trailer Hitch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) face accuracy issues in determining the height of objects relative to ground level due to varying vehicle loads, which affects the alignment of trailer hitches and receivers during hitching processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize sensors, such as cameras, mounted on a vehicle structure to adjust their height based on vehicle load estimates, obtained from tire load or pressure sensors, to ensure accurate comparisons of object heights relative to ground level, thereby improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor height is fixed relative to vehicle structure, then sensor mounting is simple and stable, but sensor height relative to ground varies with vehicle load reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor height relative to ground is made dynamic by adjusting it based on vehicle load conditions. The system determines vehicle load (e.g., from tire pressure sensors or weight sensors) and correspondingly adjusts the sensor mounting height to maintain accurate measurements despite load variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of sensor height is changed based on vehicle load parameters. When vehicle load increases or decreases, the sensor height is adjusted accordingly to compensate for the change in vehicle suspension position, ensuring consistent measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If sensor height is adjusted to account for vehicle load, then height measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity and adjustment mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from vehicle load sensors (such as tire pressure sensors or weight sensors) to determine the current vehicle load condition. This feedback information is used to adjust the sensor height accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy through continuous adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both vehicle load conditions and object heights. By integrating load detection and height measurement capabilities into a unified system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If fixed sensor mounting is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but alignment accuracy between trailer hitch and receiver deteriorates under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary adjustment of sensor height based on predicted or measured vehicle load before the actual hitching operation. By pre-adjusting the sensor height to account for expected load conditions, the system ensures accurate alignment measurements are available when needed for trailer hitching.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a method that includes providing at least one sensor mounted to a structure on a vehicle. The at least one sensor is located at a sensor height relative to ground level. A first object is located on the vehicle at a fixed distance from the at least one sensor and at a variable distance from ground level. The variable distance estimated as a function of a vehicle load. The sensor height adjusted based on the variable distance to account for any changes in the vehicle load. A second object is spaced at a vertical distance from ground level. An adjusted sensor height used for comparison to the vertical distance of the second object from ground level.