Mobile Trailer Reversing Control With Curvature Path Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a vehicle with a trailer in tow can be challenging, especially for unskilled drivers, as the direction of the steering wheel input may be counterintuitive to the resulting trailer direction during reversing.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based vehicle control system that allows users to remotely control the movement of a vehicle and trailer by displaying inputs for directional, curvature, and speed settings, using sensors to determine user engagement and generate control signals for the vehicle's steering and motion systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual reversing of a trailer is used, then the driver has direct control over the vehicle, but the operation becomes counterintuitive and challenging especially for unskilled drivers
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device serves as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle controls. The mobile device receives user input through an intuitive graphical interface and transmits control signals to the vehicle, mediating the interaction to eliminate the counterintuitive nature of manual trailer reversal while maintaining direct control
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the vehicle and trailer environment on the mobile device display. This graphical representation allows the driver to visualize and plan the reversal path intuitively before execution, making the operation easier without adding physical complexity to the actual vehicle
2Ease of operation
If a remote control system is implemented, then the ease of operating the trailer is improved, but user engagement and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the driver through the mobile device display, showing the virtual position of the vehicle and trailer. This visual feedback loop maintains user engagement by allowing the driver to monitor the reversal process in real-time, ensuring safety while enabling remote control operation
Solution Approach 2:
The driver maintains active control and decision-making authority throughout the reversal process. The system empowers the user to self-monitor and self-correct the operation through the graphical interface, ensuring continuous engagement and responsibility for safety
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device for remotely controlling the movement of a vehicle and trailer is provided. The mobile device provides a user engagement input for display and use of a control input. The control input may be used to generate a signal for controlling the movement of the vehicle and trailer.