Multi-Trailer Reverse Assist Using Final-Trailer Camera Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing multiple trailers is challenging due to trailer jackknifing hazards and obstructed driver sight lines, requiring external assistance for accurate positioning during reverse operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated trailer backup system with a controller that calculates and controls controllable steering angles for lead and intermediate trailers to direct the final trailer in a desired direction, using hitch articulation angle measurements and camera views to display and adjust the trailer's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple trailers are reversed manually, then the trailers can be positioned at desired locations, but the operation becomes extremely difficult and requires external assistance due to obstructed sight lines and jackknifing hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reversing operations with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to control trailer steering. The system automatically calculates steering angles and controls the trailers to reverse to desired positions, eliminating the need for manual operation and external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the multi-trailer configuration to reverse autonomously without requiring external personnel. The automated control system continuously monitors trailer positions, calculates appropriate steering commands, and executes the reversing maneuver independently, making the system self-sufficient for the reversing operation.
2Ease of operation
If automated control is implemented for multi-trailer reversing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors, controllers, and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system performs multiple functions: it monitors trailer positions using sensors, calculates steering angles using processors, controls steering mechanisms via actuators, and provides user interfaces for operator input. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between the operator and the physical trailers. This intermediary layer handles the complex calculations and control decisions, simplifying the operator's task while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple trailers through centralized control logic.
3Measurement precision
If external assistance is used for visual confirmation during reversing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the operation requires additional personnel and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual confirmation with electronic sensing systems including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and other detectors that automatically monitor trailer positions and provide feedback to the control system. This substitution eliminates the need for external personnel while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through continuous automated monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for providing multi-trailer reverse assistance. In a multi-trailer reverse assistance system in an articulated transport system comprising a lead vehicle, an intermediate trailer, and a final trailer, the reverse assist system includes a controller. The controller is configured to: receive a view of an environment behind the final trailer; cause the view to be displayed in a display screen of a user interface device; receive, via a secondary steering device of the user interface device, a user intended direction of travel of the articulated transport system in reverse to direct the final trailer in a desired direction; continuously calculate controllable steering angles for directing the articulated transport system to direct the final trailer in the desired direction; and control the articulated transport system to direct the final trailer in the desired direction using the calculated controllable steering angles.