Remote Trailer Coupling Control With Outside-Cab Vehicle Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling and decoupling vehicles with trailers is time-consuming and poses risks of injury and equipment damage due to the need for repeated entry into the vehicle cab, with operators facing challenges in visibility and increased error risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an in-vehicle controller and a remote control that allows users to operate vehicles to couple or decouple trailers while outside the vehicle, using wireless communication to control vehicle movements and components such as steering, suspension, and coupling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator enters and exits the cab repeatedly to perform coupling actions, then the operator can directly manipulate vehicle components, but the risk of injury and the time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the vehicle's drive system. The remote control transmits signals wirelessly to the in-vehicle controller, enabling the operator to manipulate vehicle components (steering, acceleration, braking, suspension) from a distance without physically entering the cab, thus reducing both time and injury risk while maintaining operational capability
2Ease of operation
If the operator enters the cab to perform coupling actions, then direct control is possible, but visibility of relevant portions of the vehicle and trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device acts as an intermediary that allows the operator to maintain visual contact with the vehicle and trailer from a safe distance. By transmitting control signals wirelessly to the in-vehicle controller, the operator can observe alignment and coupling progress without being inside the cab, thereby improving visibility while maintaining direct control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical entry into the cab with a wireless electronic communication system. The remote control device sends signals through wireless transmission to the in-vehicle controller, substituting the need for physical presence inside the vehicle with electronic signal transmission, thus improving visibility while maintaining control
3Manufacturing precision
If the operator repeatedly inspects and manipulates components from inside the cab, then coupling adjustments can be made, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device serves as an intermediary that enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of coupling operations without time-consuming repeated entries. The operator can make incremental corrections to vehicle position and alignment in real-time by transmitting signals from the remote control, maintaining precision while significantly reducing the time required for the coupling process
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an in-vehicle controller configured to mount to a vehicle and connect to the drive system of the vehicle, and a remote control configured to send signals to the in-vehicle controller. The remote control includes an input device that is configured to receive commands from a user relating to operation of the vehicle to couple a trailer to the vehicle or decouple the trailer from the vehicle while the user is outside the vehicle and the vehicle and trailer are in a field of view of the user. The signals are based on the user commands and are configured to cause the in-vehicle controller to move the vehicle forward or backward; steer the vehicle; stop movement of the vehicle; and stop movement of the trailer.