Remote Trailer Maneuver Control for Obstacle-Aware Reversing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trailer reversing assistance systems require drivers to input steering commands via a knob inside the vehicle, limiting their ability to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and potentially leading to collisions with obstacles during reverse maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled vehicle maneuvering system that allows drivers to control vehicle movements using a remote device with a graphical interface, enabling them to monitor surroundings and stop the vehicle before contacting obstacles by releasing specific buttons or ceasing to interact with the virtual steering knob.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drivers use traditional knob-based steering control inside the vehicle, then steering commands can be input, but drivers cannot monitor surroundings and may collide with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle. The driver operates the vehicle from outside the vehicle using the remote control, which transmits commands wirelessly to the vehicle's control system. This mediator enables the driver to monitor surroundings directly while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical knob-based steering control inside the vehicle with a wireless remote control system. The remote control device communicates with the vehicle through wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency), eliminating the need for physical contact with the vehicle and allowing the driver to operate from a distance while monitoring surroundings.
2Ease of operation
If drivers remain inside the vehicle to control maneuvers, then control is maintained, but monitoring of obstacles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device serves as an intermediary that transfers control capability from the vehicle interior to the exterior environment. The driver stands outside the vehicle, using the remote control to issue commands, thereby having direct visual access to surroundings while maintaining control through the wireless intermediary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of driver-vehicle interaction. Instead of the driver being confined to the interior space of the vehicle, the control interface is extended to an external dimension through the remote control device. This dimensional shift allows the driver to occupy a position outside the vehicle while maintaining control.
3Reliability
If remote control allows driver to stand outside vehicle, then monitoring of surroundings improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device leverages existing universal technologies such as wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or radio frequency), standard microcontrollers, and common sensor interfaces. By utilizing these multi-functional, widely-available components, the system achieves remote control capability without requiring proprietary or highly complex specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing control systems, actuators, and sensors are utilized to execute remote commands. The remote control unit sends high-level commands, and the vehicle's own self-service systems handle the detailed execution of steering, acceleration, and braking, reducing the complexity burden on the remote control system itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate remote-controlled maneuvers. An example vehicle comprises: wheels, a transceiver, and a processor and memory. The processor is in communication with a remote device via the transceiver and is configured to: determine whether first and second buttons of the remote device are pressed based on signals from the remote device, if the first and second buttons are released, stop rotation of the wheels, and communicate a message regarding the released first and second buttons to the remote device.