Vehicle Reverse Assistant Trailer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
When towing a trailer, existing vehicle reverse assistants fail to properly function due to interference with radar radio waves, leading to system errors and difficulty for drivers in visually confirming the distance to rear obstacles, increasing the driver's burden and risk of collision.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle reverse assistant system that includes a rear side sensor, a towed object detector, and a stop determination threshold distance setter, which uses millimeter wave radars to detect the trailer and set a stop threshold distance, displaying a virtual guide line on the monitor to help the driver avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rear side sensors are turned OFF when towing a trailer, then system errors are avoided, but the driver cannot detect rear obstacles during reverse maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the front portion of the trailer as an intermediary object. The radar sensor mounted on the own vehicle detects the front portion of the trailer, and the system calculates the position of the rear portion of the trailer based on the trailer's length and configuration. This intermediary detection method allows the system to indirectly detect rear obstacles without requiring direct sensor contact with the trailer's rear, thus maintaining reliability while restoring detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical sensors on the trailer with a radar-based detection system mounted on the own vehicle. Instead of using mechanical or electronic sensors on the trailer that may cause system errors, the system uses electromagnetic radar waves to detect the trailer's position and calculate rear obstacle locations, substituting a non-contact detection method for direct sensor contact.
2Device complexity
If the monitor displays only the front portion of the towed object, then the display remains simple, but the driver cannot visually grasp the distance to rear obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a virtual guide line dimension to the existing monitor display. Instead of only showing the camera image of the front portion of the trailer, the system superimposes a virtual guide line that extends from the front to the calculated rear position of the trailer. This additional visual dimension provides the driver with rear distance information without significantly increasing display complexity, as it uses the same display screen and follows the existing image format.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sensor is installed on the rear portion of the towed object, then rear obstacle detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing radar sensor on the own vehicle perform multiple functions. The same radar sensor that detects vehicles in adjacent lanes and blind spots is also used to detect the trailer's position and calculate rear obstacle locations during reverse maneuvers with a towed object. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensors on the trailer, maintaining detection capability while avoiding increased device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective detection and avoidance of rear obstacles, reducing the driver's burden and risk of collision by providing clear visual guidance even when the trailer lacks a rear sensor, enhancing safety and convenience during reverse maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a rear side sensor (2L, 2R) provided at a rear portion of the own vehicle (1) to sense a rear side sensing region
Implementation Method 2
which uses millimeter wave radars to detect the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle reverse assistant includes a rear side sensor, a towed object detector, and a stop determination threshold distance setter. The rear side sensor is provided at a rear portion of an own vehicle. The rear side sensor senses a rear side sensing region. The towed object detector detects whether a towed object is connected to the rear portion of the own vehicle. The stop determination threshold distance setter sets one end of a stop determination threshold distance at a position spaced apart at a constant distance from a rear end of the towed object on a basis of a sensing signal supplied from the rear side sensor when the towed object detector detects connection of the towed object.