Steer-by-Wire Trailer Backup Control for Stable Hitch Angle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a trailer using a vehicle is an unstable process due to the non-minimum-phase property of vehicle-trailer kinematics, making it challenging for drivers to maintain the trailer's direction, especially with small disturbances causing significant offsets.
Innovation Solution
A steer-by-wire system is integrated with a closed loop-trailer reversal control system to control the vehicle-trailer hitch angle, utilizing sensors and artificial intelligence to maintain the hitch angle within a stable range, allowing for precise trailer direction management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical steering system is used for trailer reversal, then the system structure is simple, but the trailer direction becomes unstable and difficult to control due to non-minimum-phase kinematics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering system with a steer-by-wire system that uses electronic sensors, controllers, and actuators to control the steering angle. This substitution enables the implementation of closed-loop control algorithms that actively stabilize the trailer hitch angle during reverse maneuvers, directly addressing the instability issue while accepting increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system that continuously monitors the trailer hitch angle using sensors and adjusts the steering angle in real-time to maintain stability. The controller processes feedback signals and applies control algorithms to counteract the non-minimum-phase characteristics, ensuring reliable trailer direction control during reversal.
2Ease of operation
If closed loop control is implemented to stabilize hitch angle, then trailer maneuverability improves, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where the controller automatically adjusts the steering angle based on real-time hitch angle feedback without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The system performs self-correction to maintain stable trailer reversal, improving ease of operation while the complexity is managed through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and applying compensatory steering adjustments before the trailer becomes unstable. The control system anticipates potential instability based on the non-minimum-phase characteristics and proactively adjusts the steering angle to prevent direction deviations, making the reversal process easier to control.
3Reliability
If steer-by-wire system is used with closed loop control, then hitch angle stability improves, but the system requires more sensors and processing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing closed-loop control only during the specific operation of trailer reversal rather than during all driving conditions. The system activates sensors and control algorithms selectively when reverse gear is engaged and a trailer is detected, maintaining hitch angle stability while minimizing energy consumption during normal forward driving operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle maneuvering system, comprising a processor; and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions, comprising a steer-by-wire component configured to receive steering wheel input and navigate the vehicle in reverse mode, also a hitch angle component that estimates hitch angle of a trailer coupled to the vehicle, and estimate an angular rate of the hitch angle through the data gathered from the hitch angle component and a controller that controls speed of the vehicle and steering wheel angle input to maintain the hitch angle within a stable range.