Tow Hitch Position Calculation Using Trailer Image Rotation Axes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Trailer Hitch Assist and Trailer Reverse Assist systems face inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to the need for manual measurement of the tow hitch position, which is time-consuming and costly, especially when the tow coupling is not mounted during manufacturing or can be moved on the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A method using a camera on the vehicle to calculate a vector to the tow hitch position by analyzing the rotation and translation of the trailer, determining the intersection of rotation axes from multiple images, and applying geometrical conditions to determine the tow hitch position without requiring manual measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement of tow hitch position is used, then the system can obtain position information, but the measurement is inaccurate, costly and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetow hitch position accuracyVSAvoidtime to measure tow hitch position

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the tow hitch position by detecting the trailer's rotation axis. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, improving both accuracy and speed of measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the physical measurement process through image capture and processing. Instead of direct physical measurement, the camera captures visual information that is then processed to derive the tow hitch position, enabling rapid, repeatable, and accurate measurements without manual involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual measurement of tow hitch position is used, then the system can obtain position information, but the process is costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetow hitch position accuracyVSAvoidcost of measurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive manual measurement equipment and processes with a cost-effective camera-based system. The use of standard imaging devices combined with computational algorithms provides accurate tow hitch position data at a fraction of the cost of manual measurement systems, making the solution more economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tow coupling is moved manually or electronically on the vehicle, then the system is adaptable to different positions, but manual measurement becomes even more time consuming and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetow hitch position variabilityVSAvoidtow hitch position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the dynamic nature of movable tow couplings by implementing an automated measurement system that can quickly capture and process the current position. The camera-based system freezes the measurement moment, accurately recording the tow hitch position regardless of its movable state, thereby maintaining precision even when the coupling position varies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tow coupling is moved manually or electronically on the vehicle, then the system is adaptable to different positions, but the measurement process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetow hitch position variabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system that handles both fixed and movable tow couplings through the same automated process. The camera-based approach with image processing algorithms provides a unified solution that adapts to different coupling positions and types, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11407363B2Method for calculating a tow hitch position

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 CONTINENTAL AUTONOMOUS MOBILITY GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

A method for calculating a tow hitch position of a trailer is presented. A first and a second image of the trailer is captured and a trailer rotation and translation relative to a known zero pose of the trailer based on the captured first and second images is calculated. The rotation axes of the trailer in the first and second image is calculated based on the calculated trailer rotations and translations. An intersection of the first and second rotation axis is calculated to determine a ray to the tow hitch position. The ray to the tow hitch position and a geometrical condition are used to calculate the tow hitch position.