Tow Vehicle Power Mirror Edge Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of tow vehicles face difficulties in viewing the edge of a trailer within the field of view when using side mirrors, especially during turns or reverse directions, due to obstructed views and the limitations of existing mirror systems, which are often bulky or inadequate for smaller vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize data processing hardware to adjust the power mirrors of a tow vehicle based on sensor data, including camera images, driver seat position, and eye location, to maintain the trailer edge within the driver's field of view by calculating and transmitting instructions to adjust the mirror angle, ensuring the trailer edge remains visible without requiring large mirrors or driver body movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the driver uses traditional side power mirrors to view the trailer edge, then the mirror size can be kept small for SUVs, but the driver cannot see the trailer edge clearly during turns or reverse maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mirror angle adjustable and changeable based on vehicle operation conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the mirror angle from an initial angle to a adjusted angle based on sensor data detecting vehicle orientation, trailer position, and operation mode (turning, reversing, etc.), allowing the mirror to adapt to different driving scenarios and maintain trailer edge visibility without requiring oversized mirrors
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mirror angle parameter based on detected vehicle and trailer parameters. By calculating the relationship between vehicle orientation, trailer position, and mirror angle, the system determines the optimal adjusted mirror angle to maintain trailer edge in the driver's field of view during various operations such as turns and reverse maneuvers
2Reliability
If the driver moves their body to view the trailer edge, then the trailer may be visible in the mirror, but the driver cannot maintain a stable and comfortable viewing position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting vehicle operation conditions (turning, reversing, etc.), calculating the appropriate mirror adjustment angle, and actuating the mirror to the correct position without requiring driver intervention. The driver simply needs to detect their own position and the system handles the mirror adjustment, eliminating the need for the driver to move their body to find the trailer edge
3Area of stationary object
If bulky mirrors are used to increase the range of vision, then the driver can see more area, but the mirrors become too large for smaller vehicles like SUVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the mirror angle dynamic rather than static. Instead of using larger fixed mirrors, the system uses smaller mirrors that can be electronically adjusted to different angles based on driving conditions. The mirror angle is changed from an initial position to an adjusted position calculated based on sensor data about vehicle orientation and trailer position, effectively expanding the useful field of view without increasing physical mirror size
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mirror angle parameter dynamically based on detected parameters such as vehicle turning angle, trailer position, and operation mode. This parameter adjustment allows the same small mirror to provide different viewing angles and effectively cover a larger operational field of view, resolving the contradiction between mirror size and field of view coverage
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method for adjusting a power mirror supported by a tow vehicle attached to a trailer based on a position of the trailer allowing a driver of the tow vehicle to view an edge of the trailer is provided. The method includes receiving sensor system data from a sensor system positioned on a rear portion of the tow vehicle and receiving a current mirror angle associated with the power mirror. The method includes determining an adjusted mirror angle based on the current mirror angle and the received sensor system data. The method also includes transmitting instructions to the power mirror. The instructions causing the power mirror to adjust the current mirror angle to the adjusted mirror angle resulting in the power mirror maintaining a trailer edge within a field of view of the driver when looking at the power mirror.