Tractor Trailer Collision Avoidance Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver assistance systems for tractor-trailer combinations during reverse travel face challenges in collision protection, as the driver must manually monitor for collision threats while maneuvering, which can be obstructed by the trailer, and existing systems lack comprehensive sensing and automatic collision prevention measures.
Innovation Solution
A control system with an electronic control unit interfaced to sensors for monitoring the current bend angle, required driving space, and present driving space, including a collision prediction unit and collision prevention unit, which adjusts the bend angle to prevent collisions by limiting or delaying critical settings and activating automatic braking when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually monitors for collision threats while maneuvering, then collision protection is provided, but the driver's attention is diverted from guiding the trailer and the monitoring can be obstructed by the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting collision threats and executing avoidance maneuvers without requiring continuous driver monitoring. The sensor system and control unit work autonomously to protect the tractor-trailer combination during reverse travel, freeing the driver to concentrate on guiding the trailer.
2Reliability
If comprehensive sensing and automatic collision prevention measures are implemented, then collision protection is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it processes sensor data, determines collision threats, calculates avoidance maneuvers, and actuates the steering system. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, enhancing collision protection while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring and reaction with an automated electronic control system. Sensors electronically detect threats and the control unit electronically actuates the steering, substituting the driver's manual interventions with an automated electronic system that provides more reliable and consistent collision protection.
3Reliability
If the system automatically adjusts the bend angle to prevent collisions, then collision protection is improved, but the driver's ability to manually steer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual bend angle and compares it with the desired bend angle calculated for collision avoidance. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the steering to prevent collisions while still responding to the driver's steering inputs, maintaining adaptability while enhancing safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates and prepares avoidance maneuvers in advance based on predicted collision threats. By determining the desired bend angle before a collision occurs and continuously adjusting toward that target, the system prevents collisions proactively while allowing the driver to continue guiding the trailer, thus maintaining steering versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system that steers a tractor vehicle with a trailer has at least one electronic control unit which has interfaces to a first sensor device for sensing the current bend angle, a second sensor device for sensing the required driving space of the tractor-trailer combination, and a third sensor device for sensing the driving space which is present. The control unit also has a collision prediction unit for comparing the required driving space with the driving space which is present while taking into account the current bend angle, and a collision prevention unit which determines, through interaction with the collision prediction unit, a bend angle which is the maximum permissible one for preventing a collision. The collision prevention unit indicates a setting of a bend angle which exceeds the maximum permissible bend angle as critical in terms of a collision and prevents the setting or permits it only after a predefined delay.