Trailer Alignment System with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive participants face challenges in aligning their vehicles properly within trailers to ensure even weight distribution and prevent damage during transportation, as existing methods rely on visual markers that require external assistance or are difficult to use independently.
Innovation Solution
A trailer alignment system equipped with sensors and a processor that determines the vehicle's location and generates notifications to the driver using visual and auditory cues, allowing for precise alignment without external help.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual markers are used for trailer alignment, then alignment can be achieved, but external assistance is required and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system allows the driver to independently align the vehicle on the trailer using onboard sensors and automated guidance notifications, eliminating the need for external assistants to place visual markers. The system serves itself by automatically detecting vehicle position and providing correction instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical placement of visual markers by external assistants with an automated electronic system using sensors, processors, and notification devices. The mechanical process of marking and observing is substituted with electronic detection and automated guidance.
2Productivity
If visual markers require external assistance, then alignment can be achieved, but the loading process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is pre-configured on the trailer before loading begins. Sensors are positioned and the system is ready to immediately detect vehicle presence and provide alignment guidance, eliminating the time required for external assistants to manually place markers during the loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous real-time feedback to the driver during the entire vehicle backing and positioning process. The sensors continuously monitor vehicle position and the notification device continuously provides guidance, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted alignment without pauses for marker placement or adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If visual markers are used, then alignment information can be provided, but the driver cannot independently determine precise vehicle location
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor vehicle position relative to the trailer and provides real-time feedback through notification devices to the driver. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise location determination by constantly comparing actual position with desired position and guiding corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification device acts as an intermediary between the sensor data and the driver. It translates complex sensor measurements of vehicle position into simple, actionable guidance instructions that the driver can easily understand and follow to achieve precise alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer alignment system is provided. The system comprises a sensor disposed within a housing. The system also comprises a processor configured to determine a location of a vehicle on a trailer based on data received from the sensor and in response to the vehicle location determination, the processor generates a notification. The system further comprises a notification element configured to display the generated notification to a driver of the vehicle.