Trailer Attachment Detection Using Fuzzy Logic and Length Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately detecting trailers attached to vehicles due to false positives caused by corroded connectors, which can lead to incorrect actuation of vehicle components, especially when relying solely on electrical resistance data.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a fuzzy logic program that combines electrical resistance data with vehicle and trailer length data to classify the attachment status, preventing false positives by differentiating between corroded connectors and actual trailer attachments, and actuating components accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrical resistance data alone is used to detect trailer attachment, then the detection process is simple, but false positives occur due to corroded connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection parameters (electrical resistance data, vehicle length data, and trailer length data) into a unified detection system. The fuzzy logic program integrates these different data sources to classify attachment status, thereby improving detection accuracy while avoiding false positives caused by relying on a single parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fuzzy logic program as an intermediary between raw sensor data and attachment status determination. This intermediary layer processes and classifies multiple parameters, transforming uncertain or ambiguous data into reliable detection results, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple detection and accurate classification.
2Reliability
If multiple parameters are combined for trailer detection, then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of data processing by transforming multiple raw parameters into classified categories through a fuzzy logic program. Instead of processing continuous complex data, the system classifies parameters into discrete attachment status categories, thereby improving reliability while managing system complexity through parameter transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual detection methods with an electronic fuzzy logic-based detection system. This substitution enables automated processing of multiple parameters simultaneously, improving detection accuracy while the electronic system manages the complexity that would be difficult to handle with mechanical means.
3Reliability
If fuzzy logic program is used to classify attachment status, then false positives are reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuzzy logic program transforms uncertain sensor readings into classified attachment status by changing the parameter representation from continuous analog values to discrete categorical states. This parameter transformation reduces false positives while the structured classification process manages algorithmic complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively determines trailer attachment status, reducing false positives and ensuring accurate actuation of vehicle components, thereby enhancing safety and maneuverability when reversing with a trailer.
Implementation Method 1
determine an electrical resistance of a lamp in communication with the computer, determine a respective classification for each of the electrical resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical resistance of a lamp in communication with a computer is determined. A respective classification for each of the electrical resistance, a vehicle length, and a trailer length is determined. Each classification is associated to a respective range of values of one of the electrical resistance, the vehicle length, or the trailer length. Based on the classifications a trailer that is attached to a vehicle is detected. One or more components of the vehicle are actuated to move the trailer.