Trailer Backing Aid Using GPS and Camera Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backing up trailers attached to vehicles often requires multiple people and can be challenging for inexperienced operators to control accurately, especially when reversing.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backing system that uses an electronic input device connected to a control unit within the vehicle, allowing operators to define an intended backing path and control the vehicle and trailer assembly's movement through steering and braking systems, using input control mechanisms and a display screen to input data points for the path, obstacles, and final location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual trailer backing control is used, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but it requires multiple persons and is difficult for inexperienced operators to control accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the trailer backing system. This control unit receives input from electronic input devices, calculates the intended backing path, and sends control signals to the vehicle systems. This intermediary automation resolves the contradiction by making the system easy to operate through automated path following while managing complexity through a centralized control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer backing system performs self-service by automatically calculating and following the backing path without requiring continuous manual intervention. The control unit autonomously processes the defined path, monitors vehicle position, and adjusts steering and braking systems to maintain accurate tracking of the intended path, reducing the need for multiple operators.
2Measurement precision
If automated path control is implemented, then single-person operation is enabled and path precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: electronic input devices for path definition, a control unit for path calculation and processing, vehicle systems for execution, and a display for operator feedback. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the display device that shows the defined backing path and actual vehicle position to the operator. This feedback loop allows the operator to monitor the automated control accuracy and make adjustments if needed, ensuring high measurement precision while maintaining operational control.
3Productivity
If multiple people are required for trailer backing, then safety can be monitored by multiple persons, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control unit performs the complex task of path calculation and vehicle control autonomously, enabling single-person operation and significantly improving productivity. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting steering and braking to follow the defined path without requiring multiple operators for manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The display provides continuous feedback to the operator about the vehicle's position relative to the intended path and surrounding obstacles. This visual feedback maintains safety by allowing the single operator to monitor the automated system's performance and intervene if necessary, replacing the safety monitoring function previously provided by multiple persons.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises initiating an input mode for a trailer backing system. A first set of data points, a second set of data points, and a third set of data points are input into the trailer backing system. The input mode for the trailer backing system is ended. An intended backing path is determined based upon the first, second, and third set of data points.