Trailer Backing Guidance System Using Hitch Angle Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Reversing a trailer in a straight line can be challenging, as it often deviates from the intended backing path, necessitating a guidance system that provides easy-to-follow directions to correct deviations and return the vehicle and trailer to the intended path.

Innovation Solution

A guidance system that includes a display and controller to generate a steering icon recommending a steering direction and magnitude based on the hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer, using a hitch angle detection device and image processor to monitor and correct deviations from the intended path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a driver manually reverses a trailer without assistance, then the driver has full control over the steering, but the trailer frequently deviates from the intended backing path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath accuracyVSAvoidsteering difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the hitch angle between vehicle and trailer during backing maneuvers and provides real-time feedback through visual icons on a display. The controller generates steering direction and magnitude recommendations based on measured hitch angle deviations, enabling the driver to correct the path and maintain accurate alignment without manual calculation or complex control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the vehicle and trailer are properly aligned before backing, then the initial position is correct, but the trailer still moves off at an angle during the maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch angle detectionVSAvoidguidance system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex manual alignment procedures with automated sensor-based hitch angle detection. The hitch angle detection device measures the angular relationship between vehicle and trailer, and the controller processes this data to generate simplified visual steering guidance icons, substituting mechanical alignment skill with automated measurement and visual feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the driver attempts to correct deviations manually, then path correction is possible, but the corrections are difficult to execute accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering controlVSAvoidpath correction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides steering magnitude recommendations that guide the driver to apply appropriate steering input to correct deviations. By specifying both direction and magnitude of steering corrections through visual icons, the system enables partial automation where the driver executes predetermined correction amounts rather than attempting to judge and execute corrections independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9896130B2Guidance system for a vehicle reversing a trailer along an intended backing path

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A guidance system for a vehicle reversing a trailer is provided. The system includes a display and a controller configured to generate a steering icon on the display. The steering icon recommends a steering direction and a steering magnitude related to a steering device of the vehicle in order to correct a deviation from an intended backing path.