Vehicle-Trailer Backing System Jackknife Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backward maneuvering of trailers attached to vehicles is challenging due to the trailer's tendency to swivel and jack-knife, requiring multiple operators and causing confusion, especially for inexperienced users, as they struggle to control the trailer's path accurately.
Innovation Solution
A backing system that includes an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to vehicle systems, utilizing input devices and cameras to determine the relative position between the vehicle and trailer, allowing operators to set proficiency modes and adjust the steering control within safe limits to prevent jack-knifing, with features like self-learning trailer geometry and adjustable steering ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle and trailer assembly uses a traditional trailer hitch allowing free swiveling, then the assembly can move around corners flexibly, but the trailer may jack-knife or lose its course during reverse travel
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameters by introducing electronic control of the hitch angle, transitioning from passive mechanical swiveling to active electronic regulation. The ECU monitors and controls the relative position between vehicle and trailer, maintaining the hitch angle within safe operating limits to prevent jack-knifing while enabling reverse maneuvering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual hitch angle and comparing it to desired values. The ECU receives input from sensors measuring the relative position and adjusts steering commands accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable trailer path control during reverse travel.
2Ease of operation
If an inexperienced operator manually controls the vehicle steering during reverse travel, then the operator can attempt to control the trailer path, but the operator may apply incorrect steering angle causing jack-knife
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by providing automated steering control that does not require operator expertise in trailer backing. The ECU automatically calculates and executes the appropriate steering commands based on sensor input, allowing inexperienced operators to safely control the trailer path without specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical steering control with electronic control. Instead of relying on the operator's mechanical understanding of trailer dynamics, the ECU uses electronic sensors and actuators to automatically manage the hitch angle and steering, substituting human judgment with electronic control algorithms.
3Reliability
If multiple operators are used to control the vehicle and trailer during reverse travel, then the trailer path can be controlled more accurately, but the system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the complex control function from the operator and transfers it to the electronic control unit. By removing the need for human operators to perform complex coordination tasks, the system maintains reliable trailer path control while eliminating the complexity of multi-operator coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU acts as an intermediary between the operator's simple steering input and the complex trailer dynamics. The electronic control unit mediates the control process by automatically calculating the appropriate steering commands needed to achieve the desired trailer path, replacing the need for multiple operators.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the backing system provides extensive control options and adjustments, then experienced operators can optimize performance, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a single automated control system that serves both inexperienced and experienced operators. The ECU provides standardized electronic control that works for all users, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for different skill levels while maintaining adaptability through programmable parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer assembly in reverse travel with a backing system includes: initiating a backing mode for the backing system; determining a current relative position representing a relative angle between the vehicle and the trailer; retrieving an operator proficiency setting selected by an operator; determining a maximum allowable relevant position for the current trailer based on the selected operator proficiency setting and the current trailer calibration data; receiving a position adjustment request via an input device; determining a new relative position request based upon the position adjustment request and the selected operator proficiency setting; comparing the new relative position request to the maximum allowed relative position setting to determine if the new relative position is below the maximum allowed relative position setting; setting a new relative position to the new relative position request when the new relative position request is within the maximum allowed relative position setting.