Adaptive Trailer Backing Knob for Maneuver-Specific Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backward maneuvering of vehicles with trailers is challenging due to difficulties in controlling the trailer's direction, often requiring multiple persons and manual input devices that limit steering angle control, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backing system with an electronics control unit (ECU) and input devices like a rotatable knob that adjusts to different trailer maneuvers, allowing for customizable steering angles based on selected maneuvers, including straight, small, and large turns, with options for user-defined sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual input device such as a knob is used to control steering angle, then the driver can control the vehicle steering, but the control range and precision of the steering angle are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering angle range based on the selected maneuver type. For straight backing, the maximum steering angle is limited to a smaller value, while for curved backing, the maximum steering angle is increased to enable larger turning radii. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the steering control both easy to operate and adaptable to different maneuver requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU changes the steering angle parameter thresholds based on the selected maneuver. When straight backing is selected, the system uses a first threshold value for maximum steering angle, and when curved backing is selected, it switches to a second threshold value that allows greater steering angles. This parameter change enables the same manual input device to achieve both precise control and extended adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle steering wheel is used directly for backing control, then the driver has full steering control, but it becomes confusing to determine the correct steering direction for desired trailer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control mode where the ECU acts as a mediator between the driver's steering input and the actual vehicle steering. The ECU receives the selected maneuver type and automatically calculates the appropriate steering corrections needed, then applies these corrections while the driver maintains steering wheel control. This intermediary layer provides the missing directional guidance information without removing driver control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver about the current backing maneuver type and the steering corrections being applied. This feedback loop helps the driver understand the relationship between their steering inputs and the resulting trailer movement, reducing confusion about steering direction. The ECU continuously monitors steering wheel position and provides appropriate corrective steering based on the selected maneuver pattern.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple operators are used to control vehicle and trailer backing, then accurate trailer path control can be achieved, but the operation complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by providing pre-programmed maneuver patterns that automatically guide the backing operation. The ECU stores multiple maneuver types (straight backing, curved backing, wide turning radius backing) that the driver can select based on the situation. Once selected, the system automatically executes the appropriate steering corrections, eliminating the need for a second operator while maintaining accurate trailer path control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-programming various backing maneuver patterns in the ECU memory. These pre-defined maneuvers include straight backing, curved backing, and wide turning radius backing, each with predetermined steering correction algorithms. By having these maneuvers prepared in advance, the system eliminates the need for real-time complex coordination between multiple operators, as the control logic is already established.
4Device complexity
If the knob maximum rotation is fixed, then the input device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different maximum trailer hitch angle requirements for different maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the knob's maximum rotation angle dynamic rather than fixed. The ECU adjusts the maximum rotation threshold based on the selected maneuver type. For straight backing maneuvers, the maximum rotation is limited to a smaller angle, while for curved backing maneuvers, the maximum rotation threshold is increased. This dynamic adjustment allows the same physical knob to adapt to different trailer hitch angle requirements without changing the physical device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational angle parameter of the knob based on the selected maneuver. The ECU stores different maximum rotation threshold values for different maneuver types and applies the appropriate threshold when each maneuver is selected. This parameter change enables the input device to achieve both structural simplicity and operational versatility across different backing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and software product for maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel with a trailer backing system is disclosed. The vehicle has a trailer hitch and a trailer is coupled to the trailer hitch thereby allowing a horizontal swivel movement of the trailer around the hitch. The trailer backing system includes an electronics control unit (ECU) and an input device communicatively coupled thereto. The method includes receiving, at the ECU, a selection of a trailer maneuver from a plurality of defined trailer maneuvers; and configuring the input device based upon the selected trailer maneuver, the input device being operable with the ECU to operate the vehicle for performing the trailer maneuver selected.