Trailer Backup Assist Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers face challenges in backing a vehicle with a trailer due to difficulty in tracking objects in the environment, leading to potential collisions.

Innovation Solution

A system with a sensing system that detects objects and automatically modifies the vehicle's speed through the braking system to prevent collisions during a backing maneuver, using ultrasonic sensors and a backup assist system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a driver manually backs a vehicle with a trailer, then the driver has full control over the maneuver, but the driver cannot effectively track objects in the environment leading to potential collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoiddriver tracking ability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the driver's manual tracking and control mechanism with an automated sensing system that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects and a control system to automatically adjust vehicle speed, eliminating the limitation of human tracking ability during backing maneuvers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the vehicle to monitor and adjust its own motion automatically by using onboard sensors to detect objects and the control system to modify speed without continuous driver intervention, making the vehicle self-aware of its environment during backing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If an automated sensing system is introduced to detect objects and control braking, then collision prevention is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidsensing and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system serves multiple functions: it receives input from ultrasonic sensors, processes object detection data, determines appropriate braking responses, and controls vehicle speed automatically, consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the ultrasonic sensing system and the vehicle's braking system, translating sensor data into appropriate braking commands and speed adjustments, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture through a centralized control layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the risk of collisions by automatically controlling the vehicle's speed and braking, simplifying the backing process for drivers by enabling semi-autonomous maneuvers and avoiding collisions with objects and the trailer.

Implementation Method 1

A sensing system is configured to detect objects in an operating environment of the vehicle and trailer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS9499200B2Trailer backup assist system with object detection

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A system for backing a vehicle and a trailer is provided herein. A sensing system is configured to detect objects located in an operating environment of the vehicle and trailer. A backup assist system is configured to communicate with the sensing system and automatically control a braking system of the vehicle to slow or stop the vehicle during a backing maneuver.