Trailer Backup Assist System with Normalized Steering Knob
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to opposite steering inputs required compared to backing without a trailer, amplified steering errors leading to the trailer deviating from the path, and the need to prevent jackknife conditions, especially when dealing with trailers of varying lengths and turning radii.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system featuring a rotatable knob and hitch sensor that generates steering commands based on a kinematic relationship between the vehicle and trailer, allowing for normalized control of desired curvature, thereby simplifying the steering process and preventing jackknife conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a driver manually steers a trailer while reversing, then the driver can control the trailer path, but the steering inputs are opposite to normal driving and errors are amplified making control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control device (knob) that mediates between the driver and the trailer steering. The knob provides normalized steering inputs that automatically account for trailer-specific characteristics, eliminating the need for drivers to learn opposite steering techniques while preventing error amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical steering control with an electronic control system. The knob generates electronic signals that are processed by control logic to determine appropriate steering commands, substituting the complex mechanical steering relationship with an electronic mediation layer that simplifies driver interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different trailers are used, then the system must adapt to various trailer dimensions and characteristics, but this increases the complexity of control normalization
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple trailer types. The knob provides standardized control inputs that the system adapts to different trailer dimensions and characteristics through electronic processing, allowing one control interface to serve multiple trailer configurations without increasing driver burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters based on trailer characteristics. The control logic adjusts steering commands based on trailer length, width, and other dimensional parameters, allowing the same normalized knob inputs to produce appropriate steering responses for different trailer types without requiring different control mechanisms.
3Speed
If the driver attempts to achieve a tight turning radius, then the turning capability is improved, but the risk of jackknife conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor trailer position and orientation relative to the vehicle. When tight turning is commanded via the knob, the control logic continuously adjusts steering commands to maintain safe operating parameters, preventing jackknife conditions while still achieving the desired turning radius through iterative correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system takes preliminary anti-action by preemptively limiting steering commands that could lead to jackknife conditions. The control logic analyzes the commanded turning radius and trailer characteristics before executing steering commands, blocking or modifying inputs that would create unsafe conditions while allowing safe tight turns.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer, according to one embodiment, includes a sensor that senses a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The trailer backup assist system also includes a steering input device movable between a plurality of successive positions that each provide an incremental change to a desired curvature of the trailer. In addition, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that generates a steering command for the vehicle to guide the trailer on the desired curvature based on the sensed hitch angle and a kinematic relationship with the trailer. The incremental change is substantially equal for a population of trailers to normalize control of the desired curvature.