Trailer Backup Assist Off-Shoot Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to the need for opposite steering inputs and amplified errors, which can lead to a trailer departing from the desired path, and the risk of jackknife conditions, especially when attempting tight turns or switching between trailers with varying reactions to steering inputs.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that includes a steering input device and a controller to generate steering commands for guiding the vehicle and trailer onto a straight path or correcting for off-shoot, using a hitch angle sensor and power assist steering system to autonomously steer the vehicle and manage trailer curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a driver manually steers the vehicle while reversing with a trailer, then the driver has direct control over steering inputs, but the trailer may quickly depart from the desired path due to amplified small errors and the complexity of opposite steering inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual path of the vehicle-trailer combination and automatically calculates corrective steering inputs without continuous driver intervention. The controller processes sensor data and autonomously adjusts steering to maintain the desired path, allowing the system to serve itself in correcting path deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual trajectory using sensors and compares it with the desired path. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically generates corrective steering commands to eliminate path deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high path tracking accuracy while reducing the cognitive load on the driver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driver attempts tight turns or switches between trailers with varying reactions, then maneuvering flexibility is improved, but the risk of jackknife conditions increases due to amplified steering errors and varying trailer responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its control parameters based on real-time conditions, including trailer type, steering angle, and path curvature. The controller adjusts steering commands and gain parameters on-the-fly to optimize performance for different maneuver types and trailer characteristics, enabling flexible maneuvering while maintaining safety margins against jackknife conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively detects conditions that may lead to jackknife scenarios and applies counteracting steering inputs before the actual jackknife occurs. By monitoring trailer angle and rate of change, the system anticipates potential instability and preemptively adjusts steering to prevent the harmful condition from developing.
3Ease of operation
If the system provides autonomous steering control to reduce driver complexity, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional controller that integrates path tracking, jackknife prevention, and adaptive control algorithms in a single control unit. This universal controller handles multiple control objectives simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and minimizing overall device complexity while providing comprehensive autonomous steering assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer is provided herein. The system includes a steering input device for controlling a desired curvature. A controller is in communication with the steering input device and is configured to generate steering command for the vehicle to guide the vehicle and trailer onto a straight path when a straight backup request is initiated via the steering input device.