Trailer Backup Curvature Control With Intuitive Steering Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer backup assist systems are complex and costly, requiring assumptions about zero curvature paths and complex Human Machine Interfaces, which limit their usefulness in real-world scenarios where curved paths are common, and they often fail to provide intuitive operator interfaces for specifying trailer path curvature.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that allows drivers to specify desired trailer path curvature using a power-assisted steering system, utilizing kinematic information to determine and implement steering angle changes, enabling a simple and intuitive operator interface for controlling trailer path curvature during backing maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If trailer backup assist systems assume zero curvature path, then system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle real-world curved path scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the path curvature assumption based on detected obstacles and environmental context. Rather than statically assuming zero curvature, the controller modifies the desired path curvature in real-time to match actual driving conditions, enabling both straight and curved path capabilities without requiring complex pre-planning infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) to automatically detect obstacles and determine appropriate path curvature, eliminating the need for external infrastructure like map data or path planning algorithms. The system serves itself by using onboard resources to adapt to curved path scenarios
2Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated interfaces are used for path specification, then path control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the complex path planning function from the driver and transfers it to the automated control system. The driver only needs to specify simple high-level goals (e.g., avoid obstacles, follow curved path), while the controller handles the complex calculations for achieving precise path following, thus maintaining precision without burdening the driver with complex interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates multiple possible paths and prepares control strategies in advance based on detected obstacles and environmental conditions. When the driver provides a simple input, the system can immediately execute the pre-prepared control actions, achieving precise path control without requiring complex real-time calculations or sophisticated driver input
3Measurement precision
If camera-based detection is used for path following, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve both obstacle detection and path curvature detection purposes. The same cameras, LIDAR, or ultrasonic sensors used for collision avoidance also provide path following information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated path detection systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the obstacle avoidance function and path following function into a unified control algorithm. By combining these functions, the system achieves accurate path detection and following using the same sensor suite already required for safety, avoiding the need for additional complex dedicated path detection hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signal. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.