Trailer Backup Assist Jackknife Detection and Counter-Measures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer backup assist systems are complex and costly, assuming a zero curvature path, which limits their usefulness in real-world scenarios, and fail to effectively detect and counteract impending jackknife conditions, posing safety risks and potential damage to vehicles and trailers.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that detects impending jackknife conditions and implements counter-measures by altering vehicle operating parameters, using a trailer angle detection apparatus and a jackknife enabling condition detector, coupled with a controller to adjust settings and provide warnings, allowing for simple, effective, and safe trailer backup functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known trailer backup assist systems assume a zero curvature path, then the system complexity is reduced, but the usefulness and adaptability to real-world scenarios is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to real-world curved path scenarios by detecting jackknife enabling conditions and adjusting vehicle operating parameters in real-time, rather than assuming a fixed zero curvature path. This allows the system to handle diverse backup situations while maintaining manageable complexity through targeted dynamic adjustments.
2Productivity
If the vehicle travels at high speed when jackknife condition is achieved, then productivity is improved, but the risk of contact between vehicle and trailer causing damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects jackknife enabling conditions in advance and takes preliminary counter-measures by altering vehicle operating parameters such as reducing speed or applying brake torque before the actual jackknife condition develops. This prevents the harmful contact between vehicle and trailer while maintaining safe productivity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors hitch angle and vehicle operating parameters, providing feedback control that adjusts speed and braking actions based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that productivity is optimized while preventing damage by responding to changing conditions during the backup maneuver.
3Loss of time
If maximum steering input is applied to reduce hitch angle, then the response time is reduced, but the risk of achieving jackknife condition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial steering input rather than maximum steering input when detecting jackknife enabling conditions. This partial action approach provides sufficient response time to correct hitch angle issues while avoiding the excessive steering that would directly cause jackknife conditions, thus balancing response time with reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting a signal generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached to the vehicle. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller. The jackknife counter-measures controller alters a setting of at least one vehicle operating parameter for alleviating an adverse jackknife condition during backing of the trailer by the vehicle when the jackknife enabling condition detector determines that a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle.