Trailer Backup Assist Jackknife Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer is challenging due to the need for opposite steering inputs and amplified steering errors, and existing trailer backup assist systems are complex, costly, and assume a straight path, failing to effectively manage jackknife conditions and curved paths.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that uses a camera to determine the trailer's location and a user interface to input desired path curvature, allowing for intuitive control of the trailer's path and automatic steering to prevent jackknife conditions through a power-assisted steering system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a trailer backup assist system assumes a straight path (zero curvature), then the system complexity is reduced, but the system fails to handle real-world curved path scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the assumed path curvature based on detected jackknife conditions rather than assuming a fixed zero-curvature path. When a jackknife condition is detected, the system recognizes that a curved path assumption is more appropriate and modifies its control strategy accordingly, allowing adaptation to real-world scenarios without requiring complex path planning algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the jackknife detection mechanism itself to infer path curvature information rather than requiring external path planning inputs. The detection of jackknife conditions provides implicit information about the actual path being followed, allowing the system to self-adjust its assumptions about path geometry based on operational feedback
2Manufacturing precision
If a trailer backup assist system requires known path from map or path planner, then path following accuracy is improved, but the human machine interface complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system derives path information from its own operational state (jackknife detection) rather than requiring external path planning systems, map data, or complex HMI inputs. The jackknife detection mechanism provides implicit path curvature information that the system uses to adjust its control strategy, eliminating the need for separate path planning components
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from jackknife detection to continuously adjust its understanding of the actual path geometry. By monitoring whether jackknife conditions occur during backup maneuvers, the system infers the curvature of the path being followed and adapts its control accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that learns from operational feedback
3Manufacturing precision
If maximum steering input is applied to reduce hitch angle during jackknife condition, then hitch angle control is improved, but the vehicle speed and acceleration conditions may cause contact between vehicle and trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary countermeasures by detecting jackknife conditions early and responding with moderated steering inputs rather than maximum steering. By detecting the developing jackknife condition and applying gradual corrective steering while monitoring speed and acceleration, the system prevents the condition from escalating to a point where maximum steering would cause vehicle-trailer contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering input magnitude based on real-time monitoring of vehicle speed and acceleration conditions. Rather than applying fixed maximum steering input, the system modulates the steering correction strength according to the current operational state, reducing steering aggressiveness when high speed or acceleration conditions exist that would risk contact
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trailer backup assist system and method includes a hitch angle detection apparatus and a target monitor controller. The target monitor controller processes images acquired of the trailer towed by a towing vehicle to assist with placement of a target on the trailer. The target monitor controller also monitors the target and provides feedback to the user as to proper positioning of the target on the trailer. A target move detection routine detects movement of a target by processing the pixels of the image to determine if a new trailer has been connected. Further, a trailer connection monitoring routine monitors for a changed trailer based on loss of the hitch angle or target for a predetermined time period.