Trailer Backup Jackknife Prevention via Speed Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backing a vehicle with a trailer is challenging due to the need for counter-steering and amplified steering errors, which can lead to jackknife conditions, and existing trailer backup assist systems are complex and costly, assuming a zero curvature path and requiring complex Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and precise navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that detects impending jackknife conditions and implements vehicle speed reducing actions, including warnings, to alleviate the risk of jackknife occurrences, using a trailer angle detection apparatus and a jackknife counter-measures controller to manage hitch angle and steering inputs, allowing for simpler and safer trailer backup assist functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer backup assist system assumes a zero curvature path, then the system can operate with simpler path planning, but the system becomes less useful for real-world curved path scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the desired path curvature by monitoring steering wheel input and vehicle motion, eliminating the need for manual path specification through complex HMI interfaces. The system self-adjusts to curved paths by continuously adapting to driver steering inputs without requiring explicit path planning input.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex HMI and path planning algorithms are implemented to specify backup paths, then path accuracy can be improved, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors steering wheel angle and rate of change, vehicle speed, and hitch angle to dynamically determine desired path curvature. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adapt to the driver's intended path without requiring complex pre-planning or manual specification, achieving accurate curved path following through real-time adaptation.
3Reliability
If vehicle speed is reduced to prevent jackknife conditions, then safety is improved, but the productivity of the backing maneuver decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the desired path curvature based on current vehicle speed, ensuring that the curvature remains within safe limits that prevent jackknife conditions. By continuously adapting the path parameters to match actual vehicle operating conditions, the system maintains safety while allowing the vehicle to complete the backing maneuver at the most efficient speed possible rather than requiring constant speed reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting hitch angle information generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached thereto. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The jackknife enabling condition detector is coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus for receiving the hitch angle information therefrom and for determining if a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle. The jackknife counter-measures controller implements a vehicle speed reducing action in response to the jackknife enabling condition detector determining that the jackknife enabling condition has been attained at the particular point in time during backing of the trailer.