Trailer Backup Assist Lighting for Path Guidance
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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, with existing trailer backup assist systems being complex and costly, and lacking intuitive interfaces for controlling trailer path curvature and preventing jackknife conditions.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that includes a supplemental vehicle lighting system and a user-friendly interface for specifying desired trailer path curvature, using a light assembly in place of a keylock cylinder to illuminate the rear vehicle area, and a kinematic model to determine steering angle changes for the vehicle's steering system, thereby controlling the trailer's path and preventing jackknife conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trailer backup assist system uses complex path planning algorithms and precision GPS to determine desired path, then path control accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified optical copying approach where a light assembly projects a visual representation of the desired path curvature onto the ground, allowing the driver to visually align the trailer without complex algorithms or GPS. This replaces sophisticated digital path planning with an intuitive optical guide that is easier to implement and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple optical-mechanical light assembly that projects guidance patterns. Instead of using precision GPS and sophisticated algorithms, the system uses a lamp and lens assembly to create visual guides on the ground, substituting electronic complexity with simple optical mechanics.
2Reliability
If a trailer backup assist system requires precise steering angle control to prevent jackknife conditions, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light assembly as an intermediary between the driver's steering input and the trailer's actual path. The light projector acts as a mediator that visually translates steering intentions into ground-based guidance patterns, making it easier for drivers to understand and control trailer behavior without needing to master complex steering techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary visualization of the desired path before the trailer actually travels it. By projecting the intended path curvature onto the ground in advance, the driver can see where the trailer will go before making steering adjustments, allowing for smoother control and reducing the risk of jackknife conditions through better anticipation.
3Device complexity
If existing trailer backup systems assume zero curvature path, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to real-world curved path requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the path guidance dynamic by allowing the light assembly to project varying curvature patterns based on the driver's steering input. Instead of assuming a fixed zero-curvature path, the system dynamically adapts the visual guidance to match the desired curved path, maintaining simplicity while gaining versatility through real-time adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a low-cost, intuitive way to control trailer path curvature and prevent jackknife conditions, enhancing safety and reducing the complexity of reversing with a trailer by allowing drivers to specify desired path curvatures and automatically adjusting steering inputs.
Implementation Method 1
A lens is coupled to the distal end of the barrel and is disposed to at least partially coincide with the keylock hole, wherein the lens is configured to disperse light emitted from the lighting device to illuminate a rear vehicle area
Data Source
AI summary
A supplemental vehicle lighting system that is responsive to a trailer backup assist system is provided. The system includes a rear vehicle fixture defining a keylock hole customarily used in conjunction with a corresponding keylock cylinder. A light assembly is provided in the place of a keylock cylinder and operably coupled to the keylock hole. The light assembly includes a housing having a barrel that is concentrically aligned with the keylock hole and includes a distal end and a proximal end. A lighting device is disposed inside the housing and operable to emit light through the barrel beginning from the proximal end. A lens is coupled to the distal end of the barrel and is disposed to at least partially coincide with the keylock hole, wherein the lens is configured to disperse light emitted from the lighting device to illuminate a rear vehicle area.