Trailer Backup Guidance with Automatic Steering Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle and trailer guidance systems during reversing maneuvers lack efficient methods to accurately control the trailer angle relative to the vehicle, leading to difficulties in aligning the trailer correctly without manual steering adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rear backup camera, electronic control unit with image processing, and a human-machine interface allows the driver to set a desired trailer angle, which the system uses to control the vehicle's steering via an electronically controlled power steering system, ensuring the trailer aligns with the selected angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If imaging sensors are used to help the driver when backing up a trailer, then the driver can see the trailer position, but the system lacks automatic steering control to accurately align the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electronic control system. The ECU receives input from the driver via HMI and automatically controls the electronically controlled power steering system to achieve the desired trailer angle, eliminating the need for manual steering adjustments while backing up the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle-trailer combination to self-align during reversing maneuvers. The automated steering control system continuously monitors the trailer angle and adjusts the steering to maintain the desired angle without requiring continuous manual intervention from the driver.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually steers during reversing, then the driver has direct control, but it is difficult to accurately maintain the desired trailer angle
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback control mechanism where the ECU continuously monitors the actual trailer angle and compares it to the desired angle set by the driver. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the steering angle to minimize the difference between current and desired trailer angles, ensuring precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces imprecise manual steering with an electronically controlled power steering system that can precisely control the steering angle. This electronic system provides fine-grained control capability that exceeds what is achievable through manual steering alone, enabling accurate trailer angle maintenance.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic steering control is implemented, then trailer angle control is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU performs multiple functions: it processes image data from cameras to determine trailer angle, receives driver input through various HMI interfaces, calculates the optimal steering angle, and controls the power steering system. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves high functionality while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer in the ECU that translates simple driver intent (desired trailer angle) into complex steering control commands. This intermediary processing layer abstracts the complexity from the driver while enabling precise control, acting as a mediator between human input and mechanical output.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer guidance system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a rear backup camera disposed at a vehicle. A human machine interface (HMI) is operable in (i) a trailer left-backup mode, (i) a trailer straight-backup mode and (iii) a trailer right-backup mode. Responsive to selection by the driver of the trailer left-backup mode or trailer right-backup mode, the ECU sets a desired trailer angle of the trailer tongue leftward or rightward to an angle that is commensurate with a driver-selected setting of an input device. Responsive to selection by the driver of the trailer straight-backup mode, the ECU sets the desired trailer angle to a zero degree angle. The ECU, while the vehicle is backing up the trailer, controls the power steering system of the vehicle to steer the vehicle to back up the trailer to have the determined trailer angle coincide with the set desired trailer angle.