Trailer Backup Steering Inversion for Intuitive Reverse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reversing a trailer with a tow vehicle are complex, require additional hardware, and can be challenging for drivers to maneuver accurately due to obstructed sight lines and the need for external assistance.
Innovation Solution
A steering control system that includes a user interface for generating an initiation signal, a steering angle sensor, a steering controller that inverts the steering angle in response to the initiation signal, and a vehicle control system that controls the vehicle's movement based on the inverted steering angle, allowing for intuitive steering control during trailer reverse operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional steering control is used for trailer reversing, then the steering system remains simple, but the driver cannot intuitively control the trailer direction and requires external assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the steering signal polarity specifically when a trailer is detected and the vehicle is in reverse gear. The steering controller inverts the steering angle signal, so that turning the steering wheel to the right actually steers the vehicle to the left, making the trailer follow the intuitive direction the driver wants it to go. This resolves the contradiction by making the system intuitive (improving ease of operation) while only adding software-based signal inversion rather than complex mechanical systems (minimizing device complexity).
2Manufacturing precision
If additional hardware such as rotational knobs is added to improve trailer control, then steering precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential mechanical control devices (such as rotational knobs or additional steering mechanisms) with an electronic/software-based solution. The steering controller uses software logic to detect trailer connection and reverse gear status, then automatically applies signal inversion through electronic control. This achieves precise trailer positioning (improving manufacturing precision) while avoiding additional mechanical hardware (reducing device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The existing steering controller is made multi-functional by adding the capability to invert steering signals based on detected conditions (trailer presence and reverse gear). Rather than adding a separate dedicated control system, the same controller handles both normal forward steering and inverted reverse steering for trailers. This achieves precise control functionality while minimizing hardware additions (reducing device complexity).
3Ease of operation
If manual steering control is used without assistance, then the system remains simple, but driver sight lines are obstructed by the trailer requiring external assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the driver to independently perform trailer reversing without needing a spotter or external assistance. The steering controller automatically detects when a trailer is connected and when the vehicle is in reverse, then applies the appropriate steering signal inversion. This gives the driver self-sufficient control (improving ease of operation) through automated system assistance rather than manual intervention (managing control system complexity).
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing an assisted driving trailer reversing operation including a user interface configured to generate an initiation signal in response to a user input, a processor configured to generate a control signal in response to the initiation signal indicative of an inverse steering ratio, a steering angle sensor to detect a steering direction and a steering angle from a center steering position, a steering controller configured to receive the steering angle and the steering direction from the steering angle sensor, to invert the steering angle to generate an inverted steering angle such that the inverted steering angle has a same angular magnitude as the steering angle and an opposite direction than the steering direction, and a vehicle control system for controlling a movement of a vehicle in response to the inverted steering angle.