Trailer Blind Spot Detection Zone Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blind spot detection systems for vehicles do not effectively account for the presence and length of trailers attached to host vehicles, leading to inadequate detection zones and potential safety hazards during lane changes, especially when turning.
Innovation Solution
The system employs at least two rear sensor units and an electronic control unit to detect the presence and length of trailers by analyzing motion information and reflection points, extending the blind spot detection zone rearward from the trailer, and providing a combined detection zone with the host vehicle, along with a human-machine interface for operator notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the blind spot detection zone is extended to include the trailer, then detection coverage is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested detection zones where the trailer blind spot detection zone is integrated within the overall vehicle blind spot detection system. The electronic control unit processes trailer detection data and integrates it with host vehicle sensor data, creating a hierarchical structure where the trailer detection functionality is nested within the parent vehicle detection system, thereby extending coverage without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from host vehicle sensors, detects trailer presence, determines trailer length, calculates both host vehicle and trailer blind spot zones, and integrates them into a combined detection zone. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended detection coverage while minimizing the number of separate components needed
2Ease of operation
If automatic trailer length detection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects trailer presence and determines trailer length without requiring manual input from the operator. The electronic control unit continuously monitors sensor data, automatically identifies when a trailer is attached by detecting objects with same velocity as the host vehicle, and calculates trailer length based on the farthest reflection point during turning maneuvers, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the automation focused on specific critical functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic trailer detection and length measurement only under specific conditions (during turning maneuvers when yaw rate exceeds a threshold), rather than continuously. This partial action approach reduces the computational burden and complexity of the automatic detection system while still achieving the goal of providing accurate trailer information when most needed for safety
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
Enhances safety by providing an extended blind spot detection zone that includes the trailer, enabling accurate detection of objects and preventing collisions during lane changes, with options for manual override and various warning types.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a distance and direction of a farthest reflection point of the trailer during turning of the host vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance method and system senses the presence of a trailer secured to a host vehicle and provides an indication thereof. When a yaw rate for the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value during turning of the host vehicle, the system determines the length of the trailer. To determine trailer length, reflection points from an output of a rear sensor unit are sensed to detect a side wall of the trailer. The farthest reflection point of the trailer is utilized to determine a longitudinal distance and a transverse distance of the trailer with respect to the reflection sensor. The longitudinal distance corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the host vehicle and the transverse axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The trailer length is estimated from the yaw rate that provides a trailer angle relative to the host vehicle, and the longitudinal and transverse distances. From the trailer length, the system provides combined blind spot detection zones adjacent the host vehicle, and adjacent to the side of and extending beyond the rear of the trailer. The system also provides lane change assistance.