Trailer Reverse Steering via Electronic Brake Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling the backward maneuvering of trailer vehicles are limited in their ability to automatically steer both the towing vehicle and trailer along a predetermined path without human intervention, especially when the trailer has unsteerable axles, and struggle to correct deviations or changes in the destination during reverse maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that uses an input and display device, reversing camera, and regulation and control electronics to calculate a target-oriented driving path, superimpose the path on the camera image, and provide steering and braking commands to automatically steer the towing vehicle and trailer to the destination, even when the trailer has unsteerable axles, by integrating an electronic brake system that receives control commands from the towing vehicle's control electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic steering of the towing vehicle and trailer is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically calculates the driving path and generates steering commands without continuous human intervention. The system monitors its own operation through sensors detecting position, steering angle, and articulation angle, and self-corrects deviations from the planned path, enabling the system to serve itself during the maneuvering process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: path calculation unit, command generation unit, sensor detection units, and execution units for the steering actuator and brakes. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining comprehensive automatic steering capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system corrects deviations and handles trailers with unsteerable axles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to handle multiple scenarios: trailers with steerable axles, trailers with unsteerable axles, and various deviation correction situations. The same control architecture and algorithms are used across all these cases, with the system automatically adapting its behavior based on sensor input and the specific maneuvering requirements, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems.
3Productivity
If automatic steering intervention is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual position, steering angle, and articulation angle through sensors, compares these values with the planned path parameters, and automatically generates corrective steering commands when deviations are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid correction of errors without requiring constant manual adjustment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system pre-calculates the optimal driving path and steering commands before the maneuvering begins. By having the planned trajectory and control instructions prepared in advance, the system can execute the maneuvering efficiently without requiring real-time decision-making during the actual reversing operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves providing an input and display device (18) that is arranged with a screen (19). An image (37a) of a target-oriented driving path (37) is superimposed on the image. A set of control electronics (7) is arranged for controlling a steering actuator or guidance actuator (23) and/or a set of brakes (10a, 10b, 12a, 12b) that is provided for a set of wheels (16a-16d) of a trailer (8). The vehicle trailer is triggered automatically when reversing the driving path to an input destination (36). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a control system (2) an electronic brake system.