Trailer Maneuvering via Rear-View Camera and Active Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a combination of a motor vehicle and a trailer, especially during reversing, is challenging due to the trailer's tendency to swing out, leading to collisions or jack-knifing, particularly for inexperienced drivers, and existing solutions require additional costly sensors for accurate steering angle detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for maneuvering a trailer using a non-steerable tow bar, where the tow vehicle monitors the rear surroundings with a rear-view mirror to determine the trailer's articulation, setpoint articulation is input, and active steering assistance is used to align the tow vehicle with the trailer's longitudinal axis, allowing for precise parking without changing the trailer's direction, with two modes for wide and narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed in the hitch ball to detect the instantaneous tow bar angle, then the precision of trailer position detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical sensor system by using image processing algorithms to detect the trailer position. Instead of installing actual sensors in the hitch ball, the system processes images from existing rear-view cameras to generate virtual sensor data about the tow bar angle and trailer position, achieving measurement precision without additional physical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor system (physical sensors in the hitch ball) with an optical processing system. The rear-view camera captures images, and image processing algorithms analyze these images to determine the instantaneous tow bar angle, substituting mechanical detection with optical and computational methods
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually steers the tow vehicle during reversing, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of avoiding collisions and jack-knifing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the rear-view camera continuously monitors the trailer position and tow bar angle during reversing. The processed image data provides real-time feedback to the driver about the actual trailer position and recommended steering actions, enabling the driver to make informed steering decisions and avoid collisions while maintaining manual control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the driver and the steering wheel. The image processing system acts as a mediator that translates complex trailer position information into simplified visual cues and steering recommendations, making it easier for the driver to understand the situation and make appropriate steering decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for maneuvering a combination of a towing vehicle and a trailer, wherein the trailer is connected to the towing vehicle by a non-steerable tow-bar, and the towing vehicle observes the rear surroundings, including the trailer, by a rear-view camera. The method includes the steps: a) determining the actual articulation of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle; b) determining the length of the tow-bar and the maximum articulation of the trailer; c) inputting the intended articulation of the trailer; d) reversing the towing vehicle with at least active steering support until the intended articulation of the trailer is reached; e) fixing the direction of travel predetermined by the intended articulation; f) maneuvering the towing vehicle with at least active steering support while maintaining the predetermined direction of travel until an eventual parking position is reached.