Trailer Coupler Height Alignment for Fifth-Wheel Hitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of connecting a nonconventional trailer, such as a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer, to a vehicle is tedious due to the need for accurate adjustment of the trailer coupler height relative to the vehicle hitch, often requiring manual estimation and repeated attempts to achieve proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular trailer hitching assist system utilizing a rearward-viewing camera with an image processor to determine the required height of the trailer coupler relative to the vehicle hitch, providing feedback to the user or automatically adjusting the height, ensuring accurate alignment without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual estimation and repeated attempts are used to adjust trailer coupler height, then the hitching process can be completed, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical height adjustment with an automated electro-hydraulic or electric actuator system. The actuator automatically adjusts the trailer coupler height based on camera-based vision system feedback, eliminating the need for manual cranking or repeated physical adjustments, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the trailer hitching process to be self-adjusting through automated height control. The vision system continuously monitors the relative position between the vehicle hitch and trailer coupler, and the actuator automatically makes corrections without operator intervention, allowing the system to service itself and eliminate tedious manual operations
2Measurement precision
If accurate height adjustment is required for proper alignment, then successful hitching is achieved, but manual estimation is insufficient and requires repeated attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual height estimation with an automated electro-hydraulic or electric actuator system controlled by vision-based feedback. This substitution provides precise, repeatable height adjustments without requiring complex manual measurement tools or procedures, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback using a camera-based vision system to continuously monitor the relative position of the vehicle hitch and trailer coupler. The vision system provides real-time height difference measurements to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the actuator to achieve proper alignment, ensuring high measurement precision without requiring complex manual intervention
3Productivity
If automated height adjustment is implemented, then the hitching process is simplified and time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated hitching assist system: the camera-based vision system performs both detection and measurement, while the electro-hydraulic or electric actuator provides both positioning and height adjustment. This multi-functionality increases productivity by consolidating operations but manages system complexity through integrated control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual height adjustment mechanisms with a simplified electro-hydraulic or electric actuator system. This substitution improves productivity by enabling automated, precise height control while actually reducing mechanical complexity compared to traditional manual systems with multiple adjustment points and manual measurement tools
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer hitching assist system includes a rearward-viewing camera mounted at a pickup truck. Responsive to determination that the trailer coupler is exterior the bed of the pickup truck and the height of the trailer coupler is greater than a first threshold amount, a first reversing maneuver is performed to reverse the pickup truck until the trailer coupler is within the bed of the pickup truck. With the trailer coupler within the bed of the pickup truck and the height of the trailer coupler greater than a second threshold amount, a trailer height adjustment signal is generated. With the trailer coupler within the bed of the pickup truck and the determined height of the trailer coupler being less than or equal to the second threshold amount, a second reversing maneuver is performed to reverse the pickup truck to couple the trailer coupler with the hitch of the pickup truck.