Trailer Coupler Height Compensation in Automatic Hitching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the challenge of aligning the hitch ball with the trailer coupler, often requiring repeated maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system with a powered suspension system and controller that acquires position data for the trailer coupler, determines alignment, and adjusts the vehicle's height and path to align the hitch ball with the coupler, using sensors like radar units and cameras to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of hitch ball with coupler is performed through repeated driving maneuvers, then alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical measurement and control system. The system uses optical sensors to detect the relative position between the hitch ball and coupler, then automatically controls the vehicle's suspension and steering systems to achieve precise alignment, eliminating the need for repeated manual driving maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically perform the hitching alignment task without requiring continuous manual intervention. The automated system continuously monitors the alignment status through optical detection and self-adjusts the vehicle position using the powered suspension and steering systems, making the vehicle serve itself in the alignment process.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the coupler, then the hitching operation can be completed, but the complexity of multiple steering maneuvers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual steering maneuvers with automated electronic control of the steering system. The optical detection system provides real-time feedback on alignment status, and the controller automatically adjusts the steering angle and vehicle path to achieve proper alignment, eliminating the need for the driver to perform multiple complex steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where optical sensors continuously monitor the relative position of the hitch ball and coupler, and the controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the steering and suspension systems. This feedback loop simplifies the operation by providing real-time guidance and automatic correction, replacing complex manual judgment and multiple trial maneuvers.
3Manufacturing precision
If the vehicle rear is raised to align the hitch ball with the coupler, then alignment is achieved, but the powered suspension system requires precise control to detect the threshold resistance value
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from the powered suspension system's current draw measurements to detect when the hitch ball makes contact with the coupler. The controller continuously monitors the electrical current consumed by the suspension actuator and identifies the threshold resistance value through this feedback, enabling precise alignment detection without requiring complex mechanical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms for detecting alignment with an electrical measurement approach. By monitoring the current draw of the powered suspension system, the system converts the mechanical alignment detection problem into an electrical measurement task, which can be precisely measured and controlled using standard automotive electrical sensors and controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitch assistance system includes a powered suspension system supporting a rear of the vehicle at a height and a controller. The controller acquires position data for a coupler of a trailer, determines when the position data indicates that a hitch ball of the vehicle is aligned with the coupler, and causes the powered suspension system to raise the height of the rear portion of the vehicle until a threshold resistance value is detected.