Trailer Coupling Assistant Parking Aid Mode Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking aid systems issue contradictory obstacle warnings when coupling a motor vehicle to a trailer, as they do not differentiate between the trailer coupling element and other obstacles, leading to unnecessary warnings and driver irritation during the maneuvering process.
Innovation Solution
The system operates the parking aid in a coupling mode when the trailer coupling assistant is active, adapting warning strategies to ignore the trailer-side coupling element within a predetermined radius, thereby omitting obstacle warnings that would otherwise be issued, ensuring the driver is not irritated by continuous or visual warnings during autonomous or semi-autonomous maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the parking aid operates in standard mode during trailer coupling, then obstacle warnings are issued to alert the driver of potential hazards, but unnecessary warnings are generated when the trailer coupling element is detected, causing driver irritation and distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The parking aid dynamically switches between standard mode and coupling mode based on the activation state of the trailer coupling assistant. When the trailer coupling assistant is active, the system transitions to coupling mode where the trailer coupling element is excluded from obstacle detection, eliminating unnecessary warnings while maintaining reliable hazard detection for other objects
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different detection qualities to different spatial zones: the trailer coupling element position is excluded from obstacle detection in the coupling mode, while other areas maintain standard obstacle warning functionality. This localized differentiation ensures warnings are only issued for actual hazards, not for the expected trailer coupling target
2Reliability
If the parking aid continuously monitors the rear area during autonomous maneuvering, then safety is improved by detecting obstacles, but the system generates contradictory warnings that confuse the driver about whether to continue the coupling maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring behavior of the parking aid dynamically adapts based on operational context. In coupling mode, the system distinguishes between the trailer coupling element (which triggers no warning) and other obstacles (which trigger warnings), providing clear information about actual hazards without losing maneuver guidance information
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer coupling assistant acts as an intermediary that communicates its active state to the parking aid. This intermediary signal enables the parking aid to adjust its warning behavior appropriately, resolving the contradiction between safety monitoring and maneuver guidance by providing contextual information about the intended coupling maneuver
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
This adaptation prevents unnecessary warnings, allowing the driver to focus on guiding the vehicle without interruptions, ensuring a smooth and unimpeded autonomous or semi-autonomous coupling process by adjusting warning outputs based on the trailer's position, reducing driver distraction and improving the coupling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
This parking aid may use ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, or similar technologies to monitor the area behind the vehicle during the maneuver
Implementation Method 2
This parking aid may use ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, or similar technologies to monitor the area behind the vehicle during the maneuver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for supporting a coupling process of a motor vehicle (1) to a trailer (3), in which a trailer coupling assistant (4) detects the position of a trailer-side coupling element (5) and, based on this, maneuvers the motor vehicle (1) at least semi-autonomously into a target position in which a trailer coupling (6) of the motor vehicle (1) is arranged in a predetermined coupling position relative to the trailer-side coupling element (5), wherein a rear monitoring area (B) of the motor vehicle (1) is monitored by means of a parking aid (7) during the maneuvering process, characterized in that the parking aid (7) is operated in a standard mode when the trailer coupling assistant (4) is deactivated;- the parking aid (7) is operated in a coupling mode when the trailer coupling assistant (4) is activated, in which obstacle warnings relating to the rear area (B) are issued by means of the parking aid (7) differently than in the standard mode. The invention further relates to a system (2) for supporting a coupling process of a motor vehicle (1) to a trailer (3).