Trailer Coupling Navigation Using Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for vehicles to couple with trailers lack precision in determining the position of coupling means, leading to potential damage due to incorrect couplings, especially when approaching at angles or with varying trailer types.
Innovation Solution
A method using a navigation module with a camera and evaluation electronics to attach an identification element to the trailer, calculating a reverse driving line based on a static object coordinate system, allowing for precise alignment and autonomous or semi-autonomous coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an identification element is attached to the front of the trailer for coupling navigation, then the vehicle can be guided to the coupling means, but the identification element runs over the camera during coupling, making it unavailable for navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches the identification element to the front of the trailer and uses it for navigation during the approach phase. The system calculates a reverse driving line that guides the vehicle to a pre-positioning point in front of the coupling means. This preliminary navigation using the identification element enables the vehicle to reach the correct position before coupling, after which the identification element naturally moves out of the camera's path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle approaches the trailer at an angle or with varying trailer types, then coupling flexibility is improved, but the position determination of coupling means becomes imprecise, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pre-positioning methods with an optical-navigational system. The camera records the identification element on the trailer, and the evaluation electronics calculate the reverse driving line and pre-positioning point based on image analysis. This substitution of mechanical alignment with optical measurement and computational geometry enables precise position determination regardless of approach angle or trailer type, eliminating the trade-off between flexibility and precision.
3Measurement precision
If iterative calculations are used to determine the reverse driving line, then navigation accuracy is improved, but computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the reverse driving line and pre-positioning point based on the recorded position of the identification element. By calculating the navigation path in advance rather than using continuous iterative adjustments during coupling, the system achieves accurate guidance with reduced computing power requirements. The evaluation electronics determine the complete reverse driving line from the start position to the pre-positioning point in a single computational step.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for moving a vehicle to a component of an object at a distance therefrom, the vehicle having a navigation module which has a camera and an evaluation electronics, and an identification element is attached to the object in a predetermined position in such a way that it is recognized by the camera in a far range (Dmax) of the vehicle from the object, and a reverse driving line of the vehicle is calculated by the evaluation electronics from the perspective position of the camera in relation to the identification element. The method improves the approach of a vehicle to a stationary object. In a start position (S) of the vehicle, the navigation module generates a static object coordinate system (KO) and a reverse driving line is calculated from the start position (S) to a pre-positioning point (SVi, SVii, SViii).