Trailer Coupling Lock Detection Using Wave-Based Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to reliably determine if a trailer coupling is in a locked state, especially in utility vehicles, as they require additional cameras or sensors that may not be feasible for all vehicle types, and existing sensor systems cannot consistently verify a correct pivotal connection.

Innovation Solution

A method using a combination of coupling information from a locking mechanism and positioning information from wave-based sensors to ascertain the coupling state, ensuring accurate validation through independent measuring principles, allowing for reliable determination of the trailer coupling's locked state without requiring additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a camera is used to directly determine whether a connection is established, then the coupling state can be visually monitored, but additional cameras are required for utility vehicles due to the low mounting position of the trailer coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling state detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of cameras required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual camera-based detection system with an electromagnetic field-based sensor system. Sensors detect the coupling state by sensing changes in electromagnetic fields or electrical connections when the trailer coupling is locked, eliminating the need for cameras to visually monitor the low-mounted coupling point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If position sensors or locking sensors are used to check whether the locking mechanism is closed, then the locking state can be detected, but this is not sufficient to reliably determine whether a pivotal connection is actually established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic coupling state detectionVSAvoidcoupling validation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent sensing principles into a single detection system. It combines position sensors, locking sensors, and additional sensors that detect different aspects of the coupling state (such as electromagnetic field changes or electrical contact). The coupling state is confirmed only when multiple sensors agree, providing both automatic operation and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the coupling state through multiple sensors and using this information to validate whether the pivotal connection is truly established. The sensors provide feedback signals that are evaluated to determine the actual coupling status, preventing false positives from single-sensor errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single sensor device is used to monitor the coupling state, then the system is simple, but it cannot provide a high degree of certainty in determining the coupling state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system simplicityVSAvoidcoupling state determination certainty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coupling detection function into multiple independent sensing channels. Instead of relying on a single sensor, it uses several sensors that each detect different physical aspects of the coupling state. This segmentation allows the system to cross-validate readings and determine the coupling state with high certainty while maintaining reasonable system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 method provides a high degree of certainty in determining the coupling state, preventing incorrect outputs and ensuring a secure pivotal connection between the towing vehicle and trailer, even in fully automated systems.

Implementation Method 1

ascertaining positioning information, wherein, depending on sensor signals of a wave-based sensor device, the positioning information indicates whether the trailer coupling might be in the locked state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave-based sensing: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS20250018755A1Method for ascertaining the coupling state of a trailer coupling, state ascertaining assembly, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH

AI summary

A method for ascertaining a coupling state of a trailer coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer, wherein a pivotal connection between a towing-vehicle coupling element on the towing vehicle and a trailer coupling element on the trailer is established in a locked state of the trailer coupling, the method including ascertaining coupling information, wherein, depending on a position of a locking mechanism of the trailer coupling and/or a jolt of the towing vehicle and/or trailer, the coupling information indicates whether the trailer coupling might be in the locked state. The method further includes ascertaining positioning information, wherein, depending on sensor signals of a wave-based sensor device, the positioning information indicates whether the trailer coupling might be in the locked state. The method further includes ascertaining a coupling outcome, depending on the coupling information and also depending on the positioning information.