Trailer Coupling Position Estimation for Automated Hitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic trailer couplings require manual positioning of the towing vehicle relative to the trailer before automatic coupling can be initiated, limiting the level of automation in the uncoupling and coupling process.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves estimating the position and heading of the trailer's coupling element, transmitting this information to a data storage device, and using it to automatically position and couple the trailer to the towing vehicle, enabling fully automated uncoupling and coupling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual positioning of the towing vehicle is used before automatic coupling, then the coupling process can be completed with existing automatic coupling systems, but the level of automation is limited and requires driver intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The towing vehicle automatically determines its own position and orientation relative to the parked trailer using stored reference data and onboard sensors, eliminating the need for manual positioning by the driver. The system self-corrects positioning errors and autonomously navigates to the correct coupling position.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and orientation data of the parked trailer are stored in advance in a data storage device during the parking phase. This pre-stored reference information is later used by the towing vehicle to automatically determine its approach path and positioning, enabling fully automated coupling without manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If the towing vehicle automatically determines position and orientation relative to the parked trailer, then full automation is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The towing vehicle uses its existing navigation system, sensors, and onboard computers for multiple purposes - both for autonomous driving navigation and for determining position relative to the parked trailer during coupling. This multi-functionality avoids the need for dedicated specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the trailer's position and orientation data during parking and stores it in a data storage device. This copied reference information is then used during coupling to guide the towing vehicle, eliminating the need for complex real-time detection systems and simplifying the coupling process.
3Productivity
If position and orientation data is stored and reused for coupling, then automation is improved, but data accuracy may be compromised over time or under different conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The towing vehicle continuously monitors its actual position and orientation during the approach to the parked trailer using onboard sensors and compares this real-time data against the stored reference information. The system automatically calculates and applies corrections to maintain accurate positioning, ensuring precise coupling despite any variations in stored data or environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention i.a. relates to a method comprising the steps of: parking (S1) a trailer (12) by means of a towing vehicle (10), which trailer (12) is coupled to the towing vehicle (10) via a coupling element (32) of the trailer (12); the towing vehicle (10) estimating (S2) position and heading of the coupling element (32) of the parked trailer (12); transmitting (S3) the estimated position and heading of the coupling element (32) of the parked trailer (12) to a data storage device (34, 42); and automatically uncoupling (S5) the trailer (12) from the towing vehicle (10), so that the towing vehicle (10) can drive away from the parked trailer (12).