Trailer Coupling Position Guidance for Parallel Parking Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trailer coupling systems do not adequately support drivers during the process of coupling a trailer parked parallel to a roadway, particularly in scenarios where space is limited or obstructed, leading to complex and inefficient maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes environmental sensors to detect a trailer parked parallel to a roadway, determine a suitable coupling position, and provide a suggestion to the driver, considering the available space and trailer dimensions, allowing for partially automated maneuvering to facilitate the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing sensor-based coupling systems are used to detect trailer position, then the basic coupling function is achieved, but the system cannot adequately support coupling in limited or obstructed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the trailer position and surrounding environment using environmental sensors before the coupling maneuver begins. It calculates optimal coupling positions and trajectories in advance, providing the driver with suggested maneuvers that simplify the actual coupling operation, especially in constrained spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D sensor detection to 3D environmental mapping by utilizing multiple environmental sensors (cameras, radar, lid) to capture spatial information in three dimensions. This enables the system to analyze available space, obstacles, and optimal coupling trajectories more comprehensively, providing adaptability for various coupling scenarios.
2Productivity
If manual coupling maneuvers are performed without assistance, then the driver has full control, but the coupling process becomes time-consuming and frustrating in constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the coupling process using environmental sensors and provides real-time feedback to the driver through suggested maneuvers and position guidance. This feedback loop enables the driver to make informed decisions and adjust maneuvers efficiently, significantly reducing coupling time and frustration compared to unassisted manual coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates optimal coupling trajectories and provides suggested maneuvers before the driver executes them. This preliminary preparation of coupling paths and timing information allows the driver to perform maneuvers more efficiently, reducing the overall time required for the coupling process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional coupling assistance systems are used, then basic position detection is achieved, but accurate coupling position determination in limited spaces is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs environmental sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting trailer position, mapping surrounding obstacles, calculating available space, and determining optimal coupling trajectories. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for coupling position determination without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same sensors perform multiple detection and calculation tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inventive method for assisting a vehicle driver during the coupling process of the vehicle to a trailer parked parallel to a roadway comprises receiving environmental data from at least one environmental sensor. The method further comprises detecting the trailer parked parallel to the roadway using this environmental data. In addition, the method comprises determining at least one coupling position, which describes a possible position of the vehicle for coupling the trailer parked parallel to the roadway. Finally, the method comprises submitting at least one coupling position suggestion to the driver, the coupling position suggestion being based on the at least one coupling position. The method also uses the environmental data to determine a clear area, which describes a surface located in front of the trailer in the direction of travel.Additionally, the open space is characterized as a function of an open space length determined in the direction of travel of the trailer. Furthermore, at least one coupling position is determined as a function of the characterized open space length.