Trailer Coupling Position Tracking for Automatic Hitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic trailer couplings require manual positioning of the towing vehicle relative to the trailer before coupling can be initiated, lacking full automation in the uncoupling and coupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates and stores the position and heading of a trailer's coupling element, allowing a towing vehicle to automatically find and couple with the trailer by controlling steering and adjusting height, using GPS, sensors, and data storage to facilitate fully automated uncoupling and coupling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual positioning is used before automatic coupling, then the coupling process can be initiated, but full automation is not achieved and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the towing vehicle and storing the position and heading of the coupling element before the coupling process is initiated. This eliminates the need for manual positioning during the actual coupling operation, achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing vehicle uses its own sensors and control systems to automatically determine its position relative to the trailer and to position itself for coupling. The system serves itself by using onboard GPS, articulation angle sensors, and automatic steering control without requiring external manual intervention.
2Productivity
If full automation is implemented for uncoupling/coupling, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single control unit coordinates multiple functions including GPS positioning, articulation angle measurement, automatic steering control, and coupling/descoupling operations. This universal control architecture manages complexity by integrating multiple functions into one coordinated system rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors articulation angles and vehicle position using sensors and GPS, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of the towing vehicle's position and orientation to achieve precise coupling without manual intervention, maintaining productivity while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes the steps of parking a trailer by means of a towing vehicle, which trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle via a coupling element of the trailer; the towing vehicle estimating position and heading of the coupling element of the parked trailer; transmitting the estimated position and heading of the coupling element of the parked trailer to a data storage device; and automatically uncoupling the trailer from the towing vehicle, so that the towing vehicle can drive away from the parked trailer.