Trailer Coupling Strobe Alignment for Precise Hitch Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aligning a towing vehicle's coupling with a trailer's coupling device are prone to misalignment, leading to potential detachment and damage, especially with fifth wheel couplings, due to visibility issues and ineffective use of light-optical and ultrasonic transmitters.
Innovation Solution
A device using a strobe light mounted on the towing vehicle's coupling emits flashes of light to precisely locate the trailer's coupling device, with a light receiver capturing the reflected light to determine the coupling's position and distance, aided by an electronic evaluation unit for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light-optical transmitter and receiver are used to locate the coupling device, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device becomes ineffective due to misalignment of the transmitter or reflective elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device itself serves as the reflective element, eliminating the need for separate reflective elements that require precise alignment. The metallic surface of the coupling device naturally reflects the strobe light back to the receiver, making the system self-aligning and highly reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective element function is extracted from a separate component and integrated into the coupling device itself. This eliminates the complexity of aligning separate reflective elements and ensures the reflective surface is always in the correct position relative to the coupling mechanism.
2Illumination intensity
If continuous light is used for illumination, then the coupling device is visible, but the position determination precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The strobe light emits periodic flashes instead of continuous light. This periodic illumination creates a stroboscopic effect that freezes the apparent position of the coupling device, enabling precise position determination while maintaining sufficient visibility during each flash.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic flashing creates a visual effect similar to vibration, where the coupling device appears to be in a fixed position during each flash, allowing for precise location determination. The human eye integrates these periodic flashes into a stable visual image.
3Ease of operation
If the driver visually inspects the coupling locking mechanism, then the coupling status can be assessed, but the inspection is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiver detects the position of the coupling device and provides feedback information to the driver. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for direct visual inspection by the driver, as the system automatically determines and communicates the coupling status.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection process is replaced with an optical detection system. The strobe light and light receiver combination automates the inspection process, providing rapid and accurate coupling status assessment without requiring the driver to physically observe the coupling mechanism.
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
The solution provides accurate and reliable alignment of the towing vehicle's coupling with the trailer's coupling device, reducing the risk of detachment and damage by ensuring precise engagement, even in dark conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitter in the form of a strobe light mounted on the towing vehicle's coupling is activated
Implementation Method 2
The trailer's coupling device is located by a light receiver, also located on the towing vehicle, detecting the light of the strobe light reflected by the coupling device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device for locating a coupling means (11, 12) arranged on a trailer vehicle (10) before the coupling operation is described, having a coupling (21) on the towing vehicle side that is designed with an insertion opening (22) which is open in the rearward direction (R) and is intended for the entry of the coupling means (11), a light transmitter (30) fitted to the coupling (21) on the towing vehicle side, and a light receiver (40) which captures light (60) from the light transmitter (30) that is reflected by the coupling means (11). The invention addressed the problem of providing a device which can be used to make it possible for the coupling (21) on the towing vehicle side to more precisely approach the coupling means (11) of the trailer vehicle (10). The problem is solved by virtue of the fact that the light transmitter is a stroboscopic light (30).