Trailer Presence Detection via Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the presence of a trailer attached to a vehicle are unreliable, as they often incorrectly detect other rear-mounted equipment or fail to detect trailers with low-power LED lights or improper connections, affecting automated maneuvers like parking and obstacle avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines primary and secondary indications from various vehicle systems, such as electrical current measurement, rear-mounted cameras, proximity sensors, and braking systems, to determine a confidence level of trailer presence, distinguishing between a trailer and other rear-mounted items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrical current measurement method is used to detect trailer presence, then the detection process is simple, but the reliability of detection is low due to false positives from other equipment and false negatives from low-power LED lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (electrical current measurement, camera image recognition, proximity sensor detection) into a unified trailer detection system. The controller integrates results from these different sensing approaches to determine trailer presence, thereby improving detection reliability by cross-validating multiple independent detection channels rather than relying on a single electrical measurement that may be affected by LED lights or other equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-functional detection approach where the vehicle's existing camera and proximity sensors (designed for other purposes like parking assistance) are also utilized for trailer detection. This allows the same hardware to serve multiple functions, reducing the need for dedicated trailer detection equipment while improving reliability through diverse detection modalities.
2Reliability
If manual indication through infotainment system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient due to driver forgetfulness or input errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic trailer detection without requiring driver intervention. The controller autonomously processes data from electrical sensors, cameras, and proximity sensors to determine trailer presence, eliminating the need for manual input through the infotainment system. This self-service approach ensures reliable detection based on actual physical conditions rather than potentially erroneous or forgotten driver inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters (electrical current, camera images, proximity sensor readings) and uses this feedback to automatically update trailer presence status. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the detection system adapts to changing conditions and provides reliable information without requiring manual confirmation or input from the driver.
3Measurement precision
If electrical voltage is applied to connection point to detect trailer, then the detection method is simple, but it cannot distinguish between trailer and other rear-mounted equipment like bike racks
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the detection process into multiple independent channels: electrical current measurement, optical image recognition via camera, and spatial proximity sensing. Each channel provides independent evidence about trailer presence, and the controller integrates these segmented detection results to achieve precise identification that distinguishes trailers from other equipment like bike racks, which may not exhibit the same pattern across all sensing modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces camera imaging and proximity sensing as intermediary detection methods between the electrical connection point and the final trailer identification. These intermediary sensors provide additional information about the physical presence and characteristics of attached objects, enabling the controller to distinguish whether an electrical load is from a trailer or other equipment based on corroborating visual and spatial evidence.
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 approach increases the reliability of detecting trailer presence, enhancing the vehicle's ability to compensate for the trailer during automated maneuvers by providing a higher confidence level and reducing false detections.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electrical voltage to an electrical connector of the vehicle to which a trailer may be connected, and comparing an electrical parameter of an electrical current drawn through the electrical connector with a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the presence of a trailer (12) attached to a vehicle (10), the method comprising: controlling a vehicle system to obtain a primary indication of the presence of a trailer (12); controlling one or more further vehicle systems to obtain one or more secondary indications of the presence of a trailer (12); and determining a confidence level for the presence of a trailer (12) attached to the vehicle (10) in dependence on the primary indication and the or each secondary indication.