Trailer Connection Detection Using Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately detect the connection state of a trailer to a vehicle, particularly when the trailer is partially connected or disconnected, as they rely solely on electrical connections or visual cues, which may not account for all scenarios, such as when the trailer is not fully locked or unlocked.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system incorporating an imaging system, proximity sensing system, and electrical connection detection system, with a controller that processes images, proximity signals, and electrical connection signals to determine the trailer connection state, using weighted values based on vehicle motion and employing radar sensors for object detection, and displaying warnings to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing systems rely solely on electrical connections or visual cues to detect trailer connection state, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy is insufficient particularly when trailer is partially connected or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (electrical connection detection, imaging system, and proximity sensing) into a unified trailer connection detection system. The controller integrates signals from all three sources and applies weighted evaluation to determine the final connection state, resolving the contradiction by merging simple individual detectors into a complex but accurate composite system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives raw signals from electrical connectors, imaging systems, and proximity sensors, then processes and weights these signals to produce an accurate connection state determination. This intermediary processing layer enables accurate detection without requiring direct complex interaction between all sensor components.
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple detection methods (imaging, proximity sensing, electrical connection) with weighted values, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the weighting of different detection signals based on vehicle motion state. When the vehicle is moving, proximity sensing has higher weight; when stationary, imaging system weight increases. This dynamic weighting strategy improves reliability across different operating conditions while managing system complexity through adaptive rather than static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the weighting parameters of different detection signals based on vehicle motion state (moving vs. stationary). This parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain high reliability across different operational scenarios without requiring fundamentally different system architectures for each scenario.
3Measurement precision
If the system processes images, proximity signals, and electrical connection signals with weighted values based on vehicle motion, then the detection precision is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts signal weighting based on vehicle motion state to optimize processing efficiency. During motion, proximity sensing (faster response) is weighted higher; when stationary, the imaging system (more precise but slower) can be processed more thoroughly. This dynamic approach reduces processing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing of all detection signals simultaneously, using weighted evaluation to determine connection state without requiring complete analysis of all data sources. This partial action approach achieves sufficient detection precision while reducing overall processing time compared to exhaustive analysis of all signals.
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 system provides accurate and reliable detection of the trailer connection state, ensuring the driver is informed of a fully connected or disconnected trailer, enhancing safety and preventing accidents by providing timely warnings and assistance in the hitching process.
Implementation Method 1
The proximity sensor system comprises one or more radar sensors for detecting one or more corners of an object trailer rearward of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a trailer hitch, a vehicle electrical connector configured to electrically connect to a trailer electrical connector, and an imaging system oriented to captures images proximate to the trailer hitch. The vehicle also includes a proximity sensing system arranged to sense objects proximate to the trailer hitch and generate a proximity signal, an electrical connection detection system to detect an electrical connection to the vehicle trailer connector and generate an electrical connection signal, and a controller processing the captured images, the proximity signal and the electrical connector signal and determining a connection state of a trailer to the vehicle based on the captured images, the proximity sensor and the electrical connector signal, and generating an output indicative of the determined connection state.