Trailer Detection System Self-Configuration via Hitch Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer detection systems face challenges in reliably configuring sensor units when a trailer is connected to a vehicle, leading to potential false detections and accidents due to the inflexibility of existing methods, which are not designed for trailers and require modifications or precise configuration parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves determining the trailer's connection to the vehicle via a hitch, transmitting information about the hitch to the trailer's computing system, and configuring the trailer detection system based on this information to ensure accurate detection, allowing for real-time configuration and adaptation, especially considering the height of the hitch above the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trailer detection system is equipped on a trailer, then the detection system can detect objects in the vicinity of the trailer, but the system cannot be configured reliably when the trailer is connected to a vehicle, leading to false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer detection system performs self-configuration automatically upon connection to a vehicle. The control unit receives vehicle data, determines sensor configuration parameters based on this data, and configures the sensor units without requiring manual intervention or pre-programming for each trailer-vehicle combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor configuration parameters (such as detection thresholds, sensitivity levels, and active sensor subsets) based on the detected vehicle type and connection status. This allows the same physical hardware to adapt its operational parameters to different mounting conditions and vehicle platforms.
2Measurement precision
If the trailer detection system is configured for each specific trailer-vehicle combination, then detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of configuration and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the appropriate sensor configuration by processing vehicle data received through the hitch connection. This self-configuration process eliminates the need for manual setup procedures, technical personnel intervention, or complex pre-programming, while still achieving high detection accuracy tailored to each specific vehicle-trailer combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs configuration determination automatically at the moment of connection, before any detection operations begin. This preliminary self-configuration ensures that the sensor units are properly calibrated for the specific vehicle type before actual detection starts, maintaining accuracy without requiring complex pre-setup procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration procedures are used for trailer detection systems, then configuration can be precise, but the ease of operation and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer detection system automatically receives vehicle data through the hitch connection, determines the appropriate configuration parameters, and configures itself without requiring manual intervention. This self-configuration process maintains precise setup while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the system configures itself automatically upon connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the configuration determination and setup automatically at connection time, before any detection operations begin. This preliminary automated configuration ensures precise setup parameters are established without requiring manual procedures, technical personnel, or extended setup time from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a method for configuring a trailer detection system (10), wherein a trailer (12) is connected to a vehicle (14) via a hitch (16), and wherein the trailer (12) comprises the trailer detection system (10) and a computing system (18), comprising the following steps:Determining, by a vehicle-integrated computing unit (20), that the trailer (12) is connected to the vehicle (14) via the hitch (16) for data transmission;Transmitting information about the hitch (16) from the computing unit (20) of the vehicle (14) to the computing system (18) of the trailer (12);Determining configuration data of the trailer detection system (10) by the computing system (18) of the trailer (12), based on the information about the hitch (16);Configuring the trailer detection system (10) on the basis of the determined configuration data, by the computing system (18) of the trailer (12).The present invention also refers to a trailer detection system comprising means for executing the steps of the method. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a vehicle comprising the trailer detection system. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a data carrier signal, which the computer program transmits. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method.