Trailer Detection Configuration for Unknown Trailer Setups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer detection systems struggle to reliably detect the trailer environment when connected to a vehicle, leading to potential accidents due to false detections, and existing configuration methods are inflexible and require vehicle modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring a trailer detection system that determines trailer attributes via a vehicle-integrated computing unit, transmits configuration data to the trailer's computing system, and configures the system based on these attributes, allowing for real-time, reliable detection without vehicle modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer detection system uses fixed configuration parameters determined during vehicle production, then the system is simple and reliable for standard vehicles, but it cannot adapt to different trailer configurations leading to false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration parameters are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically determines configuration data based on detected trailer attributes such as trailer type, sensor positions, and hitch height. This allows the detection system to adapt to different trailer configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration or complex hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes configuration parameters based on detected trailer characteristics. Instead of using fixed threshold values and sensor parameters determined during vehicle production, the system automatically adjusts these parameters based on the specific trailer being towed, including sensor unit positions, hitch height, and trailer type identification.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of sensor units is required for each trailer, then detection precision can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer detection system performs self-configuration by automatically determining its own configuration data based on detected trailer attributes. The system autonomously identifies sensor unit positions, hitch height, and trailer type, then configures itself without requiring manual intervention from the user, thus maintaining precision while eliminating configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of trailer attributes before actual detection operations begin. By pre-determining configuration data such as sensor positions and threshold values based on initial trailer identification, the system prepares the optimal configuration in advance, ensuring both precision and speed.
3Ease of operation
If the trailer detection system uses pre-determined configuration parameters, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot reliably detect unknown trailers with different sensor arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where detection results are continuously monitored and used to refine configuration parameters. The system detects trailer attributes, determines configuration data, applies it, and validates detection accuracy, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both ease of operation and reliability for unknown trailers through automatic adaptation.
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
Enables reliable trailer detection with a plug-and-play system, ensuring accurate distance and angle measurements, reducing the risk of accidents, and supporting enhanced vehicle functionality at low cost.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic sensor devices are used, for example, in connection with parking support systems for motor vehicles. Such an ultrasonic sensor device usually comprises several ultrasonic sensors with which ultrasonic signals can be emitted. In addition, ultrasonic sensors can be used to receive ultrasonic signals reflected from objects or obstacles. In this way, the objects or obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle can be detected. In addition, a distance between the vehicle and the object can be determined on the basis of the transit time between the emission of the ultrasonic signal and the reception of the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a method for configuring a trailer detection system (10), wherein a trailer (12), comprising the trailer detection system (10), is connected to a vehicle (14), comprising a computing unit (20), via a hitch (16), comprising the following steps: Determining, by the 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 at least one attribute of the trailer (12) to the computing unit (20) of the vehicle (14); Determining configuration data of the trailer detection system (10) by the computing unit (20) of the vehicle (14), based on the information about the at least one attribute of the trailer (12); Transmitting the configuration data of the trailer detection system (10) from the computing unit (20) of the vehicle (14) to a computing system (18) of the trailer (12); Configuring the trailer detection system (10) on basis of the determined configuration data. 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.