Vehicle Trailer Display System Hitch Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer is challenging, especially for unskilled drivers, due to the need for opposite steering inputs and amplified steering errors, and the risk of jackknife conditions, which existing systems address inadequately by assuming straight paths and requiring complex human-machine interfaces and precise navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle and trailer display system with imaging devices and a controller that provides a user-friendly interface to specify desired trailer path curvature, using kinematic information to control steering angle changes and prevent jackknife conditions through a power-assisted steering system, and includes a target monitoring system for hitch angle calibration and trailer connection monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a trailer backup assist system assumes a zero curvature path (straight path), then the system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle real-world curved path use cases effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the assumed path curvature based on detected jackknife conditions rather than assuming a fixed zero curvature path. When a jackknife condition is detected, the system recognizes that a curved path was intended and adjusts control accordingly, enabling the system to handle real-world curved path scenarios without requiring complex path planning algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the jackknife detection mechanism itself to infer the driver's intended curved path, rather than requiring separate path specification inputs from the driver. The detection of jackknife conditions provides information about the intended curved path, allowing the system to self-determine the appropriate control strategy
2Measurement precision
If complex human-machine interface devices are used to specify path, obstacles and goal, then path planning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the driver's intended path and goals through jackknife condition detection without requiring complex HMI inputs. The system infers the desired curved path and stopping point from the physical conditions detected during backup, eliminating the need for complex path specification interfaces while maintaining accurate path following
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from jackknife detection sensors to automatically adjust control parameters and determine the appropriate backup path. This feedback mechanism replaces complex manual path specification with automatic system-determined path planning based on real-time physical conditions
3Measurement precision
If precise navigation systems and cameras are required to determine desired path and stopping point, then path following accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing jackknife detection infrastructure to determine path and stopping point information without requiring separate precise navigation systems or cameras. The physical conditions detected during backup maneuvers provide sufficient information for accurate path following and stopping point determination
Solution Approach 2:
The jackknife detection system serves multiple functions: it detects jackknife conditions for safety, infers the driver's intended curved path, determines the desired stopping point, and provides feedback for automatic control adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate navigation and path planning systems
4Reliability
If steering inputs are opposite to normal steering when backing, then trailer control is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback control that adjusts steering inputs based on detected jackknife conditions and intended path curvature. This feedback mechanism compensates for the counterintuitive steering requirements by automatically calculating the appropriate steering corrections, making the system easy to operate while maintaining effective trailer control
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines and executes the correct steering inputs without requiring the driver to understand or remember the counterintuitive steering patterns. The system self-corrects steering based on detected conditions, eliminating the operational difficulty while maintaining control effectiveness
5Reliability
If braking is required to stabilize vehicle-trailer combination before jackknife, then jackknife prevention is achieved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of jackknife conditions and automatically adjusts control parameters before the actual jackknife occurs. By detecting early signs of jackknife and preemptively adjusting steering and braking, the system prevents jackknife conditions without requiring aggressive corrective braking that would reduce backup efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from jackknife detection sensors to dynamically adjust control parameters during the backup maneuver. This real-time feedback allows the system to maintain stability and prevent jackknife conditions while optimizing the backup process for efficiency, avoiding unnecessary braking
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and trailer display system is disclosed. The display system includes a plurality of imaging devices disposed on the vehicle, each having a field of view. The display system further includes a screen disposed in the vehicle operable to display images from the imaging devices. A controller is in communication with the imaging devices and the screen and is operable to receive a hitch angle corresponding to the angle between the vehicle and the trailer. Based on the hitch angle, the controller is operable to select a field of view of an imaging device to display on the screen.