Trailer Drift Correction via Closed-Loop Steering Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Trailer Reverse Assist (TRA) systems are prone to small errors during straight-line backing of trailers, leading to significant drift from the intended path, which requires periodic manual adjustments by the driver.
Innovation Solution
A trailer reverse assist system that includes a coupler angle detection sensor, a trailer reverse assist module, and a drift controller. The system detects a zero-degree angle between the vehicle and trailer, estimates the distance of trailer drift using vehicle dynamic sensors, and provides real-time drift correction signals to adjust the steering system, ensuring the trailer remains aligned with the intended straight-line path without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If Trailer Reverse Assist systems use basic steering control without drift correction, then the system structure remains simple, but the trailer drifts significantly from the intended path during straight-line backing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the coupler angle sensor continuously monitors the trailer's relative position to the vehicle, and the drift correction module uses this information to dynamically adjust steering commands. This closed-loop feedback system detects deviations from the intended straight-line path and applies corrective steering inputs, resolving the contradiction by achieving high path alignment precision through active feedback control rather than simple open-loop steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical steering control with an electronically controlled system that uses sensor data and computational algorithms to determine steering commands. The drift correction module processes coupler angle information and vehicle dynamic sensor data to generate corrected steering commands, substituting mechanical intuition-based steering with an electronic control system that achieves superior path alignment precision.
2Extent of automation
If the coupler angle sensor is used for straight-line backing control, then the system operates automatically without manual intervention, but calibration errors cause cumulative drift from the desired path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing real-time drift detection and correction during the backing operation. The drift correction module continuously monitors the coupler angle and vehicle dynamic parameters, and before significant drift accumulates, it applies corrective steering commands. This proactive correction approach maintains path following accuracy throughout the maneuver, preventing the cumulative drift that would otherwise occur due to calibration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by using its own sensor data (coupler angle and vehicle dynamics) to detect and compensate for drift without external intervention. The drift correction module autonomously processes the sensor information and adjusts steering commands to maintain accurate path following, enabling the system to service its own calibration errors in real-time during operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual steering adjustments are required to correct trailer drift, then the control system remains simple, but the operation becomes interrupted and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing uninterrupted automatic drift correction throughout the entire backing maneuver. The drift correction module continuously processes sensor data and applies steering adjustments without requiring the driver to pause or manually intervene. This continuous automatic correction maintains smooth operation and eliminates the interruptions that would otherwise be necessary for manual drift adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A trailer reverse assist system includes a coupler angle detection sensor to detect a zero degree angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle. A drift controller receives signals from vehicle dynamics sensors. The drift controller is electrically connected with a trailer reverse assist module. When the vehicle is backing up the trailer on the intended straight line implied path and since the coupler angle sensor, detecting the zero degree angle, is not perfectly calibrated, based in the signals from the vehicle dynamics sensors, the drift controller estimates a distance that the trailer has drifted from the straight line desired path and in a closed-loop feedback manner, provides a drift correction signal to the trailer reverse assist module for modifying the value of the zero degree angle and thus cause adjustment of the steering system to realign the trailer towards the straight line implied path without manual steering intervention.