Trailer Drop Leg Position Detection Using Backup Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often forget to retract the drop leg of a trailer before driving, leading to potential damage to the drop leg or other trailer components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle apparatus that uses a backup camera to capture images of the trailer's drop leg, comparing them to prestored patterns to determine if the drop leg is in an extended or retracted position, and alerts the driver if it is not retracted, with a notification system to prevent driving until the drop leg is safely retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user manually checks and retracts the drop leg before driving, then the drop leg can be properly positioned, but the user may forget to perform this task resulting in potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting the drop leg position using image processing and providing warnings without requiring manual inspection. The backup camera captures images, the controller processes them to determine drop leg status, and the notification device alerts the driver, creating a self-monitoring system that eliminates reliance on user memory
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the drop leg position through image capture and processing, then providing real-time visual or audible warnings to the driver when the drop leg is in an incorrect position. This closed-loop feedback ensures the driver is informed of the drop leg status before driving occurs
2Reliability
If a manual reminder system is used, then the system remains simple, but it cannot reliably detect or prevent driving with extended drop leg
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical detection system. The backup camera captures images of the drop leg, and the controller uses image processing algorithms to automatically determine whether the drop leg is extended or retracted, eliminating the need for physical sensors or complex mechanical detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the drop leg position through camera imaging and processes this copy to determine the actual position. The image serves as a representation of the physical drop leg state, allowing the controller to analyze position without direct physical contact or complex sensing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drop leg detection system is added, then driving with extended drop leg is prevented, but the system requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by utilizing the existing backup camera for both its original reverse viewing function and the additional function of drop leg position detection. The same camera hardware serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors while providing both safety functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the drop leg detection function with the existing backup camera system. The image processing algorithms are integrated into the vehicle's existing controller, combining multiple safety and monitoring functions into a unified system that shares hardware resources
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes apparatus for towing a trailer with a retractable drop leg. A backup camera captures a detection image with a field of view including the trailer. A vehicle controller detects an initiation of driving with the trailer being connected. A pattern memory prestores at least one image pattern indicative of an extended position or a retracted position of the drop leg. An image scanner receives the detection image when the initiation of driving is detected, wherein the image scanner compares the detection image and the at least one image pattern to detect whether the drop leg is in the extended position. A notification device responsive to the image scanner alerts a driver if the extended position is detected.