Trailer Hitch Alignment Guidance Using Rear Camera and Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the lack of clear sightlines, requiring repeated maneuvers and inference for alignment, which can lead to overshots and potential contact between the vehicle and trailer.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an imager to output rear-facing image data to identify a trailer or coupler, determining its position relative to the vehicle and providing instructions for movement and steering signals to align the hitch ball with the coupler within a specified area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driver manually aligns the vehicle with the trailer using traditional methods, then the hitching process can be completed, but it requires repeated forward and reverse driving coordinated with multiple steering maneuvers, making it time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. The imager captures images of the trailer coupler, the controller processes these images to determine coupler position and orientation, and automatically generates steering commands to align the vehicle with the coupler, eliminating the need for manual repeated forward-reverse driving and steering maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated alignment system between the driver and the physical hitching task. This system includes an imager that detects the coupler, a controller that processes the detection data and calculates alignment parameters, and a steering system that executes the alignment, serving as a mediator that translates visual information into precise vehicle positioning
2Ease of operation
If the driver relies on inference to determine hitch ball and coupler positioning without direct sightlines, then the hitching process can continue, but it requires experience with the particular vehicle and trailer and multiple instances of stopping to confirm alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the driver's inferential judgment process with an automated vision-based detection system. The imager directly captures the coupler position and orientation, and the controller processes this visual data to determine precise alignment parameters, eliminating the need for the driver to rely on experience-based inference and repeated stopping to confirm positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the coupler through the imager and displays it on a screen within the vehicle. This allows the driver to see the coupler position and alignment status without physically observing it through the vehicle exterior, providing direct visual feedback that replaces inferential judgment
3Manufacturing precision
If the driver maneuvers the vehicle closely to align the hitch ball with the coupler, then alignment precision can be achieved, but any overshoot can cause the vehicle to come into contact with the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the imager continuously monitors the coupler position, the controller processes this information to calculate alignment status, and the steering system adjusts vehicle position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables precise alignment while preventing overshoot that could lead to collision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and calculation of the optimal alignment path before executing the steering maneuvers. The controller determines the required steering angle and distance based on the detected coupler position, allowing the vehicle to approach the alignment point precisely without overshooting
4Productivity
If the system provides comprehensive visual instructions and automated steering signals, then alignment efficiency and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases with additional imagers and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the controller to perform multiple functions: processing imager data, determining coupler position and orientation, calculating alignment parameters, generating steering commands, and controlling the steering system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high hitching efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes an imager outputting image data of a field of view to the rear of the vehicle and a controller identifying at least one of a trailer or a coupler of the trailer within the image data. The controller further determines that the at least one of the trailer or the coupler is outside of a specified area relative to the vehicle and outputs an instruction for movement of the vehicle determined to position the one of the trailer or the coupler within the specified area. Upon determining that the at least one of the coupler and the trailer is within the specified area, the coupler outputs a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler.