Trailer Hitch Alignment via Energy Reflection Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer hitch alignment is challenging due to components being out of the driver's field of vision, requiring assistance and lacking intuitive directional information, with existing solutions being inaccurate, prone to failure, and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An alignment system with energy emitters and sensors on the towing vehicle that emit and detect energy reflections from the trailer tongue, processing signals to provide directional data for a user interface, allowing the driver to align the hitch accurately without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional alignment devices are used to elevate indicators into the driver's field of view, then alignment visibility is improved, but accuracy deteriorates and reliability worsens due to devices falling off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment devices with an electronic system comprising sensors, processors, and display devices that use electronic signals and visual feedback to indicate trailer tongue position and alignment status, eliminating mechanical components that can fall off while maintaining measurement precision through digital sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic system that includes processors and display devices acting as mediators between the physical alignment components and the driver, translating sensor data into intuitive visual feedback that improves both visibility and accuracy simultaneously
2Illumination intensity
If camera systems are deployed to display the area behind the towing vehicle, then visibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to obscuration by weather and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into multiple sensors positioned at different locations and orientations on the towing vehicle, allowing the system to maintain reliable detection by selecting appropriate sensor readings based on environmental conditions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces processors as intermediaries that receive data from multiple sensors and intelligently select or combine readings to compensate for environmental obstructions, providing reliable alignment information even when individual sensors are obscured by weather or debris
3Measurement precision
If a second person assists the driver with alignment instructions, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service alignment system where the towing vehicle automatically provides alignment guidance through visual displays and audio outputs without requiring external assistance, maintaining accuracy through sensor-based detection while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for a second person
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where processors analyze sensor data and provide real-time visual and audio feedback to the driver about trailer tongue position and alignment status, enabling accurate self-aligned operation without external assistance
4Illumination intensity
If conventional camera systems are used for alignment guidance, then visibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal alignment system that can be integrated with existing vehicle sensor platforms and display systems, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions including alignment guidance, safety monitoring, and navigation, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining visibility improvements
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
The system ensures accurate, efficient, and safe alignment of trailer hitches in various weather conditions, usable with any type of hitch, and does not require vehicle modification, enhancing connection speed and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor is configured to generate signals in response to detecting a reflection of the emitted energy from the trailer tongue
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch.