Trailer Hitch Alignment via Automated Vision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the challenge of aligning the vehicle hitch ball with the trailer hitch, often requiring repeated driving and steering maneuvers without clear sight lines, which can lead to collisions and inefficient manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle maneuvering apparatus equipped with an imaging device and controller that captures image data to identify the trailer coupler position and height, calculates a target position for the hitch ball, and communicates with the vehicle maneuvering system to adjust the steering angle and motion, ensuring proper alignment without manual longitudinal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used, then the driver can operate the vehicle, but the alignment precision is poor and collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. The imaging device captures images of the coupler, and the controller automatically calculates the target position and controls the vehicle maneuvering system, substituting the driver's manual steering and positioning actions with automated optical detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system between the driver and the vehicle controls. The controller acts as an intermediary that processes image data, calculates the coupler position, determines the target position, and generates steering commands, mediating between the driver's intent and the vehicle's physical response.
2Reliability
If repeated driving maneuvers are performed, then alignment may be achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of the coupler position before the vehicle reaches it. By capturing images early and calculating the target position in advance, the system prepares the optimal alignment path beforehand, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error maneuvers during the actual approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the imaging device to continuously monitor the coupler position and adjust the vehicle path. The controller processes real-time image data, compares the actual position with the target position, and makes corrective steering adjustments, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate alignment in a single pass.
3Ease of operation
If the driver relies on inference, then operation is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the driver's inferential judgment with automated optical measurement. Instead of the driver estimating the coupler position based on limited visual cues and experience, the imaging device captures precise image data that the controller processes to determine the exact coupler location and calculate the accurate target position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical scene through the imaging device. By capturing an image of the coupler and processing it to extract position information, the system creates a measurable digital representation that can be accurately analyzed, replacing the driver's subjective visual inference with objective image-based measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle maneuvering apparatus includes an imaging device configured to capture image data and a controller in communication with a vehicle maneuvering system. The controller is configured to identify a coupler position of a trailer in the image data and compare a coupler height of the coupler position with a hitch height of a hitch ball. In response to the coupler height being insufficient to clear the hitch height, the controller is further configured to calculate a target position laterally offset from the coupler position and communicate the target position to the vehicle maneuvering system.