Trailer Hitch Alignment via Automated Vision Feedback
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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 maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to contact between the vehicle and trailer.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system that includes a detection system outputting object position information to a controller, which identifies a targeted trailer and additional objects, and controls the vehicle's steering and brake systems to align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler, while providing an indication if an adjacent object is within a threshold distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual hitching alignment is performed through repeated forward and reverse driving, then the hitch ball can be positioned to align with the trailer hitch, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple stopping maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Cameras capture images of the trailer hitch and coupler, and a controller automatically calculates and executes the alignment maneuver, eliminating the need for repeated manual forward and reverse driving while achieving precise hitch ball-to-coupler alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated control system between the driver and the vehicle controls. The system uses image processing to detect the relative positions of the hitch ball and coupler, then automatically controls steering and acceleration to achieve alignment, serving as a mediator that translates visual information into precise mechanical alignment actions.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the coupler through experience-based maneuvers, then alignment can be achieved, but the driver cannot see the hitch ball and must infer its position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the driver's manual visual estimation and experience-based positioning with an automated computer vision system. Multiple cameras capture the actual positions of the hitch ball and coupler, and image processing algorithms precisely determine their relative locations, providing accurate position information that eliminates the driver's inability to see the hitch ball.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the physical hitch ball and coupler through camera systems. These digital representations are processed to determine precise spatial relationships, allowing the system to 'see' and measure positions that are invisible to the human driver during normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If the hitch ball is positioned close to the rear bumper for proper alignment, then coupling accuracy is improved, but any overshoot causes the vehicle to contact the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where cameras continuously monitor the relative positions of the hitch ball and coupler during the alignment maneuver. The controller uses this real-time visual feedback to adjust steering and acceleration, ensuring the hitch ball approaches the coupler precisely without overshooting, thereby maintaining both alignment accuracy and collision avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and planning before the actual alignment maneuver. The system first captures images to determine the initial relative positions of the hitch ball and coupler, calculates the optimal alignment path, and then executes the maneuver with pre-computed steering and acceleration commands, preventing overshoot before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes a vehicle steering system, a detection system outputting a signal including object position information of an area to a rear of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller receiving the object position data and identifying a targeted trailer and at least one additional object within the area to the rear of the vehicle and controlling the vehicle steering system to maneuver the vehicle during reversing to align a hitch ball mounted on the vehicle to a coupler of the targeted trailer. Upon aligning the hitch ball with the coupler, the controller presents an indication, if it is determined that the at least one additional object is within a threshold distance of a side of the targeted trailer.