Trailer Hitch Angle Detection Using Projected Optical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting the hitch angle in combination vehicles require the installation of markers or targets on the towed vehicle, which affects the external appearance and increases installation burden.
Innovation Solution
A relative angle detection device that uses an imaging device and a radiation device to capture and analyze marker light projected onto the towed vehicle, allowing detection of the relative angle without installing markers on the towed vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a marker or target is installed on the front of the towed vehicle to enable hitch angle detection, then the relative angle can be detected, but the installation burden increases and the external appearance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radiation device that projects marker light onto the towed vehicle as an intermediary element. Instead of installing physical markers on the vehicle, the system uses projected light patterns (visible or invisible) that can be captured by the imaging device. This mediator (marker light) enables angle detection without permanent modification to the towed vehicle, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and installation burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (marker light projection) of the target instead of using a physical marker. The radiation device projects light patterns that replicate the functionality of a physical target without requiring actual installation on the vehicle. This copying approach maintains detection precision while eliminating the need for physical installation, thus resolving the contradiction
2Measurement precision
If a marker or target is installed on the front of the towed vehicle to enable hitch angle detection, then the relative angle can be detected, but the external appearance of the towed vehicle is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation device projects marker light onto the towed vehicle's surface as a temporary, non-permanent marker. This intermediary approach allows the marker to be present only when needed for detection, and it can be removed (by turning off the projection) without leaving any physical trace on the vehicle, thus preserving external appearance while enabling detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical properties (visible or invisible light patterns) to create the marker effect without permanent visual changes to the vehicle. The marker light can be made invisible to the human eye while still being detectable by the imaging device, or it can be a temporary projection that doesn't alter the vehicle's paint or surface, thereby maintaining external appearance while enabling detection
3Stability of the object's composition
If a physical marker is installed on the towed vehicle, then the target is permanently fixed, but the system lacks flexibility for different detection scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static physical marker to a dynamic optical projection system. The marker light can be dynamically controlled in terms of visibility (visible/invisible), position, and activation timing. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different detection scenarios by adjusting projection parameters, while the projected marker remains stable and detectable during the actual detection process
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation device can project marker light periodically or only when needed for detection, rather than continuously or permanently. This periodic activation allows the system to maintain flexibility for different scenarios (when detection is needed vs. when it is not), while ensuring stable marker presence during the actual detection moments
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
Enables detection of the relative angle between the towed and towing vehicles without modifying the towed vehicle's appearance, facilitating seamless integration and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation device that emits marker light to a position where the image is to be captured by the imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
A relative angle detection device for a combination vehicle, the relative angle detection device being used in the combination vehicle in which a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle are connected by a towing-side connecting member and a towed-side connecting member. The relative angle detection device includes an imaging device that captures an image of one of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle from the other, a radiation device that emits marker light to a position where the image is to be captured by the imaging device, and an image analysis device that analyzes the image captured by the imaging device to detect a relative angle of the towed vehicle with respect to the towing vehicle.