Trailer Hitch Vision Check for Incorrect Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trailer hitching processes are prone to errors due to improper connection of key components, such as trailer tongue seating, locking mechanisms, safety chains, and electrical connections, which are often overlooked by operators.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing rear-facing cameras and electronic circuitry to process image data, detecting deficiencies in the hitch connection and alerting the driver or overriding vehicle operation until corrections are made.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual trailer hitching is performed by operators, then the process is simple and requires no additional systems, but connection errors occur frequently due to improper connection of key components
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-verification of hitch connection status through automated image capture and processing. The camera system and control unit automatically detect and verify connection status without requiring external inspection, allowing the system to self-assess whether proper hitching has been achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical verification methods with an automated optical detection system. Image capture devices and electronic processing substitute for human operators physically checking connection components, transforming a manual mechanical process into an automated optical-electronic system
2Loss of information
If operators manually check hitch connections, then the process requires minimal equipment, but key components such as trailer tongue seating, locking mechanisms, safety chains, and electrical connections are often overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of the hitch connection area and processes them to determine connection status, providing feedback to the operator about whether proper hitching has been achieved. The control unit analyzes image data and communicates the verification result, creating a closed-loop feedback system that informs operators of connection status
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture device and control unit serve as intermediaries between the physical hitch connection and the operator. Rather than directly observing or physically checking connections, the operator receives processed information about connection status through the system, which mediates the verification process by capturing, analyzing, and communicating connection information
3Measurement precision
If a vision system with camera and electronic circuitry is implemented to detect deficiencies, then connection accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the physical hitch connection area and processes this copy to determine connection status. Rather than directly measuring or physically interacting with the connection components, the system captures an optical copy and analyzes it electronically, enabling verification through information replication
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer hitching assist system includes a rear backup camera disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle. At least a hitching portion of a trailer hitched to a hitch of the vehicle is viewed by the rear backup camera. Image data captured by the rear backup camera is processed at an image processor. The vehicular trailer hitching assist system, via processing at the image processor of the image data captured by the rear backup camera, determines an incorrect connection of the hitching portion of the trailer to the hitch of the vehicle. The vehicular trailer hitching assist system, responsive to determination of the incorrect connection of the hitching portion of the trailer to the hitch of the vehicle, limits operation of the vehicle or alerts a driver of the vehicle of the determined incorrect connection of the hitching portion of the trailer to the hitch of the vehicle.