Trailer Hitch Guidance Method Using Real-Time Visual Path Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for aligning a trailer hitch with a trailer coupling during reverse maneuvering are inefficient as they require the driver to look forward, making it difficult to steer the vehicle accurately, and existing visual indicators are not effectively displayed to guide the driver in real-time alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic control unit to display visual reverse steering guidance indicators on a vehicle's display, showing a projected path and a target path, with real-time updates and color-coded feedback to indicate alignment and directional adjustments needed to align the trailer hitch with the trailer coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the driver looks forward at the display to see visual indicators, then the driver can see alignment guidance information, but it becomes more difficult to steer the vehicle accurately in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions the visual display from a forward-facing position to a rear-facing position (mirror or window display), allowing the driver to see alignment information in the same field of view where they naturally look during reverse maneuvering, eliminating the need to shift gaze between display and road
2Loss of information
If existing visual indicator systems are used, then alignment guidance is provided, but the indicators are not effectively displayed to guide the driver in real-time alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances specific critical areas in the driver's field of view with targeted visual overlays (guidance lines, alignment markers, directional arrows) rather than requiring the driver to interpret generic display information, making the guidance immediately apparent and actionable
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators are updated in real-time as the vehicle moves and the camera captures successive frames, providing continuous dynamic feedback rather than static information, allowing the driver to see the projected path update as they maneuver
3Manufacturing precision
If the driver manipulates the vehicle to align the trailer hitch with the trailer coupling, then the alignment is achieved, but the driver cannot see either the trailer hitch or the trailer coupling when the rear of the vehicle gets close to the front of the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the rear view scene displayed in the driver's field of view through the mirror or window, allowing the driver to see the trailer hitch and coupling positions without physically seeing them, providing continuous visual feedback during the alignment maneuver
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system acts as an intermediary between the driver and the physical scene, capturing images of the trailer hitch and coupling and presenting them to the driver through the mirror or window display, enabling visibility without direct line of sight
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing visual reverse steering guidance indicators on a display in a vehicle includes having an electronic control unit display on a display in the vehicle an image of an area behind the vehicle that includes a target, display a projected path track of a projected path that the vehicle will travel based on a current alignment of a steering system of the vehicle, display a visual indicator of whether the projected path matches a target path that the vehicle must travel in reverse to align the vehicle with the target, when the projected path does not match the target path, displaying a visual indicator of a direction that a steering wheel of the vehicle must be turned to align the projected path with the target path, and updating the visual guidance indicators in real time as the vehicle is driven in reverse toward the target.