Trailer Hitch Guidance System with Automatic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer hitch systems lack an efficient and intuitive method for aligning a vehicle with a trailer coupler, requiring manual steering and gear management, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch guidance system that includes a rear-view camera, human machine interface (HMI), velocity sensor, and electronic controller, which guides the vehicle to align with the coupler by presenting visual commands and automatically steering the vehicle when in reverse gear, while monitoring speed and adjusting steering accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering and gear management are used for trailer hitch alignment, then the system structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic controller as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle systems. The controller receives user inputs, processes them, and automatically executes complex steering and gear management tasks, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring the user to directly manage complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the electronic controller to automatically manage steering and gear shifts based on user inputs and sensor data. The controller independently processes alignment calculations, generates steering commands, and coordinates with vehicle systems, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If automatic steering is implemented in the trailer hitch system, then the reliability of alignment improves, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor vehicle position, coupler location, and alignment status. This real-time data feeds back to the electronic controller, which adjusts steering commands dynamically to maintain accurate alignment, thereby improving reliability through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical steering control with electronic steering control. The electronic controller substitutes for manual mechanical operations by using electronic signals to control power steering systems, thereby improving alignment reliability while managing complexity through electronic rather than purely mechanical means.
3Reliability
If real-time speed monitoring and visual commands are added, then the safety improves, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time speed monitoring where sensors continuously measure vehicle speed and feed this information to the electronic controller. The controller processes speed data and provides visual feedback through the HMI, alerting users to speed-related safety concerns and enabling timely corrections, thereby improving operational safety through continuous monitoring and feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it manages steering control, monitors speed, processes sensor data, generates visual commands, and coordinates with various vehicle systems. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system improves safety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a human machine interface for a trailer hitch system. One method includes receiving, a first user input, and presenting on a display a captured video image including a coupler, and determining an area into which the vehicle can be guided. The method includes presenting an indication of the area overlaying the captured video image. The method includes, in response to receiving a second user input indicating a location relative to the coupler, and when the vehicle is not in a reverse gear, presenting a visual command to put the vehicle in the reverse gear, and, when the vehicle is in the reverse gear, automatically steering the vehicle to the coupler based on the location. The method includes, during the automatic steering, receiving the speed of the vehicle, and, when the speed exceeds a threshold, presenting on the display a second visual command to slow the vehicle.