Trailer Hitch Alignment via Interference Offset Path Planning
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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 hitch ball with the trailer coupler, often requiring repeated maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to collisions and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system that includes a controller and sensors (cameras and ultrasonic sensors) to acquire position data for the trailer coupler, derive a vehicle path to align the hitch ball at an interference offset past the coupler's centerline, and output steering and brake control signals to maintain the vehicle along this path, ensuring accurate alignment without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of hitch ball with coupler is performed through repeated driving maneuvers, then alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Cameras capture images of the coupler, and a controller automatically calculates and executes the alignment path, substituting the driver's manual steering and positioning actions with an automated control system that integrates visual detection and actuation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to perform its own alignment operation autonomously. The vehicle's camera system detects the coupler position, the controller computes the required maneuvers, and the actuation system executes the alignment without requiring the driver to manually position the vehicle through repeated trial and error.
2Manufacturing precision
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the coupler, then alignment can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and complex requiring multiple maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Cameras capture images of the coupler, and a controller automatically calculates and executes the alignment path, substituting the driver's manual steering and positioning actions with an automated control system that integrates visual detection and actuation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera system and controller as intermediaries between the driver and the alignment operation. The camera captures visual information about the coupler's position and orientation, the controller processes this information to determine the alignment path, and the actuation system executes the maneuvers, serving as an intelligent intermediary that simplifies the complex alignment task.
3Manufacturing precision
If repeated forward and reverse driving maneuvers are performed for alignment, then the hitch ball can be positioned correctly, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the coupler's position and orientation using camera images before executing the alignment maneuvers. By capturing visual data in advance and pre-calculating the required path, the system can execute a more efficient alignment sequence that minimizes the number of forward and reverse maneuvers needed to achieve proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the alignment process through real-time camera feedback, allowing the controller to adjust the vehicle's path dynamically. This closed-loop control enables the system to achieve precise hitch ball positioning with fewer maneuvers by constantly comparing the actual position with the desired position and making corrective adjustments.
4Manufacturing precision
If the driver attempts to align the hitch ball without proper visibility, then alignment may be achieved through inference, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system and controller as intermediaries between the driver and the alignment operation. The camera captures visual information about the coupler's position and orientation, the controller processes this information to determine the alignment path, and the actuation system executes the maneuvers, serving as an intelligent intermediary that simplifies the complex alignment task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Cameras capture images of the coupler, and a controller automatically calculates and executes the alignment path, substituting the driver's manual steering and positioning actions with an automated control system that integrates visual detection and actuation control.
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
The system significantly simplifies the hitching process by providing precise alignment of the hitch ball with the trailer coupler, reducing the risk of collisions and manual errors, and improving the efficiency of the hitching operation.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may include an imaging system that captures images of the coupler
Implementation Method 2
The means for acquiring may further include one or more ultrasonic sensors mounted on a rear of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitch assistance system includes a steering system and a controller. The controller acquires position data for a coupler of a trailer, derives a vehicle path to position a center of a hitch ball of the vehicle at an interference offset past a centerline of the coupler in a driving direction of the vehicle path, and outputs a steering control signal to the steering system to maintain the vehicle along the path.