Trailer Hitch Ultrasonic Sensor for Rear Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic sensors installed at vehicle bumpers often fail to detect objects accurately when a trailer hitch is involved, as they may not extend far enough to cover the area around the hitch, leading to potential collisions during reversing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic sensor is strategically placed at the trailer hitch, which communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's ECU to provide enhanced alerts by detecting objects near the hitch, potentially using multiple sensors and alternative technologies like infrared or radar for improved detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are installed at vehicle bumpers, then the sensing system can detect objects in the rear area, but the detection accuracy is insufficient when a trailer hitch is present because the sensors cannot extend far enough to cover the hitch area
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple segments: primary ultrasonic sensors at the bumper for general rear area detection, and secondary ultrasonic sensors at the trailer hitch for specialized hitch area detection. This segmentation allows each sensor group to cover its specific zone effectively, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing coverage is extended by adding a spatial dimension - placing sensors not only at the bumper but also at the trailer hitch location. This multi-position arrangement creates overlapping detection zones that collectively cover both the general rear area and the specific hitch area, thereby improving both coverage area and detection accuracy simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and alternative technologies like infrared or radar are used, then the object detection capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the controller for the ultrasonic sensors and as the notification device that alerts the driver. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single component, improving detection reliability through integrated processing while minimizing system complexity by reducing the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the trailer hitch sensors and the vehicle's ECU. This intermediary approach allows the sensor data to be transmitted without complex hardwired connections, simplifying the physical integration while maintaining reliable data transfer for improved detection capability.
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
This setup enhances the accuracy of object detection and alert generation, reducing the risk of collisions by providing timely and precise warnings to the driver when reversing with a trailer attached.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor disposed at a trailer hitch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular backup assist system includes an ultrasonic sensor disposed at a trailer hitch that is configured to be attached at a rear portion of the vehicle. A control includes a processor for processing sensor data captured by the ultrasonic sensor. The control, with the trailer hitch attached at the vehicle, and during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, and responsive to processing of sensor data captured by the ultrasonic sensor, detects presence of an object rearward of the vehicle and in the vicinity of the trailer hitch. Responsive to detecting presence of the object, the control alerts a driver of the vehicle of the detection.