Remote Trailer Hitch Alignment With Viewing Zone Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the lack of clear sight lines, requiring repeated driving and steering maneuvers, and potential contact between the vehicle and trailer during alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system with detection devices and a controller that calculates a travel zone and viewing zones, controls vehicle navigation, and communicates with a remote device to assist in aligning the vehicle hitch with the trailer coupler, using sensors and imaging systems to guide the user to optimal viewing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the driver manually aligns the vehicle hitch with the trailer coupler using repeated driving and steering maneuvers, then the hitching operation can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple stopping and stepping out of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of detection devices, communication modules, and a controller that mediates between the driver and the vehicle-trailer alignment process. The system provides real-time feedback about hitch ball position and guides the driver through automated maneuvers, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustment and observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to perform self-alignment by automatically controlling steering and acceleration based on detected trailer position. The driver initiates the process but the vehicle autonomously executes the alignment maneuvers, reducing manual intervention and time consumption.
2Productivity
If the driver relies on inference of hitch ball position without direct visual confirmation, then the operation can continue without stopping, but the positioning precision deteriorates requiring multiple corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detection devices continuously monitor the relative position between the vehicle hitch ball and trailer coupler. This real-time position information is communicated to the driver or used by the control system to automatically adjust the vehicle's position, ensuring precise alignment without requiring the driver to stop and visually confirm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the driver's manual inference and visual estimation with automated detection devices that use sensors and communication modules to accurately determine hitch ball position. This substitution of mechanical/visual methods with electronic detection systems provides both continuous operation and high positioning precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the driver maintains close proximity to the rear bumper for hitch ball alignment, then the alignment control is improved, but the risk of undesired contact between vehicle and trailer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes detection data about trailer position and calculates appropriate vehicle maneuvers. This intermediary computation allows the system to achieve precise alignment while maintaining safe distances, as the controller can plan optimal paths that avoid contact while still achieving accurate hitch ball positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the vehicle's travel path and identifies viewing zones before execution. By pre-planning the alignment maneuver with knowledge of safe zones and potential contact points, the system can achieve precise alignment while avoiding undesired contact between the vehicle and trailer.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes at least one detection device configured to capture detection data. The system further includes a controller that identifies a travel path of the vehicle extending from a current position to a target position of the vehicle. In response to the travel path, the controller calculates a travel zone occupied by the vehicle traversing the travel path and determines at least one viewing zone proximate to the travel zone. The controller further determines a location of a user based on the detection data and controls a navigation routine of the vehicle along the travel path in response to a location of the user relative to the at least one viewing zone.