Trailer Hitching Steering Guideline with Dynamic Reach Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup systems for vehicles with trailer hitches do not effectively provide adjustable steering guidance during backup events, particularly at off-center steering angles, which can complicate the process of reversing with a trailer attached.
Innovation Solution
A backup system that includes a control module and display, which projects general-purpose and trailer-hitching steering guidelines. The trailer-hitching steering guideline adjusts its reach based on changing steering angles, providing clearer guidance as the steering angle deviates from center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed-reach steering guideline is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the guidance accuracy deteriorates at off-center steering angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the trailer-hitching steering guideline reach adjustable based on steering angle. The system dynamically modifies the guideline reach parameter in real-time as the steering wheel is turned, extending the guideline reach at off-center angles to maintain guidance accuracy throughout the full range of motion, rather than using a fixed reach that would become inaccurate at extreme angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the reach parameter of the trailer-hitching steering guideline according to the steering angle. The control module calculates and adjusts the guideline reach parameter dynamically, changing it from a baseline value at center steering angle to extended values at off-center angles, thereby adapting the guidance display to match the actual projected path of the hitch point.
2Ease of operation
If steering guidance is provided for all angles, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but clarity at off-center angles deteriorates without adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the guideline reach parameter based on steering angle, ensuring that the displayed guideline accurately represents the projected path of the hitch point at any steering angle. This dynamic adaptation maintains guidance clarity and usefulness throughout the entire steering range, preventing information loss that would occur with a static guideline.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single guideline type is used, then the system is simple, but adaptability to different steering conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing two distinct types of steering guidelines: general-purpose steering guidelines that lead from the upright sides and indicate the projected locus of the vehicle, and trailer-hitching steering guidelines that lead from the hitch point and indicate the projected path of the hitch point. Each guideline type serves a specific function, allowing the system to adapt to different steering conditions while maintaining overall simplicity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by making the trailer-hitching steering guideline reach adjustable while keeping the general-purpose guidelines fixed. This localized adaptation allows the system to modify only the specific guideline element that requires adjustment for trailer hitching accuracy, rather than complicating the entire guideline system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes upright sides, a hitch point between the upright sides, an interior display, and a control module communicatively connected with the display. The control module is configured to, in response to a backup event, operate the display during the backup event to display an area behind the vehicle, general-purpose steering guidelines, and a trailer-hitching steering guideline. The general-purpose steering guidelines lead from the upright sides, indicate a projected locus of the vehicle, and have a reach that is maintained regardless of changing steering angles. The trailer-hitching steering guideline leads from the hitch point, indicates a projected path of the hitch point, and has a reach that is adjusted based on changing steering angles.