Trailer Jack Camera Mount for Precise Hitch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning a vehicle hitch with a trailer is challenging, often requiring multiple attempts and risking damage or injury due to difficulties in accessing and viewing the relative positions of the hitch and trailer during jack operation.
Innovation Solution
A remote camera system integrated with a processor-based device, allowing wireless communication and image display for controlling an electric jack, with a mountable camera housing and wireless module for providing visual feedback and control integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation of the trailer jack is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and safety are worsened due to difficulty in accessing and viewing the relative positions of the hitch and trailer
Solution Approach 1:
A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to capture and transmit visual images of the hitch and trailer alignment process to a remote display device, enabling the operator to view alignment without physically accessing the jack mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical viewing and positioning process is replaced with an optical-electronic system consisting of a camera, wireless transmission module, and display device, allowing remote visual feedback without mechanical interaction
2Reliability
If the operator enters and exits the vehicle repeatedly to align the hitch, then the alignment can be attempted multiple times, but the loss of time and productivity are worsened due to repeated access operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically capturing and transmitting alignment images to the operator's device, eliminating the need for repeated manual intervention and vehicle entry/exit operations
Solution Approach 2:
The camera continuously captures and transmits alignment images during the jack operation, providing uninterrupted visual feedback that allows the operator to complete alignment in a single continuous operation rather than repeated attempts
3Measurement precision
If the camera is permanently mounted on the jack, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and adaptability are worsened due to fixed positioning limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mount is designed with adjustable and repositionable characteristics, allowing the camera to be dynamically repositioned to optimal viewing angles and locations rather than being fixed in a single static position
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to be universally applicable to different jack configurations and mounting locations, enabling flexible installation on various surfaces and orientations while maintaining alignment measurement 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
Facilitates precise alignment of the hitch and trailer by offering real-time visual feedback and control functions, reducing the need for repeated attempts and minimizing damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
The base may have a magnetic surface
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for a remote camera for use with a jack. The remote camera is wirelessly coupled to a processor-based device, and contained within a housing that is rotatably coupled to a base mounted to a surface, or is integrated within a control box of the jack.