Trailer Length Determination via Circular Motion Vector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the overall length of a trailer in a vehicle combination are complex and computationally intensive, making it difficult to provide accurate geometric data necessary for driver assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the overall length of a trailer by calculating the sum of the trailer-side axle-coupling distance and the trailer-side axle-rear distance using a movement vector during constant circular driving, with the movement vector detected by a camera or sensors, allowing for simple and efficient computation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex computational methods are used to determine trailer length, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational methods with a mechanical sensing approach. Motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) physically measure the trailer's motion characteristics during circular driving, and the control unit directly calculates length from these physical measurements rather than using complex image processing or computational geometry methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer itself provides the measurement data through its natural motion response during circular driving. The trailer's inertial properties and motion dynamics during the test maneuver inherently contain the length information, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment or complex computational reconstruction.
2Measurement precision
If complex computational methods are used to determine trailer length, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computationally intensive methods with direct physical measurement. Motion sensors capture trailer dynamics in real-time during circular driving, and the control unit performs simple calculations on this data, providing rapid length determination without complex image processing or iterative computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary circular driving maneuver that naturally excites the trailer's motion characteristics. This pre-configured test maneuver is designed to elicit measurable responses that directly reveal the trailer length, eliminating the need for multiple measurement attempts or complex data reconstruction procedures.
3Device complexity
If simple determination methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from static geometric measurements to dynamic motion parameters. By measuring the trailer's acceleration, velocity, and angular motion during circular driving, the system extracts length information from dynamic responses, achieving high precision with simple sensors and calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static measurement concepts to dynamic measurement. The trailer's motion during circular driving provides rich dynamic information about its length, and the system captures this transient behavior to determine length accurately, rather than relying on static geometric assumptions or complex reconstruction.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves determining the trailer-side axis coupling ratio. The motion vector (v) of the movement of rear end (9) of the trailer (3) is determined at a constant or quasi-constant circular drive, in which the motion vector represents the direction and speed of the rear end of trailer relative to the road surface. The trailer-side axis-rear distance (IU) is determined in dependence on the direction and the speed. The overall length is determined as the sum of trailer side axle-clutch-distance (lA) and the trailer side axis-rear distance. An independent claim is included for device for determining total length of trailer of vehicle combination.