Trailer Maneuvering System Configuration via Mobile Optical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a vehicle with a trailer is challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers, due to difficulties in accurately maneuvering the trailer during backing operations, which requires complex setup and measurement processes for trailer maneuvering systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a mobile device to capture and communicate trailer dimensional data to a controller, simplifying the setup process by providing instructions and utilizing a kinematic model to assist in maneuvering the trailer, including a camera system for image data capture and optical character recognition to digitize measurements, thereby reducing the complexity of manual entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry of trailer dimensional data is used, then setup accuracy can be achieved, but setup complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and data entry processes with an automated optical scanning system. The scanner uses light to automatically capture trailer dimensional data, substituting the mechanical process of manual measurement with an optical field-based system that eliminates the need for physical contact and manual recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a scanner as an intermediary device between the trailer and the control system. This intermediary automatically captures dimensional data and transmits it to the control system, eliminating the need for direct human interaction and manual data entry, thereby simplifying the setup process while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If manual measurement and data entry processes are used, then setup completeness can be ensured, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary automated data capture by scanning the trailer before the setup process begins. The scanner pre-collects all necessary dimensional data during a single pass, so that when the control system receives the data, it is already complete and ready for processing, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement during the setup phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual measurement and data entry operations with rapid optical scanning. The scanner can capture multiple dimensional parameters simultaneously in seconds, whereas manual processes would require sequential measurement and entry of each dimension, significantly reducing the overall setup time while ensuring data completeness.
3Measurement precision
If complex manual setup procedures are used, then system configuration accuracy can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the trailer maneuvering system to perform self-configuration through automated scanning. The scanner automatically captures dimensional data and the control system automatically processes this data to configure the maneuvering parameters, eliminating the need for operator expertise in manual measurement and calculation procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated scanner and control system as intermediaries that handle the complex configuration tasks. These intermediaries perform the accurate measurement and calculation work that would otherwise require skilled operators, allowing inexperienced users to achieve accurate configuration simply by initiating the scanning process without needing to understand the complex underlying procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for configuring a trailer model for a trailer maneuvering system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller having a memory and being operable to communicate with the trailer maneuvering system. The controller is configured to receive trailer dimensional data from a mobile device. The trailer dimensional data may then be stored in the memory as a first trailer profile. The controller is operable to access the trailer dimensional data in the first trailer profile to determine at least one vehicle operation configured to maneuver the trailer.