Trailer Orientation Sensing from Wheel Movement Relations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the orientation of trailers coupled to towing vehicles face challenges due to contamination and mechanical loads, especially in commercial vehicles, which can impair sensor functionality and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors on the trailer to detect the movement relation of at least two wheels, calculating the orientation of the coupling device based on wheel movement data, and using this information to determine the trailer's orientation relative to the towing vehicle, even in harsh environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical systems or measuring systems are integrated into the trailer coupling for position detection, then the orientation of the trailer can be detected, but the optics may be contaminated by grease or the trailer coupling may experience mechanical loads and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is extracted from the trailer coupling and integrated into the towing vehicle instead. This removes the sensor from the harsh environment of the trailer coupling where it would be exposed to grease contamination and mechanical loads, while still enabling accurate trailer orientation detection through alternative measurement methods in the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the towing vehicle's existing wheel speed sensors as an intermediary to indirectly determine trailer orientation. Instead of directly measuring trailer coupling position, the system measures wheel speed differences of the towing vehicle and calculates trailer orientation from these indirect measurements, avoiding direct exposure of sensors to harmful conditions
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on the trailer coupling for position detection, then the orientation can be determined, but the mechanical loads and abrasion make it more difficult to provide sensors on the utility vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is extracted from the trailer coupling location and relocated to the towing vehicle. This eliminates the need to install sensors in the mechanically demanding environment of the trailer coupling, simplifying the installation while maintaining measurement capability through indirect measurement of wheel speed differences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the towing vehicle's existing wheel speed sensors and vehicle dynamics data to determine trailer orientation. Instead of requiring additional specialized sensors at the trailer coupling, the system repurposes existing vehicle components to provide the required measurement function, reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an orientation of a trailer, the trailer being configured to be coupled to a towing vehicle, includes detecting a relation of movements of at least two wheels of the trailer, upon moving the trailer, with at least one sensor arranged at the trailer for detecting a respective state of the at least two wheels. The method further includes calculating an orientation of a coupling device of the trailer based on the relation of the at least two wheels.