Trailer Parameter Detection Using Vehicle-Trailer Transceiver Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems struggle to accurately determine trailer parameters such as length and articulation angle, which are crucial for effective driver assistance systems, especially when trailers are not permanently attached and camera positions vary.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using transceiver units mounted on vehicles and trailers to determine the distance between them, allowing for the calculation of trailer parameters like length and articulation angle, without requiring new hardware, by utilizing existing transceiver units in radio camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transceiver units are used to determine distance between vehicle and trailer, then measurement precision of trailer parameters is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using existing transceiver units from radio camera systems for multiple purposes: their original communication function and the additional function of distance measurement for trailer parameter determination. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing transceiver units in radio camera systems are utilized for distance determination, then ease of manufacture is improved by avoiding new hardware, but reliability may worsen due to potential interference with existing system functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that separates the distance measurement function from the existing radio camera system operations. The transceiver units continue their original communication tasks while a dedicated distance determination module processes signals independently, preventing interference and maintaining reliability while achieving ease of manufacture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transceiver units are deployed on vehicle and trailer, then measurement precision of trailer parameters is improved, but loss of energy increases due to multiple signal transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting distance measurement signals only at specific intervals or when triggered by particular conditions (such as when trailer parameters need updating), rather than continuous transmission. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through periodic updates.
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
Enables the simple and accurate determination of various trailer parameters, improving the functionality of driver assistance systems by providing essential data for image section selection and scaling in camera-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting at least one signal between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit
Implementation Method 2
determining the transit time of the signal sent between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit
Implementation Method 3
determining the received field strength of the signal sent between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises determining the distance between a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit, wherein the first transceiver unit is mounted on a vehicle and the second transceiver unit is mounted on a trailer connected to the vehicle. The method also includes determining at least one parameter relating to the trailer, taking into account the distance between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit.