Trailer Path Obstacle Detection for Reverse Maneuver Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a trailer in reverse at low speeds in tight spaces is challenging for vehicle operators, as existing systems often fail to provide information about obstacles blocked from view, limiting safety and customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that predicts a trailer's path using vehicle and trailer odometry, detects obstacles with mounted sensors, and actuates alert devices in the tow vehicle to communicate obstacle presence to the operator, including visual, auditory, and haptic feedback to aid in avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trailer maneuvering assistance systems are implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the trailer into multiple sensor zones with different sensor types (ultrasonic sensors for close proximity, cameras for visual confirmation, radar for longer range detection). Each sensor type handles specific detection ranges and obstacle types, allowing the complex monitoring task to be segmented into manageable zones with appropriate sensor technologies for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensor systems, processes the information, and generates appropriate alert signals. This intermediary component integrates the complex sensor data processing and coordination functions, isolating the complexity from both the sensors and the alert devices while maintaining system safety.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are deployed on trailer and tow vehicle, then obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges trailer-mounted sensors (ultrasonic, cameras, radar) with tow vehicle-mounted sensors into a unified detection network. The control unit integrates data from all sensor sources, combining their detection capabilities to achieve comprehensive obstacle coverage that exceeds what any single sensor system could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes ultrasonic sensor data, analyzes camera images, interprets radar signals, coordinates alert device activation, and manages clearance distance calculations. This multi-functional component consolidates the complexity of handling multiple sensor types into a single universal processing unit.
3Reliability
If clearance distance calculation and conflict detection are implemented, then collision avoidance is improved, but loss of time in maneuvering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously calculates clearance distances and predicts potential conflicts before they become actual collision risks. By performing these calculations in advance and maintaining real-time awareness of safe operating margins, the system prepares collision avoidance information proactively rather than reactively, enabling smoother maneuvering decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator through alert devices about clearance status and potential conflicts. This real-time feedback loop allows the operator to make informed maneuvering decisions without excessive delays, as the system constantly monitors and communicates safety margins rather than requiring periodic manual assessments.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer maneuver assistance system and method provide for alerting a vehicle operator to possible obstacles within a predicted path of trailer. The predicted path is determined based on at least one sensor system mounted to the trailer and a determination that a detected obstacle is within the predicted path.