Trailer Path Prediction Display for Reversing Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer is challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers, due to the need for opposite steering inputs and amplified small errors leading to the trailer departing from the desired path.
Innovation Solution
A display system for vehicles that includes a controller and screen to receive hitch angle data, determine the trailer's heading direction, and display a predicted trajectory based on driver inputs, providing visual feedback to help align the vehicle and trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display system provides visual feedback of predicted trajectory, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements visual feedback by displaying the predicted trajectory on a screen, showing the user where the trailer will end up based on current steering input. This feedback loop allows inexperienced drivers to understand the relationship between steering wheel position and final trailer position, making the counterintuitive backing maneuver more controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system acts as an intermediary between the driver's steering inputs and the actual trailer movement. By showing a graphical representation of the predicted path, it mediates the information gap that causes difficulty for inexperienced drivers, translating complex vehicle-trailer dynamics into simple visual guidance.
2Measurement precision
If the system calculates predicted trajectory based on hitch angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with electronic sensors and computational algorithms. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical linkages to physically measure and display trailer position, the system uses hitch angle sensors combined with software calculations to determine predicted trajectory, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A display system for a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The system comprises an interface configured to receive a directional input and a controller in communication with the interface and a screen. The controller is operable to receive a hitch angle and determine a heading direction of the trailer. The controller is further operable to determine a predicted heading of the vehicle aligned with the trailer based on the hitch angle. The predicted heading of the trailer is then displayed by the controller on the screen.