Trailer Attachment Detection Using Vehicle Pitch Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting trailers connected to vehicles are unreliable, especially at high speeds and with smaller trailers, due to low electrical currents from LED technology, difficulties in distinguishing trailer attachment from noise in yaw and torque measurements, and inability to detect trailers when the vehicle is stationary.
Innovation Solution
A system using pitch data from a vehicle's control unit, combined with other sensors like yaw rate and engine torque, to determine trailer attachment by creating a pitch profile and comparing it with a look-up table or using an algorithm to identify trailer parameters such as leverage, mass, and size, which also sends signals to electronic stability control systems for improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connection detection is used to determine trailer attachment, then electrical supply to trailer rear lights is enabled, but reliable detection becomes difficult due to low currents from LED technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pitch data as an intermediary measurement parameter to detect trailer attachment. Instead of directly measuring the low current from LED lights, the system uses pitch sensor data which indirectly indicates trailer presence through changes in vehicle pitch characteristics caused by the trailer's weight and aerodynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical detection method with a mechanical/physical measurement approach. By substituting electrical current measurement with pitch angle measurement, the system overcomes the limitation of low LED currents and achieves more reliable trailer detection.
2Reliability
If yaw lag measurement is used to detect trailer attachment, then trailer presence can be determined when vehicle is moving, but it becomes difficult to distinguish trailer attachment from noise as trailer dimensions are reduced and detection is impossible when vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring yaw lag (horizontal rotational motion) to measuring pitch (vertical angular position). This dimensional change in measurement allows for more accurate detection of trailer attachment, especially for smaller trailers, and enables detection even when the vehicle is stationary by detecting pitch changes during engine operation.
3Reliability
If engine torque drag measurement is used to detect trailer attachment, then trailer presence can be identified when vehicle is moving, but detection is influenced by terrain drag and cannot be used when vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pitch data as an intermediary parameter that is less sensitive to terrain variations compared to torque measurements. Pitch changes provide a more stable indicator of trailer attachment that is not as heavily influenced by external factors like terrain drag, enabling more reliable detection across different operating conditions.
4Device complexity
If detection is done only at key-on, then system complexity is reduced, but trailer status changes during operation are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous trailer detection by continuously monitoring pitch data throughout vehicle operation, rather than performing detection only at key-on. This continuous monitoring ensures that any changes in trailer attachment status are detected, improving reliability while the use of pitch data keeps the system relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for a vehicle (10) for determining whether a trailer (12) is attached to the vehicle, the system being configured to receive an input of pitch data for the vehicle from pitch detection means and to determine from the pitch data whether a trailer is attached to the vehicle.