Trailer Position Detection Using Multi-Side Detector Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of a trailer relative to a vehicle are imprecise, only allowing for the measurement of yaw angle, which limits the accuracy of trailer positioning and fails to detect tilting, leading to potential safety-critical situations such as tire loss and undesired trailer swinging during reversing.
Innovation Solution
A method using detector devices on opposite longitudinal sides of the vehicle to detect regions on the trailer and determine tilting about the longitudinal axis, employing reference target patterns for precise position determination, with automatic pattern recognition and calibration to quickly identify tilting and generate warnings when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single centrally arranged reversing camera is used to determine trailer position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of trailer position and tilting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple segments by using multiple detector devices (at least two, preferably four) positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each detector captures a specific region of the trailer, and the evaluation unit integrates these segmented views to determine comprehensive position and tilting information, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point detection to multi-dimensional detection by arranging detectors in spatial distribution around the vehicle. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous measurement of trailer position, yaw angle, and roll angle (tilting), achieving comprehensive precision without excessive complexity increase.
2Measurement precision
If only yaw angle determination is implemented, then the measurement scope is limited, but the reliability for detecting safety-critical situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trailer position determination into multiple independent measurement components: yaw angle determination and roll angle (tilting) determination. Each component is handled by specific detector configurations and evaluation methods, allowing comprehensive safety monitoring that improves reliability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by repeatedly determining trailer position and tilting during vehicle operation. The evaluation unit processes detector signals in real-time, providing ongoing safety monitoring that enhances both measurement precision and reliability for detecting critical situations like tire pressure loss.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detector devices are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the vehicle to detect trailer tilting, then the measurement precision of trailer tilting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both yaw angle determination and roll angle (tilting) determination. The same detectors positioned on opposite longitudinal sides contribute to multiple measurement objectives, reducing the need for additional specialized sensors and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection functions into a unified evaluation unit that processes signals from multiple detectors to simultaneously determine trailer position, yaw angle, and tilting. This consolidation approach achieves precise tilting detection without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a trailer (3) attached to a vehicle (2) relative to the vehicle (2), in which detector devices (10, 12) arranged on opposite longitudinal sides (4, 5) of the vehicle (2) detect an area formed on opposite sides (6, 7) of the trailer (3), wherein the tilting of the trailer (3) about its longitudinal axis (B) is determined for position determination. The invention also relates to a driver assistance system (14) for a vehicle (2).