Trailer Wheel Propulsion Control for Precise Reverse Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reversing vehicle-trailer combinations lack the accuracy needed for precise docking and maneuvering, leading to potential collisions, damage, and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that shifts propulsion control to the trailer's driven wheels when the trailer is aligned with the target location, using sensors to determine angular offset and allowing for precise alignment and maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control or basic sensor systems are used for reversing, then the system complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and measurement precision are insufficient leading to collisions and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the angular offset of the trailer relative to the target location using sensor data and adjusts the propulsion control accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise measurement and correction of the trailer's position, achieving high docking precision while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control unit that uses sensor data and computational algorithms to determine propulsion control. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic sensing and control systems enables superior measurement precision while the automation handles the complexity management.
2Manufacturing precision
If propulsion control is shifted to the trailer's driven wheels, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically shifts propulsion control between the vehicle and trailer based on real-time angular offset measurements. When the trailer is misaligned, the vehicle provides propulsion control; when aligned, the trailer's driven wheels take over. This dynamic allocation optimizes docking precision while the control unit manages the coordination complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer's driven wheels are equipped to provide self-propulsion capability, allowing the trailer to autonomously adjust its position and alignment once the control unit shifts propulsion control to it. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex continuous coordination, as the trailer can independently fine-tune its positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle-trailer combination is steered during reverse movement, then the adaptability to avoid obstacles is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the docking position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reversing operation is segmented into two distinct phases: a navigation phase where the vehicle-steered combination moves toward the target area with obstacle avoidance, and a docking phase where propulsion control shifts to the trailer's driven wheels for precise alignment. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific goal without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle performs preliminary navigation and obstacle avoidance maneuvers to bring the trailer into the general vicinity and proper orientation of the target location. Once this preliminary positioning is achieved, the control unit shifts propulsion control to the trailer for the final precise docking maneuver, ensuring both adaptability and precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control unit for reversing a vehicle-trailer combination toward a target location, wherein the vehicle and the trailer each are equipped with driven wheels, and wherein the control unit is configured to: obtain sensor data, wherein the sensor data comprises an angular offset α of the trailer relative to the target location; determine whether the angular offset α of the trailer relative to the target location is within a predetermined alignment margin; and shift propulsion control to the driven wheels of the trailer for movement toward the target location in response to the angular offset α of the trailer being within the predetermined alignment margin.