Trailer Radius Indication for Forward Turn Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup assist methods do not provide warnings for potential collisions or damage to trailers when vehicles are moving forward and turning, particularly in sharp turns, which can result in the trailer or vehicle striking objects or curbs.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a vehicle steering control system, object detection system, and electronic control unit to assess the vehicle and trailer's path during forward turns, generating steering and velocity signals to determine if the path is safe or unsafe, and providing driver feedback through visual, auditory, or haptic means to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backup assist methods are used to warn drivers of obstacles during reverse maneuvers, then driver awareness of rear hazards is improved, but no warning is provided for potential collisions during forward turns
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends the backup assist functionality to cover both reverse maneuvers and forward turns using the same sensor array and control unit, making the safety system universal across multiple driving scenarios. The object detection system activates in both reverse and forward turn conditions, providing comprehensive hazard awareness regardless of vehicle direction or maneuver type.
2Productivity
If vehicles with longer wheelbases are used for increased cargo capacity, then utility is improved, but the potential for striking objects during forward turns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects in the vehicle's forward path before the vehicle actually reaches them during a turn. By calculating the turn radius based on steering angle and vehicle dimensions, the system identifies potential collision zones in advance and alerts the driver before the harmful collision event can occur.
3Productivity
If sharp turns are taken to reduce travel time, then productivity is improved, but the risk of trailer or vehicle damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors steering angle, vehicle speed, and object proximity, providing real-time feedback to the driver through visual or audible alerts when a sharp turn may cause damage. This feedback loop allows drivers to maintain productivity by taking efficient routes while adjusting their steering input to avoid hazardous conditions detected by the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of preventing damage to a vehicle or trailer maneuvering through a forward moving curve. The steps of providing a forward moving vehicle having a vehicle length, a vehicle velocity, a vehicle yaw rate, vehicle lateral acceleration and two or more wheels of the vehicle that cause the vehicle to move or turn around a curve along a current forward path of travel. The method involves determining the current path of the vehicle and determining if the current path is unsafe. Alerting the driver that the current path is unsafe and providing a suggest path to correct the current unsafe path of forward travel.