Trailer Reverse Braking Control for Obstacle-Aware Backing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle with a trailer, especially when approaching a loading ramp, is challenging due to the limited visibility behind the trailer, leading to a high risk of collision and potential damage to the trailer's rear lighting equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a sensor on the trailer to measure distance to an obstacle, divide it into classes, and adjust the vehicle's speed and provide haptic feedback through varying braking forces, along with optical and acoustic signals to assist the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually monitors the area behind the trailer while reversing, then collision risk can be reduced through direct observation, but the driver's attention and concentration are heavily consumed making the maneuver difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the trailer to monitor its own proximity to obstacles and automatically apply braking forces without continuous driver intervention. The trailer becomes self-aware of its position relative to the ramp and self-regulates its movement through automated braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback to the driver through haptic signals (vibrations in the steering wheel) and visual displays showing the distance to the obstacle. This feedback loop allows the driver to maintain awareness with minimal attention while the system handles the complex monitoring task.
2Reliability
If automated braking is implemented to reduce collision risk, then safety improves, but the system complexity increases with multiple sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor serves multiple functions: it measures both the distance to the obstacle and detects the relative speed of approach. The electronic braking system integrated with the trailer's existing service brake utilizes the same actuation mechanisms used during normal driving, reducing the need for separate dedicated braking components.
3Ease of operation
If the driver relies on visual signals only to indicate distance, then the system remains simple, but the driver may not receive timely or sufficient warning of proximity to the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vibrations in the steering wheel to provide tactile feedback to the driver about the trailer's proximity to the obstacle. This mechanical vibration delivers immediate, intuitive warning that complements visual signals and ensures the driver receives timely notice of dangerous proximity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances driver safety by providing haptic feedback and visual cues, reducing the risk of collisions and damage during trailer reversing maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
the distance of the rear of the trailer to an obstacle is determined by means of a sensor (3) provided on the trailer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle (1) with a trailer (2) when reversing, in which the distance of the rear (6) of the trailer (2) to an obstacle (9) is determined by means of a sensor (3) provided on the trailer (2) and divided into distance classes (12, 14, 15) and evaluated, and the speed of the vehicle (1) is automatically influenced depending on the distance, and an optical signal is output by means of at least one lighting device (7) provided on the trailer (2), which represents the remaining distance to the obstacle (9) by means of different flashing frequencies.wherein, upon reaching an initial distance value to the obstacle (9), the service brake of the trailer (2) is activated to provide an initial braking force, and as the distance to the obstacle (9) decreases, the service brake of the trailer (2) is activated to provide increasing braking force, and during reversing, a detection area (16) behind the rear (6) of the trailer (2) is monitored for moving objects (17), and upon detection of a moving object (17) in the detection area (16), the service brake of the trailer (2) is activated to initiate an emergency braking action of the vehicle (1) with trailer (2).