Trailer Reverse Control for Jackknife Threshold Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of preventing 'jackknifing' when towing a trailer in reverse, where the trailer forms an acute angle with the vehicle, is not effectively addressed by existing technologies, as they fail to provide adequate control and safety measures to avoid contact between the vehicle and trailer.
Innovation Solution
A computer system in the vehicle determines the relative orientation of the trailer and, when exceeding a threshold, brakes the vehicle and prompts the operator for input, allowing controlled reverse travel while limiting speed and providing guidance to straighten the trailer, using sensor data and thresholds adjusted for speed and trailer shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle allows reverse travel with high relative orientation (jackknifing), then the operator has flexibility in maneuvering, but the risk of contact between vehicle and trailer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relative orientation between vehicle and trailer using sensors, compares it against predefined thresholds, and provides real-time feedback through warnings and automated braking actions to prevent jackknifing while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predefined orientation thresholds before reverse travel begins, and implements preventive braking actions before contact occurs, allowing the operator to maneuver safely within established safety boundaries
2Reliability
If the system implements strict orientation thresholds with automated braking, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent functional modules: sensor data acquisition, threshold comparison logic, warning generation, and automated braking control. This modular architecture manages complexity while maintaining reliable safety functions
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the braking system, processing orientation data and coordinating appropriate responses. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall control architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle brakes automatically when orientation exceeds threshold, then contact prevention is improved, but the loss of operational control by the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial automation where the braking action is applied only when necessary to prevent contact, rather than continuously restricting operator control. The automated intervention is excessive only when safety is at risk, otherwise full operator control is maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator about the relative orientation status, maintaining operator awareness and control while adding automated safety layers that only activate when thresholds are exceeded
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to, in response to a vehicle towing a trailer being in reverse, determine a relative orientation of the trailer to the vehicle; while the vehicle is in reverse, in response to the relative orientation exceeding a threshold, brake the vehicle; and then, upon receiving an operator input, permit the vehicle to travel in reverse with the relative orientation exceeding the threshold.