Trailer Reverse Steering Alignment Using Drawbar Visual Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users inexperienced in driving vehicles connected with trailers face difficulties during reverse maneuvers due to the interconnected nature of the vehicle and trailer, necessitating improved assistance systems for safe and convenient backing operations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus comprising a processor, camera, side mirror controller, and steering controller, which assists in reverse driving by displaying line objects indicating the drawbar and steering alignment, allowing users to superimpose these objects through input to the side mirror controller, thereby controlling the vehicle's steering for alignment with the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vehicle backs up connected to a trailer, then the vehicle and trailer move together as a connected system, but inexperienced users face difficulties in controlling the steering and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical vehicle-trailer system by displaying line objects (first line object for drawbar, second line object for steering) on a screen. This virtual representation allows users to see and control the alignment without directly manipulating the complex physical connection, thus reducing operational difficulty while maintaining system integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that includes a processor, display, and controllers for side mirrors and steering. This intermediary layer translates user inputs into coordinated movements of the vehicle and trailer, mediating between the user's intent and the complex interconnected motion of the vehicle-trailer system
2Loss of information
If visual guidance is provided through line objects on a display, then user understanding of alignment is improved, but the system requires additional controllers and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the side mirror controller multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original function (controlling side mirrors) and a new function (rotating the second line object to indicate steering angle). This eliminates the need for additional dedicated controls, reducing system complexity while providing comprehensive visual guidance information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the steering control function with the side mirror controller by having both functions controlled through the same interface. The second line object's rotation is superimposed on the coupler position, combining alignment visualization and steering control into a single integrated display element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes a processor, a display, a camera configured to obtain an image of the vehicle, a side mirror controller configured to control a side mirror of the vehicle, and a steering controller configured to control steering of the vehicle, wherein the processor is configured to: display, an image of the vehicle, a first object indicating a drawbar, wherein the drawbar connects to the vehicle via a coupler, and a second object associated with steering of the vehicle, based on an input to the side mirror controller, rotate the second object around a point associated with the second object, wherein the point and the coupler are superimposed on each other, and control, based on the rotated second object, the steering such that the first object and the second object are superimposed on each other.