Trailer Reversing Aid System with Angle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a trailer is challenging for most drivers due to the counterintuitive steering of the tow vehicle and the increased blind zone caused by trailers, which can lead to trailer jack-knifing and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that captures image data behind the trailer, measures the angle between the vehicle and trailer, and generates reversing aid information, including graphics and alerts, to assist the driver in steering and avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a driver uses side and rear mirrors to monitor the trailer during reversing, then the driver can see the trailer position, but the increased blind zone behind the vehicle prevents adequate visibility of the trailer and surrounding area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras as intermediary devices mounted on the trailer to capture visual information from areas that are otherwise invisible to the driver. These cameras transmit images to a display system, serving as mediators between the blind zone and the driver's field of view, thereby eliminating the information loss caused by the blind zone.
2Ease of operation
If the driver steers the tow vehicle to reverse the trailer, then the vehicle can be maneuvered, but the counterintuitive steering response makes it difficult to control the trailer in the desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by displaying real-time images from cameras mounted on the trailer, along with graphical overlays showing the trailer's angle and position relative to the vehicle. This visual feedback compensates for the driver's lack of spatial understanding caused by counterintuitive steering, allowing the driver to make informed steering decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system acts as an intermediary that translates the complex spatial relationship between the vehicle and trailer into intuitive visual information. By showing the driver what the trailer is actually doing in relation to the vehicle, the system mediates the counterintuitive steering response and makes the reversal process easier to control.
3Speed
If the trailer has a shorter and/or single wheel base for faster reaction rate, then the trailer responds quicker to steering inputs, but the risk of trailer jack-knife increases due to acute angles between vehicle and trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback showing the actual angle between the vehicle and trailer, allowing the driver to monitor the situation and make corrective steering inputs before a jack-knife occurs. This feedback loop compensates for the faster reaction rate of short-wheelbase trailers by giving the driver real-time information to prevent excessive angling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary anti-action by alerting the driver to developing jack-knife conditions through visual display of the trailer angle and position. The driver can take corrective action in advance by adjusting steering inputs before the acute angle develops into a full jack-knife, thereby preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a driver of a vehicle towing a trailer with reversing information, comprising the steps of: capturing image data of a region behind the trailer; measuring an angle between the vehicle and the trailer; generating auxiliary data 5 comprising reversing aid information at least in part in accordance with the angle; generating display data in accordance with the image data and the auxiliary data; and presenting the display data on a display.