Trailer Reversing Assist System Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle with a trailer attached is challenging due to counter-intuitive steering requirements, lack of familiarity with the reversing operation, and the risk of jack-knifing, which existing vehicle driving assist systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A trailer reversing assist system that converts user input of desired trailer angle into vehicle steering response, includes features like setting a desired trailer trajectory, limiting speed to avoid jack-knifing, and dynamically updating trailer angle, using a controller with vehicle power steering assist, trailer angle detection, and human-machine interface to provide intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated steering control is implemented based on desired trailer angle input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the user input device and the steering system. The controller receives desired trailer angle inputs, calculates appropriate vehicle steering responses, and sends control signals to the steering actuator, thereby automating the counter-intuitive steering requirements while managing system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect trailer angle and position, processors compute required steering corrections, and electric actuators execute steering commands, substituting the purely mechanical steering system with an electro-mechanical automated control system
2Manufacturing precision
If the user input sensitivity is increased to allow precise trailer angle control, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the risk of jack-knifing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual trailer angle and position using sensors, compares these measurements with the desired trajectory, and dynamically adjusts the steering control in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows precise control while preventing excessive steering angles that could lead to jack-knifing by constantly correcting the trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the mapping between user input and desired trailer angle based on current operating conditions. The sensitivity of user input to trailer angle is automatically modified according to factors such as vehicle speed, trailer length, and current angle, allowing precise control at low speeds while limiting sensitivity at higher speeds to prevent jack-knifing
3Reliability
If the vehicle speed is limited to prevent jack-knifing, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic speed adjustments during the reversing operation. The vehicle speed is automatically modulated in cycles - accelerating when the trailer is properly aligned and decelerating when approach to jack-knife conditions is detected. This periodic speed control maintains reliability by preventing jack-knifing while improving productivity compared to constant speed limiting
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer reversing assist system for controlling reversing operations of a vehicle and trailer connected to the vehicle includes a module that detects an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and outputs a trailer angle signal corresponding to the detected angle. The system also includes a human machine interface (HMI) device that provides an output signal based upon an input of the user, where the generated output signal includes information regarding magnitude and direction of a desired change to the angle. The system calculates a trailer trajectory that positions the trailer at a target location or calculates a trailer trajectory correction, wherein the calculation is performed using the output signal as corresponding to a change relative to the detected angle, and the detected angle corresponds to the trailer angle signal generated at the time of operation of the HMI device by the user.