Trailer Reversing Guidance With Held Angle Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle and trailer guidance systems during reversing maneuvers lack efficient methods to accurately control the trailer angle relative to the vehicle, often requiring manual steering adjustments and lacking intuitive user interfaces for precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a rear backup camera, electronic control unit, and human-machine interface (HMI) that processes image data to detect the trailer angle and allows drivers to set desired angles using a rotary knob or slider, automatically controlling the vehicle's steering to align the trailer with the selected angle, including modes for left, straight, and right backing up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering adjustments are used for trailer alignment during reversing, then the system structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering adjustments with an automated electronic control system. The ECU receives input from the HMI (rotary knob or slider) and automatically controls the steering actuator to adjust the trailer angle, eliminating the need for manual steering wheel manipulation and providing precise automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary HMI device (rotary knob or slider) between the driver and the steering control system. This intermediary provides an intuitive interface for specifying desired trailer angles, which is then translated into automated steering commands by the ECU, improving ease of operation without requiring direct mechanical steering control.
2Measurement precision
If automated steering control is implemented for precise trailer angle control, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity worsens due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the ECU continuously monitors the actual trailer angle (through image processing or sensors) and compares it with the desired angle specified by the driver. The system automatically adjusts steering to minimize the angle error, achieving precise trailer angle control through closed-loop feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system performs self-adjustment of the trailer angle without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the driver sets the desired angle via the HMI, the ECU autonomously controls the steering actuator to achieve and maintain the target angle, making the system self-regulating.
3Ease of operation
If the HMI control input reverts to zero position when released, then the system stability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates by requiring continuous driver input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic behavior in the HMI system where the desired trailer angle setting is held constant once selected by the driver, rather than reverting to zero. The system maintains the selected angle setting dynamically throughout the reversing maneuver, allowing the driver to set the angle once and have it maintained automatically by the ECU.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous maintenance of the desired trailer angle setting throughout the reversing operation. Once the driver specifies a target angle via the HMI, the system continuously holds this setting and applies it to steering control without requiring the driver to continuously re-input the angle, enabling continuous useful action without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer guidance system includes a human machine interface provided in the vehicle and operable by a driver of the vehicle during a backing up maneuver of the vehicle with a trailer hitched thereto. The human machine interface comprises a rotary knob and operates (i) in a backing up trailer left-backup mode when rotated counter-clockwise, (ii) in a backing up trailer straight-backup mode when the rotary knob is pushed or pulled and (iii) in a backing up trailer right-backup mode when rotated clockwise. Responsive to selection by the driver of the backup mode, the system sets a desired trailer angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to an angle that is commensurate with a driver-selected setting of the rotary knob. The system controls steering of the vehicle to back up the trailer to have the determined trailer angle coincide with the set desired trailer angle.