Trailer Manoeuvring Sensor Monitoring for Damage Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manoeuvring assistant sensors on trailers are frequently damaged due to harsh environments and lack of proper reporting and maintenance, leading to reliability issues and false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with a manoeuvring guidance system that includes operationally coupled surveillance sensors to monitor the state of manoeuvring assistant sensors, issuing warnings through alerting means when deviations exceed a threshold, and utilizing a control unit to manage and store sensor data for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manoeuvring assistant sensors are mounted on exposed rear portions of trailers, then the sensors can detect objects in the blind spot area, but the sensors are frequently damaged due to harsh environments and frequent usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing surveillance sensors that continuously monitor the physical state of manoeuvring assistant sensors before damage occurs. The system detects changes in sensor orientation, impact events, and environmental conditions in advance, allowing for proactive maintenance scheduling and preventing sensor failures from affecting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through surveillance sensors that continuously monitor the physical state of manoeuvring assistant sensors and provide real-time data to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect sensor damage, track sensor performance degradation, and trigger maintenance alerts, thereby maintaining reliable operation despite the harsh environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are integrated better in the vehicle design, then sensor damage is reduced, but the blind spot detection capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the detection function into two independent components: manoeuvring assistant sensors mounted on the exposed rear portion for blind spot detection, and surveillance sensors mounted in protected locations for monitoring the manoeuvring sensors' physical state. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimally positioned for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surveillance sensors as intermediaries between the protected interior of the trailer and the exposed manoeuvring assistant sensors. These intermediary sensors monitor the physical state, orientation, and environmental conditions of the manoeuvring sensors without requiring the manoeuvring sensors themselves to be in protected locations, thus preserving both protection and detection capability.
3Productivity
If frequent daily usage and manoeuvring occur, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damage to manoeuvring assistant sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having surveillance sensors continuously monitor the physical state of manoeuvring assistant sensors before damage occurs. The system detects changes in sensor orientation, impact events, and environmental conditions in advance, allowing for proactive maintenance scheduling that prevents sensor failures from affecting operation during frequent daily usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through surveillance sensors that continuously monitor the physical state of manoeuvring assistant sensors and provide real-time data to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect sensor damage, track sensor performance degradation, and trigger maintenance alerts, thereby maintaining reliable operation despite frequent daily usage and manoeuvring.
4Device complexity
If no responsibility tracking system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but damage reporting and maintenance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated surveillance system that independently monitors the physical state of manoeuvring assistant sensors without requiring human intervention for data collection. The surveillance sensors automatically detect changes, the control unit processes the information, and maintenance alerts are triggered autonomously, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking systems while ensuring accurate damage reporting.
Data Source
AI summary
Trailer (7) having a manoeuvring guidance system (1) and a method for guarding a condition of a manoeuvring assistant sensor (2) of the manoeuvring guidance system (1). The manoeuvring guidance system of the trailer comprises the manoeuvring assistant sensor (2), a control unit (3) and at least one surveillance sensor (4). The surveillance sensor (4) senses a change in a state of the manoeuvring assistant sensor (2) and delivers a corresponding output signal to communication means that are connected to said surveillance sensor (4). The communication means communicate a warning signal that is representative of said output signal to alerting means (8) in case a change in said state is observed by said surveillance sensor (4).