Trailer Size Detection for Natural Tow-Mode Pedal Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for adjusting trailer drivability based on mass do not account for trailer size and cannot adjust driving characteristics in real-time, leading to an unnatural feel for vehicle operators.
Innovation Solution
A trailer detection system that uses an image sensor to determine the frontal area of a trailering load and an electronic control unit to categorize it, adjusting the pedal gain accordingly to improve drivability and maintain a natural feel for the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system adjusts pedal gain based on trailer size, then a natural acceleration feel is maintained, but the system complexity increases with image sensor and real-time processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes accelerator pedal parameters (gain, mapping curves) based on detected trailer size categories. The ECU adjusts pedal sensitivity and acceleration response parameters to compensate for trailer drag and mass, maintaining natural vehicle feel despite varying trailer configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous range of trailer sizes into discrete size categories. The image sensor detection results are classified into predefined size tiers, allowing the ECU to apply corresponding pedal gain adjustments for each category, simplifying the control logic while maintaining effectiveness across diverse trailer types
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a trailer detection system. The trailer detection system includes an image sensor configured to detect a trailering load attached to the vehicle, and an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the image sensor. The ECU is configured to determine the vehicle is operating in a tow mode, determine a frontal area of the trailering load, determine a category of the trailering load based on the frontal area, and adjust a pedal gain based on the category of the trailering load.