Trailer Sway Angle Detection Using Rearward Radar Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sensing systems face limitations in accurately detecting rapid changes in the intended path of other vehicles and precise location of obstacles, particularly in near-field scenarios like cut-ins and merging, which can lead to delayed reaction times and increased collision risks.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensing system utilizing high-definition radar sensors with multiple transmitters and receivers on an antenna array, providing fine resolution in azimuth and elevation, processes radar reflection responses to determine object edges and oblique angles, enabling preemptive anticipation of lane changes and collision risks, and includes active trailer sway management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar sensors are used in vehicle sensing systems, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of object location and path detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor system is segmented into multiple transmitters and receivers arranged in antenna arrays, allowing independent positioning and signal processing for each element. This segmentation enables high-definition spatial resolution by comparing phase and amplitude differences across multiple sensor elements, thereby improving object location detection precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimension or two-dimension radar detection to three-dimensional high-definition detection by incorporating multiple transmitters and receivers in spatial arrays. This dimensional expansion allows precise determination of object position, size, and motion in three-dimensional space, significantly improving measurement precision for object location and path detection.
2Loss of time
If conventional sensing systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reaction time to detect rapid path changes is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The high-definition radar sensor system continuously scans and tracks the environment in advance, maintaining real-time updates of object positions, velocities, and trajectories. By continuously monitoring and predicting object paths before changes occur, the system can detect rapid path changes immediately and trigger appropriate responses, reducing reaction time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor system incorporates continuous feedback loops that process detected object information and update tracking predictions in real-time. When object path changes are detected, the feedback mechanism immediately adjusts tracking parameters and alerts the control system, enabling rapid response to dynamic situations and reducing overall reaction time.
3Reliability
If basic radar detection is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the ability to anticipate lane changes and collision risks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and prediction of object trajectories using the high-definition radar data. By continuously calculating predicted paths and comparing them with actual object positions, the system can anticipate potential lane changes and collision risks before they materialize, improving collision risk detection reliability through proactive rather than reactive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes radar detection data, object trajectories, and environmental context to predict potential hazards. This intermediary analysis system bridges the gap between raw detection data and collision risk assessment, providing reliable anticipation of lane changes and collision risks by synthesizing multiple data sources and applying predictive algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively anticipates potential collisions and lane changes, reduces reaction times, and mitigates impact severity by providing accurate object detection and active control measures, enhancing safety and handling during towing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radar sensor disposed at the vehicle and having a field of sensing exterior of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
determine high definition Radar Reflection Responses for objects detected by the system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer sway management system includes at least one rearward-sensing radar sensor disposed at a vehicle and an electronic control unit (ECU). Radar data captured by the at least one rearward-sensing radar sensor is provided to the ECU. With a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the trailer sway management system, via processing at the ECU of the provided captured radar data, determines oblique angles of the trailer relative to the vehicle. As the vehicle tows the trailer, and responsive to monitoring of determined oblique angles of the trailer relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the trailer sway management system determines sway of the trailer relative to the vehicle. Responsive to the determined sway of the trailer relative to the vehicle, the trailer sway management system at least in part controls operation of the vehicle to manage sway of the trailer relative to the vehicle.