Trailer Tow Assist System for Reverse Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a trailer during reverse operations can be challenging for inexperienced drivers due to the lack of intuitive steering control, especially in aligning the trailer with the vehicle and maintaining alignment during turns.
Innovation Solution
A trailer tow assist system that includes a rear video camera, a vehicle interior display, input device, yaw determination device, steering angle sensor, vehicle speed determination device, and an electronic processor to determine the trailer angle and trajectory, and automatically control the vehicle steering angle to align the trailer with the vehicle during reverse maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering control is used during reverse trailer maneuvering, then the driver has direct control over the steering wheel, but the steering behavior is not intuitive and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electronic control system. The automated trailer steering control system uses sensors to detect trailer position and angle, processes this information through a controller, and automatically adjusts the steering wheel position to maintain proper trailer alignment during reverse maneuvers, eliminating the non-intuitive nature of manual trailer steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors trailer position, angle, and vehicle speed through sensors, feeds this information back to the controller, and automatically adjusts steering accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables intuitive and precise trailer maneuvering by constantly correcting steering based on actual trailer position relative to the desired path.
2Manufacturing precision
If the driver manually maneuvers the trailer in reverse, then no automated system is needed, but aligning the trailer with the vehicle and maintaining alignment during turns is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces difficult manual alignment operations with automated electronic control. The system uses sensors to precisely measure trailer position and angle, and the controller automatically adjusts steering to achieve and maintain precise alignment between the vehicle and trailer during reverse maneuvers and turns, eliminating the difficulty of manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback from sensors monitoring trailer position and angle enables the controller to make real-time steering adjustments, ensuring precise alignment is maintained throughout the maneuver. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and correct alignment deviations automatically, achieving high precision without requiring skilled manual operation.
3Reliability
If no automated assistance is provided, then the system is simple, but inexperienced drivers struggle to correct trailer drift and maintain proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The automated stabilization system continuously monitors trailer position, angle, and vehicle speed through sensors, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback enables the system to detect trailer drift and automatically apply corrective steering actions, ensuring reliable trailer stabilization during reverse maneuvers without requiring driver skill or experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting trailer position deviations and adjusting steering without driver intervention. The automated trailer steering control system serves itself by using sensor data to independently determine and execute corrective actions, maintaining reliable trailer stabilization while keeping the interface simple for the driver.
4Productivity
If sharp turning maneuvers are performed in reverse, then maneuvering efficiency is improved, but maintaining vehicle and trailer alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from sensors monitoring trailer angle and position to maintain precise alignment even during sharp turning maneuvers. The controller processes this feedback in real-time and adjusts steering to keep the trailer properly aligned with the vehicle throughout the maneuver, enabling efficient sharp turns without sacrificing alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated steering system dynamically adjusts steering angle and rate based on real-time trailer position and desired maneuver parameters. This dynamic control enables the system to execute sharp turning maneuvers efficiently while continuously maintaining proper vehicle-trailer alignment, adapting steering actions to the specific demands of each maneuver phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for steering control during vehicle reverse operation when maneuvering a trailer in a reverse direction with a desired turn angle. The system has a P-I-D cascade structure and includes a rear video camera for providing images to determine a trailer angle, a yaw angle determination device, a steering angle sensor, a vehicle interior display with an input device, and a vehicle speed determination device. When a trajectory mode is selected and a desired turn angle value are received, an electronic processor determines a trailer trajectory based on the desired turn angle value, the trailer angle, vehicle yaw angle, and physical properties of the vehicle and trailer. The trailer trajectory is displayed on the vehicle interior display with the rear camera image. When a driver selects an automatic steering maneuver mode, the trailer tow assist system automatically controls steering of the vehicle.