Trailer Trajectory Prediction Using Instantaneous Curvature in Reverse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the ability to accurately predict the path of a trailer when a motor vehicle is reversing, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely.
Innovation Solution
A path prediction arrangement for a trailer hitched to a motor vehicle, which includes determining the locations of the trailer's wheels, calculating the instantaneous center of curvature of the trailer, and predicting future wheel locations based on the motor vehicle's movement and hitch angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a wireless camera is attached to the rear of the trailer to enable the driver to check what is behind the trailer, then the driver can see the rear area, but there is still no known way to predict the path of the trailer when driving in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes data from multiple sensors (cameras, GPS, steering angle sensors) and generates predictive trajectory information. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the physical trailer movement and the driver's understanding, providing virtual guidance overlays that predict future positions rather than just showing current camera feeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/visual approach (camera feeds) with a computational prediction system that uses mathematical models to calculate future trailer positions. The system substitutes direct visual observation with algorithmic trajectory prediction, providing the driver with foresight into the trailer's path rather than just current visual information.
2Ease of operation
If dynamic guidelines are displayed showing the car's future trajectory based on the steering mechanism, then the driver can understand the car's movement, but there is no known way to predict the path of the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the car's trajectory prediction system with the trailer's trajectory prediction system into a unified display interface. Both trajectories are calculated using similar computational methods and presented together on the same display screen, allowing the driver to understand both movements simultaneously through integrated visual guidance overlays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal prediction system that handles both car and trailer trajectories using the same computational framework. The system is designed to predict multiple types of vehicle movements (car alone, car with trailer, different trailer configurations) through a single multi-functional algorithmic approach.
3Measurement precision
If the steering wheel angle is fixed to determine the Instantaneous Center of Curvature of the Car, then the car's movement trajectory can be precisely understood, but the trailer's trajectory cannot be predicted without additional information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the trailer's trajectory by pre-computing the Instantaneous Center of Curvature for the trailer based on the car's known ICC and the hitch geometry. This preliminary action establishes the foundation for accurate prediction before the actual reversing maneuver begins, allowing the system to project future positions based on current configuration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the trailer trajectory prediction into distinct computational components: determining the Instantaneous Center of Curvature of the trailer, calculating wheel locations, and projecting future positions. This segmentation allows each component to be handled separately with appropriate precision while building toward the complete trajectory prediction.
Data Source
AI summary
Locations of a left wheel and a right wheel of the trailer are determined when the motor vehicle is at a first point. An electronic processor calculates an instantaneous center of curvature of the trailer when the motor vehicle is at a first point. The calculating is based upon an instantaneous center of curvature of the motor vehicle, a location of a hitch point, and the locations of the left and right wheels of the trailer. The electronic processor predicts locations of the left and right wheels of the trailer at a future time when the motor vehicle has moved to a second point. The predicting is based upon the instantaneous center of curvature of the trailer when the motor vehicle is at the first point, a difference between the first point and the second point, and the locations of the left and right wheels of the trailer.