Ultrasonic Hitch Angle Detection for Trailer Backup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer backup assist systems face challenges in accurately determining the hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer, which is crucial for successful backing maneuvers, due to limitations in existing hitch angle detection technologies.
Innovation Solution
The system employs ultrasonic transducers on the vehicle and an ultrasonic reflector on the trailer to transmit and reflect ultrasonic waves, allowing a processor to derive distance measurements and calculate the hitch angle, with the ultrasonic reflector configured to amplify reflected waves and the transducers positioned to determine both negative and positive hitch angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hitch angle detection methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of hitch angle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hitch angle sensors with an ultrasonic measurement system. Distance measurements are obtained using ultrasonic transducers and reflectors, and the hitch angle is calculated through coordinate geometry based on these distance measurements, eliminating the need for direct mechanical angle sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary to indirectly measure the hitch angle. Instead of directly measuring the angle between vehicle and trailer, the system measures distances using ultrasonic waves and calculates the angle from these distance data, providing a non-contact measurement approach.
2Ease of operation
If hitch angle detection is implemented, then backing maneuver accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers and reflectors are integrated into the existing vehicle and trailer structures, serving both as distance measurement devices and as components of the overall backup assist system. The same hardware infrastructure supports multiple detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical angle detection mechanisms with ultrasonic distance measurement and computational geometry, reducing mechanical complexity while improving operational accuracy through non-contact sensing.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic waves are used for distance measurement, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the reliability of wave reflection may be affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously transmits ultrasonic waves and processes reflected signals to maintain constant distance monitoring. The processor continuously calculates hitch angle from real-time distance measurements, ensuring uninterrupted detection capability despite environmental variations.
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
This solution provides accurate hitch angle detection, enabling precise backing maneuvers by determining the angle between the vehicle and trailer, enhancing the operator's ability to safely and efficiently reverse with a trailer attached.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a rear vehicle structure and are configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a rearward vehicle direction
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasonic reflector is disposed on a trailer and is configured to reflect incident ultrasonic waves back toward the corresponding ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 3
A processor is configured to derive distance measurements between the ultrasonic transducers and the ultrasonic reflector
Implementation Method 4
An ultrasonic resonator is disposed on a trailer and is configured to reflect incident ultrasonic waves back toward the ultrasonic transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch angle detection system is provided herein. Ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a rear vehicle structure and are configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a rearward vehicle direction. An ultrasonic reflector is disposed on a trailer and is configured to reflect incident ultrasonic waves back toward the corresponding ultrasonic transducers. A processor is configured to derive distance measurements between the ultrasonic transducers and the ultrasonic reflector and determine a hitch angle based on the derived distance measurements.