Ultrasonic Trailer Angle Sensing Without Recalibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer angle sensors have limitations such as the need for reinstallation and recalibration with each trailer change, lack of redundancy, and a limited lifecycle due to harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultrasonic sensors mounted on the tow vehicle to determine the angle between the vehicle and the trailer, with an ultrasonic control unit processing distance data from these sensors to calculate the trailer angle, providing redundancy and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional trailer angle sensors are used, then the angle measurement function is provided, but the sensors require reinstallation and recalibration with each trailer change, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trailer-mounted sensors with an ultrasonic sensing system mounted on the tow vehicle. This substitution eliminates the need for physical reinstallation and recalibration with each trailer change, as the ultrasonic sensors remain fixed on the vehicle while measuring angles through acoustic wave propagation and time-of-flight calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensing system serves multiple functions: it measures trailer angle, provides redundancy through multiple sensors, and operates across different trailer types without reconfiguration. The system's universality allows it to adapt to various trailer configurations while maintaining consistent measurement capabilities.
2Reliability
If traditional trailer angle sensors are used, then the angle measurement function is provided, but they lack redundancy and have limited lifecycle due to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function across multiple ultrasonic sensors positioned at different locations on the tow vehicle. This segmentation provides redundancy, as the failure of one sensor does not compromise the overall system, and allows the vehicle to continue operating with reduced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic control unit as an intermediary that processes signals from multiple ultrasonic sensors. This mediator integrates data from various sensors, performs error checking, and provides continuous angle measurements even when individual sensors fail, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are used to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ultrasonic sensors and their processing functions into a single integrated ultrasonic control unit. This merging approach manages the complexity of having multiple sensors by consolidating signal processing, data fusion, and angle calculation functions into one centralized controller, making the system easier to manage while maintaining redundancy benefits.
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 provides accurate, reliable, and long-lasting determination of the trailer angle, ensuring stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer, even in harsh conditions and when sensors are partially inoperable.
Implementation Method 1
each ultrasonic sensor is mountable to the vehicle to determine a distance from the ultrasonic sensor to a front-end of a trailer attached to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The angle of a trailer with respect to a tow vehicle is an important parameter to the stability of the vehicle and trailer. A tow vehicle pulling a trailer in a straight line is generally more stable than when the vehicle is turning. While turning, the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is not a straight line but is another angle depending on how sharply the tow vehicle is turning. To safely operate a vehicle towing a trailer, for a given steering input and speed, there is a maximum angle between the tow vehicle and trailer whereby exceeding the angle causes instability and may cause the trailer or tow vehicle to roll over or jackknife. Accordingly, the angle between the trailer and tow vehicle must be determined to ensure the vehicle and trailer will continue to be in control.