Vehicle Hitch Detection Using Dual Time-of-Flight Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems for monitoring hitch connections between vehicles and towable devices lack precision in capturing positional information and detecting instability, leading to potential misalignment and safety issues during coupling and decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing a combination of LiDAR and RADAR time-of-flight modules to capture positional information about the vehicle and towable device, with control circuitry to detect interactions, determine attributes of the hitch connection, and communicate outputs for alignment and stability analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection systems are used for monitoring hitch connections, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of positional information is insufficient leading to alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (LiDAR, RADAR, and optical cameras) into a single integrated detection system. The LiDAR module captures precise three-dimensional positional information, the RADAR module detects positional data and movement, and the optical camera captures visual information. This merging of multiple sensing modalities resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through complementary technologies while managing system complexity through integrated control circuitry that coordinates all sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple independent sensors (LiDAR, RADAR, camera), processes the information, and generates coordinated output signals. This intermediary component enables the system to achieve high measurement precision by synthesizing data from multiple sources while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors through a centralized processing unit.
2Reliability
If conventional single-sensor detection systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of hitch connection detection is insufficient leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges LiDAR, RADAR, and optical camera sensors to achieve reliable hitch connection detection. The LiDAR provides precise three-dimensional positioning, RADAR detects movement and position with different transmission ranges, and the optical camera captures visual alignment information. This multi-sensor fusion approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability through redundant and complementary sensing modalities while managing complexity through integrated control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry continuously receives real-time data from the LiDAR, RADAR, and camera sensors, processes the information to determine alignment and stability attributes, and generates output signals that provide feedback about the hitch connection status. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliable detection by continuously monitoring and reporting on connection stability, allowing for real-time adjustments or alerts.
3Measurement precision
If different wireless transmission ranges are used for interior and exterior monitoring, then the measurement precision for different zones is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by configuring the LiDAR module with a first wireless transmission range optimized for monitoring the compartment interior, and the RADAR module with a second wireless transmission range optimized for monitoring the exterior region. This allows each sensor to operate at optimal performance levels for its specific monitoring zone, achieving high measurement precision for both interior and exterior areas while the control circuitry manages the different configuration requirements.
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
Enhances the precision and safety of hitch connections by accurately determining the alignment and stability of the hitch connection, enabling real-time adjustments and reducing the risk of instability during towing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first time-of-flight module configured to emit and receive a first wireless transmission range to capture first positional information about a compartment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the first time-of-flight module includes a LiDAR sensor
Implementation Method 3
a second time-of-flight module configured to emit and receive a second wireless transmission to capture second positional information about a towable device in a region exterior to the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
the second time-of-flight includes a RADAR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system for a vehicle includes a first time-of-flight module configured to emit and receive a first wireless transmission range to capture first positional information about a compartment of the vehicle. The detection system further includes a second time-of-flight module configured to emit and receive a second wireless transmission range to capture second positional information about a towable device in a region exterior to the vehicle. The second wireless transmission range is different than the first wireless transmission range. Control circuitry is in communication with the first and second time-of-flight modules and is configured to detect an interaction between the towable device and the vehicle based on the first and second positional information. The control circuitry is configured to determine at least one attribute of the interaction. The control circuitry is configured to communicate an output to indicate the at least one attribute of the interaction.