Vehicle-Mounted Lidar for Trailer Articulation Angle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering large trailers such as those towed by semi-trucks is difficult due to large blind spots and independent movement, which is exacerbated in autonomous or semi-autonomous operations, and equipping trailers with sensors or cameras is undesirable due to cost, complexity, and failure points.
Innovation Solution
Mount a lidar sensor on the vehicle, such as a semi-truck's rear surface, to detect the trailer's articulation angle by comparing the trailer's current plane to a reference orientation, determining its position and trajectory, and using this information for control or display purposes without sensors on the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors or cameras are mounted on the trailer to detect articulation angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the trailer and relocated to the vehicle. The lidar sensor mounted on the rear surface of the vehicle cab detects the trailer's front face, eliminating the need for sensors on the trailer while maintaining articulation angle measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-mounted sensor acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and trailer systems. By detecting the trailer's front face from the vehicle, it provides articulation angle data without requiring direct sensor installation on the trailer structure
2Reliability
If sensors or cameras are mounted on the trailer to reduce blind spots, then safety is improved, but reliability decreases due to additional failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is extracted from the trailer and consolidated in the vehicle's existing sensor system. This eliminates additional failure points associated with trailer-mounted sensors while maintaining the ability to detect trailer position and articulation angles for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-mounted lidar sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the trailer's position, orientation, and articulation angle, while also contributing to overall autonomous navigation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors on the trailer
3Measurement precision
If expensive or sensitive sensors are equipped on the trailer to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the trailer and performed by the vehicle's existing lidar sensor. This eliminates the need to purchase and install expensive trailer-mounted sensors, as the vehicle's sensor already provides the necessary measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the trailer's position and orientation by processing lidar data of the trailer's front face. This digital copy provides accurate articulation angle information without requiring physical sensors on the trailer
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
Enables safe and efficient maneuvering of trailers by providing real-time data on articulation angles and trajectories, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of jackknifing or lane deviations, applicable in both manual and autonomous operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (such as, for example, a lidar sensor or sensors) may be mounted on a back of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
directed toward a front face of a trailer to capture sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for determining an angle of articulation between a vehicle and a trailer.