Vehicle Sensor Selection for Precise Autonomous Trailer Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, particularly Class 8 trucks and cargo vans, face challenges in backing up due to limited rear visibility and varying trailer heights, leading to frequent coupling failures and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system using environment sensors, including lidar and stereo cameras, autonomously controls throttle, braking, steering, and suspension to maneuver vehicles and couple to trailers, detecting objects and adjusting vehicle height for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple environment sensors are mounted at different portions of the vehicle, then measurement precision and maneuvering accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple sets mounted at different portions of the vehicle (first set at first portion, second set at second portion). Each set captures coordinate data from its specific location, enabling comprehensive spatial awareness while distributing system complexity across modular components rather than requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of spatial distribution by mounting sensors at multiple different portions of the vehicle rather than concentrating them at one location. This multi-position arrangement creates a three-dimensional sensor network that captures coordinate data from various heights and angles, improving measurement precision for detecting objects at different locations.
2Ease of operation
If autonomous control systems are implemented for vehicle maneuvering, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system enables the vehicle to perform backing and coupling operations independently without operator intervention. The system processes coordinate data from multiple sensors, automatically determines vehicle position relative to targets, and executes maneuvering commands, allowing the vehicle to serve itself in complex operational tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic autonomous control system that processes sensor data and generates control commands. This substitution of mechanical operator control with automated electronic control improves ease of operation while managing complexity through software-based decision-making algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are positioned at varying heights on the vehicle, then adaptability to detect objects at different locations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sets of environment sensors are positioned at different local portions of the vehicle (different heights and locations) to optimize detection for specific local requirements. This local quality approach ensures that each sensor set is strategically placed to capture coordinate data most effectively from its specific position, improving overall adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sensor mounting height and position to adapt the detection system to various operational scenarios. By varying the vertical and horizontal positions of sensor sets, the system can detect objects at different locations and heights, enhancing versatility while managing mounting complexity through standardized sensor platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of autonomously maneuvering a vehicle using environment sensors comprises calculating first coordinate data based on information received from environment sensors mounted on a first portion of the vehicle; determining, based on the first coordinate data, a first target at a first location; determining a path to maneuver the vehicle to the first location; determining and transmitting commands to autonomously control the vehicle to maneuver to the first location; calculating second coordinate data based on information received from environment sensors mounted on a second portion of the vehicle; determining based on the second coordinate data, a second target at a second location, determining a path to maneuver the vehicle from the first location to the second location; and determining and transmitting commands to autonomously control the vehicle to maneuver from the first location to the second location. Suitably configured vehicles (e.g., tractor units) are also described.