Wireless Trailer Hitch Angle Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backups of trailers attached to vehicles often require multiple people to control the vehicle and trailer, and those unfamiliar with the system struggle to accurately direct the trailer's path, especially when reversing, as the trailer can jackknife due to incorrect steering angles.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control system that includes a control device and an electronic control unit connected via a secure wireless connection, allowing users to initiate a backing system mode, record and analyze images of the hitch using reference points, and send relevant data to control the vehicle and trailer's movement, enabling users to control the vehicle and trailer from outside the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer is connected to a towing vehicle through a trailer hitch allowing the trailer to swivel, then the vehicle-trailer unit is able to move around corners, but the trailer may jackknife and lose its course when the vehicle backs up with incorrect steering angle
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to capture images of the trailer hitch and reference points, processes these images to determine the current hitch angle, and provides this information as feedback to the driver through a display. This closed-loop feedback enables the driver to make accurate steering adjustments to prevent jackknifing while maintaining the trailer's ability to swivel for cornering maneuvers.
2Measurement precision
If multiple persons are used to control the vehicle and trailer during backing, then the path control accuracy improves, but the operation complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables single-operator control by providing the driver with automated visual feedback about the hitch angle and trailer position. The camera system and image processing automatically measure and display the hitch angle, eliminating the need for a second person to visually assess and communicate trailer position, thus achieving self-service path control.
3Measurement precision
If the entire image from the camera is transmitted to the control device, then the image quality is maintained, but the wireless data transmission load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the critical information needed for trailer control - specifically the hitch angle measurement - from the full camera image. By processing the image to identify reference points and calculate the hitch angle, then transmitting only this extracted data rather than the entire image, the system maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing wireless data transmission load and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A backing system for a vehicle and trailer includes a wireless control device in communication with an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured with programming to record an image of a hitch for the vehicle and trailer assembly and determine a hitch angle using a plurality of reference points on the trailer which are viewed by the camera. The portions of the image which are relevant to a current position of the vehicle and trailer assembly are determined by the electronic control unit. Data regarding the relevant portions are sent to the control device via a secured wireless connection and displayed on a display.