Continental Unveils Trailer Assist Technology Enabling Safer, Easier Driver Control during Reverse and Parking Maneuvers

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The international automotive supplier Continental has developed a safer, easier way to back up and park vehicles with trailers. This trailer detection and control system – called Trailer Reverse Assist – uses an Intelligent Rear Camera Module for enhanced viewing and trailer detection. The trailer can be steered with a control knob from inside the vehicle. This technology will be ready for production by 2018. Optionally, a wireless tablet/smart device can be used to remotely execute backing and parking operations from outside the vehicle.

"Backing up or parking a vehicle with a trailer is stressful and difficult, even for the most advanced drivers," said Steffen Linkenbach, Head of Systems & Technology, Continental North America. "By exploring new approaches, we are making it easier, more efficient and safer. The optional wireless remote control system allows a driver to maneuver the vehicle and trailer while standing next to it. It gives the driver added visibility that is usually only seen by someone providing guidance outside the vehicle."

The intuitive controls and improved visibility made possible by Trailer Reverse Assist enhance the driver experience and operational safety of truck-and-trailer combinations when conducting low-speed reverse and parking maneuvers. An Intelligent Rear Camera Module integrated with the vehicle's 360-degree Surround View system detects a trailer, measures its articulation angle and displays the projected path to the driver.

The innovation is designed to help reduce the stress of backing trailers into tight spots, which even seasoned boating and camping veterans can experience. Threading a boat trailer between two launch ramp docks or lining up the trailer with the boat while it is in the water is made easier and safer by using Trailer Reverse Assist. The remote operation makes it easier to navigate a trailer around trees on a camp site when the driver can stand beside it while backing into the perfect position.

During remote operation from outside the vehicle, the driver uses a smart Android or iOS device to control low-speed steering, shifting, braking and acceleration. The driver must always be engaged with the smart device during the maneuver or the vehicle will stop. The remote control option is an application for hand-held smart devices and requires a direct connection to the vehicle, which currently is being accomplished with Wi-Fi. In addition, projected path overlays and streaming 360-degree Surround View video around the vehicle are displayed on the smart device to further assist the driver by providing added visibility.

"Continental's Trailer Reverse Assist has the potential to be a stand-out technology and a unique selling proposition for tomorrow's truck market," said Linkenbach. "It opens the door to the possibility of autonomous trailer backing and parking in the future."

The Trailer Reverse Assist also offers the option of a center-console-mounted control knob to maneuver the vehicle and trailer from the driver's seat. This provides a more intuitive and easier-to-control interface than a traditional steering wheel or joystick. The 360-degree Surround View displays the projected trailer path on the vehicle's center console screen.

The Continental Trailer Reverse Assist technology increases operational safety when maneuvering trailers of nearly any size and helps address blind zones and inadequate sight angles that could prevent a driver from properly and efficiently backing a trailer without assistance. In addition, the system is equipped with an anti-jackknifing algorithm to help the driver steer clear of potentially costly situations.

"This system can help inexperienced and untrained drivers back up trailers with a reduced risk of incident," said Linkenbach. "For experienced drivers, it offers assistance when maneuvering unfamiliar trailers into challenging spots."

For the Trailer Reverse Assist a 360-degree Surround View, which consists of four Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Megapixel 185-degree fisheye cameras; the electronic brake control module; an electric power steering system; and, scalable human-machine interface devices (e.g. smart device) is necessary. The system is designed to be fully scalable, depending on the level of trailer backing assistance the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customer wishes to offer. Trailer Reverse Assist is the latest technology to come out of Continental's advanced development process.

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 200,000 people in 53 countries.

The Chassis & Safety division develops and produces integrated active and passive driving safety technologies as well as products that support vehicle dynamics. The product portfolio ranges from electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems to sensors, advanced driver assistance systems, airbag electronics and sensorics as well as electronic air suspension systems all the way to windscreen washer systems and headlight cleaning nozzles. The focus is on a high level of system competence and the integration of components into the safety concept ContiGuard. Chassis & Safety employs more than 38,000 people worldwide and generated preliminary sales of approximately €7.5 billion in 2014.

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SOURCE Continental AG

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