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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TRAILER CONNECTED TO A VEHICLE

  • US 20120245796A1
  • Filed: 03/25/2011
  • Published: 09/27/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An articulated vehicle system, comprising:

  • a first vehicle;

    a second vehicle selectively and pivotally connected to the first vehicle;

    a first plurality of wheels mounted on the first vehicle, the first plurality of wheels including at least one steerable wheel pivotally connected to the first vehicle;

    a first powertrain mounted on the first vehicle, the first powertrain configured to drive at least one of the first plurality of wheels, the first powertrain including at least one forward drive ratio and a reverse drive ratio;

    a first steering mechanism connected to the at least one steerable wheel of the first plurality of wheels to pivot the at least one steerable wheel;

    a second plurality of wheels mounted on the second vehicle, the second plurality of wheels including at least one steerable wheel pivotally connected to the second vehicle;

    a second powertrain mounted on the second vehicle, the second powertrain configured to drive at least one of the second plurality of wheels;

    a second steering mechanism connected to the at least one steerable wheel of the second plurality to pivot the at least one steerable wheel of the second plurality;

    a steering input sensor configured to output data indicative of an intended steering direction input by an operator of the articulated vehicle system;

    a gear selection sensor configured to output data indicative of a selection of the reverse drive ratio; and

    a controller in electrical communication with each of the first powertrain, the second powertrain, the steering input sensor, and the gear selection sensor, wherein the controller is configured to,manipulate an output of the first powertrain and an output of the second powertrain based on the output data received from the gear selection sensor, andmanipulate the second steering mechanism to effect an angular position of the at least one steerable wheel of the second plurality of wheels based on the output data received from the steering input sensor and the gear selection sensor, where the angular position is measured relative to a longitudinal direction of the second vehicle.

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