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Jackknife Condition for Backing up of a Vehicle Attached to a Long Wheelbase Dual Axle Trailers

  • US 20140277941A1
  • Filed: 08/15/2013
  • Published: 09/18/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for assisting a driver in a reverse drive maneuver of a trailer, the trailer coupled to a vehicle at a hitch, the vehicle having a front axle with steerable front wheels and a rear axle with non-steerable rear wheels, and the trailer having a rear axle with steerable rear wheels and a front axle with non-steerable front wheels, the method comprising:

  • receiving, by a controller device, an operator-controlled vehicle steering angle for steering the vehicle during the reverse drive maneuver;

    receiving, by the controller device, a hitch angle representing an angle between the vehicle and the trailer at the hitch;

    determining a directional jackknife warning condition based on the received vehicle steering angle, the directional jackknife warning condition representing a condition of the hitch angle at which, if the vehicle steering angle is maintained, no allowable trailer steering angle can be determined that will reduce the hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer if the vehicle drives in reverse; and

    responsive to the hitch angle satisfying the directional jackknife warning condition, notifying the driver.

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