MODULAR PRO TBA KNOB FOR OPEN STORAGE AREAS

• US 20170291639A1
• Filed: 04/08/2016
• Published: 10/12/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Lavoie, Erick Michael, Mattern, Donald Jacob
• Granted Patent: US 9,821,848 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/02 vehicle-mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 13/06 for backing a normally drawn trailer
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/027 Parking aids, e.g. instruction means
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/029 Steering assistants using warnings or proposing actions to the driver without influencing the steering system

Abstract

A vehicle trailer backup assist control module for positioning in an open area of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a control device configured to mate electrically and mechanically with a modular adapter for removable positioning the module in the open area of the vehicle, a user interface for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user, at least one visual indicator for indicating a status of the control device and/or of a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle, and a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle control module comprising:

a modular adaptor defining a receptacle and configured for insertion into a cupholder;

a housing defining an extension and configured to mate electrically and mechanically with the modular adapter, the extension is received by the receptacle when the housing mates to the modular adaptor;

a user interface including a rotatable dial connected to the housing; and

a data port for controlling a trailer backup assist function of a vehicle.

3. The control module of claim 1, including a power port for receiving vehicle electrical power.

4. The control module of claim 1, including a rechargeable battery and an inductive charging circuit for charging the battery.

5. The control module of claim 1, including a sensor, a processor, and memory, wherein the sensor is configured to detect an angle of rotation of the dial by a user.

6. The control module of claim 5, including an analog-to-digital converter to convert the detected angle of rotation to a digital form.

7. The control module of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first body portion and a second body portion extending therefrom, the second body portion configured to mate with the adapter.

8. The control module of claim 7, wherein the extension extends from the second body portion of the housing and is positioned offset from a centerline of the second body portion.

9. The control module of claim 8, wherein the receptacle of the adapter configured for insertion into the cupholder is positioned offset from a centerline of the adapter, the extension portion and the receptacle creating a keyed relationship between the housing and the adapter.

10. The control module of claim 1, wherein the user interface includes at least one visual indicator configured to indicate an operating status of the module and/or the trailer assist backup function of the vehicle.

2. (canceled)

11. A vehicle trailer backup assist control module, the control module comprising:

a modular adaptor including a receptacle and configured for positioning in an open area of a vehicle;

a housing defining an extension and configured to mate electrically and mechanically with the modular adapter for removable positioning in the open area, the receptacle is to receive the extension in a keyed relationship to fit the housing and the modular adapter together in one orientation;

a user interface including a rotatable dial connected to the housing for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user; and

a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.

12. The control module of claim 11, wherein the open area comprises a vehicle cupholder.

13. The control module of claim 11, including a rechargeable battery and an inductive charging circuit for charging the battery.

14. The control module of claim 11, including an angle sensor, a processor, and memory, wherein the angle sensor is configured to detect an angle of rotation of the dial by a user.

15. The control module of claim 14, including an analog-to-digital converter to convert the angle of rotation to a digital form.

16. The control module of claim 11, wherein the user interface includes at least one LED to indicate an operating status of the control module and/or the trailer assist backup function of the vehicle.

17. A vehicle trailer backup assist control module, the control module comprising:

a modular adaptor defining a receptacle and configured for insertion into a cupholder of a vehicle;

a housing including a housing portion and connected electrically and mechanically to the modular adapter for removably positioning in the cupholder, the receptacle is to receive the housing portion in a keyed relationship to fit the housing portion and the adapter together in one orientation;

a user interface including a rotatable dial connected to the housing for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user; and

a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.

18. The control module of claim 17, including a rechargeable battery and an inductive charging circuit for charging the battery.

19. The control module of claim 17, including an angle sensor, a processor, and memory, wherein the angle sensor is configured to detect an angle of rotation of the dial by a user.

20. The control module of claim 17, wherein the user interface includes at least one LED to indicate an operating status of the module and/or the trailer assist backup function of the vehicle.