System and Method for Gauging Safe Towing Parameters
First Claim
1. A sensor kit for detecting and analyzing loading and towing conditions of a trailer with respect to a tow vehicle, the sensor kit comprising:
- a first sensor module having a first force sensor for sensing a pull force of the trailer; and
a processing module operably connectable to the first sensor module for receiving first data related to the pull force and including means for calculating a weight of the trailer and communicating the weight calculation to a user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for determining the tongue weight and total weight of a towed vehicle and other parameters includes a drawbar transducer in one embodiment, a receiver hitch transducer in another embodiment, and a trailer tongue transducer in a further embodiment. Strain gauges are strategically located on the transducer and information regarding the towed vehicle are sent to a display. In one embodiment, a portable display unit, smartphone or the like has a receiver for receiving transmitted data from the transducer reflective of the towed vehicle measured and calculated parameter so that a user can view the tongue weight in practically real time as well as other parameters relating to loading and towing. In this manner, the user can adjust the contents of the towed vehicle to achieve proper tongue weight without the necessity of going back and forth between the trailer and the transducer. A method is also disclosed for determining a safe towing condition based on the trailer tongue weight, trailer pulling force, acceleration during towing, calculated trailer weight, and other factors.
159 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A sensor kit for detecting and analyzing loading and towing conditions of a trailer with respect to a tow vehicle, the sensor kit comprising:
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a first sensor module having a first force sensor for sensing a pull force of the trailer; and a processing module operably connectable to the first sensor module for receiving first data related to the pull force and including means for calculating a weight of the trailer and communicating the weight calculation to a user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for monitoring and calculating loading and towing conditions of a trailer, the system comprising:
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means for storing tow vehicle information; means for storing trailer information; means for monitoring trailer tongue weight and total trailer weight during loading and towing; means for comparing the trailer tongue weight and total trailer weight to the stored tow vehicle information and stored trailer information; and means for indicating a safe or unsafe tow condition based on the comparing means. - View Dependent Claims (7, 9, 10)
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8. A system according to claim 39, and further comprising means for detecting at least one of excessive drag and excessive speed of the trailer during towing.
Specification