Trailer sway control with reverse sensors
First Claim
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1. A method of trailer sway control, comprising:
- the steps of;
taking proximity sensor readings to sense proximity between a trailer and a towing vehicle that is towing the trailer;
sensing a turning of a steering wheel of the towing vehicle to provide steering wheel turn readings;
calculating a trailer angle of sway in a manner that is independent of measured yaw rate, the calculating being based on the steering wheel turn readings and the proximity sensor readings, braking to counter trailer sway in a manner that furthers stabilization by taking into account the calculated trailer angle of sway, the proximity sensor readings and the steering wheel turn readings.
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Abstract
Reverse proximity sensors are used to determine an angle between a towed trailer and the towing vehicle. The trailer sway control determines a trailer angle of sway based upon proximity sensor readings from the reverse proximity sensors and from a sensor reading of an angle of turn of a steering wheel of the towing vehicle. Provided the determined trailer angle of sway exceeds a range that can be tolerated, a controller sends instructions to apply necessary braking to the vehicle or trailer to mitigate the trailer sway.
139 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of trailer sway control, comprising:
- the steps of;
taking proximity sensor readings to sense proximity between a trailer and a towing vehicle that is towing the trailer;
sensing a turning of a steering wheel of the towing vehicle to provide steering wheel turn readings;
calculating a trailer angle of sway in a manner that is independent of measured yaw rate, the calculating being based on the steering wheel turn readings and the proximity sensor readings, braking to counter trailer sway in a manner that furthers stabilization by taking into account the calculated trailer angle of sway, the proximity sensor readings and the steering wheel turn readings. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- the steps of;
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13. An apparatus suited for trailer sway control, comprising:
- at least one proximity sensor configured and arranged to sense proximity between a trailer and a towing vehicle that tows the trailer so as to provide proximity sensor readings;
at least one detector arranged to sense a turning of a steering wheel of the towing vehicle to provide steering wheel turn readings; and
a trailer sway control system configured to calculate a trailer angle of sway in a manner that is independent of measured yaw rate yet based on the steering wheel turn readings and the proximity sensor readings and to direct braking to counter trailer sway in a manner that furthers stabilization by taking into account the calculated trailer angle of sway, the proximity sensor readings and the steering wheel turn readings. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
- at least one proximity sensor configured and arranged to sense proximity between a trailer and a towing vehicle that tows the trailer so as to provide proximity sensor readings;
Specification