Determining an angle between a tow vehicle and a trailer
US10942271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2018 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0255
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The angle of a trailer with respect to a tow vehicle is an important parameter to the stability of the vehicle and trailer. A tow vehicle pulling a trailer in a straight line is generally more stable than when the vehicle is turning. While turning, the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is not a straight line but is another angle depending on how sharply the tow vehicle is turning. To safely operate a vehicle towing a trailer, for a given steering input and speed, there is a maximum angle between the tow vehicle and trailer whereby exceeding the angle causes instability and may cause the trailer or tow vehicle to roll over or jackknife. Accordingly, the angle between the trailer and tow vehicle must be determined to ensure the vehicle and trailer will continue to be in control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.