Patent · US Active

System and methods for detection and response to interference between trailer coupler and hitch ball

US11385651B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by

15References

18Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

Luke Niewiadomski · Dearborn, US
Erick Michael Lavoie · Dearborn, US
Rudi Todd Ansbacher · Westland, US
Anton Rogness · Dearborn, US
Elliott Pearson · Shelby Charter Township, US
Andrew Niedert · Farmington Hills, US
Joshua Rajasingh · Ypsilanti, US
Lucian Lippok · Cologne, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Jun 26, 2018
Grant date	Jul 12, 2022
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Apr 16, 2039

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB60Y2400/305
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle system comprises a hitch mounted on a vehicle and at least one sensor in connection with the hitch. A controller is configured to identify a force applied to the hitch via the at least one sensor. In response to the force, the controller is further configured to approximate a direction of the force. Based on the direction, the controller generates instructions identifying a height adjustment of a coupler of a trailer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.