System and method for estimating trailer length
US5523947A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T2230/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for estimating the segment length of a multi-segment vehicle such as a semi tractor trailer vehicle is disclosed. The estimate is generated when the vehicle executes a turning maneuver. The method comprises determining the turning radius of the vehicle, sensing the articulation angle between two vehicle segments, such as a tractor and a trailer, generating a length estimate, and controlling the vehicle based on the estimate. The method and system are particularly useful for vehicles with steerable trailer axles in which controlling the vehicle includes automatically steering the trailer so that the trailer wheels follow a path substantially the same as the tractor wheels thus eliminating off-tracking. Controlling the vehicle may include detecting a jackknife condition and operating the braking system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.