Trailer tongue length estimation using a trailer yaw rate sensor
US6999856B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/62
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated trailer yaw rate based on a corrected tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, vehicle speed and a vehicle yaw rate. The estimated trailer yaw rate is compared to a measured trailer yaw rate to generate a yaw rate error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.