Rotatable driver interface for trailer backup assist

US8972109B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Erick Michael Lavoie · Dearborn, US
• Douglas Scott Rhode · Farmington Hills, US
• Matt Y. Rupp · Canton, US
• David Dean Smit · Ann Arbor, US
• Thomas Edward Pilutti · Ann Arbor, US
• Roger Arnold Trombley · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 2011
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Jun 12, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W2520/22
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.