Apparatus and method for automatically validating a trailer connection
US9061629B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/62
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for validating a connection between a vehicle and a trailer is provided. The apparatus comprising a controller configured to detect an object positioned rearward of the vehicle and to receive first information indicative of a first distance between the object and the vehicle. The controller further configured to monitor transmission status of the vehicle in response to the first information and to determine whether the first distance between the object and the vehicle is decreasing in response to transmission status indicating that the vehicle is in reverse. The controller being further configured to determine that the object is a trailer in the event the first distance between the object and the vehicle has not decreased while the vehicle is in reverse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.