Patent · US Active

Vehicle load information system to determine road slope and load when trailer is added to vehicle

US9311761B1 · kind B1 · utility

8Cited by
3References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 2014
Grant dateApr 12, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 31, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60W2520/14
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method identifies, for a vehicle, a low friction surface from a road surface with a slope. With the vehicle at standstill, the vehicle ignition is switched on. A normal load for the vehicle is calculated. It is determined if the vehicle is moving, and if the vehicle is moving, a vehicle load is calculated using suspension information from the vehicle. A road slope angle is calculated based on the calculated vehicle load and calculated normal load. A normal slope angle is calculated and is compared to the calculated road slope angle to determine if the vehicle is on a low friction surface or on a sloped surface. In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, a method determines whether a trailer is coupled to a vehicle.

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