Brake controller for towed vehicle braking system and method
US9446747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T2230/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A brake controller is disclosed for a towed vehicle braking system. The controller is adapted to be mounted in a towing or a towed vehicle having a longitudinal axis for generating a braking control signal to the towed vehicle braking system. The controller comprises an inertial sensor including plural sensor axes adapted to be mounted in an undefined orientation relative to the longitudinal axis for generating sensor data associated with each sensor axis. The controller also comprises a memory device for storing the sensor data associated with each sensor axis and a processor for processing the sensor data with the braking control signal to evaluate orientation of the inertial sensor relative to the longitudinal axis. In particular the brake controller is adapted to control activation of the towed vehicle braking system in a manner that is relatively insensitive to acceleration of the vehicle in a lateral direction and to orientation of the inertial sensor without prescribing a mounting orientation of the brake controller relative to the towing or towed vehicle. A method of operating a brake controller for a towed vehicle braking system is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.