Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Conrad M Smith

Thomas Lee Miller

Ryan Edwin Hanson

Ronald Patrick Brombach

Scott Howard Gaboury

Scott Alan Watkins

Anthony Dwayne Cooprider

Timothy John Zuraw

Ebrahim Nasser

Daniel James Card

Kenneth J Snarski

Steven M Sundberg

Method and apparatus are disclosed for synchronous short range radars for automatic trailer detection. An example radar module for a vehicle includes a radar, and a controller coupled to memory. The controller measures, with the radar, a target area proximate the vehicle. Based on the measurements, the controller determines clutter and trailer connection states. The controller sends a clutter message on a data bus indicative of the clutter state, and sends a connection message based on either (a) the trailer connection state or (b) clutter and trailer connection states of another radar module.

Synchronous short range radars for automatic trailer detection

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.

Apparatus and method for automatically validating a trailer connection

A method and system for protecting a vehicle battery from excessive discharge are described. The method includes monitoring vehicle conditions including determining whether safety conditions are met and whether the vehicle is stationary. Further, the method activates a power save mode based on the monitoring step. The power save mode includes simulating an ignition off condition.

Method and system for managing vehicle battery charge

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Saint Joseph, MI, United States of America

Conrad M Smith