The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 26, 2016
Filed:
Jul. 10, 2015
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc., Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Philip Mark Headley, Brighton, MI (US);
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc., Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A system and method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel uses at least one sensor generating output information representative of the relative position between the vehicle rear and the trailer front. An electronic processing unit compares the measured quantity with a reference value and determines from the comparison whether the trailer deviates from a straight alignment with the vehicle. If the trailer is not aligned with the vehicle, the system can interfere with the vehicle's steering system, the trailer's brake system, or both. The sensor can be a distance sensor or a camera, and the quantity can be a distance or a marker position. As a reference value for comparison, the method can use a stored value or previously or simultaneously measured values. The method can be activated automatically or by a switch operated by the vehicle driver.