Variable trailer sway damping
AssigneeRobert Bosch GmbH
InventorDavid Neil VanderLugt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Examples provide a trailer hitch system for connecting a tow vehicle and a trailer. Some examples of the system include a vehicle connector configured to be coupled to the tow vehicle and a chamber coupled to the vehicle connector. The chamber includes a center, an interior wall, and a valve for modulating a flow of hydraulic fluid within the chamber. A pin extends through the chamber and is configured to rotate within the chamber. A paddle is coupled to the pin and sized and shaped to sit substantially flush against the interior wall. The paddle is configured to push the hydraulic fluid in a first direction and a second direction through the valve. A trailer connector is coupled to the pin and configured to be coupled to the trailer.
Claims12
A trailer hitch system for connecting a tow vehicle and a trailer, the trailer hitch system comprising:
- a vehicle connector configured to be coupled to the tow vehicle and including a chamber, the chamber including a center, an interior wall, and a valve for modulating a flow of hydraulic fluid within the chamber;
- a pin extending through the chamber, the pin configured to rotate within the chamber;
- a paddle coupled to the pin and sized and shaped to sit substantially flush against the interior wall, the paddle configured to push the hydraulic fluid in a first direction and a second direction through the valve;
- a trailer connector coupled to the pin and configured to be coupled to the trailer;
- and
- an electronic processor configured to control the valve.
A method for damping trailer sway in a trailer hitch system including a vehicle connector configured to be coupled to a tow vehicle and including a chamber, the chamber including a center, an interior wall, and a valve for modulating a flow of hydraulic fluid within the chamber, and a pin extending through the chamber and configured to rotate within the chamber, the method comprising:
- pushing, with a paddle coupled to the pin and sized and shaped to sit substantially flush against the interior wall, hydraulic fluid in a first direction and a second direction through the valve;
- and
- controlling, with an electronic processor, the valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.