Connector apparatus to connect a tow vehicle with a wagon

A connector apparatus configured to connect a first vehicle with a second vehicle, the connector apparatus comprising:

• a first portion connected to the first vehicle, wherein the first portion is configured to pivot horizontally about a vertical axis;
• a second portion connected to the second vehicle, wherein:
• the second portion is configured to pivot vertically relative to a second vehicle plane, and
• the second portion is engaged with the first portion and configured to move horizontally relative to a first portion longitudinal axis when the second vehicle accelerates or decelerates;
• and
• one or more compression springs connected between the first portion and the second portion,
• a sensor unit connected with the first portion and the second portion, wherein the sensor unit is configured to:
• determine a length of contraction of the one or more compression springs when the second portion moves relative to the first portion longitudinal axis;
• generate a signal based on the length;
• and
• transmit the signal to a first vehicle microprocessor.

A method to enable connection between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, the method comprising:

• providing a first portion connected to the first vehicle, wherein the first portion is configured to pivot horizontally about a vertical axis;
• providing a second portion connected to the second vehicle, wherein:
• the second portion is configured to pivot vertically relative to a second vehicle plane, and
• the second portion is engaged with the first portion and configured to move horizontally relative to a first portion longitudinal axis when the second vehicle accelerates or decelerates;
• and
• providing a sensor unit connected with the first portion and the second portion, wherein the sensor unit is configured to:
• determine a distance and a direction of a second portion horizontal movement when the second portion moves relative to the first portion longitudinal axis;
• generate a signal based on the distance and the direction;
• and
• transmit the signal to a first vehicle microprocessor, wherein the first vehicle microprocessor is configured to cause braking or acceleration of the first vehicle based on the signal and a second vehicle direction of movement.