Hitch angle sensor assembly
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorJohn Crossman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one embodiment, a hitch angle sensor assembly includes a spacer fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle. An element is rotatably coupled with the spacer about a vertical axis defined by the hitch ball, and connecting member secures the element to a trailer. A hall sensor is coupled with the spacer and senses a magnetic portion of the element to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer. This and other embodiments of the hitch angle sensor assembly may be used independently or in combination with other hitch angle sensors or systems to estimate the hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer, which may be advantageously used for operation of the vehicle with a trailer backup assist system.
Claims20
A hitch angle sensor assembly comprising:
- a spacer adapted to be fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle;
- an element rotatably coupled with the spacer about an axis defined by the hitch ball;
- a connecting member for securing the element to a trailer;
- and
- a proximity sensor coupled with the spacer and sensing movement of the element for determining a hitch angle.
A hitch angle sensor assembly comprising:
- a housing fixed to a hitch ball;
- an element attached to a trailer and rotatable relative to the housing about a vertical axis of the hitch ball, the element having a magnetic portion with a shape that varies in radial distance about the vertical axis;
- and
- a hall sensor coupled with the housing for sensing the magnetic portion to determine a hitch angle.
A hitch angle sensor assembly for a trailer attached to a vehicle, comprising:
- a spacer fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on the vehicle;
- an element rotatably coupled with the spacer about a vertical axis defined by the hitch ball;
- a connecting member securing the element to the trailer;
- a magnet coupled with the element and having an arcuate shape with a spacing from the vertical axis that increases between opposing ends thereof;
- and
- a hall sensor coupled with the spacer and sensing the magnet to determine a rotated position of the element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.