Trailer length estimation in hitch angle applications
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsChristos Kyrtsos, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Alex Maurice Miller, Douglas Scott Rhode
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.
Claims20
An apparatus for determining an estimated trailer length comprising:
- a processor operable to:
- determine a first length having a first uncertainty;
- determine a second length having a second uncertainty;
- compare the first length to the second length in a first comparison;
- and
- set the estimated trailer length to the first length based on the first comparison yielding a result less than a first predetermined value.
A method for determining an estimated trailer length comprising:
- receiving a steering angle from a steering module;
- receiving a trailer angle from a hitch sensor;
- calculating a first length based on the steering angle and a minimum error calculation of the trailer angle;
- calculating a second length based on a radius of curvature of a trailer and a vehicle;
- and
- evaluating the first length and the second length to determine the estimated trailer length.
A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length comprising:
- at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle;
- and
- a processor operable to:
- determine a first length by a first computation method;
- determine a second length by a second computation method;
- and
- validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length;
- and
- perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.