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US 2016/0243908 A1Published application
Semi-autonomous trailer hitch
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsRichard J. Lannen, Wade W. Bryant, Edward J. Miller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A number of variations may include a product comprising: a semi-autonomous trailer hitch comprising a coupler; a towed device structure, wherein the coupler and the towed device structure are pivotally attached to each other; and at least one sensor on at least one of the coupler or the towed device structure.
Claims20
A product comprising:
- a semi-autonomous trailer hitch comprising:
- a coupler;
- a towed device structure, wherein the coupler and the towed device structure are pivotally attached to each other;
- and
- at least one sensor on at least one of the coupler or the towed device structure.
2 more elements
A method comprising:
- controlling at least one towed device comprising:
- providing a towed device with electrically propelled wheels and steering with a semi-autonomous trailer hitch, wherein the semi-autonomous trailer hitch includes at least one sensor;
- detecting at least one operating condition of a tow vehicle with the at least one sensor;
- relaying the at least one operating condition to the towed device with electrically propelled wheels and steering;
- and
- controlling the towed device with electrically propelled wheels and steering to match the at least one operating condition of the tow vehicle.
3 more elements
A method comprising:
- towing multiple towed devices using a single tow vehicle comprising:
- providing a first towed device having a first semi-autonomous trailer hitch and at least one second towed device having a second semi-autonomous trailer hitch;
- attaching the first towed device to a tow vehicle;
- attaching the at least one second towed device to the first towed device;
- detecting at least one operating condition of the tow vehicle using the first semi-autonomous trailer hitch;
- relaying the at least one operating condition of the tow vehicle to the first towed device;
- controlling the first towed device to match the at least one operating condition of the tow vehicle;
- detecting at least one operating condition of the first towed device with the second semi-autonomous trailer hitch;
- relaying the at least one operating condition of the first towed device to the second towed device;
- and
- controlling the second towed device to match the at least one operating condition of the first towed device.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.