Modular pro tba knob for open storage areas
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsErick Michael Lavoie, Donald Jacob Mattern
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vehicle trailer backup assist control module for positioning in an open area of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a control device configured to mate electrically and mechanically with a modular adapter for removable positioning the module in the open area of the vehicle, a user interface for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user, at least one visual indicator for indicating a status of the control device and/or of a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle, and a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.
Claims20
A vehicle control module comprising:
- a modular adaptor defining a receptacle and configured for insertion into a cupholder;
- a housing defining an extension and configured to mate electrically and mechanically with the modular adapter, the extension is received by the receptacle when the housing mates to the modular adaptor;
- a user interface including a rotatable dial connected to the housing;
- and
- a data port for controlling a trailer backup assist function of a vehicle.
(canceled)
A vehicle trailer backup assist control module, the control module comprising:
- a modular adaptor including a receptacle and configured for positioning in an open area of a vehicle;
- a housing defining an extension and configured to mate electrically and mechanically with the modular adapter for removable positioning in the open area, the receptacle is to receive the extension in a keyed relationship to fit the housing and the modular adapter together in one orientation;
- a user interface including a rotatable dial connected to the housing for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user;
- and
- a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.
A vehicle trailer backup assist control module, the control module comprising:
- a modular adaptor defining a receptacle and configured for insertion into a cupholder of a vehicle;
- a housing including a housing portion and connected electrically and mechanically to the modular adapter for removably positioning in the cupholder, the receptacle is to receive the housing portion in a keyed relationship to fit the housing portion and the adapter together in one orientation;
- a user interface including a rotatable dial connected to the housing for receiving gestures from a user and for providing feedback to the user;
- and
- a data port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle for controlling a trailer backup assist function of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.