Trailer sway detection and method for reducing trailer sway utilizing trailer brakes

A method for detecting a sway event in a trailer, comprising the steps of:

• receiving a signal corresponding to a sway angle, wherein the sway angle defines a deviation by the trailer from an aligned position behind a tow vehicle and wherein the signal corresponding to the sway angle has a variable amplitude corresponding to the sway angle;
• comparing the signal to an activation threshold;
• measuring a duration for which the signal exceeds the activation threshold;
• detecting the sway event when the duration exceeds the activation threshold for a predetermined time;
• generating a brake control signal responsive to detecting the sway event;
• and
• determining a variable amplitude of the brake control signal as a function of the variable amplitude of the signal corresponding to the sway angle.

A system for detecting a sway event in a trailer, comprising:

• a sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to a sway angle;
• a memory configured to store a plurality of instructions;
• a processor configured to receive the signal and to execute the plurality of instructions to:
• compare the signal to an activation threshold,
• measure a duration for which the signal exceeds the activation threshold,
• detect the sway event when the duration exceeds the activation threshold for a predetermined time,
• increment a sway counter upon detection of the sway event, and
• generate a brake control signal after the sway counter has been incremented at least twice.

A system for detecting a sway event in a trailer, comprising:

• a sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to a sway angle, wherein the sway angle defines a deviation by the trailer from an aligned position behind a tow vehicle and wherein the signal corresponding to the sway angle has a variable amplitude corresponding to the sway angle;
• a memory configured to store a plurality of instructions;
• processor configured to receive the signal and to execute the plurality of instructions to:
• compare the signal to an activation threshold,
• measure a duration for which the signal exceeds the activation threshold,
• detect the sway event when the duration exceeds the activation threshold for a predetermined time,
• generate a brake control signal responsive to detecting the sway event, and
• determine a variable amplitude of the brake control signal as a function of the variable amplitude of the signal corresponding to the sway angle.