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System-and-method-for-estimating-trailer-length

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System and method for estimating trailer length

Details

Inventors: Breen, Michael T.;
Assignee: Eaton Corporation (Cleveland, OH)
Primary Examiner: Chin; Gary
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brooks & Kushman

A method and system for estimating the segment length of a multi-segment vehicle such as a semi tractor trailer vehicle is disclosed. The estimate is generated when the vehicle executes a turning maneuver. The method comprises determining the turning radius of the vehicle, sensing the articulation angle between two vehicle segments, such as a tractor and a trailer, generating a length estimate, and controlling the vehicle based on the estimate. The method and system are particularly useful for vehicles with steerable trailer axles in which controlling the vehicle includes automatically steering the trailer so that the trailer wheels follow a path substantially the same as the tractor wheels thus eliminating off-tracking. Controlling the vehicle may include detecting a jackknife condition and operating the braking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for estimating at least one segment length of a multi-segment vehicle, such as the length of a trailer in a tractor semi-trailer vehicle.
In carrying out the above object and other objects and features of the present invention, a system for estimating the length of one of the segments of a multi-segment vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turning maneuver is provided.
Preferably, the vehicle includes an electronic control unit with memory for generating and storing the length estimate.
The system includes means for determining the turning radius of the vehicle and means for sensing the articulation angle formed by the intersection of longitudinal axes of two adjacent vehicle segments.
The system also includes means for controlling the operation of at least one of the vehicle segments based on the estimated length.
The means for controlling may include a steerable axle disposed beneath the controlled segment and an electronically controlled braking system.
In further carrying out the above object and other objects and features of the present invention, a method is provided for estimating the length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle during a turning maneuver for use in controlling the vehicle or for use by the controller of the vehicle.
The method includes determining the turning radius of the vehicle and sensing the relative angle between the longitudinal axes of the towing vehicle and the trailer.
The method also includes generating an estimate of the trailer length, and controlling the operation of the vehicle based on the estimated length of the trailer.
The advantages accruing to the present invention are numerous.
For example, the system and method of the present invention provide an accurate estimate of the distance between the rear axle of the towing vehicle and the rear trailer axle utilizing sensors and other components typically found on a vehicle equipped with an electronic control unit

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