17970277. METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR AND PREVENT TRAILER SWAY OF A VEHICLE AND TRAILER simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR AND PREVENT TRAILER SWAY OF A VEHICLE AND TRAILER

Organization Name

Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Keith Weston of Canton MI (US)

Andrew Denis Lewandowski of Sterling Heights MI (US)

Matthew Johnson of Toledo OH (US)

Brendan Diamond of Grosse Pointe MI (US)

Jordan Barrett of Milford MI (US)

Andrew Niedert of New Hudson MI (US)

Lars Niklas Pettersson of Novi MI (US)

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR AND PREVENT TRAILER SWAY OF A VEHICLE AND TRAILER - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17970277 titled 'METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR AND PREVENT TRAILER SWAY OF A VEHICLE AND TRAILER

The patent application describes methods and apparatus to prevent trailer sway by predicting and activating vehicle controls based on sensor data.

• Prediction circuitry analyzes sensor data to predict the likelihood of a trailer sway condition.
• Control activation circuitry responds to the prediction by activating vehicle controls to prevent trailer sway.
• Vehicle controls may include applying torque to trailer wheels or vehicle wheels to stabilize the trailer.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be applied in the automotive industry to improve trailer towing safety. - It can be used in recreational vehicles, commercial trailers, and other vehicles that tow trailers.

Problems Solved: - Prevents dangerous trailer sway conditions that can lead to accidents and loss of control. - Enhances overall safety and stability when towing trailers.

Benefits: - Increases safety for drivers and passengers when towing trailers. - Reduces the risk of accidents and damage to vehicles and cargo. - Improves overall towing experience by providing stability and control.

Commercial Applications: Title: Enhanced Trailer Sway Prevention System for Safer Towing This technology can be marketed to automotive manufacturers, trailer manufacturers, and aftermarket accessory companies targeting trailer owners. It can also be integrated into fleet vehicles for improved safety during transportation.

Questions about Trailer Sway Prevention System: 1. How does the prediction circuitry analyze sensor data to predict trailer sway conditions? 2. What are the specific vehicle controls that can be activated to prevent trailer sway?

Original Abstract Submitted

Methods and apparatus to prevent trailer sway are disclosed. An example apparatus to prevent trailer sway of a trailer coupled to a vehicle includes prediction circuitry to predict, based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the vehicle, whether a trailer sway condition associated with the vehicle is likely to occur, and control activation circuitry to, in response to the prediction that the trailer sway is likely to occur, activate at least one vehicle control of the vehicle to prevent the trailer sway condition from occurring, the at least one vehicle control to include applying torque to at least one of one or more trailer wheels of the trailer or one or more vehicle wheels of the vehicle.