711results about "Trailers" patented technology

A high power wireless resonant energy transfer system transfers energy across an airgap.

Disclosed herein are an autonomous driving apparatus and method for a vehicle. The autonomous driving apparatus includes an autonomous driving context data processing unit, a simulator unit, a section determination unit, a path planning unit, and a context determination main control unit. The autonomous driving context data processing unit gathers autonomous driving context data. The simulator unit simulates autonomous driving based on the gathered autonomous driving context data. The section determination unit determines a reliable section or an unreliable section based on results of the simulation. The path planning unit searches for at least one global path to a set destination based on results of the determination, and searches the at least one global path for a local path along which the autonomous driving is possible. The context determination main control unit controls the autonomous driving of the vehicle along the local path.

A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.

A system and related method for a regenerative braking system on a towed vehicle, such as a trailer or semi-trailer. The system provides power and braking to the respective trailer wheels, as needed, to help stabilize the trailer. Power is regenerated during braking. While batteries may be used to store the energy, the system also may use capacitive storage units, which charge and discharge large amounts of energy at a fast rate. A multiple-axis sensor system in conjunction with wheel sensors, load sensors, and proportional control of the brakes and motor power to the axles and wheels, is used to achieve superior load stabilization. The invention can be easily retrofit into new or used trailers, and is self-contained with low maintenance.

A method of inputting a path is provided. The method includes the steps of generating an aerial view of a vehicle and a trailer based on at least one of image data and satellite image data, displaying the aerial view on a display having a touch screen, and registering a touch event on the touch screen that inputs an intended path for the vehicle and the trailer.

A boosting-charge power supply apparatus and a boosting-charge power supply method are capable of supplying electric power for boosting charge to a variety of mobile bodies using a single apparatus and supplying high-quality electric power to the mobile bodies.A boosting-charge power supply apparatus 10 which supplies electric power for boosting charge to a mobile body having a boosting-charge control function includes: a rectifier 11 for supplying DC power; a first power storing means 15 for storing DC power from the rectifier 11 and outputting pure DC power; a charging circuit 20 which sends pure DC power from the first power storing means 15 directly to a vehicle 50 including a second power storing means 85 for storing DC power from the first power storing means 15; and a power-supply controlling means 12 for stopping the rectifier 11 from supplying electric power to the first power storing means 15 while the first power storing means 15 is supplying electric power to charge the second power storing means 85. Control is executed in such a way that pure DC power supplied from the first power storing means 15 becomes electric power suitable for charging conditions of the second power storing means 85 on the vehicle 50 side, thereby enabling the same boosting-charge power supply apparatus 10 to supply electric power and give a boosting charge to a different type of vehicle. Further, the vehicle 50 can be supplied with high-quality electric power equivalent to pure DC power, thereby almost saving considering a noise, a surge or the like in designing electric circuits of the vehicle 50, so that the electric circuits of the vehicle 50 can be more easily designed.

A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, includes a state estimator that determines a current position of a trailer relative to a plurality of waypoints. A trajectory planner may then incrementally generate a path from the current position to the plurality of waypoints. The trajectory planner has a first mode that generates first and second circular trajectories tangent to one another connecting between the current position and a waypoint of the plurality of waypoints. A second mode of the trajectory planner generates the second circular trajectory between the current position and the waypoint after the trailer traverses the first circular trajectory. Also, a third mode of the trajectory planner switches to the first operating mode when the trailer reaches the waypoint for guidance to a subsequent waypoint. A curvature controller guides the trailer based on a curvature of the respective first or second circular trajectories.

A working surface incorporates a means for transferring mechanical energy produced by a rotating member of the working surface so that the energy rotates a shaft attached to an alternator that charges a bank of 12 V batteries. The alternator is responsible for converting the mechanical energy being input by the rotating shaft to electrical energy that is fed to the batteries. The batteries transfer the energy into an inverter for use depending upon the required amount. Thereby, backup electrical power may be generated and stored, taking advantage of excess horsepower at cruise provided by a vehicle as well as better utilizing travel time. Additionally, the added cost of ownership and noise of a portable power generator is avoided.

A system and related method for a regenerative braking system on a towed vehicle, such as a trailer or semi-trailer. The system provides power and braking to the respective trailer wheels, as needed, to help stabilize the trailer. Power is regenerated during braking. While batteries may be used to store the energy, the system also may use capacitive storage units, which charge and discharge large amounts of energy at a fast rate. A multiple-axis sensor system in conjunction with wheel sensors, load sensors, and proportional control of the brakes and motor power to the axles and wheels, is used to achieve superior load stabilization. The invention can be easily retrofit into new or used trailers, and is self-contained with low maintenance.

When a trailer is pulled by a tow vehicle where the trailer begins to sway to the left and right of the tow vehicle a large sway can result in loss of control of the trailer and or tow vehicle. The field of the present invention is a system and method of controlling a trailer sway which comprises determining the sway of the trailer utilizing an electronic sensor and independently applying the left and or right trailer brakes at varying levels to reduce trailer sway the traditional single braking signal power from the tow vehicle is separated into two independent braking signals for each of the left and right brakes. All brakes are applied whenever the traditional braking signal goes active where trailer battery power is utilized to independently activate the left and or right brakes during trailer sway.

A path input system is provided. The path input system includes at least one imaging device for generating image data. A GPS device is included for generating satellite image data. A controller generates an aerial view of a vehicle and a trailer based on the image data and the satellite data. A display is included for displaying the aerial view and registering a touch event thereon that inputs an intended path for the vehicle and the trailer.

A trailer backup assist system for vehicles utilizes surface slope data to provide an alert to an operator if a problematic operating condition is present and / or imminent while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to utilize surface slope data to control steering, braking, or other vehicle operating parameter while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to generate a warning and / or control the vehicle if a jackknife condition is imminent. The surface slope data may be obtained utilizing sensors on the vehicle, or the surface slope data may be obtained utilizing a database that includes topographical data.