Smart trailer coupler system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10589581-B2
Application number	US-201715724564-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 4, 2017
Priority date	Oct 4, 2017
Publication date	Mar 17, 2020
Grant date	Mar 17, 2020

Abstract

A smart trailer coupler system includes a ball mount connectable to a vehicle, a hitch ball mechanically connected to the ball mount, a coupler selectively connectable to the hitch ball, and at least one sensor mounted to one of the ball mount, the hitch ball and the coupler. The at least one sensor detects a size compatibility between the coupler and the hitch ball. A signal system is operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The signal system provides at least one of a visual alert and an audible alert of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A trailer coupler system comprising:
a ball mount connectable to a vehicle;
a hitch ball mechanically connected to the ball mount;
a coupler selectively connectable to the hitch ball;
at least one sensor mounted to one of the ball mount, the hitch ball and the coupler, the at least one sensor detecting a size compatibility between the coupler and the hitch ball; and
a signal system operatively connected to the at least one sensor, the signal system providing at least one of a visual alert and an audible alert of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.

2. The trailer coupler system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor mounted to the hitch ball.

3. The trailer coupler system according to claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second sensors comprises one of a proximity sensor and a spring loaded sensor.

4. The trailer coupler system according to claim 2 , wherein the first sensor is positioned substantially opposite the second sensor on the hitch ball.

5. The trailer coupler system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor mounted to the coupler.

6. The trailer coupler system according to claim 5 , wherein each of the first and second sensors comprises a proximity sensor, the first sensor being arranged opposite the second sensor on the coupler.

7. The trailer coupler system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is mounted to the ball mount.

8. The trailer coupler system according to claim 7 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor.

9. The trailer coupler system according to claim 1 , wherein the signal system includes one or more indicator lights that provide a visual indication of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.

10. The trailer coupler system according to claim 1 , wherein one of the hitch ball and the coupler includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and the other of the hitch ball and the coupler includes an RFID reader.

11. The trailer coupler system according to claim 10 , wherein the RFID chip is mounted to the hitch ball.

12. A vehicle comprising:
a body; and
a trailer coupler system comprising:
a ball mount connected to the vehicle;
a hitch ball mechanically connected to the ball mount;
at least one sensor mounted to one of the ball mount, and the hitch ball, the at least one sensor detecting a size compatibility of the hitch ball and a coupler; and
a signal system operatively connected to the at least one sensor, the signal system providing at least one of a visual alert and an audible alert of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor mounted to the hitch ball.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein each of the first and second sensors comprises one of a proximity sensor and a spring loaded sensor.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein the first sensor is positioned substantially opposite the second sensor on the hitch ball.

16. The vehicle according to claim 12 , wherein the at least one sensor is mounted to the ball mount.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor.

18. The vehicle according to claim 12 , wherein the signal system includes one or more indicator lights that provide a visual indication of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.

19. The vehicle according to claim 12 , wherein one of the hitch ball and the coupler includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and the other of the hitch ball and the coupler includes an RFID reader.

20. The vehicle according to claim 19 , wherein the RFID chip is mounted to the hitch ball.

Assignees

• Gm Global Tech Operations Llc

Inventors

• Bika Anil
• Brown Thomas R
• Demitrish Daniel
• Smith Anthony L
• Wiebenga Michelle H
• Meade Grant L
• Weigert Norman J

Classifications

• B60D1/28

  for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances · CPC title

• B60D1/06 Primary

  Ball-and-socket hitches · CPC title

• B60D1/62

  involving supply lines, electric circuits or the like · CPC title

• B60D1/64

  Couplings or joints therefor · CPC title