Trailer hitch alignment systems and methods

摘要

Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch.

主权项

1. An alignment system for a trailer hitch mounted to a vehicle, wherein the trailer hitch includes a movable tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a tongue of a trailer, wherein the tow bar is extendable and pivotable relative to the vehicle, the alignment system comprising:
an energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue; at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship, each sensor configured to generate signals in response to detecting a reflection of the energy from the trailer tongue; and a processor in communication with the sensors that processes the signals generated by the sensors to provide directional data representative of a location of the trailer tongue relative to a target zone that represents an area within which the free end of the tow bar can be positioned.