Steering method for a trailing section of an articulated vehicle

摘要

This invention relates generally to systems used to steer trailing sections of articulated vehicles and trailers. The preferred embodiment of this invention is a steerable dolly that can be manually and/or automatically switched among multiple modes. The dolly receives its primary input from the angle of the rear of the front trailer (or other towing vehicle). There are at least two modes. In one mode the wheels of the dolly are steered in the opposite direction as the rear trailer, providing more maneuverability. In the other mode the wheels are steered in the same direction, providing a more stable mode. It is envisioned that the more stable mode would be used at high speeds while the more maneuverable mode would be used at lower speeds. There is also disclosed an alternate steering algorithm, which provides for additional maneuverability beyond that of the mode in which the wheels are steered in an opposite direction.