Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a trailer sideswipe avoidance system, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on September 9th, 2019, published on May 17th, 2022, and assigned serial number 11332191.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford has introduced a number of innovative features in recent years designed to make the act of towing much easier. This includes the automaker’s Trailer Reverse Guidance system, which debuted on the Ford Super Duty years ago and later made its way to the 2021 Ford F-150 as well. This system uses the truck’s high-resolution cameras and sensors to help the driver not only successfully navigate while towing a trailer, but also warn them in the event that jackknifing might occur.
Now, this new Ford patent aims to solve yet another issue many face while towing – sideswiping objects, including other vehicles. The Ford patent details a system that would use a number of sensors specifically designed to detect objects that are close to the vehicle and the trailer it’s towing, and then take action if it determines that either is about to sideswipe another object.
The patent specifically mentions the fact that sideswiping when going around corners is more likely than when traveling in a straight line, noting that this type of maneuver can be challenging for a number of drivers. Thus, it aims to mitigate accidents by not only displaying a warning message, but also potentially taking over the steering or brakes if it detects that contact is imminent. Given how common active drive assists have become in modern day vehicles, this is one patent that seems quite likely to see the light of day, even though many ultimately don’t.
We’ll have more on this and all Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford trademark news, Ford business news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
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