US 12,391,179 B2
Methods and systems for parking trailers towed by vehicle utilizing vehicle sensors and based on a profile and required clearances for the trailer
Adam L Wright, Livonia, MI (US); Nathaniel W Hart, Beverly Hills, MI (US); Russell A Patenaude, Macomb Township, MI (US); and Matthew Edward Gilbert-Eyres, Rochester Hills, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Jul. 5, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/347,543.
Prior Publication US 2025/0010794 A1, Jan. 9, 2025
Int. Cl. B60R 1/00 (2022.01); B62D 13/00 (2006.01)
CPC B60R 1/003 (2013.01) [B62D 13/00 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
obtaining, via one or more sensors of a vehicle that is towing a trailer, sensor data pertaining to surroundings of the trailer;
retrieving information as to a profile of the trailer, the profile comprising required clearances for the trailer based on one or more extensions of the trailer that are configured to be retracted while the trailer is moving and fully extended when the trailer is parked and the one or more extensions are utilized;
determining, via a processor, whether any obstacles are in a path of the trailer when the one or more extensions are fully extended, based on the sensor data and the profile;
taking an action, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor, when it is determined that one or more obstacles are in the path of the trailer;
determining, via the processor, whether any ground surface issues are present in proximity to the trailer for when the one or more extensions are fully extended, based on the sensor data and the profile; and
taking the action, in accordance with the instructions provided by the processor, when it is determined that one or more ground surface issues proximate the trailer.