Inventors:
Richard J. Guzorek - Rockford MI
Ralph E. Verburg - Jenison MI
John T. Kovitz - Walker MI
Ray M. Hallenbeck - Metamora MI
Assignee:
Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc. - Auburn Hills MI
International Classification:
B60T 1366
Abstract:
An electronic brake controller for controlling electric brakes of a towed vehicle, such as a trailer, wherein the controller includes a resistive braking force sensor that senses the braking force applied by the driver of the towing vehicle to the brake pedal and provides an electrical signal proportional to the braking force to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is operable when a microprocessor thereof detects the brake light "on" condition and the presence of the force sensor. The microprocessor receives the signal from the braking force sensor and controls braking force applied to the trailer brakes in proportion to the force applied by the driver of the towing vehicle to the brake pedal. During operation, the microprocessor reads ambient temperature compensated electrical conductance of the braking force sensor to provide a temperature compensated output signal proportional to the braking force to actuate the trailer electric brakes. The electronic controller optionally includes a remote driver-operable control unit tethered by a quick-disconnect wiring harness to a main electronic control unit that is attached to the vehicle hidden out of sight and hard wired to the vehicle electrical system.