Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a load in a trailer coupled to a vehicle. One method includes determining, with an electronic processor, an initial weight on a rear axle of the vehicle when the load is engaged with the trailer coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes monitoring, with the electronic processor, a current weight on the rear axle of the vehicle based on data collected by a sensor. The method also includes comparing, with the electronic processor, the initial weight and the current weight. The method also includes automatically generating, with the electronic processor, a notification when the current weight is different than the initial weight by a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and method for operating a host vehicle based on geographic location. The system includes a distance sensor, a location sensor, a user interface, and a controller including an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is communicatively coupled to the distance sensor, the location sensor, the speed control, and the user interface, and is configured to receive a distance signal from the distance sensor indicative of a distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle. The controller receives a location signal from the location sensor indicative of a location of the host vehicle and a control signal from the user interface indicative of a desired mode of operation of the vehicle control system. The controller performs a driver assistance function associated with the desired mode of operation and adjusts a tolerance of the driver assistance function based on the location of the host vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a load in a trailer coupled to a vehicle. One method includes determining, with an electronic processor, an initial weight on a rear axle of the vehicle when the load is engaged with the trailer coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes monitoring, with the electronic processor, a current weight on the rear axle of the vehicle based on data collected by a sensor. The method also includes comparing, with the electronic processor, the initial weight and the current weight. The method also includes automatically generating, with the electronic processor, a notification when the current weight is different than the initial weight by a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and method for operating a host vehicle based on geographic location. The system includes a distance sensor, a location sensor, a user interface, and a controller including an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is communicatively coupled to the distance sensor, the location sensor, the speed control, and the user interface, and is configured to receive a distance signal from the distance sensor indicative of a distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle. The controller receives a location signal from the location sensor indicative of a location of the host vehicle and a control signal from the user interface indicative of a desired mode of operation of the vehicle control system. The controller performs a driver assistance function associated with the desired mode of operation and adjusts a tolerance of the driver assistance function based on the location of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A merge assistance system for a vehicle. The system includes a camera configured to monitor an area, at least one sensor configured to detect information about at least one moving target object, an electronic control unit having a processor in electronic communication with the camera and the sensor to receive information about the monitored area and the at least one moving target object. The system also includes a computer readable medium storing instructions that cause the processor to receive information about a velocity and an acceleration of the vehicle, determine a merging location based on the information received from the camera, determine a velocity and an acceleration of the at the least one moving target object based on the information from the at least one sensor, identify a merge assist situation, and initiate a merge driving maneuver to control the vehicle during the merge assist situation.

Abstract: A merge assistance system for a vehicle. The system includes a camera configured to monitor an area, at least one sensor configured to detect information about at least one moving target object, an electronic control unit having a processor in electronic communication with the camera and the sensor to receive information about the monitored area and the at least one moving target object. The system also includes a computer readable medium storing instructions that cause the processor to receive information about a velocity and an acceleration of the vehicle, determine a merging location based on the information received from the camera, determine a velocity and an acceleration of the at the least one moving target object based on the information from the at least one sensor, identify a merge assist situation, and initiate a merge driving maneuver to control the vehicle during the merge assist situation.

Abstract: An anti-lock braking hydraulic unit for a vehicle includes a body with actuator-side and brake-side ports. Inlet and outlet valves are positioned in the body and operable to selectively supply and relieve hydraulic fluid to/from the wheel cylinder of a brake via the brake-side port. An accumulator is fluidly coupled with the outlet valve to receive hydraulic fluid relieved from the wheel cylinder. The accumulator includes a bore formed in the body and an orifice formed in the body in fluid communication with the bore. The orifice is positioned at a first end of the bore, and a closure is sealingly engaged with a second end. A piston is sealingly received in the bore, movable within the bore along an axis defined thereby and dividing the bore into first and second variable volume chambers. At least one ferromagnetic pair magnetically biases the piston toward the first end of the bore.