Abstract: A vehicle sub-frame structure including a forward zone, extending substantially in the transverse direction towards the front of the vehicle. The forward zone has a first set of hinges and supports a radiator. A middle zone, including a pair of left and right members, extends substantially longitudinally and carries a second set of hinges. A rear zone includes a beam and is disposed substantially in the transverse direction. Both ends of the beam are attached to the sub-frame structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension of a steerable wheel, which wheel suspension has at least one wheel carrier to which are connected at least one steering rod and at least one lower transverse link. The wheel carrier is designed in at least three parts with a first wheel carrier part, a second wheel carrier part and a third wheel carrier part, which wheel carrier parts can be connected to one another by means of connecting elements in such a way that the at least three wheel carrier parts are moveable relative to one another.

Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a lateral acceleration sensor (32) for generating a lateral acceleration signal, a yaw rate sensor (28) for generating a yaw rate signal, and a safety system. The safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller (26). The controller (26) determines a front lateral tire force and a rear lateral tire force from the vehicle yaw rate signal and the vehicle lateral acceleration signal; determines a calculated lateral velocity from the front lateral tire force, the rear lateral tire force, and a bank angle; determines a calculated yaw rate from the front lateral tire force and the rear lateral tire force; and controls the safety system in response to the calculated lateral velocity and the calculated yaw rate.

Abstract: A vehicle support structure for supporting engine compartment accessories such as a battery. The support structure includes a first tubular frame member having a transversely extending portion and a longitudinally extending portion that partially encompass an accessory tray. A second tubular frame member disposed at least in part adjacent to the first tubular frame member and having a transversely extending base support portion that extends below the accessory tray. The accessory tray is secured to the first tubular frame member and overlies the base support portion of the second tubular frame member. The structure reduces the weight and number of parts required to support accessories.

Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors (28–37) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle to determine imminent rollover. A controller (26) coupled to an active suspension (49) controls a restoring torque in response to the rollover signal by controlling the active suspension.

Abstract: The many embodiments of the present invention comprise a device to simulate first order and higher-order tire non-uniformity forces. Some embodiments may comprise a wheel adapter adapted to attach to a vehicle wheel, rotate in a first rotational direction, and to couple to a gearbox; a weight retaining member adapted to be coupled to the gearbox, wherein the gearbox is adapted to rotate the weight retaining member in a second rotational direction or at a second rotational speed in the first and second rotational directions; and a rotation restriction member adapted to attach to the gearbox and to restrict the gearbox from rotating. Other devices and methods are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a vehicle includes a U-shaped tubular structure, a body portion having a pair of laterally-spaced, longitudinally extending cowl sides, and, a pair of laterally-spaced A-pillar structures. The U-shaped tubular structure is secured to each A-pillar and each cowl side at longitudinally-spaced apart locations. The laterally-spaced connection points provide improved rigidity and reduce distortion.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling system includes a pump, a controller, a clutch assembly, and a valve. The clutch assembly includes an actuator and a multi-disk clutch pack coupled to the actuator. Under the direction of the controller, the pump pressurizes a fluid in the actuator to engage the clutch pack and pumps the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack. The valve maintains the fluid pumped to the actuator at a higher pressure than the pressure of the fluid pumped through the clutch pack to cool the clutch.