Abstract: A control device for a recorder in an associated vehicle includes a processor and an input port operatively coupled with the processor. The input port receives a parking brake status signal comprising parking brake data representative of a parking brake status. A non-transient memory device is operatively coupled with the processor. The non-transient memory device stores parking brake status data representative of whether the parking brake is engaged. Control logic stored in the non-transient memory device is executable by the processor to: determine a parking brake status as engaged based on the parking brake data. An output port is operatively coupled with the processor. The output port transmits a recording control signal enabling the recording based on the determined parking brake status.

Abstract: The system assigns a plurality of drivers to one or more identified routes. An onboard computing system of a vehicle collects or generates a plurality of vehicle events, which are received at a server via a network. The onboard computing system includes a plurality of sensors and subsystems that are connected to monitor various vehicle components, such as braking, steering, and radar, as well as one or more cameras. A difficulty of each of the identified routes is characterized based on the plurality of vehicle events. A performance of each driver is characterized based on a subset of the plurality of vehicle events collected or received from the vehicle of each driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes implementations of systems and methods that detect and evaluate bursts of driver performance events. In one form a system includes at least one processor configured to: receive vehicle performance information from at least one of a controller, a sensor, or another system of a vehicle; evaluate a performance of a driver based on the received vehicle performance information and record a plurality of driver events associated with the performance of the driver; analyze the plurality of driver events and identify a burst subset of driver events based on at least one of a time of each driver event or a spacing between proximate driver events of the plurality of driver events; and alert the driver to a degradation of driving performance based on the identified burst subset of driver events.

Abstract: A parking brake apparatus is provided for an autonomously drivable vehicle having components of a parking brake system for applying a parking brake. The parking brake apparatus comprises a first controller arranged to provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brake in response to a signal requesting the parking brake to be applied. The parking brake apparatus also comprises a second controller arranged to provide one or more control signals to be applied to other components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brake in response to unavailability of the first controller to cause the parking brake to be applied.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to driver assistance systems, such as blind sport detection systems, that integrate driver facing imaging devices. In one form, a system includes an imaging device configured to capture images of a face of a driver; at least one sensor positioned on the vehicle and configured to detect a distance from the vehicle to an object; and at least one processor configured to analyze the images and determine that the driver is in a drowsy state; determine, based on information received from the at least one sensor, that a distance between the vehicle and the object is decreasing or that the distance between the vehicle and the object is less than a threshold; and in response to the determinations, provide an alert to the driver of a potential side collision.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an adaptive cruise control that controls a speed of a host vehicle as a passing vehicle quickly passes through a trajectory of the host vehicle. In one form, a system includes at least one processor that is configured to determine that a passing vehicle is entering a trajectory in which the host vehicle is travelling based on a longitudinal speed, a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral speed, and a lateral acceleration of the passing vehicle; determine to maintain a follow distance of an adaptive cruise control system of the host vehicle to at least one target vehicle in the trajectory in which the host vehicle is traveling prior to the passing vehicle entering the trajectory; and to maintain the follow distance to the at least one target vehicle while the passing vehicle passes through the trajectory in which the host vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed systems and methods that determine an adaptability of a driver and a driving difficulty of a vehicle. In one form, a processor of a driver adaptability system receives driver performance information from a first vehicle and records a first plurality of driver events associated with the performance of the first driver while driving the first vehicle. The processor further receives driver performance information from a second vehicle and records a second plurality of driver events associated with the performing of the first driver while driving the second vehicle. The processor determines a level of adaptability of the first driver based on at least a difference in performance of the first driver in the first plurality of driver events and the second plurality of driver events.

Abstract: When a leak occurs in one service circuit of a multi-circuit braking system, the leak can prevent replenishing the non-leaking service reservoir. To address this problem, a shared backup reservoir can be used to replenish the non-leaking service reservoir. A valve can be used to allow flow from the backup reservoir to whichever service reservoir is under higher pressure, as low pressure would indicate a leak. Additional valve(s) can be used to impede flow from the service reservoirs to the backup reservoir to prevent the service reservoirs from being drained if the backup reservoir is subject to a leak.

Abstract: A mount for securing an element such as a radar transceiver on a vehicle includes a bracket securable to a vehicle bumper or other component. A cover plate is securable to the vehicle component opposite the bracket, and fasteners are extended through the cover plate and the bracket to clamp the bracket and the cover plate against opposite sides of the vehicle component, with the radar transceiver or other element located between the cover plate and a base of the bracket. An alignment arrangement may be included to permit changes to the positioning of the radar transceiver or other element between the cover plate and the base of the bracket for proper transceiver alignment. A process of securing a radar transceiver or other element on a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: A system for calibrating signals received over a power line within a vehicle includes a signal conditioning circuit that converts the analog input signals into digital input signals. In one embodiment the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit that outputs an amplifier gain signal establishing an amplifier gain level and an amplifier that outputs amplified signals responsive to the analog input signals and the amplifier gain signal. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a bias circuit that outputs a bias signal establishing a bias level and a comparator that generates the digital input signals responsive to the analog input signals and the bias signal. A controller receives the digital input signals and generates, depending on the embodiment, one or more control signals configured to control the configuration of the amplifier gain signal and amplifier gain level and/or the bias signal and the bias level.

Abstract: A brake demand arbitrating device is provided comprising: a first transceiver configured to receive a first brake demand generated by a first brake pedal of a vehicle; a second transceiver configured to receive a second brake demand generated by a second brake pedal of the vehicle; a processor configured to determine which of the first brake demand and the second brake demand is greater; and a third transceiver configured to send the greater brake demand to a brake controller of the vehicle. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A braking control system is provided comprising a first brake controller configured to receive a first brake demand generated by a first brake pedal of a vehicle; and a second brake controller configured to receive a second brake demand generated by a second brake pedal of the vehicle. The first brake controller is further configured to provide the first brake demand to the second brake controller, and the second brake controller is further configured to determine which of the first brake demand and the second brake demand is greater. At least one of the first and second brake controllers is further configured to cause a braking system of the vehicle to decelerate the vehicle according to the greater brake demand. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a foot brake module is provided comprising: a sensor configured to generate a brake demand; a first transceiver configured to receive a brake demand generated by a second foot brake module of a vehicle; a processor configured to determine which of the brake demand generated by the second foot brake module and the brake demand generated by the sensor is greater; and a second transceiver configured to send the greater brake demand to a brake controller of the vehicle. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A pressure control valve includes an upper body, a lower body affixed to the upper body, a supply passage in the upper body, a delivery passage in the upper body, an exhaust passage in the lower body and a pivotable member positioned between the supply passage and the delivery passage. The pivotable member has a generally curved body, a first leg, a second leg and a third leg extending from the body. The pivotable member pivots on the second leg and the third leg in response to air pressure in the supply passage being less than the air pressure in the delivery passage. The positioning of the pivotable member restricts air from flowing from the delivery passage to the supply passage, thereby opening a path for the air to pass to the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a camshaft for a drum brake includes designing a tubular camshaft and thereafter forming the camshaft as a unitary body through, for example, an additive manufacturing process. The camshaft is designed with a first end portion configured for coupling to a brake actuator, a second end portion defining a cam configured to engage cam followers coupled to first and second brake shoes, rotation of the cam causing the first and second brake shoes to move between positions of engagement and disengagement with an associated braking surface, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second end portions. A wall thickness of at least one of the end portions and the intermediate portion is configured to achieve at least one of a predetermined torsional stiffness in the camshaft and vibration damping in the camshaft at a selected frequency.

Abstract: A valve for an air brake system on a commercial vehicle comprises a body, an inlet port connected to the body and at least one delivery port connected to the body. The inlet port has a threaded portion distal to the body and a hex portion proximate to the body. The hex portion includes a frangible feature in substantially the mid-point of the hex portion such that the valve can easily be removed from an air brake reservoir when the valve is broken at the frangible feature.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle includes at least one driven axle, a service brake, at least one propulsion engine, and wheels. A parking brake function of the vehicle is achieved by a bistable locking means that acts on both wheels. A first and second multi-speed gearbox having respective first and second gear stages are each activated by an actuator and coupled to the wheels. The parking brake function is achieved at least in-part by concurrently activating the first and second gear stages. A computing device is configured to activate the bistable locking means when the commercial vehicle is at a standstill and configured to send a brake request via an electronic signal to an electronic brake control unit to activate the service brake.

Abstract: A braking system with redundant trailer communication is provided. In one embodiment, a braking control system for a tractor-trailer comprises a primary brake controller in a tractor configured to communicate with a trailer brake controller in a trailer via a first communication channel, and a redundant brake controller in the tractor configured to communicate with the trailer brake controller via a second communication channel. The primary brake controller is further configured to serve as a master brake controller for the trailer and communicate with an automated driving computer in the tractor. The redundant brake controller is further configured to take over as the master brake controller in response to determining that the primary brake controller can no longer serve as the master brake controller.

Abstract: A controller on a tractor portion of an articulated vehicle includes an electrical input port adapted to receive an electrical input signal based on a command to unpark a trailer portion of the articulated vehicle and an electronic processor adapted to: receive the electrical input signal from the electrical input port; identify, based on the electrical input signal, when the command to unpark the trailer is received at the electrical input port; and based on the command to unpark the trailer, transmit an electrical output signal to an electrical output port for causing supplemental compressed air to be communicated from the tractor to the trailer for filling an air tank on the trailer using a quick-fill mode.

Abstract: A tooth driven over-torque protection mechanism for use in a slack adjuster or as an air disc brake clutch, includes a shaft, toothed gear, a clutch device, a first spring, and a second spring. The toothed gear is disposed on the shaft. The toothed gear has a first pinion teeth set that extends along a first direction and a second teeth set that extends along a second direction. The clutch device that is also disposed on the shaft and includes an upper cam and a lower cam. The first spring biases the toothed gear against the clutch device. The second spring biases the clutch device against the toothed gear. The upper cam has cam teeth that cooperate with the second teeth set of the toothed gear in a torque transmitting manner, such that a torque applied in a clockwise direction to the first pinion teeth is transmitted to the upper cam through the second teeth set, but torque applied in a counterclockwise direction is opposed by the first spring.