Abstract: A damping apparatus for use with a solar panel array and a solar tracking device that is operatively connected to the solar panel array to control positioning of solar panels. The damping apparatus can absorb kinetic energy from movement of the solar panels and convert the kinetic energy to heat energy. The damping apparatus can include one or more sensors that collect data corresponding to the heat energy. The damping apparatus can send instructions to the solar tracking device for adjusting the position of the solar panels based on the analysis of the sensor data.

Abstract: A method and a system for contactless obstacle detection for a motor vehicle having a front side door and a rear side door, using a single primary obstacle sensor provided on the motor vehicle, preferably in the form of a ToF sensor, which is configured to monitor an opening region of the front side door, and, at least as long as the front side door is closed, also to monitor an opening region of the rear side door, the method comprising the following step, which is carried out repeatedly: determining a current maximum allowed opening angle for the rear side door based on an output of a monitoring of the opening region of the rear side door by the primary obstacle sensor and taking into account a current opening state of the front side door.

Abstract: A damping apparatus can be self-centering and include one or more pre-compressed and preloaded mechanical springs. A solar tracking apparatus can include a solar panel mounted on a rotating shaft, and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the rotating shaft to compensate for torque created when the solar panel is rotated at an angle to horizontal. A steering assembly for a zero-turn riding lawn mower can include a pair of steering levers and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the steering levers.

Abstract: An actuator includes a spindle drive, a first gear which causes a translational displacement of a first connection unit connected to the spindle drive, and a second gear which engages with the first gear and is connected to a second connection unit. The relative rotation of the two gears causes an actuation of the spindle drive and a rotation of the spindle drive about the rotational axis of the second gear.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator for the rotary drive of a vehicle flap. The actuator includes an electric motor, which has a output shaft with a center axis, an output unit, which is in force-transmitting connection with the electric motor in such a manner that activation of the electric motor causes a rotational displacement of the output unit about an axis of rotation of the output unit, and a mounting unit which is configured to support the actuator in force-transmitting connection with a superordinate assembly relative to the drive unit such that, upon activation of the electric motor, a displacement of the drive unit relative to the mounting unit takes place. Also disclosed is a storage apparatus for a vehicle door and a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A self-regulating damper unit comprising a cylinder having a first working chamber and a second working chamber, a piston, a piston rod, and a through-hole between the first working chamber and the second working chamber. The damper unit also comprises a shiftable weight which modifies a passage cross-section of the through-hole. The shiftable weight is movably mounted such that retardation of the piston causes enlargement of the passage cross-section. A seat belt unit comprises a seat belt and the damper unit.

Abstract: An electric side door drive assembly for a vehicle having a length-adjustable electric actuator to bring about opening and closing of the side door, and a door movement sensor unit designed to detect stopping and a current position of the side door during opening or closing of the side door. In the event of stopping of the side door detected by the door movement sensor unit, a controller determines, on the basis of side door position data provided by the door movement sensor unit, a necessary current strength which is to be supplied to the electric motor to hold the side door in its current position, and to deliver the necessary current strength to the motor of the actuator for a holding operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive device, comprising a cable which is connected at one end to a cable pulley, an actuator for driving the cable pulley, and a torsion bar which generates a torsional moment, wherein the torsion bar is supported on a higher-level assembly in such a way that it can move between a first and a second state of the torsion bar, wherein the torsion bar applies a torque in a first direction over a first partial movement range, applies a torque in a second direction opposite to the first direction over a second partial movement range, and does not apply torque over a third partial movement range. The present invention also relates to a superordinate hatch arrangement.

Abstract: Actuating device for a vehicle part movable relative to a body of a vehicle, and in particular a vehicle door or a vehicle hatch, including a drive assembly having a drive unit and a drive element driven by the drive unit, and an actuating element which can be displaced relative to the drive assembly along a displacement axis by means of the drive unit, where the actuating element is connected to a carriage assembly which is in threaded engagement with a spindle, where the spindle can be driven rotationally about an axis of rotation by the drive unit, and where in that a central axis of the drive element is oriented at an angle to a plane which is defined by the displacement axis and the axis of rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a gas spring or damper can include a piston rod partially positioned within a pressure tube, and a linear position sensing apparatus capable of tracking and determining the velocity of the piston rod. The linear position sensing apparatus can include a sensor, such as a waveguide sensor, connected to the piston rod such that the sensor moves with the piston rod. A beacon, such as a magnet, can be contained within the pressure tube and the sensor can detect the position of the beacon relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A fastening device for the articulated fastening of a first construction unit, e.g., a drive device which can be varied in length by motor, to a second construction unit, e.g., a motor vehicle. The fastening device comprises a ball pin with a bolt shaft defining a bolt axis. One end of the bolt shaft is configured for fastening to the second construction unit and the other end comprises a ball head mounted in a ball socket of a ball socket unit. An attachment unit attaches the ball socket unit to the first construction unit. The ball socket unit has two integral contact portions, which are diametrically opposed to one another with respect to the bolt axis and are in contact with the bolt shaft. The contact portions may each be provided with an indentation area, such that they are elastically deformable in a direction away from the bolt shaft.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a gas spring or damper can include a piston rod partially positioned within a pressure tube, and a linear position sensing apparatus capable of tracking and determining the velocity of the piston rod. The linear position sensing apparatus can include a sensor, such as a waveguide sensor, connected to the piston rod such that the sensor moves with the piston rod. A beacon, such as a magnet, can be contained within the pressure tube and the sensor can detect the position of the beacon relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for use with a solar panel array and a solar tracking device that is operatively connected to the solar panel array to control positioning of solar panels. The damping apparatus can absorb kinetic energy from movement of the solar panels and convert the kinetic energy to heat energy. The damping apparatus can include one or more sensors that measure collect data corresponding to the heat energy. The damping apparatus can send instructions to the solar tracking device for adjusting the position of the solar panels based on the analysis of the sensor data.

Abstract: A drive device for a hatch, in particular for a tailgate, comprising a cable, which is connected at one end to a cable pulley, which is configured to wind or unwind the cable according to the direction of rotation of the cable pulley, wherein the cable pulley is connected to a first superordinate assembly, such as a vehicle body, and which is connected at its other end to a second superordinate assembly, such as the hatch, which is pivotably attached relative to the first superordinate assembly, comprising an actuator, which is configured to drive the cable pulley, wherein the drive device furthermore comprises at least one deflection unit which has a deflection roll over which the cable runs between the cable pulley and the hatch.

Abstract: A self-regulating damper unit comprising a cylinder having a first working chamber and a second working chamber, a piston, a piston rod, and a through-hole between the first working chamber and the second working chamber. The damper unit also comprises a shiftable weight which modifies a passage cross-section of the through-hole. The shiftable weight is movably mounted such that retardation of the piston causes enlargement of the passage cross-section. A seat belt unit comprises a seat belt and the damper unit.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a gas spring or damper can include a piston rod partially positioned within a pressure tube, and a linear position sensing apparatus capable of tracking and determining the velocity of the piston rod. The linear position sensing apparatus can include a sensor, such as a waveguide sensor, connected to the piston rod such that the sensor moves with the piston rod. A beacon, such as a magnet, can be contained within the pressure tube and the sensor can detect the position of the beacon relative to the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operational force support device that is adapted to support a user when operating a lid (10). The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a force (FH) that has to be applied by a user to operate a lid (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer module adapted to output an amplification factor and/or an armature voltage that is/are used in the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame, a pair of lateral dampers extending between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame, a pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, a pair of fluid reservoirs for providing a fluid into the pair of lateral dampers and the pair of vertical dampers, and an electronic control unit configured to control the rate at which the fluid is provided to and drawn out of each of the dampers to control a damping effect. In embodiments, an end of the lateral dampers is permitted to move freely relative to the secondary seat back frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring operating parameters of an actuator (10), wherein the method comprises: providing the actuator (10), providing at least two detection units (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) which are designed to detect different operating parameters of the actuator (10), detecting operating parameters of the actuator (10) via the detection units (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), outputting data relating to the measured operating parameters to an evaluation unit, combining the measured operating parameters into a state information, which indicates whether or not the technical state of the actuator (10) is in a predetermined standard state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive device, comprising a cable which is connected at one end to a cable pulley, an actuator for driving the cable pulley, and a torsion bar which generates a torsional moment, wherein the torsion bar is supported on a higher-level assembly in such a way that it can move between a first and a second state of the torsion bar, wherein the torsion bar applies a torque in a first direction over a first partial movement range, applies a torque in a second direction opposite to the first direction over a second partial movement range, and does not apply torque over a third partial movement range. The present invention also relates to a superordinate hatch arrangement.