Patents Assigned to Volvo Truck Corporation
  • Publication number: 20240116565
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for a dynamic Ackermann geometry control system. The system receives, at a processor aboard a tractor of an articulated vehicle, vehicle information associated with ongoing movement of the articulated vehicle as well as a driver optimization preference. The system then executes an Ackerman control algorithm, with inputs such as the vehicle information and/or at least one feedback item. The outputs of the Ackerman control algorithm can include estimations of tire forces for each tire of the articulated vehicle and estimations of cornering characteristics of the articulated vehicle. The system then calculates, based on the estimations of tire forces and based on the estimations of cornering characteristics, a desired Ackerman geometry for the articulated vehicle. The system then transmits a command to modify a turning angle associated with at least one wheel of the articulated vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chidambaram SUBRAMANIAN
  • Patent number: 11951821
    Abstract: A gearbox for an electric powertrain, said gearbox comprising a primary shaft, on which are arranged a first primary gear which is fixed in rotation with respect to the primary shaft, a second primary gear and a third primary gear and a secondary shaft, on which are arranged a first secondary gear that is meshing with the first primary gear and that is by default free to rotate around the secondary shaft, a second secondary gear meshing with the second primary gear and a third secondary gear meshing with the third primary gear. The gearbox further includes a first coupling member, which is arranged along the secondary shaft and which can be moved between an engaged position, in which it couples the first secondary gear in rotation with the secondary shaft and a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Terrat, Thomas Barillot, Jan Hendriks
  • Patent number: 11953558
    Abstract: A method and system for estimating the state-of-health of a battery The invention relates to a method for estimating the state-of-health, SoHest, of a battery in a vehicle, the method comprising: determining (100) a first battery property and a battery temperature of a battery in a vehicle; calculating (102) a state-of-health, SoHcalc, of a battery cell based on the determined first battery property using a predetermined model; providing (104) a function f estimating a battery cell degradation rate; updating (106) a state-of health estimated in a previous time step according to SoHest?SoHest+ƒ·dt+K·(SoHcalc?SoHest), where K is a gain factor which is dependent on operating conditions of the vehicle, and wherein K is modified (108) for each time step using a reinforcement learning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jonas Hellgren
  • Patent number: 11952045
    Abstract: Mudflap in a wheel arrangement for a vehicle such as a truck or a utility vehicle or a trailer, the mudflap comprising a plate, arranged substantially in a vertical position, the plate being attached to a support in the vehicle, a front side being oriented toward the wheel, and a rear side oriented away from the wheel, the plate having a plurality of holes and closing member(s), wherein each closing member exhibits a rest position in which the closing member closes holes at the rear side thereof, and a deflected position in which a dynamic air pressure pushes the closing member away from its rest position, thereby allowing air to pass through the hole, and thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag of the mudflap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Gangaram Baliram Eakmbe
  • Patent number: 11952932
    Abstract: A method for controlling exhaust flow in an EATS of a vehicle. A NOx sensor output parameter is monitored. It is determined that the NOx sensor output parameter is below a limit. When the NOx sensor output parameter is below the limit, it is determined that a first part of the exhaust flow should bypass at least a first area of the SCR unit and that a second part of the exhaust flow should be inputted to at least the first area of the SCR unit. It is initiated that the first part is bypassed and that the second part is inputted to at least the first area of the SCR unit. An amount of reductant that should be added to the second part of the exhaust flow is determined. Addition of the amount of reductant is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Irman Svraka, Åsa Högström
  • Patent number: 11951796
    Abstract: A bushing for a wheel suspension adapted to connect a control bar to a structure of a vehicle, where the bushing comprises a first rotational center for the control bar having a first angular rotation range, where the bushing comprises a second rotational center for rotational angles outside of the first angular rotation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Viktor Karlsson
  • Patent number: 11953040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clip for connecting a cover panel to a vehicle body. The clip comprises an annular inner portion defining a central through hole for receiving a fastening means for securing the clip to the vehicle body. The clip also comprises a plurality of leg portions for snap-locking a cover panel to be mounted to the vehicle body. The leg portions extend radially from the annular inner portion and are circumferentially distributed and separated from each other by void spaces. Each leg portion has an initial contact surface. Each leg portion is configured to flex radially inwardly towards the annular inner portion when the initial contact surface is subjected to a pressing force, and to snap radially outwardly when said pressing force on the initial contact surface as ceased. The axial extension of the annular inner portion is shorter than the axial extension of the leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob Raine
  • Patent number: 11953086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lubricating device for controlling lubrication in a stepped transmission comprising a splitter section (10, 20) with an input shaft (I) and a main gear section (30, 40, 50, 60) with an output shaft (O) and a countershaft (C); where the splitter section (10, 20) comprises a first splitter gear set (10) connectable to the input shaft (I) by a first gear shift mechanism (23); and a second splitter gear set (20) connectable to the input shaft (I) by the first gear shift mechanism (23); and connectable to the output shaft (O) by a second gear shift mechanism (33). A lubrication arrangement for the second splitter gear set (20) is arranged to be controlled by the current positions of the first and the second gear shift mechanisms (23, 33); wherein the lubrication arrangement is controlled to at least reduce lubrication when the first and the second gear shift mechanisms (23, 33) are simultaneously connected to or disconnected from the second splitter gear set (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Anders Hedman
  • Patent number: 11951907
    Abstract: An arrangement for capturing an image of a vehicle external area by a sensor which can be linked with an image displaying system in a vehicle cabin, the arrangement having a rotating housing connected to a vehicle body panel, operable between a resting position and operating position, a sensor disposed within the housing, and an actuation mechanism configured to place the sensor in a concealed position when the housing assumes its resting position and configured to place the sensor in an open position when the housing assumes its operating position allowing the sensor to capture an image of a vehicle external area. According to a second aspect, the invention concerns a vehicle comprising the image capturing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Nicolas Berne
  • Patent number: 11952060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering assembly (12) for a vehicle (10). The steering assembly (12) comprises a first steering actuator (14) and a second steering actuator (16). The first steering actuator (14) is adapted to be actuated in accordance with at least one signal issued from a motion control system (18) to control a steering angle of at least one steerable ground engaging member (20, 22) of the vehicle (10) to thereby control the steering of the vehicle (10). The first steering actuator (14) is associated with a first nominal steering capability, defining at least one limitation of at least one of the following: steering angle, steering angle rate and steering torque, for the at least one steerable ground engaging member (20, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Laine, Jan-Inge Svensson, Lionel Farres, Christian Oscarsson, Leon Henderson, Jose Vilca, Kristoffer Tagesson, Johanna Majqvist
  • Publication number: 20240109425
    Abstract: A drive line for vehicle includes at least one electric motor having a driving shaft, a multi-ratio gearbox comprising at least an input shaft and an output shaft, a first clutch configured to rotatably couple/decouple the driving shaft with the input shaft, a differential assembly mechanically connected to the output shaft, and a second clutch configured to rotatably couple/decouple a retarder with one of the shafts of the multi-ratio gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vincent BROLLES, Thomas BARILLOT
  • Publication number: 20240109458
    Abstract: A method of determines one or more voltage threshold values for controlling a cooling of battery cells. The method includes determining, during e.g. charging of the battery cells, a charging voltage threshold value for starting or increasing a battery cell cooling, corresponding to a voltage across a reference set of battery cells at which a rate of change of temperature with respect to voltage of the reference set goes above a charging temperature rate threshold value. A method for using such one or more voltage threshold values for controlling a cooling of the battery cells, by comparing a measured voltage across the battery cells against the voltage threshold value(s) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Istaq Ahmed, Alice Hamrin, Sophie Tintignac, Niladri Roy Chowdhury, Masood Tamadondar, Praveen Raju Hasbavi, Gustav Giske
  • Patent number: 11945294
    Abstract: A modular battery pack for mounting to a vehicle frame of a vehicle. The modular battery pack comprising a plurality of modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein at least one module constitutes an electrical energy storage module. Each module comprises first and second opposite side walls arranged to face respective side walls of adjacent modules, and to provide structural integrity of the modular battery pack. Each side wall comprises a common set of interfaces for interfacing between adjacent modules. The modular battery pack also comprising at least one control unit having a side wall comprising the common set of interfaces, and also a vehicle interface for interfacing with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sébastien Ragot, Jonatan Hörder, Sondre Landvik, Mikael Boisen, Gustav Andersson
  • Patent number: 11946427
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an engine system in a vehicle is provided The engine system includes an engine configured to operate in at least a two-stroke combustion mode and a four-stroke combustion mode, and an exhaust aftertreatment system, EATS configured to reduce emissions from the engine exhausts. The method comprising estimating or predicting the temperature of the EATS; estimating or predicting the emissions out of the EATS; n response of that the temperature of the EATS is below a predetermined temperature threshold, and that the emissions out of the EATS is above a predetermined emission threshold, performing a primary NOx emission reducing activity by operating the engine in a two-stroke combustion mode; subsequently to initiating the operation of the engine in a two-stroke combustion mode, and in response of that the emissions out of the EATS is below the predetermined emission threshold, changing engine operation from the two-stroke combustion mode to a four-stroke combustion mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Johan Dahl
  • Patent number: 11945301
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle wheel arrangement (4) comprising a drive shaft (401), and a hub (402), the wheel arrangement further comprising a gear cavity (411) housing a gear arrangement (412) between the drive shaft and the hub, wherein the wheel arrangement comprises a container (42), and wherein a circulation passage (431, 441) extends from the gear cavity (411) to the container (42), and a feeding passage (451) extends from the container to the gear cavity, the wheel arrangement further comprising a pump (421), the pump being located along the circulation passage, the pump (421) being arranged to pump lubricant from the gear cavity to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jan Zachrisson, Pär Öhrfeldt, Ingemar Dagh
  • Patent number: 11945439
    Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for AD, or at least ADAS, aided manoeuvring of a vehicle. A method includes selecting between using a CRLS based positioning system and a GNSS based positioning system for aiding manoeuvring of the vehicle. Which positioning system to select is based on comparing a first error determined for the CRLS based positioning system to a second error determined for the GNSS based positioning system. The positioning system with smallest error is selected. The method comprises aiding the manoeuvring of the vehicle using the selected positioning system. The manoeuvring pertains to reversing of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Persson, Agneta Sjögren
  • Patent number: 11946918
    Abstract: A method for calibrating at least one sensor by use of at least one calibration sensor, the method comprising: obtaining information indicative of a proximity time period when the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor are in a predefined proximity zone of each other for a time period which is sufficient for calibration; obtaining information about a refractory time period for at least one of the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor; calibrating the at least one sensor by a sensor reading of the at least one sensor and a sensor reading of the at least one calibration sensor, which sensor readings are taken when they are in the predefined proximity zone, wherein the refractory time period for the at least one of the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor is considered by delaying its sensor reading such that it is ensured that the sensor readings of the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor are spatially and temporally align
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joshua Shire
  • Publication number: 20240103092
    Abstract: A method of determining ageing of a mixed electrode of a full cell lithium ion battery is presented. The method includes obtaining a voltage hysteresis of the full cell lithium ion battery by comparison of a charging voltage to a discharging voltage at a specific state of charge, SOC. The specific SOC is in a range from 0% to 20% of a maximum SOC. The method further includes determining ageing of a volume expanding component of the mixed electrode based on the obtained voltage hysteresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Niladri ROY CHOWDHURY, Gustav GISKE, Istaq AHMED, Martin PETISME, Carl-Robert FLORÉN, Alice HAMRIN, Masood TAMADONDAR, Praveen Raju HASBAVI
  • Publication number: 20240100957
    Abstract: A method of open loop control of a retardation torque of a vehicle is presented. The method comprises obtaining of a current vehicle acceleration indicator, obtaining of one or more current vehicle state indicators, and determining of an open loop retardation torque based on the vehicle acceleration indicator and the one or more vehicle state indicators. The method further comprises controlling of a resulting retardation torque based on the open loop retardation torque. The resulting retardation torque is applied by one or more propulsion sources of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mattias ANDREASSON, Anders VIKSTRÖM, Bincheng JIANG
  • Publication number: 20240100958
    Abstract: A method includes i) receiving, by a processor device of a computer system, a signal corresponding to a release of an accelerator, ii) receiving, by the processor device, a signal corresponding to a first tap on a brake pedal, said first tap comprising an initiated physical interaction with the brake pedal and a subsequent release of the physical interaction with the brake pedal, iii) determining, by the processor device, a second braking torque, iv) applying the second braking torque as a response to the first tap on the brake pedal, and maintaining the applied braking torque after said tap on the brake pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mattias ÅSBOGÅRD, Mattias ANDREASSON