Patents by Inventor Daniel Kee Young Kim

Daniel Kee Young Kim has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12012156
    Abstract: A control path is added to a two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle that has steering augmentation and CMG or reaction wheel actuators for roll balancing. These actuators are used to damp yaw disturbances while preventing roll disturbances, based on a yaw rate disturbance signal received on the control path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David Arthur Bailey, Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Patent number: 11648994
    Abstract: Steering is used to augment the CMG-based balance control of a two-wheeled vehicle, e.g., a bicycle, electric bicycle (“ebike”), scooter, electric scooter, moped, or motorcycle. A control architecture enables a two wheeled vehicle with simultaneously or alternating mechatronic attitude control systems to balance autonomously at rest or while dynamically driven with mechatronic command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David Arthur Bailey, Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20220348226
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a direction and speed of travel an autonomous vehicle or driver assisted autonomous vehicle (AV). A GPS and map module receive a start location and a destination location for the AV. A plurality of sensors identify a current and a proposed lane for the AV. A database of AV baseline maneuver profiles used to control one or more of direction and speed of travel of the AV is provided. A trajectory profile generator module generates a planned path for the AV with lateral acceleration less than 2 Hz, based on the start location, the destination location, the current and proposed lane for the AV, and a selected AV baseline maneuver profile from the database. A steering control module controls the direction of travel of the AV based on the generated AV planned path, and a supervisory control module controls the speed of the AV based on the generated AV planned path and inner ear constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: David Arthur Bailey, Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20220348272
    Abstract: A control path is added to a two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle that has steering augmentation and CMG or reaction wheel actuators for roll balancing. These actuators are used to damp yaw disturbances while preventing roll disturbances, based on a yaw rate disturbance signal received on the control path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: David Arthur Bailey, Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Patent number: 11332204
    Abstract: An augmented traction system for a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a CMG (control moment gyroscope) system including a plurality of CMGs to provide a first torque vector to decrease a roll angle of a turn of the vehicle and to increase force on one or more of the tires of the vehicle on a road surface, a steering system for the vehicle, the steering system to determine a steering control for the turn of the vehicle at a particular vehicle speed and roll angle, based on sensor data, and an aerodynamic control system to actuate one or more aerodynamic elements of the vehicle, the one or more aerodynamic elements to provide a second torque vector to decrease the roll angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, David Arthur Bailey
  • Publication number: 20210116908
    Abstract: A method for autonomous control of transport of a two-wheeled motorized scooter or e-bike includes receiving at service provider's application via a communications network input that the scooter is parked, transmitting a communication from the service provider's application via the communications network to the scooter to request transport of the scooter to a location, and remotely piloting the scooter via the communications network from where it is parked to the location responsive to the request to transport the scooter to the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, David Arthur Bailey
  • Publication number: 20210107573
    Abstract: Steering is used to augment the CMG-based balance control of a two-wheeled vehicle, e.g., a bicycle, electric bicycle (“ebike”), scooter, electric scooter, moped, or motorcycle. A control architecture enables a two wheeled vehicle with simultaneously or alternating mechatronic attitude control systems to balance autonomously at rest or while dynamically driven with mechatronic command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: David Arthur Bailey, Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20200102027
    Abstract: An augmented traction system for a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a CMG (control moment gyroscope) system including a plurality of CMGs to provide a first torque vector to decrease a roll angle of a turn of the vehicle and to increase force on one or more of the tires of the vehicle on a road surface, a steering system for the vehicle, the steering system to determine a steering control for the turn of the vehicle at a particular vehicle speed and roll angle, based on sensor data, and an aerodynamic control system to actuate one or more aerodynamic elements of the vehicle, the one or more aerodynamic elements to provide a second torque vector to decrease the roll angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, David Arthur Bailey
  • Patent number: 9873452
    Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system on a vehicle requiring counter-steering includes a driver input mechanism, for example, a steering wheel, joystick, voice command receiver, or keyboard, and a control system. A sensor receives driver input and sends that information to the control system. An engagement mechanism, for example, a clutch, separates the driver input mechanism from controlling the vehicle. The control system further includes at least one actuator, a wheel, and a mechanical linkage controllable via the engagement mechanism in order for the control system to articulate a steering mechanism, for example, the front wheel of the vehicle, as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Colin Wade
  • Publication number: 20170080972
    Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system on a vehicle requiring counter-steering includes a driver input mechanism, for example, a steering wheel, joystick, voice command receiver, or keyboard, and a control system. A sensor receives driver input and sends that information to the control system. An engagement mechanism, for example, a clutch, separates the driver input mechanism from controlling the vehicle. The control system further includes at least one actuator, a wheel, and a mechanical linkage controllable via the engagement mechanism in order for the control system to articulate a steering mechanism, for example, the front wheel of the vehicle, as appropriate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Colin Wade
  • Patent number: 9434431
    Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system on a vehicle requiring counter-steering includes a driver input mechanism, for example, a steering wheel, joystick, voice command receiver, or keyboard, and a control system. A sensor receives driver input and sends that information to the control system. An engagement mechanism, for example, a clutch, separates the driver input mechanism from controlling the vehicle. The control system further includes at least one actuator, a wheel, and a mechanical linkage controllable via the engagement mechanism in order for the control system to articulate a steering mechanism, for example, the front wheel of the vehicle, as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Colin Wade
  • Patent number: 9273961
    Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a vehicle stabilization control unit may determine a control moment value for one or more gyroscopes coupled to a vehicle frame to exert for stabilization of the vehicle frame. A number of input axes for the flywheels of the one or more gyroscopes to precess may be increased in order to generate the determined control moment value. In some embodiments, the one or more gyroscopes are further coupled to a turntable, and increasing the number of input axes for the flywheels comprises rotating the turntable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the one or more gyroscopes comprise at least two gyroscopes coupled inline to the vehicle frame (e.g., aligned lengthwise with respect to the front and rear wheel to spin and precess in opposite directions with respect to each other).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Patent number: 9108695
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a quadrilateral frame to be utilized by a two-wheeled vehicle. The quadrilateral frame may include front and rear vertical assemblies, top and bottom collapsible horizontal assemblies, the horizontal assemblies to collapse vertically. By collapsing the horizontal assemblies of the quadrilateral frame, it is to be understood that the space occupied by the vehicle when it is not in use is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Lit Scooters Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Scott Lananna, Isao Takezawa
  • Patent number: 9061576
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe vehicles including a wheel (e.g., a front wheel or wheels), a wheel hub, a motor included in the wheel hub to transmit power to the wheel, one or more rolling bearings to support the wheel hub and having one or more rolling elements to enable rolling of the wheel, and a steering axle placed within the wheel hub for steering the wheel. Embodiments also describe a wheel (e.g., a rear wheel or wheels), a wheel hub, a motor included in the wheel hub to transmit power to the wheel, and a swing arm assembly having a first and a second end, the first end rotatably coupled to a steering axle, the second end coupled to the motor. As described below, embodiments of the invention decrease volume necessary for a vehicle's drivetrain, while not adversely affecting the potential for vehicle interior volume and vehicle maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Eric Miller
  • Publication number: 20150166099
    Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system on a vehicle requiring counter-steering includes a driver input mechanism, for example, a steering wheel, joystick, voice command receiver, or keyboard, and a control system. A sensor receives driver input and sends that information to the control system. An engagement mechanism, for example, a clutch, separates the driver input mechanism from controlling the vehicle. The control system further includes at least one actuator, a wheel, and a mechanical linkage controllable via the engagement mechanism in order for the control system to articulate a steering mechanism, for example, the front wheel of the vehicle, as appropriate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Colin Wade
  • Publication number: 20150060163
    Abstract: A hyper-flux flywheel motor system includes a rotor assembly and a number of permanent magnets coupled to the rotor assembly. A stator assembly is rotatably coupled to the rotor assembly and has a core, a number of teeth extending radially from the core, and one or more winding sets, each winding set comprising coils wound on the teeth to interact with the of permanent magnets. A flywheel housing including a frame, and one or more gimbals, houses a flywheel. This flywheel is disposed adjacent to the stator and rotator assembly, rotates about a spin axis, and precesses via the one or more gimbals, in response to rotation of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Kee Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8930128
    Abstract: Embodiments describe modules/logic/circuitry to receive image data identifying terrain, environment, and/or one or more objects near a vehicle, determine a projection of the one or more objects with respect to the vehicle, determine whether the one or more objects will collide with the vehicle, and in response to determining the one or more objects will collide, altering the vehicle state. In some embodiments, altering the vehicle state is based, at least in part, on a driver position with respect to the one or more objects determined to collide with the vehicle (e.g., moving the vehicle to protect the drive). In some embodiments, altering the vehicle state comprises at least one of adjusting brakes of the vehicle to alter its trajectory, adjusting a steering wheel of the vehicle to alter its trajectory and adjusting an orientation or rotational speed of a flywheel (for CMG assisted vehicles).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Marshall R. Millett
  • Patent number: 8919788
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe methods, apparatuses, and systems for enhanced vehicle stabilization solutions. Embodiments of the invention may receive sensor information from at least one sensor coupled to a vehicle having two or more wheels, the at least one sensor coupled to at least one of a wheel, a suspension component, or a frame of the vehicle. A tilt angle of the vehicle is determined from the received sensor information, the tilt angle comprising an offset angle from a reference plane for the vehicle. A controller transmits a command to one or more control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) coupled to the frame of the vehicle to produce a total angular moment based, at least in part, on the tilt angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 8918239
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may transfer energy from a flywheel motor-generator to a capacitor bank in response to detecting an input to increase the speed of a vehicle, and transfer energy from a drive wheel motor-generator to a capacitor bank in response to detecting an input to decrease the speed of the vehicle. The flywheel motor-generator may function to transfer energy to and from a flywheel included in a gyroscope-stabilizer of the vehicle, while the capacitor bank, which includes a battery, may function to transfer energy to and from a drive wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lit Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Kevin Bretney
  • Patent number: 8915512
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe methods, apparatuses and systems related to vehicle frame and component design for efficient and compact packaging. Removable components of a scooter are formed to be able to all be placed within a void of the scooter frame so as to not affect the volume of the scooter when disassembled and packed. Thus, when disassembled, the volume of the packaged scooter is defined by the dimensions of its frame only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lit Scooters Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Kee Young Kim