Patents by Inventor Francis GAGNE
Francis GAGNE 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).
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Publication number: 20230234638Abstract: A snowmobile having enhanced steering control has driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to a steering system having a user operated steering element with the device applying torque to the steering system, a throttle, a plurality of sensors including a torque sensor and at least one additional sensor to generate terrain condition data and operational data, and at least one controller coupled to the device and the sensors. The at least one controller selects a terrain condition mode using the generated terrain condition and generated operational data, determines the torque to apply responsive to the angle and speed of rotation of user operated steering element, and operates the electrically actuated device to apply the torque to the steering system, with the torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Alexandre BLACKBURN, Luc ST-PIERRE, Alexandre FRIGON, Alexandre PALARDY, Francis GAGNE
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Patent number: 11691665Abstract: A method for controlling a power steering system utilizes a vehicle having a motor, a controller coupled to the motor, and a steering assembly. The method includes detecting a steering rate using the controller. A base level steering damping is computed using the steering rate. At least one approximate vehicle acceleration is determined. A steering torque of the steering assembly is sensed through a torque sensor configured to sense the steering torque of the steering assembly. Moreover, a user torque is determined using the torque sensor. A damping boost is computed using the user torque and the at least one approximate vehicle acceleration. A final steering damping gain is determined using the base level steering damping and the damping boost. The final steering damping gain is applied to the steering assembly to minimize unwanted feedback to the steering assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: BRP Megatech Industries Inc.Inventors: Francis Gagné, Nicolas Girard, Simon Bédard, Alexandre Frigon
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Patent number: 11628903Abstract: A snowmobile having enhanced steering control has driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to a steering system having a user operated steering element with the device applying torque to the steering system, a throttle, a plurality of sensors including a torque sensor and at least one additional sensor to generate terrain condition data and operational data, and at least one controller coupled to the device and the sensors. The at least one controller selects a terrain condition mode using the generated terrain condition and generated operational data, determines the torque to apply responsive to the angle and speed of rotation of user operated steering element, and operates the electrically actuated device to apply the torque to the steering system, with the torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: BRP Megatech Industries Inc.Inventors: Alexandre Blackburn, Luc St-Pierre, Alexandre Frigon, Alexandre Palardy, Francis Gagné
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Publication number: 20230105697Abstract: A sensor assembly for a vehicle including a sensor module having a main printed circuit board (PCB). A plurality of auxiliary printed circuit boards (PCBs) are coupled to the main PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB. Each of the plurality of auxiliary PCBs has at least one sensor that is configured to generate a signal. Each of the plurality of auxiliary PCBs are coupled to each other in a defined position relative to each other. A plurality of attachment elements couple the plurality of auxiliary PCBs and the main PCB to at least partially maintain the defined positions of the auxiliary PCBs relative to each other and to electrically connect the plurality of auxiliary PCBs to the main PCB. A retainer abuts the plurality of auxiliary PCBs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: April 6, 2023Applicant: BRP Megatech Industries Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Nobert, Francis Gagné
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Publication number: 20230102262Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a recreational vehicle. One or more mechanical dampers are coupled to and resist movement of a steering system of the recreational vehicle, and an electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system for applying torque to the steering system. A sensor is also positioned adjacent the steering system that generates data indicating an operational state of the recreational vehicle. A first torque applied to the steering system by the one or more mechanical dampers is estimated based on the operational state, a second torque to apply to the steering system by the electrically actuated device is calculated based on the estimated first torque and the operational state, and the electrically actuated device is operated to apply the second torque to the steering system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: BRP Megatech Industries Inc.Inventors: Francis Gagné, Simon Bédard
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Publication number: 20210403079Abstract: A method for controlling a power steering system utilizes a vehicle having a motor, a controller coupled to the motor, and a steering assembly. The method includes detecting a steering rate using the controller. A base level steering damping is computed using the steering rate. At least one approximate vehicle acceleration is determined. A steering torque of the steering assembly is sensed through a torque sensor configured to sense the steering torque of the steering assembly. Moreover, a user torque is determined using the torque sensor. A damping boost is computed using the user torque and the at least one approximate vehicle acceleration. A final steering damping gain is determined using the base level steering damping and the damping boost. The final steering damping gain is applied to the steering assembly to minimize unwanted feedback to the steering assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: Kongsberg Inc.Inventors: Francis Gagné, Nicolas Girard, Simon Bédard, Alexandre Frigon
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Publication number: 20210323629Abstract: A snowmobile having enhanced steering control has driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to a steering system having a user operated steering element with the device applying torque to the steering system, a throttle, a plurality of sensors including a torque sensor and at least one additional sensor to generate terrain condition data and operational data, and at least one controller coupled to the device and the sensors. The at least one controller selects a terrain condition mode using the generated terrain condition and generated operational data, determines the torque to apply responsive to the angle and speed of rotation of user operated steering element, and operates the electrically actuated device to apply the torque to the steering system, with the torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Alexandre Blackburn, Luc St-Pierre, Alexandre Frigon, Alexandre Palardy, Francis Gagné
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Patent number: 11077876Abstract: A method for controlling a power steering system utilizes a vehicle having a motor, a controller coupled to the motor, and a steering assembly. The method includes detecting a steering rate using the controller and determining a vehicle speed. A base level steering damping is computed using the steering rate and the vehicle speed. At least one approximate vehicle acceleration is determined. A steering torque of the steering assembly is sensed through a torque sensor configured to sense the steering torque of the steering assembly. Moreover, a user torque is determined using the torque sensor. A damping boost is computed using the user torque and the at least one approximate vehicle acceleration. A final steering damping gain is determined using the base level steering damping and the damping boost. The final steering damping gain is applied to the steering assembly to minimize unwanted feedback to the steering assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Kongsberg Inc.Inventors: Francis Gagné, Nicolas Girard, Simon Bédard, Alexandre Frigon
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Patent number: 10807633Abstract: An electric powered steering assembly and system for a vehicle. A sensor is coupled to a housing for detecting input from a user, such as to a steering member. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and controllable by a computer module. The electric motor supplies an assistive torque to a steering shaft of the vehicle. A coupler couples the housing to a chassis of the vehicle. The coupler prevents rotational movement of the housing about the steering shaft while permitting axial movement of the housing along with the steering shaft. The coupler may permit relative movement between the housing and the chassis in five degrees of freedom. A mounting bracket may be rigidly connected to the chassis. The coupler may comprise a coupling bracket and a link having a spherical joint coupled to the mounting bracket. Methods of installation and operating electric powered steering system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: KA Group AGInventors: Francis Gagné, Mattias Johansson, Frederic Gervais
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Publication number: 20200031387Abstract: A method for controlling a power steering system utilizes a vehicle having a motor, a controller coupled to the motor, and a steering assembly. The method includes detecting a steering rate using the controller and determining a vehicle speed. A base level steering damping is computed using the steering rate and the vehicle speed. At least one approximate vehicle acceleration is determined. A steering torque of the steering assembly is sensed through a torque sensor configured to sense the steering torque of the steering assembly. Moreover, a user torque is determined using the torque sensor. A damping boost is computed using the user torque and the at least one approximate vehicle acceleration. A final steering damping gain is determined using the base level steering damping and the damping boost. The final steering damping gain is applied to the steering assembly to minimize unwanted feedback to the steering assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2017Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: Kongsberg Inc.Inventors: Francis Gagné, Nicolas Girard, Simon Bédard, Alexandre Frigon
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Publication number: 20180327020Abstract: An electric powered steering assembly and system for a vehicle. A sensor is coupled to a housing for detecting input from a user, such as to a steering member. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and controllable by a computer module. The electric motor supplies an assistive torque to a steering shaft of the vehicle. A coupler couples the housing to a chassis of the vehicle. The coupler prevents rotational movement of the housing about the steering shaft while permitting axial movement of the housing along with the steering shaft. The coupler may permit relative movement between the housing and the chassis in five degrees of freedom. A mounting bracket may be rigidly connected to the chassis. The coupler may comprise a coupling bracket and a link having a spherical joint coupled to the mounting bracket. Methods of installation and operating electric powered steering system are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Francis Gagné, Mattias Johansson, Frederic Gervais
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Patent number: D837165Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: KONGSBERG INC.Inventors: Francis Gagné, Steve Boulet, Jonathan Nobert, Jean-François Veillette, Alexandre Frigon