Abstract: A system (100) and a method (300) for detecting brake fading in a vehicle. The system (100) includes at least one sensor (140-143) configured to gather data about at least one brake (110-113) in a vehicle (105), a braking system (130), a braking system sensor (145) configured to gather data about the braking system (130), and an electronic controller (150) configured to receive data from at least one selected from the group consisting of the at least one sensor (140-143) and the braking system sensor (145), and determine, based on the data, a level of brake fading of the vehicle (105). The method (300) comprises receiving (305), with an electronic controller (150), data from at least one of the group consisting of at least one sensor (140-143) and a braking system sensor (145); and determining (310), with the electronic controller (150), a level of brake fading of a vehicle (105) based upon the data.

Abstract: A front fork assembly includes a shock absorbing assembly and an anti-revolving guiding member arranged in a front-rear direction and extending in an up-down direction to interconnect a suspending bracket and the connecting bridge, left and right connecting levers interconnecting a swing arm assembly and a crank pivoting shaft, and left and right cranks for mounting with two front wheels of a tilting vehicle. Occurrence of speed wobble of the front fork assembly is prevented to render driving of electric bicycles, scooters and motorcycles equipped with the front fork assembly better and safer, to shorten the braking distance of vehicles, to prevent spinning of vehicles during braking, to prevent side slip during turning, to provide more comfortable feeling of shock absorption of vehicles, and to render the driving stable when passing over obstacles.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a pressure-volume curve for a hydraulic system in a vehicle. The system includes a plunger coupled to the hydraulic system, a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the hydraulic system, and an electronic controller configured to access a prior pressure-volume curve from a memory, generate a signal to move the plunger, receive a pressure from the pressure sensor, generate a new pressure-volume curve based upon the received pressure and a position of the plunger, compare the new pressure-volume curve to the prior pressure-volume curve, in response to the new pressure-volume curve and the prior pressure-volume curve differing by at least a threshold value, replace the prior pressure-volume curve with the new pressure-volume curve in the memory, and actuating the hydraulic system based upon the stored pressure-volume curve.

Abstract: A system (100) and a method (300) for detecting brake fading in a vehicle. The system (100) includes at least one sensor (140-143) configured to gather data about at least one brake (110-113) in a vehicle (105), a braking system (130), a braking system sensor (145) configured to gather data about the braking system (130), and an electronic controller (150) configured to receive data from at least one selected from the group consisting of the at least one sensor (140-143) and the braking system sensor (145), and determine, based on the data, a level of brake fading of the vehicle (105). The method (300) comprises receiving (305), with an electronic controller (150), data from at least one of the group consisting of at least one sensor (140-143) and a braking system sensor (145); and determining (310), with the electronic controller (150), a level of brake fading of a vehicle (105) based upon the data.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a pressure-volume curve for a hydraulic system in a vehicle. The system includes a plunger coupled to the hydraulic system, a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the hydraulic system, and an electronic controller configured to access a prior pressure-volume curve from a memory, generate a signal to move the plunger, receive a pressure from the pressure sensor, generate a new pressure-volume curve based upon the received pressure and a position of the plunger, compare the new pressure-volume curve to the prior pressure-volume curve, in response to the new pressure-volume curve and the prior pressure-volume curve differing by at least a threshold value, replace the prior pressure-volume curve with the new pressure-volume curve in the memory, and actuating the hydraulic system based upon the stored pressure-volume curve.

Abstract: An assistance system includes a resistance detecting unit obtaining a resistance factor, a database storing starting torque values and operating torque values, a torque calculation unit including a controller, and a torque-control handlebar grip operated to trigger an assigned gain and to tune the same to be provided to the torque calculation unit. When switched to an aided mode, the controller calculates a compensated torque value based on one of the starting/operating torque values and the resistance factor, calculates an output torque value by a product of the compensated torque value, the assist ratio and the assigned gain, and controls a torque motor to drive rotation of a driving wheel based on the output torque value.

Abstract: An assistance system includes a resistance detecting unit obtaining a resistance factor, a database storing starting torque values and operating torque values, a torque calculation unit including a controller, and a torque-control handlebar grip operated to trigger an assigned gain and to tune the same to be provided to the torque calculation unit. When switched to an aided mode, the controller calculates a compensated torque value based on one of the starting/operating torque values and the resistance factor, calculates an output torque value by a product of the compensated torque value, the assist ratio and the assigned gain, and controls a torque motor to drive rotation of a driving wheel based on the output torque value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a steering a vehicle. In one example, a system includes a first wheel, a second wheel, and a skid/differential steering system including an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from an electronic power steering system, a steering failure signal and a target steering angle, determine, based on the target steering angle, a target yaw rate, and drive the first wheel of the vehicle forward and decelerate the second wheel of the vehicle based on the target yaw rate, turning the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rolled retraction cord is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (A) preparing the sheet, the sheet comprising a first side edge and a second side edge opposite to each other; (B) placing the sheet on a first surface of a first forming member; (C) contacting the first side edge of the sheet with a second surface of a second forming member, the first side edge of the sheet sandwiched between the first surface of the first forming member and the second surface of the second forming member; and (D) applying a force via the first surface or the second surface to the sheet, and rolling the sheet from the first side edge to the second side edge to obtain the retraction cord. With this method, a rolled retraction cord with a smooth surface and enhanced ductility is capable of being provided.

Abstract: A balancing transporter is provided to mitigate occurrence of undesired sudden turning and falling of a user by virtue of various mechanisms that control the source/cause of mistakes and implement post-mistake remedies. Two adjusting members are operated by the user for turning control in a manner that interference between operations on the adjusting members and on handles is prevented. Maximum allowance of difference between wheel speeds is introduced to prevent sudden turns due to inappropriate operation. A rotational interlock unit mechanically enables the adjusting members to rotate in opposite directions to prevent sudden turns. Shock absorption and balance compensation mechanisms are introduced to keep the balancing transporter from tilting.

Abstract: A balancing transporter is provided to mitigate occurrence of undesired sudden turning and falling of a user by virtue of various mechanisms that control the source/cause of mistakes and implement post-mistake remedies. Two adjusting members are operated by the user for turning control in a manner that interference between operations on the adjusting members and on handles is prevented. Maximum allowance of difference between wheel speeds is introduced to prevent sudden turns due to inappropriate operation. A rotational interlock unit mechanically enables the adjusting members to rotate in opposite directions to prevent sudden turns. Shock absorption and balance compensation mechanisms are introduced to keep the balancing transporter from tilting.

Abstract: A frame of a vehicle includes a front fork unit pivotably connected to a head tube of a vehicle body mechanism, a crank axle disposed on the front fork unit for two front-wheel cranks to be pivoted thereon. Two front wheels are pivotably disposed on the cranks, respectively. A front-wheel counteracting mechanism is pivotably connected between each of the cranks and the front fork unit to transmit an impact force to the cranks so as to cause opposite upward and downward movements of the front wheels to thereby keep the front wheels in contact with the ground and to render movement of the vehicle steady and safe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a parallel parking maneuver of a host vehicle between a first object and a second object. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a parking mode and determining a parking space size upon detecting the parking mode. The method also includes selecting a left rear wheel of the host vehicle or a right rear wheel of the host vehicle. The method further includes applying a first braking force, sufficient to lock-up the selected rear wheel of the host vehicle, to the selected rear wheel of the host vehicle when the parking space size is less than a size threshold. The method also includes applying a second braking force to the selected rear wheel of the host vehicle when the parking space size is greater than or equal to the size threshold. The second braking force is less than the first braking force.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a parallel parking maneuver of a host vehicle between a first object and a second object. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a parking mode and determining a parking space size upon detecting the parking mode. The method also includes selecting a left rear wheel of the host vehicle or a right rear wheel of the host vehicle. The method further includes applying a first braking force, sufficient to lock-up the selected rear wheel of the host vehicle, to the selected rear wheel of the host vehicle when the parking space size is less than a size threshold. The method also includes applying a second braking force to the selected rear wheel of the host vehicle when the parking space size is greater than or equal to the size threshold. The second braking force is less than the first braking force.

Abstract: Provided is a rolled retraction cord, which has flexibility and is made of a sheet rolled into a non-firm multilayer strip. The sheet has a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge are opposite and parallel to each other, and the rolled retraction cord is formed by rolling the first side edge of the sheet toward the second side edge of the sheet. Further provided is a method for manufacturing the rolled retraction cord.

Abstract: A frame mechanism for a vehicle with at least three wheels includes wheel frame assemblies to support a vehicle frame assembly. By a shock absorbing assembly, a swing arm, two synchronizing levers and two linking shafts, when any kind of loading carried and external forces are applied to the vehicle, the wheels can constantly remain on the ground surface with the same traction so as to minimize the risk of yaw, drift and unbalance upon a turn or braking of the vehicle. Also, a variety of uneven movements of the wheels can be balanced and converted into a movement of the vehicle frame assembly in an up-and-down direction. In case of the wheels running off the ground, the wheels can be kept in a proper position for retouching down with safety and comfort.

Abstract: A frame mechanism for a vehicle with at least three wheels includes wheel frame assemblies to support a vehicle frame assembly. By a shock absorbing assembly, a swing arm, two synchronizing levers and two linking shafts, when any kind of loading carried and external forces are applied to the vehicle, the wheels can constantly remain on the ground surface with the same traction so as to minimize the risk of yaw, drift and unbalance upon a turn or braking of the vehicle. Also, a variety of uneven movements of the wheels can be balanced and converted into a movement of the vehicle frame assembly in an up-and-down direction. In case of the wheels running off the ground, the wheels can be kept in a proper position for retouching down with safety and comfort.

Abstract: A self-balancing vehicle frame is mounted with two angle sensors and two wheels that are electrically and respectively coupled to the angle sensors, and includes a front frame assembly that includes two front frame units and a first connecting unit. The front frame units cooperatively define a connecting space therebetween. Each of the front frame units is mounted with a respective one of the wheels and a respective one of the angle sensors, and is operable to tilt the corresponding one of the angle sensors. The first connecting unit is located in the connecting space, and interconnects the front frame units such that the front frame units are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A frame of a vehicle includes a front fork unit pivotably connected to a head tube of a vehicle body mechanism, a crank axle disposed on the front fork unit for two front-wheel cranks to be pivoted thereon. Two front wheels are pivotably disposed on the cranks, respectively. A front-wheel counteracting mechanism is pivotably connected between each of the cranks and the front fork unit to transmit an impact force to the cranks so as to cause opposite upward and downward movements of the front wheels to thereby keep the front wheels in contact with the ground and to render movement of the vehicle steady and safe.

Abstract: A self-balancing vehicle frame includes two side frame units and a bearing unit interconnecting the side frame units such that each of the side frame units can tilt independently against the other of the side frame units. Each of side frames is mounted with a wheel, a driver, and a self-balancing electric system integrated with a pedal and handle. Through operation of hands and feet, each of the side frame units is operable to tilt the corresponding components forwardly and rearwardly. As such, a user can operate the vehicle using hands and/or feet to control travelling and turning of the vehicle.