Patents by Inventor Julian EICHHORN

Julian EICHHORN 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: 11952031
    Abstract: A steering handle of a vehicle includes a support structure, which is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation and at each end of which an angled gripping element for a hand of a driver is provided such that the gripping element can be rotated relative to the support structure. In at least one defined driving state of the vehicle, the two gripping elements are or have been positioned by way of an actuating device in such a way that portions of the gripping elements that are provided for grasping with the hands of the driver lie on a line, the free ends of the portions facing one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Julian Eichhorn, Gunnar Franz, Christian Froemel, Zoltan Major, Martin Wiesinger
  • Patent number: 11794579
    Abstract: A driving system is operatable at least in a first automated driving mode with automated longitudinal and/or lateral control, and in a different second automated driving mode with automated longitudinal and/or lateral control. The driving system has a steering wheel display with luminous elements for illuminating the steering wheel, which can be operated in different illumination states that are distinguishable by the driver. The luminous elements may illuminate the steering wheel rim, and are typically integrated into the steering wheel rim. The driving system specifies which illumination state of the different illumination states the steering wheel display has. The driving system specifies that, during operation of the driving system in the first driving mode, the steering wheel display is illuminated in a first illumination state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Breisinger, Julian Eichhorn, Philipp Kerschbaum, Lutz Lorenz, Stephan Mueller, Julia Niemann, Philipp Suessenguth
  • Patent number: 11721934
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a socket to receive a plug and having an electrical contact. The connector assembly further includes a flexible fabric embedded with a pattern of electrically conductive elements and spanning the socket to conceal the electrical contact. The flexible fabric can deform toward the electrical contact of the socket to cause at least a portion of the pattern to contact the electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Julian Eichhorn, Brian Mok
  • Publication number: 20230208072
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a socket to receive a plug and having an electrical contact. The connector assembly further includes a flexible fabric embedded with a pattern of electrically conductive elements and spanning the socket to conceal the electrical contact. The flexible fabric can deform toward the electrical contact of the socket to cause at least a portion of the pattern to contact the electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Julian EICHHORN, Brian Mok
  • Patent number: 11518215
    Abstract: An air outlet apparatus for an interior of a motor vehicle includes a first ventilation gap and a second ventilation gap, which are spaced apart from each other, a decorative element, which is coupled to a fitting covering for the motor vehicle and arranged between the first and the second ventilation gap, and a control unit, which is coupled to the decorative element and has a first regulating element and a second regulating element. An intensity of an air flow through at least one of the ventilation gaps and, by way of the second regulating element, an alignment of the air flow through at least one of the ventilation gaps can be adjusted independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Julian Eichhorn, Christian Froemel, Jasper Stern, Rene Zocher
  • Patent number: 11415983
    Abstract: A driving system for an automated drive for a motor vehicle has an indicator for marking regions on the steering wheel, in particular on the steering wheel rim. The indicator is preferably an optical steering wheel display which is integrated into the steering wheel rim for example. During an automated drive, the driving system is designed to ascertain that the vehicle has approached an end of the automated drive lying ahead in such a manner that a first approach condition has been satisfied. If the system has ascertained that the vehicle has approached the end of the automated drive in such a manner that the approach condition has been satisfied, the indicator for marking regions on the steering wheel are actuated in response thereto such that a left and a right marking region on the steering wheel are marked. The driver is thus prompted to position their hands on the marked regions of the steering wheel in order to take over the task of driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Breisinger, Nora Broy, Julian Eichhorn, Sebastian Hergeth, Philipp Kerschbaum, Hermann Kuenzner, Lutz Lorenz, Stephan Mueller, Julia Niemann, Frederik Platten, Wolfgang Spiessl, Philipp Suessenguth
  • Patent number: 11345383
    Abstract: A driving system for an automated drive for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel display with a lighting strip structure. The lighting strip structure of the steering wheel display is luminous in a defined lighting color for a duration which can be modified according to the actuation. The driving system is designed to control the steering wheel display such that the lighting strip structure is luminous in the lighting color over a starting length during the automated drive. Upon approaching an end of the automated drive lying ahead, the driving system determines that the vehicle has approached an end point of the automated drive lying ahead in such a manner that a specified approach condition has been satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Breisinger, Nora Broy, Julian Eichhorn, Sebastian Hergeth, Philipp Kerschbaum, Hermann Kuenzner, Lutz Lorenz, Stephan Mueller, Julia Niemann, Frederik Platten, Wolfgang Spiessl, Philipp Suessenguth
  • Publication number: 20220003495
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of a fluid in a container received by a retaining device is provided. The retaining device includes one or more temperature controllers which are configured to control a temperature of the fluid. The method includes detecting a container accommodated in the retaining device; determining one or more parameters; determining a target temperature based on the one or more parameters; detecting the temperature of the fluid; determining a deviation between the target temperature and the detected temperature; and controlling the one or more temperature controllers based on the deviation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Julian EICHHORN, Zoltan MAJOR, Jasper STERN
  • Patent number: 11214201
    Abstract: A storage bin for a vehicle interior having an adaptable object fixation device includes a guiding plate and a plurality of pins defining a pin matrix, wherein each pin is provided with a guide section and wherein the guiding plate is provided with a plurality of through holes, each of which defines a guide hole for receiving the guide section of an associated pin. The pins are individually movably mounted to the guiding plate. Each of the pins is provided with a magnetic end portion at the lower end of the guide section. The guiding plate is made of or includes a ferrous material. The adaptable object fixation device further includes a base plate made of or including a ferrous material. A non-ferrous reset plate is movably arranged between the guiding plate and the base plate below the magnetic end portions of the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ankur Bhakta, Julian Eichhorn, Brian Mok
  • Publication number: 20210394812
    Abstract: A steering handle of a vehicle includes a support structure, which is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation and at each end of which an angled gripping element for a hand of a driver is provided such that the gripping element can be rotated relative to the support structure. In at least one defined driving state of the vehicle, the two gripping elements are or have been positioned by way of an actuating device in such a way that portions of the gripping elements that are provided for grasping with the hands of the driver lie on a line, the free ends of the portions facing one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Julian EICHHORN, Gunnar FRANZ, Christian FROEMEL, Zoltan MAJOR, Martin WIESINGER
  • Patent number: 11193580
    Abstract: A control element for a vehicle is designed to change between a parking state and a driving state. In the parked state, the control element is designed to enable a driver to switch the vehicle from a parked state to a travel state. The control element also enables the vehicle driver to freely select a gear of the vehicle by changing from a parking state into a drive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Julian Eichhorn
  • Publication number: 20210323481
    Abstract: A storage bin for a vehicle interior having an adaptable object fixation device includes a guiding plate and a plurality of pins defining a pin matrix, wherein each pin is provided with a guide section and wherein the guiding plate is provided with a plurality of through holes, each of which defines a guide hole for receiving the guide section of an associated pin. The pins are individually movably mounted to the guiding plate. Each of the pins is provided with a magnetic end portion at the lower end of the guide section. The guiding plate is made of or includes a ferrous material. The adaptable object fixation device further includes a base plate made of or including a ferrous material. A non-ferrous reset plate is movably arranged between the guiding plate and the base plate below the magnetic end portions of the pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Ankur BHAKTA, Julian EICHHORN, Brian MOK
  • Patent number: 11118919
    Abstract: A method for determining a route and time frame for the travel of a motor vehicle which assists the driver in planning their travel and in making fuller use of the technical potential of the motor vehicle is provided. For this purpose, the method includes the following steps: acquiring at least one destination, determining a travel route to the at least one destination; acquiring an adjustable travel mode of the motor vehicle for at least one first section of the travel route; determining the route and time frame for the travel of the motor vehicle depending on the acquired travel mode; and displaying the route and time frame of the travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Grein, Julia Niemann, Julian Eichhorn, Marc Breisinger, Philipp Suessenguth, Benjamin Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20200273429
    Abstract: For automated driving, a driving system can be operated at least in a first automated driving mode with automated longitudinal and/or transverse guidance. A display device includes a driving mode display with a lighting unit. The driving mode display corresponds to a steering wheel display with a light strip structure for the steering wheel rim that can be lit up. A control device coupled to the display is also provided, for controlling the display. The control device is designed to control the driving mode display such that, upon activation of the first automated driving mode, the lighting unit lights up in a first lighting state with a specific luminous intensity, so as to indicate the activation of the first automated driving mode to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Nora BROY, Julian EICHHORN, Sebastian HERGETH, Philipp KERSCHBAUM, Hermann KUENZNER, Frederik PLATTEN
  • Publication number: 20200218444
    Abstract: A mode of transportation, a user interface, and a method for operating a user interface are disclosed. The user interface includes a first display device, a second display device, and an evaluator. The method includes displaying a plurality of command buttons, which are allocated to a screen display on the first display device. On the second display device, the method includes automatically determining on the basis of an incoming signal that an ergonomic optimization of an arrangement of the associated command buttons is possible. The arrangement is automatically optimized in response to the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventor: Julian EICHHORN
  • Publication number: 20200207181
    Abstract: An air outlet apparatus for an interior of a motor vehicle includes a first ventilation gap and a second ventilation gap, which are spaced apart from each other, a decorative element, which is coupled to a fitting covering for the motor vehicle and arranged between the first and the second ventilation gap, and a control unit, which is coupled to the decorative element and has a first regulating element and a second regulating element. An intensity of an air flow through at least one of the ventilation gaps and, by way of the second regulating element, an alignment of the air flow through at least one of the ventilation gaps can be adjusted independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Julian EICHHORN, Christian FROEMEL, Jasper STERN, Rene ZOCHER
  • Publication number: 20200103021
    Abstract: A control element for a vehicle is designed to change between a parking state and a driving state. In the parked state, the control element is designed to enable a driver to switch the vehicle from a parked state to a travel state. The control element also enables the vehicle driver to freely select a gear of the vehicle by changing from a parking state into a drive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Julian EICHHORN
  • Publication number: 20200089226
    Abstract: A driving system for an automated drive for a motor vehicle has an indicator for marking regions on the steering wheel, in particular on the steering wheel rim. The indicator is preferably an optical steering wheel display which is integrated into the steering wheel rim for example. During an automated drive, the driving system is designed to ascertain that the vehicle has approached an end of the automated drive lying ahead in such a manner that a first approach condition has been satisfied. If the system has ascertained that the vehicle has approached the end of the automated drive in such a manner that the approach condition has been satisfied, the indicator for marking regions on the steering wheel are actuated in response thereto such that a left and a right marking region on the steering wheel are marked. The driver is thus prompted to position their hands on the marked regions of the steering wheel in order to take over the task of driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Marc BREISINGER, Nora BROY, Julian EICHHORN, Sebastian HERGETH, Philipp KERSCHBAUM, Hermann KUENZNER, Lutz LORENZ, Stephan MUELLER, Julia NIEMANN, Frederik PLATTEN, Wolfgang SPIESSL, Philipp SUESSENGUTH
  • Publication number: 20200086907
    Abstract: A driving system for an automated drive for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel display with a lighting strip structure. The lighting strip structure of the steering wheel display is luminous in a defined lighting color for a duration which can be modified according to the actuation. The driving system is designed to control the steering wheel display such that the lighting strip structure is luminous in the lighting color over a starting length during the automated drive. Upon approaching an end of the automated drive lying ahead, the driving system determines that the vehicle has approached an end point of the automated drive lying ahead in such a manner that a specified approach condition has been satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Marc BREISINGER, Nora BROY, Julian EICHHORN, Sebastian HERGETH, Philipp KERSCHBAUM, Hermann KUENZNER, Lutz LORENZ, Stephan MUELLER, Julia NIEMANN, Frederik PLATTEN, Wolfgang SPIESSL, Philipp SUESSENGUTH
  • Publication number: 20200023830
    Abstract: A driving system is operatable at least in a first automated driving mode with automated longitudinal and/or lateral control, and in a different second automated driving mode with automated longitudinal and/or lateral control. The driving system has a steering wheel display with luminous elements for illuminating the steering wheel, which can be operated in different illumination states that are distinguishable by the driver. The luminous elements may illuminate the steering wheel rim, and are typically integrated into the steering wheel rim. The driving system specifies which illumination state of the different illumination states the steering wheel display has. The driving system specifies that, during operation of the driving system in the first driving mode, the steering wheel display is illuminated in a first illumination state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Marc BREISINGER, Julian EICHHORN, Philipp KERSCHBAUM, Lutz LORENZ, Stephan MUELLER, Julia NIEMANN, Philipp SUESSENGUTH