Patents by Inventor Leo Laine
Leo Laine 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: 20250026325Abstract: A control unit for controlling a heavy-duty vehicle is arranged to obtain an initial inverse tire model configured to represent a preliminary relationship between wheel slip and generated longitudinal wheel force for at least one wheel of the heavy-duty vehicle. The control unit obtains data from a tire thread deflection sensor configured to measure an amount of tire thread deflection associated with the at least one wheel, and an amount of wheel slip of the at least one wheel corresponding to the amount of tire thread deflection. The control unit updates the obtained initial inverse tire model based on the amount of tire thread deflection and on the corresponding amount of wheel slip. The control unit controls the heavy-duty vehicle by configuring a target wheel speed or a target wheel slip of the at least one wheel based on the updated inverse tire model to generate a target longitudinal wheel force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2021Publication date: January 23, 2025Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Mats RYDSTRÖM, Leo LAINE, Leon HENDERSON
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Publication number: 20250020475Abstract: A computer implemented method for operating a vehicle, specifically in relation to efficient transporting of a predefined cargo. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding arrangement and computer program product.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2024Publication date: January 16, 2025Inventors: Jonas Hellgren, Leo Laine
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Patent number: 12172712Abstract: A first vehicle unit is couplable a second vehicle unit, so that a vehicle combination is formed, wherein the first vehicle unit comprises a transceiver configured to establish a sidelink to a transceiver of the second vehicle unit. In one embodiment, the first vehicle unit is configured to perform an automatic coupling procedure for coupling itself to the second vehicle unit, wherein the sidelink is established prior to completion of the coupling procedure. In another embodiment, the sidelink adds redundancy to wired communication link between respective vehicle unit computers. In yet another embodiment, the transceivers of the vehicle units remain independently addressable even after the vehicle combination has been formed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Mats Rydström, Leo Laine
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Patent number: 12168487Abstract: A propulsion arrangement for a self-powered dolly vehicle unit, the propulsion arrangement comprising a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a gearbox, and an open differential for driving first and second wheels of a driven axle, wherein the first and second electric machines are arranged in parallel and connected to the open differential via the gearbox at respective gear ratios.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 17, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Jesper Blomstrand, Leo Laine
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Patent number: 12162494Abstract: A method for reducing off-tracking by a multi-trailer heavy duty vehicle during a maneuver is disclosed. The method obtains a model of vehicle dynamics describing dynamics of the multi -trailer heavy duty vehicle, determines respective force trajectories for two or more axles of the vehicle as a solution to a NOCP. The NOCP is formulated with an objective to at least minimize trailer off-tracking, and based on the model of vehicle dynamics. The motion of the heavy duty vehicle is controlled during the maneuver based on the determined force trajectories.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Toheed Ghandriz, Peter Nilsson, Bengt Jacobson, Leo Laine
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Patent number: 12162377Abstract: A comprises a vehicle control unit, VCU, and a control module, CM, configured to control the torque actuators. The VCU is configured to send to the CM a parameter request and a desired recuperation power or a desired parameter split ratio. If the CM determines that these are conflicting targets, then based on one or more predefined criteria, the CM will apply a parameter value and allocate a recuperation power or a parameter split ratio such that the applied parameter value is different from the requested one and/or the allocated recuperation power or parameter split ratio is different from the desired one. A method of controlling a wheel is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leon Henderson, Leo Laine, Adithya Arikere, Sidhant Ray
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Publication number: 20240404330Abstract: A computer system handles tension of at least one strap arranged for strapping cargo in a vehicle. The computer system includes processing circuitry configured to obtain cargo information; obtain vehicle information; determine, based on the cargo information and the vehicle information, a pack plan, wherein the pack plan comprises a planned tension; determine to start loading the cargo in the vehicle and using the planned tension; obtain information about a first current tension of the at least one strap when the loading is finished and before the vehicle drives; compare the planned tension and the first current tension; and to determine to initiate a first action when a result of the comparison indicates that the first current tension is different than the planned tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Johanna KARLSSON, Ingmar BENGTSSON, Thorsten HELFRICH, Joshua SHIRE, Leo LAINE
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Publication number: 20240383339Abstract: A vehicle control unit arranged to control motion of a heavy-duty vehicle comprising first and second electric machine (EM) arrangements, wherein the vehicle control unit is arranged to control the first and second EM arrangement by transmitting wheel slip requests to respective EM control units, wherein the control unit is arranged to obtain a desired total longitudinal force to be jointly generated by the first and second EM arrangements, wherein the control unit is arranged to determine a desired first wheel slip corresponding to a first longitudinal force generated by the first EM arrangement, and a desired second wheel slip corresponding to a second longitudinal force generated by the second EM arrangement, wherein the control unit is arranged to balance a magnitude of the first wheel slip relative to a magnitude of the second wheel slip in dependence of the efficiency characteristics of the first and second EM arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: November 21, 2024Inventors: Leo LAINE, Mats RYDSTRÖM
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Publication number: 20240367639Abstract: A method for controlling motion of a heavy-duty vehicle includes obtaining input data related to one or more tire parameters of a tire on the heavy-duty vehicle, estimating at least part of the one or more tire parameters based on the input data, configuring a tire model, wherein the tire model defines a relationship between tire wear rate and vehicle motion state, wherein the tire model is parameterized by the one or more tire parameters, estimating vehicle motion state, and controlling motion of the heavy-duty vehicle based on the tire model and on the vehicle motion state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2021Publication date: November 7, 2024Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leo LAINE, Leon HENDERSON, Ulf STENBRATT, Adithya ARIKERE, Chidambaram SUBRAMANIAN
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Publication number: 20240367636Abstract: A wheel end module for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a processing device, a radar module arrange to transmit a radar signal towards a surface supporting the vehicle and to receive backscatter from the radar signal, and a load sensing arrangement. The processing device determines a parameter related to a normal force associated with at least one wheel of the heavy-duty vehicle by the load sensing arrangement, determines a parameter related to a friction coefficient of the surface by the radar module. The processing device determines a wheel force generating capability of the at least one wheel, based on the normal force related parameter and on the friction coefficient related parameter. The wheel end module outputs the wheel force generating capability on an output interface of the wheel end module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2024Publication date: November 7, 2024Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Mats RYDSTRÖM, Adithya ARIKERE, Mats JONASSON, Leo LAINE
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Publication number: 20240367653Abstract: A method for adapting air resistance of a heavy-duty vehicle. The vehicle comprises at least one electric machine for regenerative braking, one or more energy absorption devices to receive energy from the at least one electrical machine during regenerative braking, and a variable air resistance arrangement to provide a range of different air resistances of the vehicle. The method includes obtaining a current energy absorption capability of the one or more energy absorption devices; obtaining an expected energy generation from regenerative braking during a planned route of the vehicle and during a nominal value of air resistance of the vehicle; determining a desired air resistance of the vehicle from the range of different air resistances of the vehicle based on the current energy absorption capability and the expected energy generation; and adapting the variable air resistance arrangement according to the desired air resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2021Publication date: November 7, 2024Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Lena LARSSON, Leo LAINE, Mats RYDSTRÖM
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Patent number: 12123724Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented method for operating a vehicle (104, 106, 108), specifically in relation to efficient transporting of a predefined cargo. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding arrangement and computer program product.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Volvo Autonomous Solutions ABInventors: Jonas Hellgren, Leo Laine
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Publication number: 20240317069Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle provided with at least a pair of first wheels, and a second axle provided with at least a pair of second wheels. The second axle is a steered axle allowing said second wheels to be turned. At least one first electric machine provides propulsion torque to the first axle. At least one second electric machine provides propulsion torque to the second axle. A control unit is configured to control the first and second electric machines, wherein the control unit is configured to limit the propulsion torque provided by said at least one second electric machine in dependence of a current state of the second axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2021Publication date: September 26, 2024Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leo LAINE, Johan LINDBERG, Jan ZACHRISSON
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Patent number: 12071116Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle brake system for a heavy duty vehicle including a primary brake system and an auxiliary brake system. The method includes configuring a wheel slip magnitude limit, obtaining a requested auxiliary brake torque, engaging the primary brake system at a torque determined in dependence of the requested auxiliary brake torque, while monitoring a wheel slip value, determining an allowable auxiliary brake torque in dependence of the requested auxiliary brake torque and the wheel slip value, and engaging the auxiliary brake system at the allowable auxiliary brake torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leo Laine, Anders Eriksson, Gustav Neander, Jan-Inge Svensson
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Patent number: 12060063Abstract: A method for controlling wheel slip of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises at least a first and a second motion support device, MSD, for providing torque to a common wheel of the vehicle. The method comprises receiving a wheel torque request. Based on the received wheel torque request, the method further comprises controlling the first MSD to provide torque to the wheel in a first mode of operation, and controlling the second MSD to provide torque to the wheel in a second mode of operation which is different from the first mode of operation. The controlling of the first MSD and the controlling of the second MSD are, at least temporarily, performed simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leon Henderson, Leo Laine, Adithya Arikere, Sidhant Ray
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Patent number: 12054162Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a parameter indicative of a road capability of a road segment (16) supporting a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises a sensor (18) adapted to generate an information package on the basis of signals (20, 22) reflected from the surface of a portion of the road segment (16) in front of the vehicle (10), as seen in an intended direction of travel of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a plurality of ground engaging members (12, 14).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leo Laine, Mats Jonasson
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Patent number: 12051284Abstract: A wheel end computer, WEC, (220) for hosting and executing one or more motion support device abstraction modules (MSDA, 221) configured to monitor and/or to control operations of one or more respective motion support devices, MSDs, (240, 250, 260, 270) on a heavy duty vehicle, where an MSDA provides a control and/or a monitoring interface between an external vehicle unit computer (VUC, 210), and a respective MSDs operational functionality, wherein the WEC (220) is arranged to identify a matching MSDA for each MSD in a set of MSDs, such that each MSD connected to the WEC is matched to a respective MSDA, and wherein the WEC (220) is arranged to receive a monitor and/or a control command from the VUC (210) for monitoring and/or controlling an MSD connected to the WEC, and to control the MSD via the respective matching MSDA.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Ulf Stenbratt, Leo Laine, Peter Hansson, Lance Higgins, Anders Magnusson
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Publication number: 20240227795Abstract: A method for controlling a heavy-duty vehicle to follow a reference path, the method including obtaining the reference path to be followed by the vehicle, determining a goal point along the path to be steered towards from a vehicle location in vicinity of the path, where the goal point is distanced along the path by a preview distance measured from a reference location associated with the vehicle location, where the preview distance is determined at least partly based on a lateral deviation of the vehicle location from the reference path, such that the preview distance increases with an increasing lateral deviation from the reference path, and decreases with a decreasing lateral deviation, and controlling the vehicle towards the goal point.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2021Publication date: July 11, 2024Inventors: Yangyan GAO, Leon HENDERSON, Timothy GORDON, Shammi RAHMAN, Leo LAINE
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Publication number: 20240208567Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle comprises first and second steering actuators, each configured to be actuated in accordance with at least one signal issued from a motion control system to control a steering angle of at least one steerable ground engaging member of the vehicle. The first and second steering actuators are associated with corresponding first and second nominal steering capabilities, each 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. The motion control system is adapted to, upon detection of a malfunction associated with the first steering actuator, associate the second steering actuator with a second enhanced steering capability instead of the second nominal steering capability. The second enhanced steering capability is different from the second nominal steering capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2024Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Leo Laine, Jan-Inge Svensson, Lionel Farres, Christian Oscarsson, Leon Henderson, Jose Vilca, Kristoffer Tagesson, Johanna Majqvist
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Publication number: 20240190446Abstract: A method for controlling motion of a heavy-duty vehicle includes obtaining input data related to one or more tire parameters of a tire on the heavy-duty vehicle, estimating at least part of the one or more tire parameters based on the input data, configuring a tire model, wherein the tire model defines a relationship between tire wheel rolling resistance and vehicle motion state, wherein the tire model is parameterized by the one or more tire parameters, estimating vehicle motion state, and controlling motion of the heavy-duty vehicle based on the tire model and on the vehicle motion state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2021Publication date: June 13, 2024Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Leo LAINE, Leon HENDERSON, Ulf STENBRATT, Adithya ARIKERE, Chidambaram SUBRAMANIAN