Patents by Inventor Michael Klank

Michael Klank 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: 11964532
    Abstract: A chassis component (1) for a wheel suspension having at least two pivot points (3, 4), at least one connecting structure (7) which interconnects the pivot points (3, 4) with one another, and at least one sensor (9). The at least one sensor (9) is embodied as a piezoresistive thin film (19) arranged on a section of a surface (8) of the connecting structure (7). A thin film interconnects contact points (15, 16), of at least two conductive sections (13, 14) which are integrated in the connecting structure (7), to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jonas Meier Zu Farwig, Alexander Lundberg, Michael Klank
  • Publication number: 20230123958
    Abstract: A method of developing a road conditioning monitoring model is disclosed. The method comprises utilizing vehicle sensors to collect data under controlled conditions over a road surface to develop a training data set. The training data set undergoes a data analysis to determine an absolute running mean associated with the first road surface under controlled conditions. Abnormalities in the road surface are detected by comparing the absolute running mean with the training data set. The detected abnormalities are classified to create road surface classification rules. A method of developing a road condition database is also disclosed, that comprises utilizing vehicle sensors during operation of a vehicle to collect data during the operation and feeding the data into the road conditioning monitoring model to classify the road conditions on which the vehicle is driven. A system for determining road condition impact on a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Gahl Berkooz, David Wilson, Pulkit Monga, Grigory Yezersky, Lev Levin, Olivier Barree, Michael Klank, Dennis Pape
  • Publication number: 20220381603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a load detection device and method using the same. In one example, the device includes a height-level measuring unit configured to determine a height level of a vehicle and to generate at least one height-level signal that characterizes the height level. A position-measuring unit is configured to determine the position of the vehicle relative to the mid-point of the earth and to generate at least one position signal that characterizes the vehicle position. An evaluation unit is coupled to the height-level measuring unit and to the position-measuring unit. The evaluation unit is configured to determine a mass of a load of the vehicle, taking into account the height-level signal(s) and the position signal(s). The device can be used to determine the mass of the load, which may include a number of persons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Dennis Pape, Julian Stratmann, Christoph Werries, Michael Klank
  • Patent number: 11376919
    Abstract: A chassis component (16), with a first end section (17) and a second end section (18) and a connecting section (19) is arranged between the two end sections (17, 18). At least one ball joint (21) is associated with one of the two end sections (17, 18), and a sensor device (22) is associated with the ball joint (21). A first sensor element (23) of the sensor device (22) is arranged on the end section (18) that has the ball joint (21) and a second sensor element (24) is arranged on an inner joint component (25) of the ball joint (21). In order to avoid damage to the chassis component (16) and/or a disturbance-inducing factor for the sensor device (22) caused by a tensile or compressive load, the connecting section (19) has an elastically deformable zone (20) preferably in the longitudinal and/or the transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Klank, Thomas Koehne, Julian Stratmann
  • Patent number: 11378381
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor has a magnet (M1) that produces a magnetic field with a magnetic field axis (f), has a magnet axis (a) and is held in a component (4) that can move about at least one axis and has a component axis (b). Also a method for mounting a magnet (M1) of a magnetic field sensor. The magnet (M1) is held in the component (4) in such a manner that the magnetic field axis (f) coincides, as closely as possible, with the component axis (b). A deviation of the magnetic field axis (f) from the magnet axis (a) is measured, and the angle of deviation (?) is corrected during the mounting of the magnet (M1) in the component (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Julian Stratmann, Michael Klank, Stefan Krahn
  • Publication number: 20220178774
    Abstract: A method for producing a sensor device (2) for the measurement of an instantaneous load on a component (1, 15), in which the component (1, 15) is made of plastic, in which a sensor layer (3) is arranged in the component (1, 15). The sensor layer (3) is formed of a carrier material with electrically conductive particles embedded therein. To be able to measure or determine loads and/or forces in the component (1, 15) in a better an/or more reliable way, the method includes forming at least one blind hole-like recess (4) in the component (1, 15) to receive the sensor layer (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Michael KLANK, Thomas KOEHNE
  • Patent number: 11247526
    Abstract: A roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle having a housing (137, 237) with a first stabilizer element (110, 210) coupled to the housing and an electric motor (150, 250) located in the housing (137, 237). The transmission (160, 260) is coupled to the electric motor (150, 250) on a drive side, and the output side of the transmission (160, 260) is coupled to a second stabilizer element (115, 215) such that the stabilizer elements are electromechanically rotatable with respect to one another. The electric motor is designed as a Vernier motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Klank, Christoph Elbers, Alexander Haegele, Frank Berger
  • Publication number: 20210347223
    Abstract: A chassis component (16), with a first end section (17) and a second end section (18) and a connecting section (19) is arranged between the two end sections (17, 18). At least one ball joint (21) is associated with one of the two end sections (17, 18), and a sensor device (22) is associated with the ball joint (21). A first sensor element (23) of the sensor device (22) is arranged on the end section (18) that has the ball joint (21) and a second sensor element (24) is arranged on an inner joint component (25) of the ball joint (21). In order to avoid damage to the chassis component (16) and/or a disturbance-inducing factor for the sensor device (22) caused by a tensile or compressive load, the connecting section (19) has an elastically deformable zone (20) preferably in the longitudinal and/or the transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Michael KLANK, Thomas KOEHNE, Julian STRATMANN
  • Publication number: 20210276384
    Abstract: A chassis component (1) for a wheel suspension having at least two pivot points (3, 4), at least one connecting structure (7) which interconnects the pivot points (3, 4) with one another, and at least one sensor (9). The at least one sensor (9) is embodied as a piezoresistive thin film (19) arranged on a section of a surface (8) of the connecting structure (7). A thin film interconnects contact points (15, 16), of at least two conductive sections (13, 14) which are integrated in the connecting structure (7), to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Jonas MEIER ZU FARWIG, Alexander LUNDBERG, Michael KLANK
  • Patent number: 11008036
    Abstract: A steering system with an actuating device (1), in particular a rear axle steering system, having a spindle drive (3) with a spindle (5) and a spindle nut (4) which is fitted into the housing (2) of the steering system in a positionally fixed but rotatable manner and is driven by an electric motor (9). The electric motor (9) is a vernier motor that drives the spindle drive (3) and is integrated in the spindle drive (3). The actuating device (1) is used for a rear axle steering system of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Klank, Jens Vortmeyer, Hans-Jürgen Pfisterer, Adrian Riechmann, Christoph Anneken
  • Publication number: 20200300603
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor has a magnet (M1) that produces a magnetic field with a magnetic field axis (f), has a magnet axis (a) and is held in a component (4) that can move about at least one axis and has a component axis (b). Also a method for mounting a magnet (M1) of a magnetic field sensor. The magnet (M1) is held in the component (4) in such a manner that the magnetic field axis (f) coincides, as closely as possible, with the component axis (b). A deviation of the magnetic field axis (f) from the magnet axis (a) is measured, and the angle of deviation (?) is corrected during the mounting of the magnet (M1) in the component (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Julian STRATMANN, Michael KLANK, Stefan KRAHN
  • Publication number: 20200198434
    Abstract: A roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle having a housing (137, 237) with a first stabilizer element (110, 210) coupled to the housing and an electric motor (150, 250) located in the housing (137, 237). The transmission (160, 260) is coupled to the electric motor (150, 250) on a drive side, and the output side of the transmission (160, 260) is coupled to a second stabilizer element (115, 215) such that the stabilizer elements are electromechanically rotatable with respect to one another. The electric motor is designed as a Vernier motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Michael KLANK, Christoph ELBERS, Alexander HAEGELE, Frank BERGER
  • Patent number: 10252595
    Abstract: A mechanical component for a vehicle, having a measurement region with a surface, and at least one force sensor associated with the measurement region for detecting a force to which the component is exposed. The component (3) has, disposed in the measurement region, a hollow body (3b) with a cavity (4) in which the at least one force sensor (7) can be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Haskamp, Michael Klank, Julian Stratmann, Jens Vortmeyer, Andreas Hartmann, Christoph Schwinge
  • Publication number: 20190092378
    Abstract: A steering system with an actuating device (1), in particular a rear axle steering system, having a spindle drive (3) with a spindle (5) and a spindle nut (4) which is fitted into the housing (2) of the steering system in a positionally fixed but rotatable manner and is driven by an electric motor (9). The electric motor (9) is a vernier motor that drives the spindle drive (3) and is integrated in the spindle drive (3). The actuating device (1) is used for a rear axle steering system of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael KLANK, Jens VORTMEYER, Hans-Jürgen PFISTERER, Adrian SACCHI, Christoph ANNEKEN
  • Publication number: 20180251001
    Abstract: A mechanical component for a vehicle, having a measurement region with a surface, and at least one force sensor associated with the measurement region for detecting a force to which the component is exposed. The component (3) has, disposed in the measurement region, a hollow body (3b) with a cavity (4) in which the at least one force sensor (7) can be positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Klaus HASKAMP, Michael KLANK, Julian STRATMANN, Jens VORTMEYER, Andreas HARTMANN, Christoph SCHWINGE
  • Publication number: 20180231051
    Abstract: A ball joint (1) for a vehicle, with a housing (2) and a ball stud (3) that extends in an axial direction (A) and includes a joint ball (4) which, with its joint ball (4), is fitted into and can pivot in the housing (2) and which extends outward through an opening (8) of the housing (2). At least one sensor (6) serves to detect a tilt angle (a) between the ball stud (3) and the housing (2). The joint ball (4) has a flattened area (5) and the at least one sensor (6) is a distance sensor arranged on a wall (7) of the housing (2), opposite the flattened area (5) of the joint ball (4), for detecting a distance (d) from the flattened area (5) and, from the detected distance (d) from the flattened area (5), deriving the tilt angle (a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Michael KLANK, Klaus HASKAMP
  • Patent number: 10035399
    Abstract: A mechanical component for a vehicle, such as a ball stud, having a cylindrical measurement region with an outer surface. A force sensor is associated with the cylindrical measurement region for detecting at least one force to which the component is exposed. The forces detected by the nanotube sensor may include compressive and/or tensile stress forces. The force sensor includes a layer of carbon nanotubes applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical measurement region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Haskamp, Michael Klank, Peter Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20170320369
    Abstract: A mechanical component for a vehicle, having a measurement region with a surface, and a force sensor is associated with the measurement region for detecting a force to which the component is exposed. The force sensor includes a layer of carbon nanotubes applied to the surface of the measurement region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Klaus HASKAMP, Michael KLANK, Peter HOFMANN
  • Patent number: 9656689
    Abstract: A sensor device (120) for determining a steering angle (?) of a vehicle. The sensor device (120) is, or can be, fitted separately and/or retrofitted on a steering wheel (102) of the vehicle. The sensor device (120) comprises an accelerometer for the detection of an acceleration relative to at least two axes (gx, gy). The accelerometer is designed to emit a sensor signal that represents the detected acceleration in order to determine the steering angle (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Klank, Christoph Elbers, Werner Kosak
  • Patent number: 9637169
    Abstract: A display device (120) for the display of data. The display device (120) includes a data display device (124) for displaying data. The display device (120) is, or can be, fitted separately onto a steering wheel (102) of a vehicle (100). The display device (120) further includes an acceleration detection device (122) for detecting acceleration relative to at least two axes. The display device (120) is designed to determine, using the detected acceleration, a steering wheel rotational angle of the steering wheel (102) and, using the steering wheel rotational angle, to modify the data display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Klank, Christoph Elbers