Abstract: Methods and systems for steering-based oscillatory braking are described herein. A method may involve making a determination, by a computing device, to reduce a speed of a vehicle. The vehicle may include a pair of wheels. The method may further involve providing instructions to turn the pair of wheels of the vehicle in an oscillatory manner, such that each wheel of the pair of wheels is turned in substantially the same direction and turning of the pair of wheels oscillates each wheel of the pair of wheels between given directions about a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to determining by what degree a driver is gripping a steering wheel. In one example, a computer may send an electrically assisted power steering system (EPS) motor an excitation command to move. The EPS motor may respond by moving a flexible coupling between the steering wheel and the EPS motor. This may cause a corresponding movement at the steering wheel. A torque sensor may generate pattern data by monitoring the flexible coupling during the movement. The EPS motor may generate system position data for the entire steering system, for example, from the tires to the steering wheel. The pattern data and the system position data may be compared by the computer to determine the degree of grip. In this regard, the computer may determine the degree of a driver's grip without the need for additional sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for steering-based oscillatory braking are described herein. A method may involve making a determination, by a computing device, to reduce a speed of a vehicle. The vehicle may include a pair of wheels. The method may further involve providing instructions to turn the pair of wheels of the vehicle in an oscillatory manner, such that each wheel of the pair of wheels is turned in substantially the same direction and turning of the pair of wheels oscillates each wheel of the pair of wheels between given directions about a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the location of a vehicle. According to one aspect the method and apparatus the movements of motor rotors in a vehicle are monitored and used to determine speed, travel distance and/or travel path of a vehicle may be determined. Using various navigation techniques, the distance and travel path may then be used to determine the vehicle's location. Furthermore, movements of the motor rotors may also be used to report the positions of the steering and drive systems for the purpose of informing the vehicle controller as a method of feedback.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes (i) a mounting module configured to be coupled to a support frame of a vehicle, (ii) a component-support module configured to support a component of the vehicle, and (iii) a motion-guiding module coupled to the component-support module and the mounting module. The motion-guiding module is configured to guide motion of the component-support module toward the mounting module. The apparatus further includes (iv) a deformable tab coupled to the motion-guiding module. The deformable tab is configured to (a) in response to the deformable tab absorbing a force that is less than a predetermined level, resist motion of the component-support module toward the mounting module and (b) in response to the deformable tab absorbing a force that is greater than the predetermined level, deform to a position that allows the component-support module to move toward the mounting module in response to force applied to the component-support module.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a mounting module configured to be coupled to a support frame and an object-support module configured to support an object. The mounting module comprises an area configured to allow at least a portion of an object supported by the object-support module to pass through the area. The system further includes a motion-guiding module coupled to the object-support module and the mounting module. The motion-guiding module is configured to guide motion of the object-support module along a first axis of the system toward the mounting module in response to a threshold force applied to the object-support module along the first axis. The motion-guiding module is configured to resist motion of the object-support module along a second axis of the system that is perpendicular to the first axis of the system.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to determining by what degree a driver is gripping a steering wheel. In one example, a computer may send an electrically assisted power steering system (EPS) motor an excitation command to move. The EPS motor may respond by moving a flexible coupling between the steering wheel and the EPS motor. This may cause a corresponding movement at the steering wheel. A torque sensor may generate pattern data by monitoring the flexible coupling during the movement. The EPS motor may generate system position data for the entire steering system, for example, from the tires to the steering wheel. The pattern data and the system position data may be compared by the computer to determine the degree of grip. In this regard, the computer may determine the degree of a driver's grip without the need for additional sensors.