Patents by Inventor Philipp Kuepper
Philipp Kuepper 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: 12122444Abstract: An adjustment device for a steering wheel may have a first shaft about which the steering wheel is pivotable. A rotary latch is rotationally fixed to the steering wheel by a rotary latch element. A second shaft is arranged in parallel with the first shaft. A coupling lever is arranged on the second shaft to interact with the rotary latch element. The coupling lever has a stop surface which, for the purpose of engagement, engages in at least one corresponding stop surface of the rotary latch element when the steering wheel, and thus also the rotary latch, is pivoted. At least one of the stop surfaces may have a chamfer via which the coupling lever can be displaced or is displaced out of the engagement with the rotary latch element when a predetermined force is applied to the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2023Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignees: Witte Automotive GmbH, Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Heinz-Joachim Klein, Markus Schaps, Thorsten Janssen, Martin Fassbender, Thomas Kreuz, Philipp Küpper
-
Publication number: 20240300567Abstract: A vehicle has a steering wheel which can be transferred from a steering position into a non-steering position and vice versa, having a system which only enables the transfer of the steering wheel into the non-steering position when the vehicle is in a non-steered state and when an activation signal for the transfer into the non-steering position. The system includes a monitoring device configured and arranged such that the steering wheel in its non-steering position can be set such that its position with respect to a vehicle occupant is ergonomically optimally adapted at least according to ascertained parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johannes A. Varcus, Martin Fassbender, Philipp Kuepper
-
Publication number: 20240075863Abstract: A tray assembly for a vehicle has a steering wheel rim and a plate-shaped tray unit arranged on the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel rim is mounted to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis between a steering position and a tray position arranged at a smaller angle of inclination than in the steering position. In order to provide a tray assembly which can be handled in a manner which is reliable in operation and user-friendly, an edge of the tray unit is matched to a profile of the steering wheel rim such that the tray unit arranged on the steering wheel rim located in the tray position partially or completely covers the steering wheel rim from above, without projecting beyond the steering wheel rim on the outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Fassbender, Sascha Kaatz, Philipp Kuepper
-
Patent number: 11912334Abstract: A method for releasing a tilt mechanism for a steering element of a vehicle, wherein the steering element is mounted pivotably around a tilt axis between a steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the steering element has at least one releasable locking arrangement, which fixes the steering element in the steering position and the at least one non-steering position. The locking arrangement can adopt at least one locking state in which the release of the locking arrangement is prevented and can adopt at least one release state in which the release of the locking arrangement is enabled. A corresponding steering arrangement and a corresponding vehicle are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Martin Faßbender, Bruno Alves, Klemens Degle, Lukas Loehmann
-
Publication number: 20230373552Abstract: An adjustment device for a steering wheel may have a first shaft about which the steering wheel is pivotable. A rotary latch is rotationally fixed to the steering wheel by a rotary latch element. A second shaft is arranged in parallel with the first shaft. A coupling lever is arranged on the second shaft to interact with the rotary latch element. The coupling lever has a stop surface which, for the purpose of engagement, engages in at least one corresponding stop surface of the rotary latch element when the steering wheel, and thus also the rotary latch, is pivoted. At least one of the stop surfaces may have a chamfer via which the coupling lever can be displaced or is displaced out of the engagement with the rotary latch element when a predetermined force is applied to the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Heinz-Joachim KLEIN, Markus SCHAPS, Thorsten JANSSEN, Martin FASSBENDER, Thomas KREUZ, Philipp KÜPPER
-
Patent number: 11628875Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle includes a tilt steering wheel which is capable of being positioned in at least one steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the tilt steering wheel can be locked in the at least one non-steering position by a first locking mechanism. The steering assembly includes a second locking mechanism for additionally locking the tilt steering wheel in the at least one non-steering position, wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a locking device which is movable from a locking position into a release position and vice versa using an actuating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Martin Faßbender, Simon John William Hurr
-
Publication number: 20220258788Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle includes a tilt steering wheel which is capable of being positioned in at least one steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the tilt steering wheel can be locked in the at least one non-steering position by a first locking mechanism. The steering assembly includes a second locking mechanism for additionally locking the tilt steering wheel in the at least one non-steering position, wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a locking device which is movable from a locking position into a release position and vice versa using an actuating mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Martin Faßbender, Simon John William Hurr
-
Patent number: 11352043Abstract: A steering wheel for a transport vehicle comprises a hub and a rim which extends around the hub, wherein the rim is pivotably supported between a steering position and at least one non-steering position about a tilting axis. The steering wheel has at least one releasable locking arrangement having a hub-side hub locking device and a rim-side rim locking device for blocking the pivoting by use of mutual engagement. The hub locking device and the rim locking device are configured to engage with each other with spacing from the tilting axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Faßbender, Philipp Kuepper, Klemens Degle, Bruno Alves, Thomas Kreuz
-
Publication number: 20220169300Abstract: A method for releasing a tilt mechanism for a steering element of a vehicle, wherein the steering element is mounted pivotably around a tilt axis between a steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the steering element has at least one releasable locking arrangement, which fixes the steering element in the steering position and the at least one non-steering position. The locking arrangement can adopt at least one locking state in which the release of the locking arrangement is prevented and can adopt at least one release state in which the release of the locking arrangement is enabled. A corresponding steering arrangement and a corresponding vehicle are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Martin Faßbender, Bruno Alves, Klemens Degle, Lukas Loehmann
-
Publication number: 20220073123Abstract: A steering wheel for a transport vehicle comprises a hub and a rim which extends around the hub, wherein the rim is pivotably supported between a steering position and at least one non-steering position about a tilting axis. The steering wheel has at least one releasable locking arrangement having a hub-side hub locking device and a rim-side rim locking device for blocking the pivoting by use of mutual engagement. The hub locking device and the rim locking device are configured to engage with each other with spacing from the tilting axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Faßbender, Philipp Kuepper, Klemens Degle, Bruno Alves, Thomas Kreuz
-
Patent number: 11180177Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a rim that is movably connected to a base for movement between driving and utility positions. A movement control mechanism is configured to selectively lock the rim in the driving position relative to the base structure. The motion control mechanism includes a detent that is configured to retain the rim structure in the utility position relative to the base structure, whereby a user can apply a force to the rim structure to overcome the detent and move the rim structure from the utility position to the driving position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Macit Aktas, Joseph Michael Kish, Martin Fassbender, Philipp Kuepper
-
Patent number: 11072359Abstract: An assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel hub for coupling to a steering column of the motor vehicle, such that rotation of the hub about a steering axis rotates the steering column, and a steering wheel rim assembly comprising a steering wheel rim extending around a first axis of the steering wheel assembly, wherein the steering wheel rim is movably coupled to the steering wheel hub, such that the steering wheel rim is selectively pivotable relative to the steering wheel hub about a second axis, the second axis having a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, and a controller configured to determine a pivot angle of the steering wheel rim and activate or deactivate an ignition system and/or a driver restraint system of the vehicle based on the pivot angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andrew John Murray, Philipp Kuepper, Mark Mason
-
Patent number: 11027690Abstract: An inflatable restraint device for fastening to a seat of a vehicle includes at least one inflatable cushion with an outer surface and a plurality of tethers. Each tether includes a first end and a second end. The tethers are fastened at the first ends to the outer surface of the cushion and the second ends of the tethers are designed to be fastened to a seat. The tethers are designed to be releasably fastened on at least one of the ends.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Jamel E. Belwafa
-
Patent number: 10864826Abstract: A system includes a seat having an upholstery, an infrared-light source spaced from the seat and aimed at the seat, and an infrared sensor having a field of view. The seat is disposed in the field of view. Infrared-indicator threads are threaded with the upholstery and include exposed portions overlapping the upholstery in a pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, William Jerome Olsen, James Robert Chascsa, II, Jeffrey Tien Vo
-
Publication number: 20200238851Abstract: A system includes a seat having an upholstery, an infrared-light source spaced from the seat and aimed at the seat, and an infrared sensor having a field of view. The seat is disposed in the field of view. Infrared-indicator threads are threaded with the upholstery and include exposed portions overlapping the upholstery in a pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: PHILIPP KUEPPER, WILLIAM JEROME OLSEN, JAMES ROBERT CHASCSA, II, JEFFREY TIEN VO
-
Publication number: 20200198684Abstract: An assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel hub for coupling to a steering column of the motor vehicle, such that rotation of the hub about a steering axis rotates the steering column, and a steering wheel rim assembly comprising a steering wheel rim extending around a first axis of the steering wheel assembly, wherein the steering wheel rim is movably coupled to the steering wheel hub, such that the steering wheel rim is selectively pivotable relative to the steering wheel hub about a second axis, the second axis having a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, and a controller configured to determine a pivot angle of the steering wheel rim and activate or deactivate an ignition system and/or a driver restraint system of the vehicle based on the pivot angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andrew John Murray, Philipp Kuepper, Mark Mason
-
Publication number: 20200070767Abstract: An inflatable restraint device for fastening to a seat of a vehicle includes at least one inflatable cushion with an outer surface and a plurality of tethers. Each tether includes a first end and a second end. The tethers are fastened at the first ends to the outer surface of the cushion and the second ends of the tethers are designed to be fastened to a seat. The tethers are designed to be releasably fastened on at least one of the ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Jamel E. Belwafa