Abstract: A stroke sensor detects a distance between a first member and a second member provided movably toward and away from the first member. The stroke sensor includes a magnetism generator provided in the first member and configured to generate magnetism, a magnetic body provided in the second member and configured to be biased toward the magnetism generator by a magnetic force generated from the magnetism generator, and a pressure detector provided in the second member, held in contact with the magnetic body biased by the magnetic force from the magnetism generator and configured to detect the distance between the first and second members on the basis of a change of a pressure acting from the magnetic body.

Abstract: A vehicle and a suspension system for the vehicle are disclosed. The suspension system includes a first suspension corner assembly adapted to support a structure of the vehicle and a second suspension corner assembly adapted to support the structure. The first suspension corner assembly includes a first bell crank and the second suspension corner assembly includes a second bell crank. The suspension system also includes an actuator device attached to the first and second bell cranks to selectively change at least one of a first spring rate and a preload.

Abstract: An air spring assembly or air spring damper with an integrated valve control for controlling a level position of a vehicle or of a driver's cab includes a rolling tube, a lid and an air spring bellows which together delimit a pressure chamber with compressed air. A control valve includes an actuation device for feeding compressed air into the pressure chamber or for discharging compressed air from the pressure chamber. A compression spring device has a first end operatively connected to the rolling piston or the lid and a second end operatively connected to the actuation device. The compression spring device is configured with at least two parts including a central spring facing towards the rolling piston or the lid and a control valve biasing spring facing towards the control valve. The central spring is biased to a greater extent than the control valve biasing spring.

Abstract: A twist beam (22) for a suspension assembly (20) comprises a base portion (44) and side walls (46) presenting an open U-shaped cross-section and a bulged middle section (24). The twist beam (22) includes end sections (56, 58), the middle section (24), and transition sections (60, 62) each extending from one of the end sections (56, 58) to the middle section (24). The width (w) and the height (h) of the twist beam (22) increase along the transition sections (60, 62) to the middle section (24). The width (w) and the height (h) of the middle section (24) are greater than the width (w) and the height (h) of the end sections (56, 58). The cross-sectional area of the bulged middle section (24) is typically 10% to 30% greater than the cross-sectional area of the end sections (56, 58).

Abstract: Described herein is a system, apparatus, and method for providing an integrated vehicle cabin experience. A wearable device including one or more bio-physical sensors may be configured to sense bio-physical conditions from a wearer of the wearable device and determine a state of the wearer. The state information may then be referenced by a vehicle computing system in order to control one or more vehicle systems and/or components that create a cabin environment.

Abstract: A front-seat air conditioner and a rear-seat air conditioner, which are independent from each other, are provided. An engine is automatically stopped under preset stop conditions. When the engine is automatically stopped in a case in which the number of passengers is a specified preset number (five, for example) or larger during heating, the operation of the rear-seat air conditioner is stopped (reduction of power consumption) and the operation of the front-seat air conditioner is continued (prevention of windshield glass from being fogged). Thereby, the windshield glass can be prevented from being fogged during the engine's automatic stop, reducing the power consumption of air conditioning.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a vehicle which uses an evaporator of an air-conditioning case for common use in an air-conditioning mode and in a heat pump mode for cooling and heating so as to reduce weight and manufacturing costs. The heat pump system can be applied without any change in structure of the air-conditioning case, and can be operated even at low temperature without any influence of outdoor temperature because the heat pump system uses waste heat of an engine so as to enhance fuel efficiency and increase heating performance and efficiency.

Abstract: A damper box includes a curved wall, an outlet, a side wall, and filter and a damper. The curved wall has an outside surface, an inside surface, and a separator sandwiched between an outside air inlet and a recirculated air inlet. The side wall is disposed between the recirculated air inlet and the outlet. The filter has a curvature matching the curved wall and covering the outside surface of the curved wall. The damper has an axis of rotation adjacent to and in alignment with the separator. The damper has a first face and a trailing edge. The first face is curved and configured to mate with a curved frame disposed about the outside air inlet. The trailing edge is configured to mate with the side wall. A ratio of outside air to recirculated air is modulated in response to the damper being rotated.

Abstract: A damper box includes a curved wall, an outlet, a side wall, and filter and a damper. The curved wall has an outside surface, an inside surface, and a separator sandwiched between an outside air inlet and a recirculated air inlet. The side wall is disposed between the recirculated air inlet and the outlet. The filter has a curvature matching the curved wall and covering the outside surface of the curved wall. The damper has an axis of rotation adjacent to and in alignment with the separator. The damper has a first face and a trailing edge. The first face is curved and configured to mate with a curved frame disposed about the outside air inlet. The trailing edge is configured to mate with the side wall. A ratio of outside air to recirculated air is modulated in response to the damper being rotated.

Abstract: A heat pump device 20 is operated so as to make a switch between multiple operation modes including a first dehumidification and heating operation mode in which a refrigerant discharged from a compressor is circulated through a downstream interior heat exchanger 31, a first pressure reducing valve 52, an upstream interior heat exchanger 32, and an exterior heat exchanger 33 in this order so that the heat exchanger 31 functions as a radiator and the heat exchanger 32 functions as a heat absorber, and a second dehumidification and heating operation mode in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is circulated through the downstream interior heat exchanger 31, a second pressure reducing valve 53, the exterior heat exchanger 33, and the upstream interior heat exchanger 32 in this order so that the heat exchanger 31 functions as a radiator and the heat exchanger 32 functions as a heat absorber.

Abstract: An air filter arrangement for use in a truck pneumatic product transfer system using a generally rectangular housing and two air filter cartridges to alter the shape thereof (primarily reduce the width thereof) allowing the unit to be mounted centrally behind a truck cab or in other locations. The design and shape allows mounting on the truck in preferred areas that are less utilized for accessory equipment and can increase truck aerodynamics. Additionally the filter arrangement can reduce overall truck weight compared to traditional units.

Abstract: Adjustment device for adjusting shutoff elements of an air inlet of a motor vehicle, wherein the shutoff elements are adjustable between an open position in which the air inlet is substantially open and a closed position in which the air inlet is substantially closed, includes a drive unit for adjusting the shutoff elements between at least the open position and the closed position, and a fail-safe mechanism which is arranged for adjusting the air inlet to a predefined position in case of a calamity situation. The adjustment device includes a blocking mechanism for blocking the operation of the fail-safe mechanism in predetermined situations, wherein in such predetermined situations the shutoff elements are adjustable to a predefined position without activation of the fail-safe mechanism.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle which comprises at least one internal combustion engine with a fuel tank and a filter, and an additional motor for driving the vehicle. The filter is designed to receive fuel vapors from the fuel tank in a filtering mode and to discharge the fuel vapors to the internal combustion engine in a flushing mode. In the method, a current operating point of the internal combustion engine is detected and the flushing mode of the filter is activated according to the current operating point and an operating time of the vehicle.

Abstract: To provide a fuel supply system in which fuel stored in a fuel storage tank formed in a housing main body can be supplied by a high-pressure pump provided in the housing main body in spite of a rapid acceleration or a rapid deceleration of an engine, two types of connectors, which is a first connector having a low-pressure pump having a connection port for a fuel supply pipe from a fuel tank and a second connector having no pump, can be selectively attached via a common connector mounting part formed on a wall surface of a housing main body, and by using a housing having therein the commonly used high-pressure pump, a fuel supply system using an external pump and a fuel supply system using no external pump can be respectively manufactured in accordance with the purpose of use.

Abstract: A motor vehicle filler inlet compartment lid arrangement is disclosed. A filler inlet compartment lid is mounted so that it can swivel around a lid axis relative to a vehicle body. A filler module with at least one filler passage for filling up the motor vehicle is joined with the filler inlet compartment lid so that it can swivel relative to the vehicle body between a use and non-use position.

Abstract: A vehicle with connectable four-wheel drive. The vehicle includes an engine with a drive shaft; a pair of main drive wheels; a main transmission line which permanently connects the drive shaft to the main drive wheels, the main transmission line including a main gearbox and a main differential; a pair of normally driven secondary drive wheels; and a connectable secondary transmission line for connecting the drive shaft also to the secondary drive wheels and having a geared transmission, at least one secondary clutch which on one side is connected to the drive shaft upstream of the main gearbox and on the other side is connected to the secondary drive wheels, and a continuously variable transmission which is controlled electronically to vary its transmission ratio in a continuous manner between two limit values without ever interrupting the transmission of the driving torque.

Abstract: A method of controlling an all-wheel drive system of a vehicle includes supplying torque to front and rear wheels of the vehicle, sensing a failure of the all-wheel drive system, and adjusting a crankshaft torque of an engine of the vehicle so that the front wheel torque remains constant regardless of a failure of the all-wheel drive system.

Abstract: A starting mechanism for a motor vehicle with an ignition mechanism, a programmable ignition key and a detector for alcohol and/or drugs, wherein the ignition mechanism is configured to be started by the ignition key if the detector for alcohol and/or drugs provides a result below a limit value, wherein the programmable ignition key comprises an adjustable identifier that deactivates the detector for alcohol and/or drugs and enables starting of the ignition mechanism.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, inhibiting operation of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle based on a proximity of the vehicle to a fueling location.

Abstract: A vehicle travel control apparatus includes: an electric motor that generates a creep torque; a preceding vehicle following control part that performs a preceding vehicle following control for adjusting an inter-vehicle distance between a preceding vehicle and a host vehicle based on a travel state of the preceding vehicle, the preceding vehicle following control being continued until the host vehicle transitions to a stopped state; and a creep torque control part that controls a creep torque control, wherein the creep torque control part retains a target value of the creep torque to be generated by the electric motor at a predetermined value during a period in which the preceding vehicle following control is performed and the host vehicle travels.

Abstract: A tractor control/display system includes a display means for displaying to a tractor operator tractor performance parameters and receiving operator's inputs. Sensors are also provided to determine various operating conditions of the tractor, and a processing unit for receiving the sensor signals and operator's inputs and processing these signals and inputs to provide selected performance parameters for display on the display means. The processing means also provides a simulation mode in which the operator can enter proposed changes in operating conditions of the tractor and the processing means can indicate on the display means the effect of these proposed changes on selected tractor performance parameters.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus includes a content item searcher configured to search for a content item in accordance with an input search criterion; a content item list generator configured to generate a content item list including the content item searched for by the content item searcher in a form of a string; and a display controller configured to display the content item list in a list display region of a display section. The display controller is configured to change a width of the list display region in an arrangement direction of the string in accordance with a length of the string of the content item in the content item list in the arrangement direction of the string.

Abstract: A vehicle display apparatus includes a left decorative panel and a right decorative panel each including a first instrument panel and a second instrument panel, a left rotating mechanism that rotates the left decorative panel about an axis of rotation and changes which of the first instrument panel and the second instrument panel to be allowed to face toward a driver in a vehicle, and a right rotating mechanism that rotates the right decorative panel about an axis of rotation and changes which of the first instrument panel and the second instrument panel to be allowed to face toward the driver in the vehicle.

Abstract: An in-vehicle computer is programmed to determine that a driver's hands are at least one predetermined location in the vehicle, the at least one predetermine location including a location on a steering wheel, determine that a vehicle passenger is in a safe position with respect to a human-machine interface; and provide passenger access to the human-machine interface such that the passenger may access operations of the computer that are inaccessible to the driver.

Abstract: Various aspects of a system and a method for providing a controlled power supply are disclosed herein. The method, in a vehicle, comprises controlling a power supply unit coupled to an exterior surface of the vehicle. The power supply unit provides the power supply to an electronic device connected to the power supply unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power converter for a vehicle includes four semiconductor element modules and a cooling unit. The four semiconductor element modules each include a switching element and a freewheeling diode and form circuits for three phases as circuits that perform three-phase AC output for driving one permanent magnet synchronous motor, the switching element using silicon carbide (SiC) and performing switching operation, the freewheeling diode using silicon carbide (SiC) and passing a freewheeling current, each of the circuits being related to single-phase AC output and having arms each of which connects the freewheeling diode anti-parallel to the switching element, the arms being connected in series. The cooling unit cools the four semiconductor element modules.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using the Earth's magnetic field to power a machine having a motor, the system including a computer, a plurality of wires, a plurality of energy storing devices, all in controlled electrical communication with each other, wherein the plurality of wires can collect electrical energy from the Earth's magnetic field while the machine is put in motion by a power source powering the motor, wherein the collected electrical energy is stored in the plurality of energy storing devices or used to power the motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-contact charging apparatus including a power transmitting coil and a power receiving coil which face each other. At least one of the power transmitting coil or the power receiving coil includes a magnetic body and a coil wound around the magnetic body. The magnetic body has, on both end portions, exposed regions in which the wound coil is absent. One of the exposed regions that is on a face facing the power transmitting coil or the power receiving coil is larger than another one of the exposed regions that is on a face not facing the power transmitting coil or the power receiving coil.

Abstract: A foreign matter detection device including a detection coil between a power transmitting coil and a power receiving coil, and a detection unit detecting an induced voltage V generated in the detection coil and detects, from this induced voltage, presence or absence of a conductive foreign matter between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil. The detection coil includes a continuous conductive wire where two loop portions are wound in mutually opposite directions. An area or a winding number of each loop portion or a direction connecting centroids of the two loop portions is set so that the induced voltage (i.e., a reference voltage) generated in the detection coil when no conductive foreign matters exist becomes 0 or a minimum.

Abstract: An integrated and isolated onboard charger for plug-in electric vehicles, includes an ac-dc converter and a dual-output dc-dc resonant converter, for both HV traction batteries and LV loads. In addition, the integrated and isolated onboard charger may be configured as unidirectional or bidirectional, and is capable of delivering power from HV traction batteries to the grid for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. To increase the power density of the converter, the dual-output DC-DC resonant converter may combine magnetic components of resonant networks into a single three-winding electromagnetically integrated transformer (EMIT). The resonant converter may be configured as a half-bridge topology with split capacitors as the resonant network components to further reduce the size of converter. The integrated charger may be configured for various operating modes, including grid to vehicle (G2V), vehicle to grid (V2G) and high voltage to low voltage, HV-to-LV (H2L) charging.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling electric vehicles are provided. The method for includes wirelessly authenticating, by the controller, a vehicle and a charger when the vehicle enters stops in the network area of the charger. When the authentication is completed, the controller receives reservation information set from the charger and vehicle and wirelessly performs charging or air conditioning based on the received reservation information.

Abstract: A text message, phone call or e-mail is sent to an owner/operator of an all-electric vehicle, stating when the vehicle should be plugged in (charging started) in order to provide enough charge to the vehicle in order to reach an expected destination.

Abstract: Vehicle systems and methods can include a traction battery and a controller to implement a state estimator configured to output battery state based on internal resistance of the traction battery and a system dynamics estimation of the traction battery using discrete battery measurements of voltage and internal resistance, and operate the traction battery according to output of the state estimator. For example, the controller can identify a system dynamics model of the traction battery using a battery input current profile and a battery output voltage profile measured within a predefined time period, transform the identified system dynamics model to a state-space model having a diagonal system matrix consisting of system Eigenvalues through the Eigendecomposition, estimate battery current limits and available power limits from the transformed system dynamics model, and operate the traction battery according to system dynamics model identified using estimated battery current limits and available power limits.

Abstract: A control apparatus charging a storage battery is provided. A control apparatus controls charging from a power generator to a storage battery. A switch is provided on a first charge channel via which the power generator charges the storage battery, and a DCDC converter is provided on a second charge channel via which the power generator charges the storage battery. The DCDC converter steps up a voltage generated by the power generator, and applies the stepped-up voltage to the storage battery via an electric wire. A controller controls the switch and the DCDC converter such that, when a charge current value detected by an electric current detector becomes smaller than a predetermined value under a condition where the storage battery is being charged via the first charge channel, charging to the storage battery is switched to charging via the second charge channel.

Abstract: A vehicle power management device managing: a vehicle path information generation device generating a vehicle travel path: a drive assembly consuming power to drive the vehicle; a power generator; an electrical load device group; a high-voltage storage device storing power for driving the vehicle; a low-voltage storage device storing power for operating the electrical load device group; and a DC voltage conversion and output device converting voltage of power stored in the high-voltage storage device to generate DC voltage for operating the electrical load device group, and outputting the DC voltage, and controlling electric energy flow in the vehicle. The vehicle power management device controls output of the DC voltage conversion and output device so that a filling rate of the low-voltage storage device is between lower and upper limits of a range in which a charge and discharge speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a state of charge of a vehicle battery in order to ensure the starting capability of the vehicle. A battery temperature prediction for the vehicle battery is determined and the battery temperature prediction is used to determine a lower state-of-charge limit of the vehicle battery. The amount of charge in the vehicle battery is controlled in such a way that the state of charge of the battery at least does not fall below the lower state-of-charge limit. Data of a navigation system integrated in the vehicle or coupled to the vehicle are taken into account in the determination of the battery temperature prediction.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an easy-entry system with a seat frame having a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat member. An external lever is operably coupled to an engagement lever disposed on the seat frame and is configured to activate the engagement lever to move the seatback into an engaged position with a sector pivotally coupled to the seat frame. A disengagement rod flexibly is coupled to a spring member disposed on the sector at a first end and further coupled to a track release lever at a second end. As such, rotation of the seatback to a release position rotates the track release lever to unlock the seat assembly from a seat track. Further rotation of the seatback from the release position to an over-travel position loads the spring member but does not further rotate the track release lever.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat including a sitting part including a base panel bordered at least partially by a side panel, the sitting part configured to be mounted on the vehicle floor panel in two different positions of: a first accommodating position, in which the side panel extends in a first direction, at the rear of the base panel and forms a portion of the seatback of the seat, and a second reversed position, in which the side panel extends in front of the base panel, in a second direction opposite the first. The sitting part further includes an opening configured for passage of a base for securing a safety belt when the sitting part is in the accommodating position. A motor vehicle can include the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seatback and a vertical guide frame connecting a rear portion of the seat base to a bottom portion of the seatback. The bottom portion of the seatback slidably engages the vertical guide frame. At least one actuator is adapted to move the seatback between a plurality of vertical positions relative to the seat base.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved vehicle access systems. In particular, one embodiment includes three compact, motorized mechanisms for pivoting a passenger seat toward a door opening, extending the passenger seat outside the door opening, lowering the passenger seat, and tilting the passenger seat to help the passenger stand. The first mechanism concurrently pivots the passenger seat and moves it sideways during the pivoting operation so that it is aligned with the door opening. The second mechanism extends the passenger seat outside the door opening. The third mechanism lowers the seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion and seat back for pivotal movement between an upright position, a plurality of reclined positions, a fold flat position, and a dumped position. A recliner assembly is coupled between the seat cushion and seat back for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A seat track is coupled to the seat cushion for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing fore and aft sliding movement of the seat assembly. An easy-entry mechanism is coupled to the recliner assembly and the seat track for actuating the recliner assembly and the seat track to the unlocked conditions and providing movement of the seat assembly to an easy-entry position defined by the seat back pivoted to the dumped position and the seat track sliding the seat assembly to a full-forward position allowing access behind the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a back part and a sitting part. The back part includes at least one detachable main part, which is adapted to be entirely separated from the rest of the seat. The detachable main part also includes, at the rear, storage fixed to the detachable main part.

Abstract: A seat bottom assembly includes a seat bottom frame and an anti-submarining device having a pivot shaft and a panel. The frame extends along a longitudinal axis between a front edge and a rear edge and the pivot shaft is mounted on the frame. The panel extends along the longitudinal axis between a front edge and a rear edge and is mounted to the pivot shaft for pivoting movement between a design position and an open position angularly spaced from the design position. The panel opposes forward displacement of an occupant supported by the frame while in the open position. The rear edge of the panel is spaced forward of a midpoint of the frame such that only a forward portion of the seat bottom assembly between the midpoint and the front edge of the frame opposes forward displacement of the occupant when the panel is in the open position.

Abstract: A latch release actuator for a seat latch is configured to apply a tension onto a flexible latch release member to release the seat latch. The latch release actuator comprises a pulley mounted to be rotatable about a rotation axis between a rest position and a latch release position. The pulley comprises an attachment portion for attaching the flexible latch release member. The latch release actuator comprises a power drive mechanism to drive the pulley. The latch release actuator comprises a lock mechanism configured to selectively lock the pulley at the latch release position when the pulley reaches the latch release position.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest assembly for a door and console includes a linear actuator extending vertically through at least a portion of an armrest substrate and having a pin at an upper end, a support plate positioned above the armrest substrate and having a slot, wherein the pin slidably engages the slot to allow the support plate to operate laterally along the slot and rotationally about the pin between a plurality of lateral and rotational positions, respectively. The linear actuator vertically operates the support plate between a plurality of vertical positions and a cover member is disposed over the support plate.

Abstract: A seat assembly is disclosed which has a heating element disposed along a predetermined path in a zone of a bottom seating surface or back seating surface. The heating element provides electrical heating of variable temperature along the predetermined path to the zone. The heating element includes first and second sections continuously alternating along the predetermined path. Each of the first sections provides electrical heating to the zone at a first temperature and each of the second sections provides electrical heating to the zone at a second temperature which is greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: The protective seat cover kit is a specially fabricated sanitary and protective seat covering comprising a back section, a seat section, left and right wings, and a pouch containing a sani-pac. The sani-pac contains fumigant particles secured in place by a fine mesh overlaid by an airtight flap. A traveler using the seat cover kit places it over the corresponding parts of a passenger seat to protect the traveler from harmful bacteria or germs that may have been deposited onto the seat by a prior occupant. After use of the protective seat cover, the fumigant particles in the sani-pac, may be exposed to an circulation by the opening of the flap. The protective seat cover is then folded along designated seams and placed completely within the pouch, thus allowing the fumigant particles to sanitize and disinfect the protective seat cover as it is folded within the confines of the pouch.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat including a seatback part and a sitting part, the sitting part including a base panel bordered at least partially by a side panel, and a mechanism mounting the seat on the vehicle floor panel in two different positions: a first accommodating position in which the side panel extends at least partially in an extension of the seatback part, between the seatback part and the sitting part base panel, and a second reversed position in which the base panel extends between the seatback part and the side panel of the sitting part. The motor vehicle seat further includes a mechanism locking the sitting part in at least one of the two accommodation and reversed positions, at least part of the locking mechanism belonging to the seatback part.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. The system includes two attachment members, two vehicle anchor assemblies, and at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a fixed or moveable barrier. A tensioning assembly is operable connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may extend and articulate to apply a force against one or more points of the mobility device that are not coplanar with vehicle wall. The mobility securement system may further include a rear barrier which may move, swivel or articulate.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.