Abstract: A hybrid vehicle intermittently operates and stops an engine, travels through control over torque generated by the engine and torque generated by a second motor generator, causes a fuel vapor gas purge system to carry out purging of fuel vapor gas when a predetermined condition, including a condition that a coolant temperature is higher than or equal to a permissible temperature, is satisfied, and sets the permissible temperature to a value lower when a specific driving operation state that includes a state where the number of times of accelerator operation per unit time is higher than or equal to a threshold has been detected than when the specific driving operation state has not been detected. When the specific driving operation state has been detected, the hybrid vehicle increases the updating rate of a concentration learned value of fuel vapor gas, and decreases the rate of increase in target purge rate.

Abstract: A controller for a hybrid vehicle includes a maximum regeneration torque calculator which calculates a motor generator maximum regeneration torque necessary for supplying power to an electricity storer and calculates each of an engine operation maximum regeneration torque for operating an engine changing in accordance with a vehicle speed and an engine stop maximum regeneration torque and a change value calculator which sets an engine stop prohibition vehicle speed in which an engine is not stopped when a vehicle speed is equal to or faster than a predetermined vehicle speed and calculates a maximum regeneration torque when stopping the engine at the engine stop prohibition vehicle speed as a maximum regeneration torque change threshold value from the engine stop regeneration torque of the maximum regeneration torque calculator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamically allocating engine torque and motor torque in a hybrid vehicle to meet operator torque demand. The allocation is adjusted by constraining the maximum engine torque allowable under selected conditions to provide a better trade-off between performance and fuel economy. A maximum engine torque that provides best fuel economy is learned during engine operation at different engine speed-load conditions based on a deviation in spark retard torque ratio from a threshold ratio as spark timing is moved to MBT.

Abstract: An inverter performs bidirectional DC/AC power conversion between a power line and a second MG so as to control an output torque of the second MG for generating vehicle driving force. A PM-ECU sets a torque command value of the second MG such that requested driving force for an entire vehicle is exerted on a drive shaft. An MG-ECU estimates, based on a rotation speed of the second MG, a magnitude of a drag torque acting as rotational resistance when the second MG rotates at zero torque, and stops the inverter in accordance with a difference between the estimated drag torque and the torque command value.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle drive system includes: a differential device including first and second differential mechanisms and four rotary components; and an engine, first and second electric motors, and an output rotary member respectively connected to said four rotary components. One of said four rotary components is constituted by a rotary element of said first differential mechanism and a rotary element of said second differential mechanism selectively connected to each other through a clutch, while one of said rotary elements of said first and second differential mechanisms is selectively connected to a stationary member through a brake. The control apparatus includes a drive mode switching control portion for switching the hybrid vehicle drive system to one of at least two hybrid drive modes according to a selected one of different combinations of operating states of said clutch and said brake.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle illustrated as a representative example of an electrically-powered vehicle includes a chargeable/dischargeable power storage device, a motor configured to generate a vehicle drive force by receiving supply of power from the power storage device, an internal combustion engine as a drive force source, and a generator configured to generate charging power for the power storage device by power generation using an output of the internal combustion engine. If the generator cannot be operated normally, the control unit causes the electrically-powered vehicle to perform limp-home mode traveling by traveling using only the motor. During the limp-home mode traveling, the control device calculates a remaining travelable distance in the limp-home mode traveling, based on at least a remaining capacity of the power storage device and a vehicle speed.

Abstract: A fail-safe control method and apparatus for an engine clutch actuator includes determining whether a driving mode of a hybrid vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) mode. An oil pressure in a cylinder of the engine clutch actuator is measured when the driving mode of the hybrid vehicle is the EV mode. The oil pressure value in the cylinder is compared with a previously stored average pressure value. A motor of the engine clutch actuator rotates to decrease the oil pressure value in the cylinder t when the oil pressure value in the cylinder is greater than the previously stored average pressure value. An engine clutch is connected to an internal combustion engine as the oil pressure value in the cylinder decreases.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a fraction motor in a hybrid vehicle includes varying a traction motor torque in response to an engine cylinder misfire. The traction motor torque is varied to compensate for an engine torque shortfall due to the engine cylinder misfire, reducing a torque imbalance caused by the misfire.

Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for automatically controlling operation of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the control system includes an exterior sensor for sensing the environment outside the vehicle. A processor is in communication with the exterior sensor and configured to calculate a driving plan of the vehicle based at least partially on the sensed environment outside the vehicle. The processor is also configured to calculate a confidence level of the driving plan of the vehicle based at least partially on the sensed environment around the vehicle. The control system also includes a display in communication with the processor and configured to receive data from the processor and display a representation of at least one of the driving plan and the confidence level.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a machine to drive through its parking brake when in first gear include detecting that the machine transmission is in its lowest gear in a selected direction, that the machine parking brake is activated, such that the machine is stationary, and that the throttle setting of the machine exceeds a predetermined throttle threshold value. In this state, one or more auxiliary loads of the machine are dropped to provide additional torque to the ground engaging elements of the machine, such that there is sufficient torque to drive the machine through the parking brake.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided. The vehicle control system is applied to a vehicle having a clutch device to selectively connect and disconnect a power transmission route between a prime mover and drive wheels, and configured to disconnect the power transmission route during running to allow the vehicle to coast.

Abstract: A control apparatus is applied to a vehicle. The vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a variable inertia flywheel provided on an output shaft of the internal combustion engine. The control apparatus decreases supply current to the electromagnetic coil while controlling the internal combustion engine so that a torque of the internal combustion engine is reduced while maintaining power output from the internal combustion engine, in a case determining that temperature of the electromagnetic coil is higher than a first determination temperature when: the internal combustion engine is being operated; and a main body and a ring member of the variable inertia flywheel are being connected by the current supplied to the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and controller. The controller executes a method to detect a requested power-on downshift of the DCT from an attained gear to a desired gear. Offgoing and oncoming clutches are identified for the power-on downshift from the input clutches, and the controller determines whether engine speed has reached a target synchronous speed. The controller increases oncoming clutch torque at a calibrated ramp rate when a fork for the desired gear has engaged and releases the offgoing clutch at another calibrated ramp rate. If engine flare is present, the controller adjusts the oncoming clutch ramp rate, uses engine torque management to control the flare, and allows the offgoing clutch to continue disengaging. The power-on downshift is completed when the oncoming clutch reaches full torque capacity of the engine and the offgoing clutch is completely exhausted.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining a short-term driving tendency of a driver may include a data detector configured to detect an acceleration of a vehicle, a vehicle speed, and an inter-vehicle distance, and a controller configured to calculate a relative speed with respect to a forward vehicle from the vehicle speed and the inter-vehicle distance, extract fuzzy result values for the vehicle speed and the inter-vehicle distance, respectively, by setting a membership function that corresponds to each of the acceleration of the vehicle and the relative speed with respect to the forward vehicle, and determine the short-term driving tendency of the driver using the fuzzy result values.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for assisting a driver in achieving consumption-controlled driving combines haptic and visual acknowledgment functions, particularly in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept, and/or a deceleration assistant. A modified characteristic accelerator pedal curve is utilized, and ECO tips of the interactive output of efficient driving instructions are provided.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining vehicle accident risk. The approach determines a current vehicle state of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The current vehicle state is based on one or more intra-vehicle factors and one or more extra-vehicle factors that pertaining to the vehicle. The current vehicle state is compared to a number of historic accident-related vehicle states that correspond to a vehicle accidents previously recorded for a number of vehicles. Based on the comparison, the process detects an accident risk that pertains to the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle is then notified of the detected accident risk.

Abstract: A crash energy absorber is provided at a front portion of a carbody of a railcar and configured to crush by a load from a front side to absorb crash energy. The crash energy absorber includes: a main absorbing portion extending in a front-rear direction; and a pair of sub absorbing portions respectively provided at upper and lower sides of the main absorbing portion. Each of the pair of sub absorbing portions is formed integrally with the main absorbing portion via breakable portions each extending in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A rolling stock in which a streamlined cab end structure includes: a pair of corner posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of corner post reinforcement member standing upright on opposite end portions of an end beam of the underframe and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; an upper reinforcement beam laid between upper end portions of the pair of corner posts; a pair of end posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of end post reinforcement members, and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; and a pair of coupling member respectively coupling upper portions of the pair of end posts and a front end portion of the roof structure, and the upper reinforcement beam has such a strength that the car body can be lifted up from above by use of a crane.

Abstract: A plate spring bogie includes: a cross beam supporting a carbody of a railcar; a pair of front and rear axles sandwiching and respectively arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings respectively provided at both railcar width direction sides of each of the axles and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes respectively accommodating the bearings; plate springs extending in the railcar longitudinal direction to respectively support both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and each including both railcar longitudinal direction end portions respectively supported by the axle boxes; and an auxiliary supporting mechanism supporting the railcar width direction end portion of the cross beam in a case where the railcar width direction end portion of the cross beam is displaced downward beyond a predetermined elastic deformation range of the plate spring.

Abstract: A brake device includes: a braking element which comes into contact with a disc rotating with a wheel and imparts a frictional force to brake the wheel; a pressing piston which presses the disc with the braking element; a pressing part which presses the pressing piston toward the braking element; a driving shaft which moves the pressing piston to a side to which the pressing piston retracts from the braking element; an electric motor which rotates the driving shaft about an axis thereof; a releasing mechanism which rotates the driving shaft to the side to which the pressing piston retracts from the braking element; a switching mechanism which switches between connection and separation of the releasing mechanism and the driving shaft; and a stopper mechanism which restricts rotation of the driving shaft to a side to which the pressing piston advances toward the braking element.

Abstract: A high-speed magnetic trolley that utilizes an eddy current brake that may reduce the speed of a person in a harness traveling on a relatively steep zip line cable, making it possible to reach a landing brake at a reasonable speed and becomes easy to adjust an amount of braking force needed to reach a desired speed by taking off or adding more magnets without throwing one or more aluminum wheels out of balance. The high-speed magnetic trolley produce an eddy current that generates an opposing magnetic field, which then resists rotation of one or more aluminum wheels providing braking force.

Abstract: A brake beam strut protector for protecting against wear of a brake beam strut slot surface of a slot of a brake beam strut of a brake beam assembly has a body, and a wear surface on the body for contacting a brake lever positioned in the slot of a brake beam strut and for spacing the brake lever away from the brake beam strut slot surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a linked crank mounting device for use with a switch rail, comprising: an input terminal or series of input terminals; an actuator; an output connector; and attachment means for rigidly attaching the linked crank mounting device relative to the railway; wherein the input terminal or terminals are for receiving input power, the output connector is directly or indirectly mechanically linked to at least one of a switch rail or an output connector of a further linked crank mounting device, and the actuator applies the input power to the output connector.

Abstract: A dolly system for moving and disposing of garbage includes a frame assembly, and a holder assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a pair of rails. The frame assembly can rest on a surface (for example, on wheels for the frame assembly.) The frame assembly can be declined (for example, tilted back wheels). The holder assembly includes a carriage and a holder coupled to the carriage. The holder can hold a garbage container. When the frame assembly is declined, the rails of the frame assembly may form a ramp for the holder assembly. The carriage of the holder assembly can slide up and down on the rails of the frame assembly. The holder is movable relative to the carriage (for example, by tipping the holder) to empty contents out of the garbage container when the carriage is in a raised position on the ramp.

Abstract: A wagon includes a base and at least two upstanding walls forming a container for cargo. At least one of the upstanding walls is pivotally mounted to the base for pivoting between an unfolded position for use and a folded position for storage and transport. In some embodiments, the wagon includes a minimized-play feature that eliminates slack or play when in the unfolded use position for structural integrity. And in some embodiments, the wagon includes a gang-operated latch system for releasably securing the walls in the unfolded use position that is quick, easy, and reliable to use for folding and unfolding.

Abstract: A medical cart includes a work platform having a work surface and at least one compartment, a base, and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the work platform relative to the base. A medication module includes a plurality of compartments. The medical cart can be joined with a medication module. In addition, a plurality of medication modules can joined to form a train. The medical cart and medication module can be used collectively and individually in a variety of methods far transferring medicine.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a vehicle frame assembly (4), first and second hinge devices (12) located on respective opposite sides of said frame assembly (4) and a child-carrying unit (26) mounted to the frame assembly (4), wherein the hinge devices (12) include first and second hinge parts (14 and 20), the first hinge part (14) having a child-carrying unit receptor device (28) for receiving respective first and second mounting devices of said child-carrying unit (26), wherein the receptor device (28) is resiliently rotatable relative to the first part (14).

Abstract: A repel assembly and method includes an engagement surface having an adhesive plane for securing to an object, a plurality of attachment spikes extending from the engagement surface at an angle transverse to the adhesive plane and a transport surface for supporting a fixture coupled to the plurality of attachment spikes, the fixture being positioned between the engagement surface and the transport surface. The repel assembly further includes an annular ring having an upper and lower ring coupled to the repel assembly, the lower ring having first and second ends spaced by a wiper body such that the annular ring repels debris from contacting and/or collecting on the transport surface.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft and a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock plate provided with a plurality of holes; a support shaft that extends in a cross direction crossing the axial direction and includes a low-strength portion to be broken when a load acts on the steering shaft and the column jacket; and a lock member that advances to the lock plate to be engaged with one of the holes. The lock member is disengaged from the one of holes when the support shaft is broken in a state in which the lock member is engaged with the one of the holes.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering device (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement having a supply port (P) and a tank port (T), a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a main flow path (14) between the supply port (P) and the working port arrangement, a return flow path (16) between the working port arrangement and the tank port (T), flow meter means (15) being arranged in said main flow path (14), said flow meter means (15) comprising at least two flow meters (27, 28) and a flow meter valve means (30), said flow meter valve means (30) in a first operation mode connecting at least two flow meters (27, 28) in parallel and in a second operation mode making inactive at least one flow meter (27). Such a steering device should be operated comfortable for a driver.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for performing steering operations for a tracked vehicle with a dragged implement using a control system that uses a combination of differential steering and rudder steering based on one or more operating conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a steering control device, a road surface reaction force torque calculation module (52) uses a vehicle speed, steering angle, and vehicle model to calculate a caster-trail-caused torque, a self-aligning torque, and a road surface reaction force torque. A reaction force command current calculation module (53) uses the road surface reaction force torque and the vehicle speed to calculate a reaction force command current.

Abstract: At least one example embodiment discloses a method of controlling steering of a vehicle. The method includes identifying a reduced-order vehicle model, the reduced-order vehicle model representing a vehicle transfer function in which a least one high-frequency pole is removed. The method further includes generating target closed loop pole locations based on at least one user preference parameter. The method further includes determining calibration parameters that place closed loop poles of a composite system at the target closed loop poles. The composite system in this context includes the reduced-order vehicle model and a steering control system. Finally, the method includes controlling the steering using the steering control system configured using the calibration parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle is described herein having a rear drive mounted to a sub-frame where the sub-frame is movable relative to the frame, and where a suspension is movable relative to the sub-frame. Thus the vertical travel of the wheels is a combination of the vertical travel of the wheels relative to the sub-frame and the vertical travel of the sub-frame relative to the frame. The sub-frame could in the front or the rear, or both.

Abstract: A vehicle body front portion structure including a front side member disposed, with a longitudinal direction thereof being in a vehicle longitudinal direction, at a vehicle transverse direction outer side portion of a vehicle body front portion; a bumper reinforcement disposed, with a longitudinal direction thereof being in a vehicle transverse direction, at a vehicle front side of the front side member, and that is supported via a supporting member at a front end portion of the front side member; a plate portion whose plate thickness direction is in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and that extends toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side from the front end portion of the front side member; and a reinforcing member disposed at a vehicle rear side of the plate portion, and that, together with the plate portion, forms a closed cross-section as seen in a plan cross-section.

Abstract: A structure for reinforcing a rear vehicle body may include a roof side rail extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle and forming the roof of the vehicle which is overlapped and coupled to a quarter panel extending rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and coupled to the upper portions of a rear pillar, a rear wheel housing, and a rear combination, and the rear end of the roof side rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is extended and coupled to the rear end of the quarter panel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: According to a vehicle-body front structure, when a collision load caused at the time of a front end collision is input into a front part of a connecting member fixed to a front end of an apron upper member, a protruding member protruding outwardly in a vehicle width direction from a front part of a side-member main body is able to interfere with the front part of the connecting member from a vehicle rear side. This makes it possible to improve a transmission efficiency of the collision load between the connecting member and the front side member. Besides, the front part of the connecting member is reinforced by a bulk head, thereby making it possible to restrain the front part from being deformed by the collision load.

Abstract: A front vehicle body reinforcing structure may include front side members which are disposed at both left and right sides of the vehicle, each of which includes a front tip portion that is positioned at a front side of the vehicle, and each of which has a first closed cross section and front fender apron members which are disposed at both left and right sides of the vehicle, each of which includes a front tip portion that is positioned at the front side in the length direction of the vehicle and coupled to the front tip portion of the front side member, and each of which has a second closed cross section, thereby improving performance for coping with a frontal collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shock absorber housing for a vehicle, which is provided in a vehicle body, encloses a shock absorber, and is coupled to the shock absorber so that the shock absorber is mounted in the vehicle body, may include a housing cap which covers an upper end of the shock absorber housing, and is coupled to an upper end of the shock absorber, wherein the housing cap includes a curved surface portion extending from the upper end and formed in a curved surface shape that is convex upward.

Abstract: In a car body or component thereof with at least one first component of sheet metal of a first aluminum alloy and at least one second component of sheet metal of a second aluminum alloy, the first and second aluminum alloys are of type AlMgSi and in the sheet metal of the second aluminum alloy a substantial part of the elements Mg and Si, which are required to achieve artificial ageing in solid solution, is present in the form of separate Mg2Si and/or Si particles in order to avoid artificial ageing. By reduction of the hardening capacity of the second component during artificial ageing of the body as part of the paint baking cycle, the car body has an improved impact protection for pedestrians in comparison with solutions according to the prior art.

Abstract: A securing arrangement and method for securing a first vehicle component having a generally nonmetallic body to a second metallic vehicle component includes the first vehicle component having at least one magnet fixably secured thereto. An adhesive is applied and one or both of the first and second vehicle components are positioned relative the other of the first and second vehicle components for connecting the first and second vehicle components with the adhesive. The at least one magnet prevents relative movement between the first and second vehicle components while the adhesive cures.

Abstract: A cargo bed for a utility vehicle includes a bed portion including a left-side wall portion and a right-side wall portion and a rear opening between rear ends of the side wall portions, and a tail gate to close the rear opening of the bed portion. The side wall portions include a pair of first left and right groove portions extending along an up-down direction at a rear end of the side wall portions. The left-side and right-side wall portions further include a pair of second left and right groove portions disposed forward with respect to the pair of first groove portions and extending along the up-down direction at the left-side and right-side wall portions. The pairs of first and second groove portions are arranged such that a left end and a right end of the tail gate are each slidable in the up-down direction and the tail gate is held removably.

Abstract: A cabin system to be mounted on a vehicle body includes a driver's seat, an air conditioner body for indoor air conditioning disposed downwardly of the drive's seat, a plurality of support pillars constituting a cabin framework, a ceiling portion, and a main duct having a hollow tubular construction, the main duct forming therein an air passageway for the indoor air conditioning. The main duct includes, at a lower portion thereof, a duct connecting opening to be connected to the air conditioner body and also includes, at a lateral portion thereof, a support pillar engaging face. The main duct is attached through the support pillar engaging face to one of the support pillars along an indoor side peripheral face of the one support pillar. The support pillar engaging face of the main duct and the indoor side peripheral face of the one support pillar have profiles complementary with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector of an openable vehicle roof, with a base element that can be attached to the vehicle roof, with a raising bow that can be deployed relative to the base element, and with a flexible wind deflector element which is attached with its upper edge to the raising bow and with its lower edge to the base element, and which is held tensed between the raising bow and the base element when the raising bow is deployed, wherein it is provided according to the invention that, when the raising bow is deployed, a lateral end section of the wind deflector element is in a tensed position without attachment at its lower edge relative to the base element or a roof frame and/or without attachment at its upper edge relative to the raising bow.

Abstract: A rear spoiler system for a vehicle has at least one roof spoiler comprising a roof air-deflector element. The roof spoiler is configured to be secured only on a rear door of the vehicle without being secured on the vehicle structure. The roof air-deflector element can be raised into a driving position automatically when the rear doors are closed, and can be moved automatically into an idle position when the rear doors are open.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A snowmobile traction stud support and enhancement device includes a base and at least one boss that extends from the base. Each boss includes a boss aperture through which a stud can pass. Support flanges around the at least one boss can be longer, shorter or equal to the length of the at least one boss. The support flanges extend from the at least one boss to a base plate, and can be tapered or straight, with differing wall cross-sections. The stud support is lightweight, has improved traction, and heightened resistance to bending, thereby increasing performance characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joint guarantee system for vehicle assembly. The disclosed joint guarantee system for vehicle assembly manages a joining history of a joined component joined to a plurality of join points of a joining target, and includes: i) a tool detecting unit installed at a joining tool for joining the joined component to the joining target, and configured to detect movement displacements and angles of the joining tool for the join points based on a zero point of the joining tool; ii) a tool controller configured to receive a joining completion signal of the joining tool for each join point, and transmit a movement displacement value, an angle value, and a joint value for each join point of the joining tool detected by the tool detecting unit; and iii) a main controller configured to determine joining operation patterns for the join points based on the movement displacement value of the joining tool obtained from the tool controller.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat tube, a plug member and a saddle. The seat tube extends along an axis, and has an end portion formed with an opening that has a center coinciding with the axis, and a plurality of angularly-spaced apart through holes that surround the axis. The plug member is plugged into the opening, and has a chamber in spatial communication with the through holes. The saddle includes a saddle body, and a connecting portion connected to the saddle body. The connecting portion has a covering segment covering the end portion, and an inner segment disposed in and connected to the covering segment and filled in the through holes and the chamber.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.