Abstract: A controller is configured to obtain a speed ratio equivalent value that is determined by a speed ratio set in a transmission unit, and is configured to control an engine by setting an operating point of the engine such that the operating point in the case where a lockup clutch is engaged and the speed ratio equivalent value is large is lower in an output rotation speed for a predetermined output torque than the operating point in the case where the lockup clutch is engaged and the speed ratio equivalent value is smaller than the large speed ratio equivalent value.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is controlled: during a prescribed transition from an accelerator ON state to an accelerator OFF and brake OFF state, the control unit makes a rear wheel distribution ratio that is a ratio of a torque of the rear wheel to a sum of a torque of the front wheel and the torque of the rear wheel, change to a first prescribed distribution ratio after changing from a value during the accelerator ON state to a second prescribed distribution ratio that is larger than the first prescribed distribution ratio.

Abstract: A curve length, a curve size, and a curve heading angle change of a roadway being traveled by a vehicle are determined. Each of the curve length, the curve size, and the curve heading angle are compared with one or more threshold values to obtain a driving mode request.

Abstract: A method for using a sensor device such as a smartphone that a user/person already carries for recording motion data and change in location used to match one of several specific user profiles based on actions at the destinations and behavior prior to arrival. The present invention requires no ODB or beacon external connections to predict when a smartphone user is the driver or the passenger based on exit direction after arriving at a destination and validated by specific behavior in the vehicle/car. This outcome is improved over time using machine learning based on user correction of proposed status. The present invention correctly predicts a user status based on geo motion after a specific state or specific location—end location—has been reached. The method then profiles a person as “driver” or “passenger” based on persons exit direction at end of trip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and evaluating powered vehicle operation utilizing on-board diagnostic components and location determining components or systems. The invention creates one or more databases whereby identifiable behavior or evaluative characteristics can be analyzed or categorized. The evaluation can include predicting likely future events. The database can be correlated or evaluated with other databases for a wide variety of uses.

Abstract: Forces in a vehicle interface between the suspension and a body are identified. Rather than using many or all strain gauges, some more easily and rapidly installed acceleration sensors are instead used to measure local deformation. To remove or reduce the effects of rigid-body motion captured by accelerometers, an inertial measurement unit is also used. The forces are estimated from a behavior model accounting for both rigid and flexible motions.

Abstract: A method performed by a vehicle user identification node is described for enabling configuration of vehicle user settings of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first user pattern data, requesting user identification data based on first user pattern data, receiving the user identification data, and transmitting the user identification data to a vehicle settings node for configuration of vehicle user settings of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of self-calibrating sensors and actuators for unmanned vehicles is provided, which includes an unmanned vehicle comprising: a chassis; a propulsion system; one or more sensors configured to sense features around the chassis; a memory; a communication interface; and a processor configured to: operate the propulsion system in a guided calibration mode; automatically switch operation of the propulsion system to an autonomous calibration mode when a degree of certainty on a calibration of one or more of sensor data and a position of the chassis is above a first threshold value associated with safe operation of the propulsion system in the autonomous calibration mode; thereafter, operate the propulsion system in the autonomous calibration mode; and, automatically switch operation of the propulsion system to an operational mode when the degree of certainty is above a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating range per full charge (RPC) for a vehicle. The method includes a controller which may, in response to detecting presence of a predefined condition impacting vehicle energy consumption, output to an interface by a controller a RPC and indicia indicative of an extent to which the predefined condition is affecting the RPC. An electrified vehicle including one or more vehicle components, a traction battery to supply energy to the vehicle components, one or more sensors, and a controller is also provided. The one or more sensors monitor the vehicle components, traction battery, and preselected ambient conditions. The controller is configured to, in response to input from the sensors, generate output for an interface which includes a RPC and indicia indicative of an extent of impact on the RPC by each of the ambient conditions and operation of the components and battery.

Abstract: An overtaking assistant system includes a speed detector that detects a speed of a host vehicle, a preceding vehicle detector capable of relative distances and relative speeds of a first vehicle traveling along a slow lane before the host vehicle and a second vehicle traveling along a passing lane before the host vehicle with respect to the host vehicle while the host vehicle travels along the slow lane, a first speed comparison unit that compares speeds between the first and second vehicles, an overtaking decision making unit that determines that the host vehicle is allowed to overtake the first vehicle when the speed of the host vehicle is higher than the first vehicle, and the speed of the second vehicle is higher than the speed of the first vehicle, and a notification unit that notifies a driver of the host vehicle that the host vehicle is allowed to overtake the first vehicle when the overtaking decision making unit determines that the host vehicle is allowed to overtake the first vehicle.

Abstract: A lane departure warning system for a vehicle includes a positional input device and a seat having an inflatable bladder therein and a vibrational unit coupled with the bladder. A controller is communicatively coupled with the positional input device and with the vibrational unit and includes electronic circuitry programmed to detect a lane departure based on a signal from the positional input device and to cause the vibrational unit to vibrate in response thereto.

Abstract: Rail transport bogie (1) configured to operate on a track (2) having track surfaces (3,4) on opposite sides thereof and an slot (5) extending along substantially the centre of the track (2), the bogie (1) comprising a load-bearing wheel (9) to run on a first (3) of the two track surfaces, a support shaft (11) extending from the load-bearing wheel (9) operatively through the slot (5) in the track (2) and terminating in load support means (8), a first pinch wheel (12) rotatably secured in a forward position (20) in respect of the support shaft (11) and a second pinch wheel (13) rotatably secured in rearward position (21) in respect of the support shaft (11), with both the first (12) and second (13) pinch wheels located between the load-bearing wheel (9) and load support means (8) to run on the second (4) of the two track surfaces, the load-bearing wheel (9) and pinch wheels (12,13) clamping between them the bogie (1) to the opposing track surfaces (3,4), and at least one of the load-bearing wheel (9) and either

Abstract: A gangway arrangement can be laid out between two bodies of a public transport jointed vehicle, such as a railway vehicle. The gangway arrangement includes at least one seat for at least one passenger. The gangway arrangement can be connected through a pivot connection to the end portion of one of the bodies. The end portion includes an access corridor delimited by two opposite edges. The seat has an end extending to one of the edges when the gangway arrangement is connected to the body. An angular spacing is provided between the end of the seat and the edge, when the longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body. This angular spacing is relative to the pivot connection, and corresponds to the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the body and the longitudinal direction when the tilt between both bodies is maximum.

Abstract: Seat components and claddings for railway molded or formed from a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition, 50 to 93 wt. % of a specific polycarbonate; 4 to 30 wt. % of a poly(carbonate-siloxane) comprising bisphenol A carbonate units, and siloxane units; 3 to 20 wt. % of an organophosphorus compound in an amount effective to provide 0.1 to 2.0 wt. % of phosphorus, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition; wherein an article having a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm molded from the composition has a Ds-4 smoke density?300 measured according to ISO 5659-2, and a MAHRE?90 kW/m2 measured according to ISO 5660-1, a multiaxial impact energy?100 J, and a ductility in multiaxial impact of 80 to 100% at +23° C. according to ISO 6603.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting in motion railcar seismic data generated by defective railcar axles of a train traveling on a track. The method uses two or more seismic sensors on the side of the track to capture seismic noise generated by railcar wheels. A wheel that exceeds a preset seismic noise threshold in amplitude, will trigger a wheel tracking algorithm that calculates seismic phase shift data related to the actively tracked wheel noise level, to determine the precise location, in real time, of the faulty wheel carriage while moving. Knowing the precise location of the tracked wheel allows the system to isolate the railcar and capture the railcar and wheel carriage identification information. Subsequently, a railcar log is made on a computer database with the railcar identification information and made available to control centers via ground or satellite links.

Abstract: A method of controlling the relative amounts of two or more types of fuel provided to an engine on a locomotive in a train consist includes receiving a signal at a controller on the locomotive, with the signal indicative of a current load imposed on the train consist by a rail car attached to the train consist, and a current location of the load. The relative amounts of the two or more types of fuel to be provided to the engine may be determined based upon the type of engine, the energy density of each type of fuel, the cost of each type of fuel, the availability of each type of fuel, the emissions produced by each type of fuel, the location of the engine in the train consist, and the future predicted loads imposed at different locations in the train consist as a result of a rail car attached to the consist and the terrain along the rail line. The method may also include adjusting the relative amounts of the two or more types of fuel provided to the engine based upon the determination.

Abstract: A running curve creation device of an embodiment is a running curve creation device to create a running curve which can make a train having a prescribed vehicle characteristic run between a prescribed departure station and a prescribed arrival station in a prescribed running time with a smaller cumulative energy consumption. A shortest time running curve creation unit creates a shortest time running curve in which the train runs between the stations in a shortest time, based on predetermined vehicle information and ground information of the train, and an energy saving running curve creation unit selects from the shortest time running curve and a plurality of solution candidates corresponding to states of the train at each prescribed elapsed time since the train has departed from the departure station, a solution candidate having the relatively small cumulative energy consumption in the prescribed running time, and creates an energy saving running curve based on the selected solution candidate.

Abstract: A reusable or disposable liner for a shopping cart that protects a user or the user's purchases and belongings from disease pathogens or other harmful materials which may be carried on the cart is provided herein. The liner is secured in position by fasteners that attach at various points around the cart. A pocket is provided for the user's personal belongings. The liner is provided in paper, plastic, and cloth versions.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle, with a steering wheel base body and a jacket that comprises at least one strip surrounding the steering wheel base body on the outer circumference. A first free end of the at least one strip is held in position securely in a groove formed in the steering wheel base body. A second free end of the at least one strip is also held in position securely in a groove formed in the base body of the steering wheel. In addition, the invention concerns a process for the production of such a steering wheel.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a steering bracket includes a capsule support portion of a steering bracket supporting a steering column, a separation capsule to fix a vehicle body-side member to the steering bracket, a resin member, a shear pin, and an inertial action body including a weight portion moving to a front side of a vehicle by inertia due to a primary collision and pulling out the shear pin from a second bracket-side hole with the movement.

Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system includes a pinion shaft having pinion teeth, a rack shaft on which rack teeth are formed which mesh with the pinion teeth; and a rack bush which supports the rack shaft slidably in an axial direction thereof. An outer circumferential surface of the rack shaft includes a first area which is a concave formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rack shaft and extending in the axial direction and a second area which is an area of the outer circumferential surface excluding the first area and lies adjacent to an end portion of the first area in the axial direction. The rack teeth are formed in the first area. A chamfered portion or a rounded portion is provided on a boundary between the end portion of the first area and the second area to chamfer or round a corner portion on the boundary.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle is steered by a yoke or other operator control the movement of which is limited so that the operator's hands need not change position on the control. The steering is under the control of a microprocessor responsive to an input from the control, the vehicle's speedometer, and to accelerometers responsive to forces acting on the vehicle laterally and perpendicular to the roadway. The relationship between the position of the steerable wheels and the displacement of, or force applied to, the operator control is a function that depends on the magnitude of the displacement or force, speed, and one or more time derivatives of the displacement of, or force on, the operator control. The relationship between the position of the steerable wheels and the displacement of, or force on, the control is overridden when the lateral force is such that the vehicle is in danger of rolling over.

Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle works to determine an assist command based on steering torque to produce assist torque through an electric motor for assisting in turning a steering wheel of the vehicle, also determines a tracking command for producing automatic steering torque which brings a value of a given physical quantity associated with steering of the vehicle into agreement a target value, and calculates a steering correction command for use in producing a steering correction torque which reduces the steering torque which arises from output of the torque from the electric motor based on a transfer characteristic of transmission of the output of torque from the electric motor as a part of the steering torque. A motor driver works to actuate the electric motor based on sum of the assist command, the tracking command, and the steering correction command.

Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle works to determine an assist command based on steering torque to produce assist torque through an electric motor for assisting in turning a steering wheel of the vehicle, also determines a tracking command for producing automatic steering torque which brings a value of a given physical quantity associated with steering of the vehicle into agreement a target value, and controls a response rate at which a value of a given physical quantity is brought into agreement with a target value in a feedback mode. A motor driver works to actuate an electric motor based on the sum of the assist command and the tracking command to output the torque for steering the system vehicle.

Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle works to determine an assist command based on steering torque to produce assist torque through an electric motor for assisting in turning a steering wheel of the vehicle, also determines a tracking command for producing automatic steering torque which brings a value of a given physical quantity associated with steering of the vehicle into agreement a target value, and calculates a vibration correction command for use in producing vibration correction torque which suppresses vibration of the steering torque which arises from output of the torque from the electric motor based on a transfer characteristic of transmission of the output of torque from the electric motor as a part of the steering torque through the steering mechanism. A motor driver works to actuate the electric motor based on the sum of the assist command, the tracking command, and the vibration correction command.

Abstract: A method of controlling steering of a vehicle through setting wheel angles of a plurality of modular electronic corner assemblies (eModules) is provided. The method includes receiving a driving mode selected from a mode selection menu. A position of a steering input device is determined in a master controller. A velocity of the vehicle is determined, in the master controller, when the determined position of the steering input device is near center. A drive mode request corresponding to the selected driving mode to the plurality of steering controllers is transmitted to the master controller. A required steering angle of each of the plurality of eModules is determined, in the master controller, as a function of the determined position of the steering input device, the determined velocity of the vehicle, and the selected first driving mode. The eModules are set to the respective determined steering angles.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle which, when a pair of left and right wheels are displaced with respect to the vehicle body due to the difference in drive force between the wheels, the two wheels are reliably displaced vertically in opposite directions such that neither wheel is disproportionately displaced and such that both wheels are steered during said displacement of both wheels vertically in opposite directions. An electric motor applies drive torque to the front wheels individually. A vehicle body frame supports the front wheel support member to allow rotation about a forwardly inclined steering axis (Lf). By allowing rotation of the front wheel support member about the steering axis (Lf), the front wheels are displaced relatively to one another vertically in opposite directions with respect to the vehicle body frame and the front wheels are steered.

Abstract: A lane keeping assist apparatus is disclosed which includes a lane detecting part that detects a lane in which a vehicle travels; an actuator that generates a force for changing an orientation of the vehicle; and a controller that operates the actuator such that the vehicle travels within the lane under a situation where a lane keeping assist function is in its ON state, wherein under a situation where the controller is operating the actuator, the controller determines whether an operation amount of the actuator is less than a predetermined first threshold, and prevents an output of operation information if it determines that the operation amount of the actuator is less than the predetermined first threshold, the operation information representing an operated state of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle control system (1) for controlling a vehicle (3) to facilitate parking a trailer (5) coupled to the vehicle (3). The vehicle control system includes a processor (33) configured to identify a target parking destination (PTAR) for the trailer (5). The current position of the trailer (5) is determined by the processor (33). A target route (R) is then modelled to guide the trailer (5) from its current position to the target parking destination (PTAR). The processor (33) is configured to output a vehicle control signal to control the vehicle (3) to guide the trailer (5) along the target route (R). The invention also relates to a method of controlling a vehicle (3) to facilitate reversing a trailer (5).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective apparatus that can be positioned along an underside of a motor vehicle and, in many cases, near a front or rear region of the motor vehicle. The protective apparatus may include an underbody made from fiber-reinforced plastic for protecting assemblies or components arranged above it against damage as a consequence of stone chipping or ground contact. Further, the underbody may have three-dimensionally structured regions for increasing its rigidity, and the underbody may be designed to absorb chassis and/or crash loads and may include integrated holders for movably attaching chassis links.

Abstract: A structure of a front side member of a vehicle includes a front side member body mounted to a lower right side and a lower left side of the vehicle and extending along a length direction of the vehicle. The front side member includes a variable thickness part formed along the length of the vehicle and having a thickness that varies along the height of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement structure includes a dash panel separating an engine compartment and an interior of a vehicle. A floor member extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is in closely contact with a floor of a vehicle body to reinforce rigidity of the floor of the vehicle body. A front side member extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is connected to and overlaps with the floor member inside the dash panel.

Abstract: A vehicle panel structure includes: a vehicle outer plate panel having a reinforcement installation region on a vehicle inner side surface; a reinforcement provided in the installation region; and a connecting member placed between the installation region and the reinforcement. The connecting member is made from a connecting material having a loss factor tan ? of not less than 0.6.

Abstract: A roof reinforcement (20) includes an upper surface portion (21) to be joined to a roof panel (3), and a recess portion (22) formed in such a manner as to be recessed below the upper surface portion (21). A rising piece (27) rising from a bottom surface portion (23) upwardly, and a joint piece (28) extending from an upper end of the rising piece (27) outwardly in the vehicle width direction are formed at both ends of the bottom surface portion (23) of the recess portion (22) in the vehicle width direction. The joint piece (28) is welded to the roof panel (3) and to each of flange portions (3a, 16a, 17a) of the roof reinforcement (20).

Abstract: An arrangement for closing an opening in a vehicle roof, the arrangement having a transparent pane. According to one embodiment, arranged on the pane, on an underside of the pane that is facing the passenger compartment, is a light guide film, into which light from a light source of the arrangement can be coupled. The light guide film is formed in such a way that it emits incoupled light into the passenger compartment.

Abstract: Spring strut domes for use with vehicle bodies can be formed by reshaping a semifinished product into a dome element by way of massive forming. In particular, the semifinished product may be reshaped by rolling, forging, upset-forging, and/or pressing. In this process, structures may be introduced into the dome element that increase the stiffness of the dome element and hence the spring strut dome. Two example structures include ribs and webs, and the dome element may be formed of steel or a steel alloy. In some cases, the semifinished product may be heated before being reshaped into the dome element. Further, the spring strut dome may also include an attaching region coupled to the dome element, which may be used to secure the spring strut dome to a vehicle body. A wall thickness of the attaching region may be equal to or less than 1.5 mm in some examples.

Abstract: A sandwich element (10) including a first restriction layer (21) and a second restriction layer (22) and a distance core (23) of a light weight material, preferably of a foam material, between said restriction layers, whereby the second restriction layer (22) includes stiffening elements (11) arranged in parallel with each other and individually or together with a corresponding abutting stiffening element (11) form a closed hollow profile (24). Furthermore the invention refers to a load floor shaped as such a sandwich element and also that such a load floor is a part of a cargo vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a first body component made of fiber-reinforced plastic and a second body component made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The body components are adhesively bonded to each other by an adhesive layer and are subjected to shearing load and/or tensile stress in a main stress plane, wherein the adhesive layer is shaped by way of an adhesive flange, on which the adhesive layer is oriented obliquely to the main loading plane at an angle between 30° and 60°.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an occupant cabin, a cargo compartment and a plurality of panels. The cargo compartment is separated from the occupant cabin and includes a floor and a pair of sidewalls extending vertically upward from the floor. The sidewalls extend between the occupant cabin and an aft end of the vehicle. The sidewalls are parallel to each other and may include a plurality of vertically extending slots and a plurality of horizontally extending slots. The plurality of panels are configured to be received in any of the vertically and horizontally extending slots and define one or more sub-compartments within the cargo compartment.

Abstract: A latch system includes a striker and a latch mechanism. The striker includes a pintle having a head portion. The latch mechanism includes a first latch door and a second latch door, each rotatable between a respective latch position and a respective insertion position. The first latch door and the second latch door each define a latch section and a release section disposed opposite each other. When the first latch door and the second latch door are disposed in their respective insertion positions, the latch sections are operable to receive the head portion therebetween. When the first latch door and the second latch door are disposed in their respective latch positions, the latch sections are operable to engage the head portion in latching engagement, and the release sections are operable to release the head portion of the pintle.

Abstract: An adjustable spoiler for a vehicle includes a pressure sensor sensing a pressure applied to an upper side of a spoiler and generating a current signal in proportion to the pressure. An electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to control an angle of a spoiler according to the current signal from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A tire stowage assembly for a vehicle is provided. The tire stowage assembly may include a housing, an output shaft, an arm, and a slidable member. The housing may be secured to a location adjacent a spare tire and defines a receiving cavity. The output shaft may at least be partially disposed within the housing and configured for linear translation and rotation. The arm may extend laterally from the shaft. The slidable member may be operably connected to the arm for linear translation and configured to support the spare tire. The output shaft and slidable member may be further configured to cooperate to move the tire from a stowed to a deployed position. The stowed position may be defined as a position in which the spare tire is secured beneath an undercarriage of a vehicle. The deployed position may be defined as a position in which at least a portion of the spare tire is rearward of an undercarriage of a vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical self-controlled people mover, method of manufacturing, and method of operation are described. The people mover includes a base portion and a handle portion. The base portion includes a frame, a platform fixed to the frame, the platform having a support surface for supporting an operator standing thereon, and a set of front wheels and a set of rear wheels, one of the front or rear wheels being connected to an electric motor for each of the front or rear wheels, the electronic motors for powering the electrical self-controlled individual people mover. The handle portion includes a handle bar for the operator to hold on to, a support shaft removably fixed to the shaft, the support shaft extending between the support surface of the platform and the handle bar, and an electronic controller for navigating the people mover.

Abstract: A track assembly having a wear monitoring system is disclosed. The track assembly may have a chain assembly including a plurality of track links, a traction assembly including track shoes secured to the plurality of track links, a drive sprocket, an idler assembly including an idler and a mount, and a roller assembly including a plurality of rollers and a roller frame. The wear monitoring system may have a wear sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current position of a first component of the track assembly, and a controller in communication with the at least one wear sensor, the controller being configured to determine an amount of wear experienced by the track assembly based on the signal. The first component may be configured such that wear of at least a second component causes the first component to move to the current position from a previous position.

Abstract: A truck track drive can include two rollers. The truck track drive can also include a tread configured to pass over top and bottom of a dual rear wheel assembly on a truck and to be moved by rotation of the dual rear wheels. The track drive can also include a compulsory drive unit.

Abstract: A truck track drive can include two rollers. The truck track drive can also include a tread configured to pass over top and bottom of a dual rear wheel assembly on a truck and to be moved by rotation of the dual rear wheels. The track drive can also include a compulsory drive unit.

Abstract: Provided is a control unit for an inverted pendulum vehicle that can warn the vehicle operator by changing the behavior of the vehicle before the upright control of the vehicle fails. The control unit includes a target tilt command computation unit for computing a target tilt command (M_cmd_xy) for the base frame, and an attitude control computation unit for computing a target translational speed (Vw1_cmd_xy) for fulfilling the target tilt command. When state information of the vehicle has deviated from a prescribed upright control tolerance range, the target tilt command computation unit generates a tilt command for notification, and superimposes the tilt command for notification (M_xy=M1_xy+M2_xy) onto the target tilt command.

Abstract: A modular electric vehicle system, allowing for the assembly of many different vehicle configurations using a plurality of interchangeable vehicle assembly modules, including at least two powered vehicle assembly modules in an assembled vehicle each of which has self-contained drive and power systems and controls which can be connected together by a central network bus on the vehicle. At least one of the powered vehicle assembly modules will be a steering module, with the necessary additional controls and components to steer the axle thereon and in turn steer the assembled vehicle. The connection of the network bus and the modules would be done in an interchangeable way so that different modules could be interchangeably placed in the assembled vehicle. Various steering systems, control methodologies and vehicle attachments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motorcycle anti-theft device, for a motorcycle of the type having a pivotable kickstand; a chassis; and an electrical power source. The device includes a mechanism configured to lock the kickstand after being set to a lowered position; and an actuator unit including an electromechanical device connected to the power source configured to directly drive, when activated, an element to unlock said kickstand.