Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint device includes an airbag that is provided in a shoulder belt position of a seat belt while being folded in a belt-like shape to be capable of inflating upon receiving a predetermined actuating signal, and the seat belt is wound by a single winding device. The airbag is folded to surround a slide guide including a hard member having seat-belt passing portions arranged at predetermined intervals in an insertion direction of webbing and a soft member supporting the hard member.

Abstract: In an airbag comprising at least one aperture (14) which is provided in an airbag shell (12) and to which a closure element (16) is attached a tether (34) via which the closure element (16) can be maintained in a closed position acts on the closure element (16). The invention moreover relates to a method of operating a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: Airbags including tethered inflatable chambers are disclosed. The tethered inflatable chambers can include internal tethers that are configured to break when an internal pressure of a tethered inflatable chamber reaches a predetermined value. Methods of forming an airbag fabric including internal tethers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat belt cutting device comprising a clip portion having a first half portion and a second half portion attached together at a first end by means of a hinge and at a second end by means of a clip and a blade portion extending along the mid section of the first half portion of the clip portion. The clip portion has a cavity with slotted parallel openings on either side to direct the seat belt there through. The blade portion includes a movable blade and a handle attached to the blade to pull the blade. The seat belt cutting device is configured to be mounted on a seat belt of a vehicle for cutting the seat belt following an accident.

Abstract: Sealed web retractors and associated systems and methods for retracting a web, such as seat belt web, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a web retractor includes a frame having a sidewall with a first opening, a locking assembly attached to the frame and having a housing with a second opening adjacent to the first opening, and a shaft coupler rotatably and sealably carried by the sidewall. The shaft coupler operably couples a spool shaft to the locking assembly through the first and second openings. At least one seal is operably positioned in the first opening between the shaft coupler and the sidewall.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies having load indicating features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly includes a tang having an opening that receives a web to secure the buckle assembly to a vehicle or a seat structure. The tang also includes an elongate aperture and one or more deformable protrusions along the edge of the aperture. The tang is operably coupled to a buckle frame via a coupling member that extends through the aperture. Upon the application of a sufficient load to the tang, the coupling member deforms the protrusion(s), allowing the tang to move relative to the frame. Movement of the tang relative to the frame can move a colored load indicating region to a position that is visible through a window in a housing of the buckle assembly.

Abstract: A communication system and method utilizing the communication system. The method includes performing a vehicle function based on a proximity of two wireless devices to a vehicle. The steps of method include: establishing a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) link between a SRWC system on the vehicle and a first wireless device; establishing another SRWC link between the SRWC system and a second wireless device, wherein the first and second wireless devices are associated with a common user; receiving a wireless signal at the SRWC system from each of the first and second wireless devices; determining a proximity of the two wireless devices based on receiving the wireless signals; and performing a vehicle function based on the determined location.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a bracket. The bracket has a first end portion defining a first opening and a second end portion defining a second opening. The second end portion overlaps the first end portion such that the second opening and the first opening are proximately aligned.

Abstract: A vehicle function control system includes a sensing and projecting module disposed at an exterior portion of the vehicle and having an illumination source operable to project a plurality of icons onto a ground area at or near the vehicle or an exterior surface of the vehicle, with each of the projected icons being representative of a respective vehicle function. The module includes a sensing device operable to sense the presence of a user at or near one of the projected icons and, responsive to the sensing of the presence of the user, the system determines which of the projected icons is being selected by the user. A control is responsive to an output of the sensing device and, responsive to determination of the user at or near a selected particular projected icon, the control controls a function of the vehicle associated with the selected particular projected icon.

Abstract: A wiper system 1 has a wiper blade 5 for performing a reciprocating wiping operation on a windshield glass 6 and a brushless motor 2 for causing the wiper blade 5 to perform the reciprocating wiping operation. The motor used as the brushless motor 2 is provided with a rotary shaft for reciprocating the wiper blade 5, has a degree of operation freedom in three axial directions, and is rotatable about axes of two directions orthogonal to the rotary shaft. The wiper blade 5 operates at error angles ? different in direction between during a forward-path wiping operation and during a return-path wiping operation. When the wiper blade 5 reaches a reversing position, the brushless motor 2 is made to rotate about an axis extending in a extending direction of the wiper blade 5 to change the error angle ?.

Abstract: An actuation pedal of a motor vehicle includes a pedal body, an adjustment apparatus and a mount for mounting the adjustment apparatus to the pedal body. The pedal body includes a beam and a filling material, the filling material formed by stiffening members arranged in the interior of the beam. An adjustment apparatus includes an adjustable actuation tread. The mount is surrounded by the beam and formed by a cylindrical cut-out at a side of the beam facing the actuation tread and by a corresponding hollow cylindrical portion in the filling material.

Abstract: A brake control device includes: an object detector; and an ECU configured to (a) determine, based on an output of the object detector, whether a predetermined condition that there is a possibility that the vehicle collides with the object, is satisfied; (b) apply an automatic brake when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied; and (c) stop applying the automatic brake when an operation amount of an accelerator operation unit of the vehicle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold. The ECU also continues applying the automatic brake when a specified condition including a condition that an operation amount of a brake operation unit of the vehicle is larger than a predetermined amount is satisfied even when it has been determined that the operation amount of the accelerator operation unit becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Provided is a stopping control device for a vehicle, which is applied to a vehicle having a braking apparatus that affords braking forces to respective wheels by supplying high pressure working liquid to wheel cylinders provided on the respective wheels and an inter-vehicle distance controller that controls an inter-vehicle distance between the own vehicle and a preceding vehicle, and comprises a braking controller that is configured to control the braking apparatus to increase the braking forces afforded to the wheels when a demand for stopping the own vehicle is input from the inter-vehicle distance controller; the braking controller being configured to end increasing of the braking forces when it is determined that an actual baking force of the entire vehicle exceeds a reference braking force set in advance as a value for maintaining the own vehicle in a stopped state.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic brake system in a vehicle having at least two tires on an axle, wherein the vehicle has a center of gravity (SP) with a height (hSP), is disclosed. According to the method, the height (hSP) of the center of gravity (SP) is calculated and used as a parameter by the electronic brake system. An electronic control unit, an electronic brake system, and a vehicle including the same for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A damping device includes a structure that defines an inlet and an outlet configured to supply pressure medium to the damping device, a first pressure chamber connected to the inlet and to the outlet, a second pressure chamber configured to receive a compressible medium, and a third pressure chamber having a pressure level. The damping device further includes a separating device and a pressure-medium connection. The separating device is positioned between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, and is configured to separate the third pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber and enable pressurization of the second pressure chamber with the pressure level of the third pressure chamber. The pressure-medium connection has an integral resistance and connects the first pressure chamber to the third pressure chamber.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an electric brake system is disclosed.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes: a cylinder housing; a piston which is movably disposed in the cylinder housing so as to form a pressure chamber and a hydraulic fluid supplying chamber; a sealing member which is interposed between the cylinder housing and the piston. The piston has a plurality of communication holes for connecting the pressure chamber and the hydraulic fluid supplying chamber, and the plurality of communication holes are formed on a slanted surface which is provided to an outer surface of the piston.

Abstract: A vehicle brake booster system includes a reservoir, a pump, and a brake booster. The brake booster includes an input member adapted to receive a manual braking input force and an output member adapted to apply a braking output force to a master cylinder. A supply line couples the pump to the brake booster, and a return line couples an outlet of the brake booster to the reservoir. A flow of hydraulic fluid pumped to the brake booster provides a boost factor by which the braking output force exceeds the braking input force. The brake booster is hydraulically lockable by a first valve in the supply line and a second valve in the return line such that when the first and second valves are closed, a quantity of hydraulic fluid is trapped within the brake booster to maintain operation of the brake booster without continued operation of the pump.

Abstract: An electric brake system is disclosed. The electric brake system comprises a hydraulic pressure supply device configured to generate hydraulic pressure using a hydraulic piston which is activated by means of an electrical signal that is output corresponding to a displacement of a brake pedal, and including a cylinder block, first and second hydraulic pistons movably accommodated inside the cylinder block, and first and second pressure chambers comparted by the first and second hydraulic pistons, a first hydraulic circuit configured to connect a first hydraulic flow path communicating with the first pressure chamber to one or more wheel cylinders, a second hydraulic circuit configured to connect a second hydraulic flow path communicating with the second pressure chamber to one or more wheel cylinders, and a balance valve configured to open and close a balance flow path connecting the first hydraulic flow path to the second hydraulic flow path.

Abstract: A method for actuating an electric vacuum pump of a brake booster including indirectly ascertaining a negative pressure in the brake booster. Depending on the indirectly ascertained negative pressure, and on a pumping capacity of the vacuum pump, ascertaining at least one activation parameter for the vacuum pump. Activating the vacuum pump in accordance with the activation parameter, when the indirectly ascertained negative pressure drops below a predefined minimum value.

Abstract: A method that includes steps of measuring voltage and current of the parking brake system during creation of a parking brake apply or release of the parking brake apply. The method includes estimating motor position, motor speed, and a current draw of the motor using the measured voltage and the measured current. The method includes estimating a parking brake force with the estimated motor position. The method includes correcting the estimated motor position, motor speed, and the current draw of the motor with the measured current, and/or correcting the estimated parking brake force with the corrected estimated motor position, corrected motor, and the corrected current draw of the motor. The method includes determining the creation of the parking brake apply with the corrected parking brake force and/or determining release of the parking brake apply with the corrected estimated motor position.

Abstract: An electric brake system is disclosed. The electric brake system comprises an electronic control unit configured to control a hydraulic pressure supply device and valves on the basis of hydraulic pressure information and pedal displacement information and including a circuit board on which a plurality of electronic elements are mounted, and the hydraulic pressure supply device configured to generate hydraulic pressure using a rotational force of a motor that is activated in response to an electrical signal output from the electronic control unit, wherein the circuit board and a housing of the hydraulic pressure supply device contact each other to transfer heat generated at the plurality of electronic elements to the housing of the hydraulic pressure supply device.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining a torque loss of an electromechanical brake booster of a braking system, including ascertaining when a user of the braking system requests a brake pressure build-up in at least one wheel brake cylinder of the braking system, using the electromechanical brake booster, by actuating a brake actuation element of the braking system; and optionally determining an actual value with regard to the torque loss of the motor of the electromechanical brake booster, taking into account at least one provided sensor variable with regard to a motor torque of a motor of the electromechanical brake booster, a change over time of a rotation speed of the motor of the electromechanical brake booster, and/or a master brake cylinder pressure that is present in a master brake cylinder of the braking system.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle to start an engine without causing a torque drop is provided. A combined planetary gear unit is configured in such a manner that an input element connected to the engine and an output element are situated between a reaction element connected to a first motor and a fixed element connected to a brake in a nomographic diagram. The first motor is selectively connected to the engine by a clutch. A controller is configured to start the engine by the first motor while engaging the brake to restrict rotation of the fixed element and engaging the clutch.

Abstract: An ECU performs control processing including setting an inverter to a gate blocking state when an abnormal condition of the inverter occurs, activating a converter, driving an engine, carrying out first suppression control when an abnormal condition of a resolver occurs and when an MG2 rotation speed immediately before occurrence of the abnormal condition is equal to or smaller than a first speed threshold value, and carrying out second suppression control when the MG2 rotation speed immediately before occurrence of the abnormal condition is greater than the first speed threshold value and when there is no record of stop.

Abstract: A method for operating an electric machine which is coupled with an output shaft of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes controlling the electric machine in dependence on at least one operating parameter of at least one of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine so that the electric machine transmits to the output shaft a compensation torque which at least partially compensates torque fluctuations of the internal combustion engine occurring during an operation of the internal combustion engine as a result of an operating phase of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A limp-home driving method at the time of a breakdown of a parking switch for a vehicle includes a first step of diagnosing a breakdown of a plurality of air parking switches provided in a hybrid vehicle by connecting the air parking switches to a hybrid control unit (HCU) and a transmission control unit (TCU), respectively, through parking wires, and connecting the HCU and the TCU with each other by controller area network (CAN) communication, a second step of informing a driver of a breakdown state at the time of confirming the breakdown of the air parking switches in the first step, and a third step of limiting an output of the vehicle and performing a limp-home function in a state in which an ISG (Idle Stop and Go) control is stopped, after the second step.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting a current operating speed of a vehicle are disclosed. A position of the vehicle relative to an abrupt road change in front of the vehicle and a current operating speed are determined. Information regarding a profile of the abrupt road change is detected. Based on the determined position and current operating speed, a brake torque output is adjusted to reduce the current operating speed. Based on the profile, suspension parameters associated with the vehicle are dynamically adjusted.

Abstract: A smart parking assist apparatus and method are provided. The smart parking assist apparatus operates a smart parking assist function after a vehicle stops and searches a parking slot using a plurality of imaging devices. In addition, the searched parking slot is set to a target parking slot and parking slot information regarding the target parking slot is output. The apparatus recognizes a parking line of the target parking slot and an object adjacent to the target parking slot and sets a parking reference line based on the recognized information, after the parking slot information is output. The vehicle is then operated to be parked in the target parking slot based on the parking reference line.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with a vehicle collision system. The method includes identifying one or more objects along a side surface of the vehicle, determining a highest threat object based on the vehicle's trajectory relative to the one or more identified objects, calculating a time-to-collision between the highest threat object and the side surface of the vehicle, determining a remedial action by comparing the time-to-collision with at least one threshold, and initiating the remedial action to avoid a collision between the side surface of the vehicle and the highest threat object.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a driver fatigue alert method for a vehicle. The method includes: if a driver fatigue detection device detects driver fatigue information of the present vehicle, then sending the driver fatigue information of the present vehicle to an alert device and a wireless communication device; sending, by the wireless communication device, the driver fatigue information to the outside; and generating, by the alert device, an alert signal according to the driver fatigue information. The present disclosure further discloses a driver fatigue alert system for a vehicle, where the system includes: a driver fatigue detection device; a wireless communication device communicatively connected with the driver fatigue detection device, configured to send driver fatigue information to the outside wirelessly; and an alert device communicatively connected with the driver fatigue detection device and the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method for operating a driver assistance apparatus includes: recognizing a driving environment of a vehicle; determining a driving mode based on the driving environment; determining whether the vehicle is driven using at least one sensor based on the driving mode; and controlling steering and braking of the vehicle based on whether the vehicle is driven using the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A velocity control mechanism for a vehicle operable to move in a forward direction and a rearward direction. The velocity control mechanism includes an acceleration control mode operable to accelerate the vehicle in one of the forward direction and the rearward direction, a velocity control mode operable to control a velocity of the vehicle in one of the forward and the rearward direction, and an intermediate control mode positioned between the acceleration control mode and the velocity control mode. An actuator is moveable between the acceleration control mode and the velocity control mode and is biased into the intermediate control mode.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling the same are provided to determine a traveling speed based on travel information of a first preceding vehicle and a second preceding vehicle. The vehicle includes a drive unit that provides rotational force for vehicle traveling and a distance sensor that detects an object located in a forward direction. A controller first preceding vehicle and a second preceding vehicle located ahead of the first preceding vehicle, which travel on the same traffic road as a traveling road based on the result detected by the distance sensor. The drive unit is operated to adjust a vehicle speed to be at a traveling speed determined based on travel information of the first preceding vehicle and the second preceding vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for controlling a cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) system capable of reducing a width of deceleration and acceleration to improve fuel efficiency by collecting information on preceding vehicles which are being driven on the same lane and using the collected information to control speed of a vehicle, in the CACC system on the basis of vehicle to everything (V2X) communication and radar.

Abstract: A passenger actionable emergency vehicle management system for altering the behavior of the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle management system comprises a vehicle overriding mechanism operatively connected to the vehicle and capable of overriding driver controlled vehicle systems, a control circuit operatively connected to the vehicle overriding mechanism and an actuator, operatively connected to the control circuit and located in the vehicle within reach of a vehicle passenger seat.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a limiter device, and a setting device to set an upper speed limit on the limiter device, based on speed limit values extracted from image information. The setting device includes a derivation unit to derive a condition to raise display priority for each speed limit value; an obtainment unit to obtain determination information for determining whether the condition is satisfied; a calculation unit to raise the display priority of the speed limit value that corresponds to the condition determined satisfied with the determination information, among the speed limit values extracted from the image information; a display control unit to display the speed limit values in descending order of the display priority; and a setting unit configured to set the upper speed limit on the limiter device, based on one of the displayed speed limit values, selected by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system is provided herein. The trailer backup assist system includes a hitch angle sensor configured to determine a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer attached thereto. An input device is configured to accept an input command corresponding to a trailer path command curvature. A controller is configured to determine a vehicle threshold speed limit by determining a first vehicle speed limit based on the hitch angle and a second speed limit based on the command curvature. The controller generates a command to limit vehicle speed in a reverse direction below the threshold speed limit.

Abstract: A derailleur-based electronic transmission system for an electric bicycle comprises a wheel; a driven sprocket set coupled to the wheel via at least a first one-way clutch, the driven sprocket set comprising two or more concentric sprockets of different effective diameters; a drive chain configured to engage the driven sprocket set; an electronically controllable derailleur configured to move the drive chain among the two or more sprockets; a pedal crank configured to cause rotation of the driven sprocket set by providing a user pedal force to the driven sprocket set through at least a second one-way clutch and the drive chain; a motor configured to cause rotation of the driven sprocket set by providing an electromechanical force to the driven sprocket set through at least a the drive chain; and an electronic controller configured to, responsive to a determination that a shift should occur at a time when neither the pedal crank nor the motor is causing rotation of the driven sprocket: operate the motor to rot

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Self-Governed Gear Box (SGGB) functions as an automatic gear box system suitable for any power drive ranging from electrical to mechanical. This is an optimally-performed gear box system, in terms of power loss. The assembly is compact and simple with no additional elements other than gears. For the same reason, it is highly economical, easy to assemble and easy to maintain, with an expected ideal performance. Such a dynamic task of an automatic gear box system is achieved by implementing an algorithm enabling to sense the additional load applied at the input end, created by diverting a small quantity of power from the output end. This is in effect of inducing an engine disturbance as under-drive, under sub-optimum output rpm-torque conditions. As the engine disturbance introduced for sub-optimum output rpm-torque condition is a continuous governance mechanism, the input to output speed ratio assumed also will be continues in a designed range.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a hydraulic idle stop and go (ISG) system using an electro hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system includes measuring a pressure in an accumulator, a steering angle, and a steering angular velocity; determining whether the measured pressure in the accumulator is less than an absolute value of a first reference pressure; determining whether the measured steering angle is less than an absolute value of a reference angle when the measured pressure in the accumulator is less than the absolute value of the first reference pressure; determining whether the measured steering angular velocity is less than an absolute value of a reference angular velocity when the measured steering angle is less than the absolute value of the reference angle; and opening a solenoid valve when the measured steering angular velocity is less than the absolute value of the reference angular velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a speed detector detecting a vehicle speed, a brake system and a control system implementing a control mode including determining a threshold speed. The control system further derives an initial brake torque demand proportional to an error between the threshold speed and a vehicle speed exceeding the threshold speed and outputs to the brake system a rate-limited brake torque demand by applying a rate-limit operator based on the error to the initial brake torque demand.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the pressure in a brake booster used to actuate a brake system having at least one main brake cylinder. The brake booster connected in a fluid-conducting manner by a non-return valve to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. A reduced pressure loss in the brake booster resulting from actuation of the main brake cylinder is balanced with the reduced pressure gain in the brake booster as a result of a pressure difference between the brake booster pressure and the intake manifold pressure. The reduced pressure gain in the brake booster is determined based on time the air mass flow between the brake booster and the intake manifold.

Abstract: A lane change control apparatus includes a lane information extractor configured to obtain lane information for a driving lane by using image information for a lane. A lane changeable time calculator is configured to calculate a lane changeable time by using speed information of an own vehicle and information for peripheral vehicles obtained from sensing apparatuses installed in the vehicle. A reference yaw rate generator is configured to determine a lane change time by using the lane changeable time and speed information and generate a reference yaw rate symmetrically changed on a time axis during the lane change time by using the lane change time and lane information. A reference yaw rate tracker is configured to control an operation of the own vehicle so as to track the reference yaw rate.

Abstract: A control system controls a power transmission system located between a motive power source and drive wheels. The power transmission system includes a fluid coupling and an engagement device. The control system includes an electronic control unit configured to: obtain information concerning vibration of the power transmission system; determine whether the vibration of the power transmission system is in a resonance region of the power transmission system; control the engagement device so that the engagement device slips, when the electronic control unit determines that the power transmission system is in the resonance region; and control the motive power source when the electronic control unit determines that the power transmission system is in the resonance region, so that a rotational speed of the motive power source increases as compared with a case where the power transmission system is not in the resonance region.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining an information transfer rate between a driver and a vehicle, including measuring driver information and measuring vehicle information. Further, calculating a forward information transfer rate from the driver to the vehicle using the driver information and the vehicle information over a period of time, and calculating a reverse information transfer rate from the vehicle to the driver using the driver information and the vehicle information over the period of time. Additionally the method includes, calculating a driver control state using the forward information transfer rate and the reverse information transfer rate.

Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a connectivity device of a vehicle, in communication with the thermal sensor, configured to receive an indication from the thermal sensor indicative of detection of a thermal event within a structure housing the vehicle, responsive to the detection, autonomously move the vehicle out of the structure away from the thermal event, and operate as an information relay that provides status of the thermal event. A method may include activating a connectivity device of a vehicle responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor; confirming, by the connectivity device, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle; and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to autonomously move the vehicle out of a structure away from the thermal event.

Abstract: A vehicle can be configured to automatically provide settings for one or more components of the vehicle based on a measured anthropometric feature of a person approaching the vehicle. The vehicle can include a sensor configured to acquire data (e.g., visual data) of a portion of an external environment of the vehicle. The external environment can include a person approaching the vehicle. The vehicle can include a component that can be adjustable across a plurality of settings. The component can have a current setting. A processor can be operatively connected to the sensor and the component. The acquired data can be analyzed to measure an anthropometric feature of the person approaching the vehicle. A target setting of the component can be determined based on the measured anthropometric feature. The current setting of the component can be caused to match the determined target setting.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product control a driving mode of a self-driving vehicle (SDV). One or more processors detect that an SDV is being operated in manual mode by a human driver. The processor(s) determine that the human driver is unqualified to operate the SDV in manual mode, and then transfer control of the SDV to an SDV on-board computer in order to place the SDV in autonomous mode.

Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging module in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.