Patents Issued in May 18, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170137026
    Abstract: A motor vehicle control system for controlling a plurality of vehicle subsystems to operate in a plurality of subsystem control modes in dependence on a driving surface. The system is operable in an automatic control mode selection condition in which the system is configured to determine the driving surface automatically and to cause each of the vehicle subsystems to operate in a predetermined one of the subsystem control modes in dependence on the determined driving surface. The system may be configured to determine if an interruption in powertrain torque occurs and to, in dependence on the identification of a powertrain torque interruption event, temporarily suspend causing an automatic change to the predetermined one of the subsystem control modes in which each subsystem is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Elliot HEMES, Dan DENNEHY, Andrew FAIRGRIEVE, James KELLY, Sam ANKER
  • Publication number: 20170137027
    Abstract: A target ratio module selectively determines a target ratio of transmission input shaft speed to transmission output shaft speed independently of an accelerator pedal position and as a function of a vehicle speed and a driver axle torque request. A first pulley valve control module controls opening of a first valve based on the target ratio. The first valve controls transmission fluid flow to a first pulley actuator. The first pulley actuator is coupled to the transmission input shaft of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and expands and contracts based on transmission fluid pressure. A second pulley valve control module controls opening of a second valve based on the target ratio. The second valve controls transmission fluid flow to a second pulley actuator. The second pulley actuator is coupled to the transmission output shaft of the CVT and expands and contracts based on transmission fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Artin FARAHANI, Christopher Jay WEINGARTZ, John E. MARANO
  • Publication number: 20170137028
    Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a motor vehicle includes a power generator that generates electricity to charge one or more auxiliary power system batteries. The motor vehicle includes an engine and drive train that distributes power from the engine to the drive wheels. The drive train can include a transmission, a drive shaft and a differential that connects the engine to the drive wheels. The power generator can be connected to the drive train (e.g., the transmission, the drive shaft or the differential) to draw power to generate electricity as well as to apply braking loads on the drive wheels to increase the ability to stop the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: BLACKBURN ENERGY, LLC.
    Inventor: Andrew Amigo
  • Publication number: 20170137029
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes management of coasting during operation of a vehicle equipped with a predictive cruise control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph R. Dynes, Daniel Reed Dempsey, Kenneth M. Follen, Howard Robert Frost, Oruganti Prashanth Sharma, Ian Fredrick Lowery, Nathanael G. Long
  • Publication number: 20170137030
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided which includes a travel controller working to execute a coasting mode to cut transmission of drive power, as produced by an engine to a drive wheel of the vehicle when a given execution condition is encountered while the vehicle is traveling. The travel controller determines a threshold value, as used for comparison with a position of an accelerator, based on the speed of the vehicle. When the position of the accelerator is determined to be smaller than the threshold value, the travel controller executes the coasting mode. This improves the fuel economy in the vehicle without sacrificing traveling of the vehicle according to a driver's operation on the accelerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20170137031
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is a vehicle control apparatus controlling a vehicle and provided with a regenerative device generating electric power while applying a regenerative braking force by performing regenerative electric power generation, an electric power supply capable of exchanging electric power with the regenerative device, and a hydraulic device applying a hydraulic braking force attributable to a hydraulic pressure, and is provided with an electronic control device controlling the regenerative device and the hydraulic device so as to adjust the ratios of the regenerative braking force and the hydraulic braking force to a required braking force required for the braking of the vehicle based on an input electric power value input into the electric power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya YAMAGUCHI, Takashi KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20170137032
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining, based on first information received from a first mobile device within a vehicle, that the first mobile device is associated with a first person. The method includes determining first in-vehicle display preference information and a first vehicle occupant position of a plurality of vehicle occupant positions for the first person. The method also includes selecting, based on the first vehicle occupant position, a first projector of a plurality of projectors within the vehicle. The method further includes providing data representing display information to the first projector to enable the first projector to project the display information onto a display associated with a first window of the vehicle. The display information is determined based on the first in-vehicle display preference information for the first person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Mark S. Wuthnow, Randolph Wohlert
  • Publication number: 20170137033
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an own vehicle that is a vehicle carrying the apparatus in a proper manner taking into account driver's driving maneuver tendencies is provided. The apparatus acquires travel situation information including target information regarding a target or targets around the own vehicle and travel information regarding the own vehicle, and if the travel situation information meets a prescribed travel condition, acquires driving maneuver information regarding a driving maneuver performed by the driver of the own vehicle. The apparatus stores, as a learned value, the driving maneuver information acquired by the second information acquirer in association with the prescribed travel condition, and performs automatic driving control based on the learned value stored by the learner in association with the prescribed travel condition met by the travel situation information currently acquired by the first information acquirer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Toshiya Habu
  • Publication number: 20170137034
    Abstract: A monitoring device includes an estimation unit, a detection unit, and a correction unit. The estimation unit estimates a degree of degradation of a moving object based on at least an amount of movement of the moving object. The detection unit detects an environment state of the moving object at a time when the moving object is moved, as operation parameter values including an amount of an operation at a time when an operation unit is operated and an operation time. The correction unit corrects the degree of degradation, which is estimated by the estimation unit, based on the operation parameter values detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji YAMAGUCHI, Masayasu TAKANO, Kaoru YASUKAWA, Ryosuke NAKANISHI, Yuki KATADA
  • Publication number: 20170137035
    Abstract: A method for processing data for a driving function of a vehicle is described, a predefined quantity of computation units being provided; the computation units supplying data, in particular redundant data, to a decision unit; the decision unit deciding, based on a comparison of the data delivered by the computation units, whether the data are correct; a synchronization unit being provided; the synchronization unit synchronizing the computation units in such a way that the computation units deliver the data to the decision unit in a specified time period; and the synchronization unit informing the decision unit as to when the data are transmitted by the computation units, so that the decision unit can specify which data of the computation units are used for a check of the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Karsten Muehlmann, Armin Ruehle, Rainer Baumgaertner
  • Publication number: 20170137036
    Abstract: A method and system for blending between torque maps of a source propulsion of a vehicle. The method and system are particularly applicable to automatic selection of an alternative torque map in response to a change of vehicle operating condition, for example, a change of terrain. Blending may substantially avoid a step change in response of the source of propulsion as accelerator position is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Darnell, Elliot Hemes, Stephen Stacey
  • Publication number: 20170137037
    Abstract: A simple, convenient and light weight compartment door is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Lvzhong Ma, Qizhi Yang, Xiuxiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20170137038
    Abstract: A passenger rail vehicle includes at least one linearly movable step platform which is disposed in a boarding region of the rail vehicle and is used to bridge a gap in the horizontal direction between the boarding region of the rail vehicle and a station platform. The step platform includes a front section which forms part of a step surface of the step platform. The front section is mounted about a horizontal axis so that it can pivot on the step platform to form a ramp between a remaining step surface of the step platform and the station platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: AXEL KRUEGER
  • Publication number: 20170137039
    Abstract: A vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, includes a passenger region and a luggage region. The passenger region and the luggage region are separate and at least one luggage input device for transferring luggage from the passenger region into the luggage region, and at least one luggage output device for transferring luggage from the luggage region into the passenger region are provided. The luggage region is equipped with a luggage transport device which, when an item of luggage is delivering to the luggage input device, transports the respective piece of luggage to a storage point of the luggage region and, when there is a return request at the luggage output device, transports the respective item of luggage to the luggage output device. A luggage storage device for a vehicle and a method for storing luggage in a vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: ANJA BUCHHOLZ-STIEGLITZ, KLAUS PAFFRATH, ADISA VRAZALICA
  • Publication number: 20170137040
    Abstract: A railcar adapter for connecting a railcar body to a bearing is provided. The railcar adapter includes an adapter body having two lateral channels each delimited by a pair of opposed lugs adapted to cooperate with the railcar body, an inner surface acting as a bearing seat for the bearing and an outer surface in radial contact with the railcar body. The inner surface includes at least one central groove located on a first axis of symmetry of the railcar adapter emerging in each lateral channel. The inner surface further provides a second central groove located on a second symmetry axis of the railcar adapter, perpendicular to the first symmetry axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Thierry Le Moigne
  • Publication number: 20170137041
    Abstract: Railcar adapter for connecting a railcar body to a bearing providing an adapter body having two lateral channels each axially delimited by a pair of opposed lugs and a lateral surface perpendicular to the opposed lugs, each lateral channel being adapted to cooperate with the railcar body. The railcar adapter further provides swivelling means allowing swivelling of the railcar adapter relative to the railcar body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Thierry Le Moigne
  • Publication number: 20170137042
    Abstract: Railcar adapter, for connecting a railcar body to a bearing, having a bearing seat side secured to the bearing and a frame seat side mounted in a bogie frame of the railcar body is provided. The railcar adapter includes a top cover in contact with the railcar body, forming the frame seat side, a bearing seat adapted to be mounted on the bearing, forming the bearing seat side and at least one damping element located between the top cover and the bearing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Thierry Le Moigne
  • Publication number: 20170137043
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying at least two transport units in coupled relationship forming a consist including determining via the presence of an electrical signal whether one end of a coupling unit at an end of a first transport unit is coupled to a second end of said coupling unit at an end of a second transport unit; determining by computer executable instructions executed by a computer processor a transport unit in closest proximity to said first transport unit; upon a condition in which said one end of said coupling unit is determined to be coupled to a second end of said coupling unit, identifying by said computer processor said second transport unit as said transport unit in closest proximity to said first transport unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Sharon Ann Irma BARNES, Marty Charles BROOKS, Paul ERNSDORFF
  • Publication number: 20170137044
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying lubricant to a rail road track. The apparatus comprising a control module; a housing; a lubricant distribution block; and a plurality of tubes for connecting the control module to the housing wherein the housing houses the lubricant distribution block. The control module is positionable in close proximity to the rail road track and the housing is positionable adjacent to and along a section of rail road track to be lubricated. The lubricant is stored in a vessel in the control module and pumped from the control module to a lubricant distribution nozzle connected to the housing and wherein sliding the lubricant distribution nozzle along the section of rail road track in a first or second direction distributes lubricant along the section of rail road track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Roy L. Nelson, Robert G. Pieper
  • Publication number: 20170137045
    Abstract: A wheelset measurement device (1) for the wheelsets (2) of rail vehicles is used to check the wheelsets (2) of rail vehicles for an operationally safe state and for meeting the operating limit measures when built into the rail vehicles. In order to facilitate such checks with comparatively little effort and high reliability, the wheelset measurement device (1) has two separate device subunits (7,8) that can be displaced individually and which each can be pushed laterally against the wheelset (2) and be arranged in the position pushed against the wheelset (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Ralf HOCK, Mario BOEHME, Joerg FRANZ
  • Publication number: 20170137046
    Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: ANSALDO STS USA, INC.
    Inventors: PETER J. MARIUZZA, JR., KEVIN MCQUISTIAN, SEAN DOWHY
  • Publication number: 20170137047
    Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically configuring a wireless sensor relay network for monitoring train activity according to the present invention includes a plurality of wireless sensors that wirelessly transmit sensor data obtained by measuring heat and vibration of a train running unit, a plurality of coordinator units that are located in train cars, and receive the sensor data from one or more wireless sensors located within the same train car, a plurality of wireless relay units that are located in the train cars, form a wireless sensor relay network with the wireless relay unit located in a neighboring train car, and transmit the sensor data received from the coordinator units, and a gateway unit that receives the sensor data from the plurality of wireless relay units through the wireless sensor relay network, and transmits the received sensor data to a control center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Young Il KIM, Dae Geun PARK, Geon Min YEO, Yong Tae LEE, Hyun Woo LEE, Sun Hwa LIM
  • Publication number: 20170137048
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a convertible service and recycling cart for food and beverage service and waste sorting, compaction and storage are disclosed. An example cart apparatus includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall each coupled to the base and a top support coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. At least one opening is defined in the top support and a lid is removably coupled to the top support. The apparatus also includes at least one container that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one opening in the top support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jamie J. Childress
  • Publication number: 20170137049
    Abstract: A ski-attachable upright conveyance can have a swept-back handle, an upright frame, strengthening members, ski clamp attachments, a braking system, and a plurality of standing plates. The ski clamp attachments allow simple attachment to a variety of skis (skates, wheels, etc.) to form the base of the conveyance so that it can slide across snow, ice, etc. The standing plates provide a non-slip surface upon which a user places his/her feet, allowing the person to stand upright while operating the conveyance. A braking system can allow a user to safely control their speed, stop, etc. The upright frame sweeps upwards before joining the swept-back handle. The frame locks the ski clamp attachments together and provides rigidity. Additional rigidity and support can be added via strengthening support members. A user can vary the pressure and forces exerted on the swept-back handle to assist in steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ken Rott
  • Publication number: 20170137050
    Abstract: A steering wheel cover, having a circumferential length and a transverse width, comprises a plurality of layers that cover each other at least partially in projection. The layers include a lower electrically conductive shielding layer and an upper cover layer, between which are arranged, starting from the shielding layer, an insulation layer and at least one electrically conductive sensor layer. The shielding layer and/or the sensor layer has/have a conductor structure with conductors extending in the length and width directions of the steering wheel cover. The shielding layer and/or the sensor layer is/are electrically connected to connecting conductors of a connecting cable. The electrical connection is formed by a metal foil. The steering wheel cover serves to detect whether a driver's hand is on the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: JOCHEN MICHELMANN, KLAUS FLITTNER, MARTIN MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20170137051
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a support element, an adjusting element that is displaceable relative to the support element for the rotatable mounting of a steering spindle, and a locking device for locking the adjusting element relative to the support element in a crash event. The locking device may include a blocking element disposed on the support element, which can be brought into engagement with an engagement part of the adjusting element. Further, a switching element may be provided for bringing about the engaging of the blocking element in the engagement part in a crash event. The switching element may bring about the engaging based on its mass inertia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, ThyssenKrupp AG
    Inventors: Stefan Sawall, Daniel Kreutz, Sebastian Forte
  • Publication number: 20170137052
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control system comprising a projecting device, a camera device, a control device and an actuating device. The vehicle steering control system does not need a physical steering wheel, thus the weight and cost of the vehicles can be reduced. In addition, the steering control system according to the present invention provides the drivers with brand new driving experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Thunder Power Hong Kong Ltd.
    Inventor: Wellen Sham
  • Publication number: 20170137053
    Abstract: A transmission device and a rack corner steering mechanism, the rack corner steering mechanism comprises an input gear (10) and a rack steering assembly (20), the rack steering assembly (20) comprises a plunger (21) and a plurality of rack units (22), the plunger (21) is a straight bar and is moved along a straight trajectory, and the plunger (21) adjacent to the rack unit (22) is obliquely connected to an end of the plunger (21), each of the other rack units (22) is successively connected to the end of the front rack unit (22), when each rack unit (22) is engaged with the input gear (10), the rack unit (22) is rotated and is in line with the plunger (21). The rack unit (22) can be rotated to ensure the flexible steering of the steering mechanism, the reciprocating motion of the input gear (10) is converted into the reciprocating motion of the plunger (21), which has the advantages of smooth operation, good continuity, low noise, high bearing capacity, reliable, compact structure, and small volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: SHENZHEN ZHAOWEI MACHINERY&ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Jiayi FEI, Dong XIN, Fenyong NAN
  • Publication number: 20170137054
    Abstract: A combined angular position and torque sensor assembly for use in an electric power assisted steering system comprises an input part for connection to an upper column shaft, an output part for connection to a lower column shaft, a torsion bar that interconnects the input shaft and the output shaft, a first and second upper column angular position sensing means that each produce at least one output signal that is dependent on the angular position of the upper column shaft; and a processing means which produces a first torque signal indicative of the torque carried by the torsion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TRW Limited
    Inventor: James Owen Patrick Farrelly
  • Publication number: 20170137055
    Abstract: A steering control apparatus controls includes a steering quantity generation unit generating a steering quantity indicative of an operation performed on the steering member, an adjustment torque generation unit generating an adjustment torque and adjusting a mechanical impedance corresponding to the adjustment torque, and a command value generation unit generating a command value and controlling the motor according to the command value using the adjustment torque generated by the adjustment torque generation unit. The steering quantity is a physical quantity that has different values at least in a state of rotating the steering member, a state of returning the steering member, or a state of retaining the steering member, and the steering quantity indicates an operation amount of rotating the steering member or an operation amount of returning the steering member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Yosuke Hirate, Motoaki Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20170137056
    Abstract: A steering controller that controls a motor to output an assist torque to steer a steering member, including a steer property calculator calculating a steer state quantity that is an index of a steering state indicating one of (i) a steer-away state, (ii) a steer-back state, or (iii) a stay-still state, an adjusted torque calculator calculating an adjusted torque based on the steer state quantity, and an instruction value calculator calculating an assist torque instruction that is an instruction value regarding a drive of the motor by using the adjusted torque. In such manner, the steer state quantity, the steer-back operation, the stay-still operation of a steering wheel, and the adjusted torque are appropriately calculated, thereby enabling an appropriate adjustment of a steering feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Takashi Aoki, Motoaki Kataoka, Yosuke Hirate
  • Publication number: 20170137057
    Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that is capable of realizing a smooth steering wheel returning control by the correction based on a steering torque in which vehicle characteristics are considered and a vehicle speed even in the case of steering intervention by a driver in a straight-advancing running state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya KITAZUME
  • Publication number: 20170137058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering system and an independent suspension wheel-type heavy vehicle. The steering system comprises a steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and a steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels. According to the invention, by providing the steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and by providing the steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels, the steering resistance moment from the ground can be effectively overcome, and the vehicle is offered the steering capability for various places, as compared with a steering system only depending on the torque output by a steering gear or only depending on the torque output by the steering gear and a steering assisting follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Xuzhou Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Honggang DING, Zhifang WANG, Yunwang MA, Baoluan LIU, Shuyuan CAO, Pengcheng LU
  • Publication number: 20170137059
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle including wheels, and a steering module configured to steer the wheels in one of two mutually opposite right and left directions, or in one and the other of the two mutually opposite right and left directions, respectively. In the vehicle, a caster angle is set within the range of ±3 degrees relative to a kingpin angle. Though each wheel usually forms a camber angle when steered, by setting in the wheel the caster angle beforehand within the above range, the wheel does not or is less likely to form the camber angle because the camber angle and the caster angle cancel each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the steering angles of the wheels from being restricted, and to prevent the deterioration of steering operability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Hirokazu OHBA, Taisuke IGI
  • Publication number: 20170137060
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a steering system (2) of a motor vehicle. A steering means (8) is connected to a steering gear (14) by means of an active steering system (4). During autonomous operation of the motor vehicle, a driver's intervention (40) in the steering means (8) is determined. The active steering system (4) is operated in such a way that a coupling (30) between an angle (26) of the steering means and an angle (28) input into the steering gear (14) is adjusted depending on the thus determined driver's intervention (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Wanner, Eman Mehrjerdian
  • Publication number: 20170137061
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle steering control apparatus having high robustness while ensuring the accuracy of automatic parking in a vehicle equipped with an automatic parking assistance system. The vehicle steering control apparatus includes a target parking position computing module to calculate a target parking position, a target line computing module to calculate a target parking line, an own vehicle position target attitude angle computing module to calculate an own vehicle position target attitude angle, an own vehicle attitude angle, and the target parking line, an own vehicle position target curvature computing module to calculate an own vehicle position target curvature, and a steering controller for calculating a target steering angle based on the own vehicle position target curvature and performing control such that the actual steering angle matches the target steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Michitoshi AZUMA, Yukiyasu AKEMI, Kohei MORI, Yu TAKEUCHI, Toshihide SATAKE, Masaya ENDO
  • Publication number: 20170137062
    Abstract: A deformed part in a case in which the application of a collision load causes bending deformation in a structural member for an automobile body having a hardness distribution (strength distribution) composed of a quenched part, a base metal hardness part, and a transition part in a longitudinal direction is used as the base metal hardness part to avoid plastic strain concentration in the quenched part. This structural member for an automobile body has a hollow steel main body having a rectangular cross section. The main body includes a quenched part, a base metal hardness part, and a transition part in this order, in at least a part thereof in an axial direction. The length (L) of the transition part as related to the axial direction satisfies the relationship of 0.006 (mm?1)<LA/I?0.2 (mm?1) in a case in which the cross-sectional area of the main body is (A) and the moment of inertia of area is (I).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michitaka YOSHIDA, Atsushi TOMIZAWA, Kazuo UEMATSU
  • Publication number: 20170137063
    Abstract: A structure for connecting a strut bar is provided to reinforce lateral rigidity of an engine room of a vehicle. The structure includes a first strut bar that has a first end coupled to a dash panel of a vehicle and a second end coupled to a strut housing and a second strut bar that has a first end coupled to the dash panel and a second end coupled to the first strut bar, and is disposed to have a predetermined angle with respect to the first strut bar. Further, a connecting bar has a first end coupled to the first strut bar and a second end coupled to the second strut bar, and connects the first strut bar and the second strut bar to increase lateral rigidity of a vehicle body, diversify load paths during a collision, and tune a degree to which the dash panel is pushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Doo-Hun Lee, Chang-Ho Park, Hae-Woong Kim
  • Publication number: 20170137064
    Abstract: An engine support device, which is provided for supporting an engine arranged in a front-end vehicle structure of a motor vehicle, includes a first half-shell with a first end section, a second end section opposite same and a first lateral cheek section, and a second half-shell with a third end section, a fourth end section opposite same, a middle section arranged between the third and the fourth end section and a second lateral cheek section. The first half-shell as an outer shell and the second half-shell as an inner shell can be provided in a state of the engine support device installed into a motor vehicle. The first lateral cheek section has substantially straight edges in a continuous manner from the first end section thereof to the second end section thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jan BOKELOH
  • Publication number: 20170137065
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes a steel support structure surrounding a passenger compartment and a sidewall covering the support structure. The sidewall includes a front and a rear fender, at least one of which is realized in the form of a lightweight component of light metal, as well as a steel roof frame element that borders on both fenders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marcus LANGE
  • Publication number: 20170137066
    Abstract: In an automobile body structure, since a center pillar connecting a side sill and a roof side rail is formed from a pair of CFRP laminates that oppose each other on the inside and the outside in the vehicle width direction and a plurality of metal plates that join the pair of CFRP laminates in the vehicle width direction so as to form a closed cross-section, a compressive load and a tensile load acting on the vehicle width direction inner face and the vehicle width direction outer face of the center pillar when the collision load of a side collision is inputted can be supported by carbon fibers of the pair of CFRP laminates, and out of plane deformation of a front face and a rear face of the center pillar, which is difficult to support with the CFRP laminate, can be prevented by the metal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shotaro AYUZAWA, Yoshikazu SHIRAI
  • Publication number: 20170137067
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rear body module, comprising: a floor panel (1) with at least one mounting (3) for a rear seat and also an upwardly extending rear termination (13), depressions (9) and elevations (11) being formed in the floor panel (1) for strengthening, and a left-hand and a right-hand support (19, 21), which in each case form a C pillar of the vehicle body and fork at their upper end into at least two rails (25, 27), the rails (25, 27) being respectively connected to a rear roof rail (23), and the roof rails (23) being connected to one another by a cross member (29), a reinforcing strut (31) respectively emerging from the cross member (29) and being coupled to the roof rail (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Uwe WOLF, Jan Kurt Walter SANDLER, Alex HORISBERGER, Tobias NACHTIGAELLER
  • Publication number: 20170137068
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed with a windshield, a hood and an air and water guiding arrangement that extends from the base of the windshield underneath the hood. A base plate of the air and water guiding arrangement features at least one air passage opening underneath the hood. A transverse wall, in which passages for air are recessed, rises from the base plate along a rear edge of the hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fabian KEMPFER, Younes CHLYEH
  • Publication number: 20170137069
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel house structure having: a wheel house front wall that structures a wall at a front side of a wheel house in which a front tire is disposed; and an air discharging portion that is structured to include one or more through-holes formed along a vehicle vertical direction at a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the wheel house front wall, the air discharging portion discharging air, that is further toward a vehicle longitudinal direction front side than the wheel house front wall, through the through-hole obliquely rearward toward a vehicle longitudinal direction rear side and a vehicle transverse direction outer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaaki NISHIURA
  • Publication number: 20170137070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mud flap lifting system for raising and lowering a pair of mud flaps connected to a rear portion of a vehicle and suspended behind corresponding rear wheels of the vehicle, which is particularly beneficial for use on dump trucks. The lifting system raises the rear mud flaps to a safe position when the truck is reversing or on unstable soil or is dumping its load. The mud flaps may thereafter be lowered via an associated control switch in the cab of the truck so that the truck may travel from the job site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jeremiah C. PROCTOR
  • Publication number: 20170137071
    Abstract: A joining structure of vehicle framework members includes: a first vehicle framework member formed by a lightweight metal material having a rectangular closed cross section shape in a sectional view orthogonal to an extension direction of the first vehicle framework member; a second vehicle framework member formed by a lightweight metal material having a hat shape in the sectional view orthogonal to the extension direction, the second vehicle framework member covering the first vehicle framework member; an offset flange portion that is a portion of a flange portion formed at an end portion at the opening side of the second vehicle framework member, and that protrudes to an opposite side of the flange portion from the opening side; and a protrusion portion that protrudes from an end portion of the offset flange portion at the opening side, and that is joined to the first vehicle framework member by heat-welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki KUROKAWA
  • Publication number: 20170137072
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a work implement and a cab positioned forward of the work implement. The cab defines a cab interior that includes a vehicle operator portion, an implement operator portion defined rearward of the vehicle operator portion, and an implement operator seat positioned in the implement operator portion that is configured to face rearward toward the work implement. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a work implement; a cab positioned forward of the work implement; a vehicle operator seat mounted within the cab that faces a front of the vehicle; an implement operator seat mounted within the cab rearward of the vehicle driver seat and that faces a rear of the vehicle; and one or more controls mounted proximate the implement operator seat that are configured for operating the work implement. A system for operating a work implement also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy E. Hendricks, Philip L. Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20170137073
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a front spoiler with at least one spoiler lip made available in a front area of the vehicle and a spoiler lip drive by means of which the at least one spoiler lip may be displaced such that the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle can be changed in the front area by displacement of the at least one spoiler lip, wherein the spoiler lip drive of the at least one spoiler lip is electro-mechanical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ludwig Huber, Andreas Schmitt, Peter Dill
  • Publication number: 20170137074
    Abstract: A front air dam assembly for a vehicle includes a translatable front air deflecting panel for altering an airflow beneath the vehicle, a deploying mechanism for translating the front air deflecting panel between a raised position and one or more deployed positions, and a rapid raising mechanism for rapidly raising the front air deflecting panel from the one or more deployed positions. A controller in operative communication with the deploying mechanism and the rapid raising mechanism controls the operation thereof. At least one sensor is included for sending a signal indicative of a road or vehicle condition to the controller. A locking mechanism under the control of the controller is provided for locking the front air deflector panel in the raised or the one or more deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Daniel Mark Schaffer, Christopher James Hocking
  • Publication number: 20170137075
    Abstract: An active side panel assembly having at least one deployable panel(22) and at least one actuator (30). The deployable panel deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides valuable reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract so the vehicle can still meet ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The active side panel provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews