Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a sidewall portion includes a plurality of projecting portions projecting in a tire width-direction. The projecting portions are placed such that at least portions of the projecting portions are superposed on a first block in a tire radial-direction as viewed in the tire width-direction. At least one of the projecting portions includes an opening which is separated from both end edges of the projecting portion in a tire circumferential-direction. A center position of the opening in the tire circumferential-direction is deviated from a center position of the projecting portion in the tire circumferential-direction.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a sidewall portion includes a plurality of projecting portions projecting in a tire width-direction. The projecting portions are placed such that at least portions of the projecting portions are superposed on a first block in a tire radial-direction as viewed in the tire width-direction. At least one of the projecting portions includes an opening which is separated from at least one of end edges of the projecting portions in the tire radial-direction. The opening includes a radial bottom curved surface having an arc cross section extending along the tire radial-direction. A radius of curvature of the radial bottom curved surface is equal to or greater than a maximum depth size of the opening.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a sidewall portion includes a plurality of projecting portions projecting in a tire width-direction. The projecting portions are placed such that at least portions of the projecting portions are superposed on a first block in a tire radial-direction as viewed in the tire width-direction. At least one of the projecting portions includes an opening. The opening is placed in a portion of the projecting portion which most projects in the tire width-direction.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, at least one of plurality of projecting portions includes at least one opening. At least one of the projecting portions is divided into an inner region placed on the inner side in a tire radial-direction and an outer region placed on the outer side in the tire radial-direction with respect to a position of an outer end of a belt play in a tire width-direction, the belt play placed on the innermost side in the tire radial-direction. A depth of the opening in the inner region is different from a depth of the opening in the outer region.

Abstract: In one general aspect, the present disclosure provides a bead-apex assembly for a vehicle tire. The bead-apex assembly may include a bead with an outer diameter surface, and an apex with a first layer and a second layer, the first layer having an inner diameter located adjacent to the outer diameter surface of the bead, and the second layer having an inner diameter located adjacent to an outer diameter of the first layer.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce skidding of a vehicle tire on the road surface, creates a vacuum between the tire and the road surface when the wheels slip, especially during heavy braking. A number of conduits are attached to the inner side of the tire, each of them extended from a hole in the rim to some of the tread voids. A vacuum head is placed in contact with the rim and sweeps the perforated part of the rim as the wheel rotates. The vacuum head sucks air from the only voids which are precisely in the road contact area, through some of the conduits. A special tread pattern closes off these voids with respect to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A noise damper, noise attenuation device, and tire and noise damper assembly are disclosed. The noise damper, noise attenuation device, and tire and noise damper assembly mitigate sound produced by a moving tire. The noise damper and noise attenuation device fit within a tire cavity and expand in reaction to a stimulus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for optimizing the performance of bicycle-type wheels and wheel components. One example includes the manufacture, arrangement, and assembly of rims, tires, tubes and/or other components in a manner that results in an optimal smooth rotation with little or close to no oscillation and/or yaw by controlling, marking, and aligning the heavy spots inherently created during the production of such components. Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for monitoring and alerting a user to imbalance of a wheel system, a rotational weight shifting wheel, and a valve-less tire.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a fail-safe device, a tire pressure measurement system, a vehicle, a tire, a method and a computer program for monitoring a first sensor of a tire pressure monitoring system. The fail-safe device includes a first input for a first signal from the first sensor. The first signal indicates a first physical quantity. The fail-safe device includes a second input for a second signal from a second sensor. The second signal indicates a second physical quantity. The fail-safe device further includes a control module to verify the first signal based on the second signal and a physical relation between the first and the second physical quantities.

Abstract: A system for tire inflation including a drive mechanism defining a rotational axis, including an eccentric mass that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis along a radial vector; a pump arranged radially distal the rotational axis of the drive mechanism, including a chamber defining a chamber lumen, and a reciprocating element arranged at least partially within the chamber lumen and translatable along a pump axis; a drive coupler coupled between the drive mechanism at a first position and the reciprocating element at a second position fixed to the reciprocating element; a torque regulation mechanism; and a controller, communicatively coupled to the torque regulation mechanism; wherein the system is operable between at least a first mode and a second mode by the torque regulation mechanism in cooperation with the controller.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus securable within a slot of a slotted receiver includes a pedestal, a safety chain connector and a locking member pivotally connected to the safety chain connector. A vertical bore extends through the pedestal and two legs depend from the pedestal body on opposite sides of the bore. Each leg is narrower in width than a width of the slot so that the legs may be inserted widthwise into the slot to prevent the pedestal from rotating in the slot. The safety chain connector includes a bail and a downwardly extending latching member extending through the bore in the pedestal and is rotatable relative to the base to rotate the latching member into engagement with the slotted receiver whereupon the locking member pivots into engagement with the pedestal preventing rotation of the safety chain connector out of latching engagement with the slotted receiver.

Abstract: A method for hitching a rolled wagon or cargo system to a standard vehicle hitch allowing for the quick connection and securing to the transport vehicle. Used exclusively for a wagon or cargo load capable of raising the load itself before having the load lowered on the hitch receiver assembly. Conversely the hitch allows for the quick disconnect and unhitching from the transport vehicle by simply having the load lift itself off of the hitch to be disconnected.

Abstract: An adapter block for mounting accessory equipment to a tow hook. The adapter block comprises a top face and a bottom face disposed opposite the top face and lateral sides. The front side of the adapter block having uniform surfaces extending between the top and bottom faces, the lateral sides having a first thickness, wherein the bottom face includes a recess extending toward the top face, and the recess having a second thickness less than the first thickness and being contoured to receive at least a portion of the tow hook in a mating engagement. The first and second through-passages extend between the bottom face, and the top face are configured to receive a fastener that couples the tow hook within the recess.

Abstract: A dual-mode, adjustable wheel-span vehicle includes at least two pairs of rail wheels for use on rails, wherein some or all of the at least two pairs of rail wheels are adjustable in a distance between a pair of the rail wheels such that the at least two pairs of rail wheels can work with different rail gauges; a mechanism for adjusting a span of the at least two pairs of rail wheels; and at least two pairs of tire wheels for regular roadways. A transportation system for the vehicles includes a rail freeway network having electric power supply lines, sensors to get local information, signals to show system status, and a central computer for system controls; and a plurality of entry and exit ramps for the vehicles to enter or exit the rail freeway network, wherein the entry and exit ramps includes an overhead and/or underneath ramp.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A safe, easy to control, efficient, and compact flying car configuration is enabled through the combination of multiple vertical lift rotors, and a thrust propellers which is placed on the center of lower frame of the vehicle. The vertical lift rotors, permits a balancing of the center of lift with the center of gravity for both vertical and horizontal flight whereas the propeller help to steer the vehicle in air. This multiple rotor system has the ability to tolerate a relatively large variation of the payload weight for hover, transition, or cruise flight while also providing vertical thrust redundancy. The passengers are safe inside the vehicle as the rotors and the propeller are surrounded by a thick frame around them. This rotors provide a controlled thrust for a specific lift range.

Abstract: A suspension arm includes: a vibration-proof bush including tubular fittings, a tubular elastic member formed on an outer periphery of the tubular fittings, and a resin band that is wound around an outer peripheral surface of the tubular elastic member and imparts a pre-compression in a radial direction of the tubular elastic member; and a resin arm fixed to the vibration-proof bush by integrally forming a resin material so as to surround the outer periphery of the vibration-proof bush.

Abstract: To provide a suspension arm (1), in which a flange switching portion (100) where an outward flange (90) and a second inward flange (82) are switched with each other is provided between the second inward flange (82) extending at least between an inner wall (53) of a second vehicle-body attachment portion (A2) and a concave wall portion (81), and the outward flange (90) extending over the concave wall portion (81) of a third vertical wall (80) and a rear wall (42) of a first vehicle-body attachment portion (A1), corresponding to a portion where a lower end of the concave wall portion (81) is suspended downward without folding the lower end of the concave wall portion (81).

Abstract: A suspension device includes: a spring provided between an upper member and a lower member; a motor provided in juxtaposition with the spring to generate power in accordance with a speed at which a movable shaft is operated, the movable shaft being movable in accordance with operations of the upper member and the lower member in an expansion-contraction direction of the spring; a power consumption circuit including a variable load circuit, the variable load circuit being configured to generate a damping force in the motor by consuming the power generated in the motor and to change the damping force; and an electronic control unit configured to control the variable load circuit such that consumed power by the variable load circuit is increased along with an increase in a speed of the movable shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle walking beam assembly includes a support beam and a mount member configured to rotatably mount the support beam on the chassis. A gear assembly with a gear train and a gear housing is supported by the support beam. The gear train includes a gear with a first journal surface, and the housing includes a second journal surface. The walking beam assembly additionally includes an input drive assembly that delivers input torque from the engine to the gear train. Moreover, the walking beam assembly includes a reaction member connected to one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train. The reaction member is configured to transfer a reaction force between the chassis and the one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train as the first journal surface journals on the second journal surface.

Abstract: A walking beam assembly includes a support beam and a mount member configured to mount the support beam on a vehicle chassis. Furthermore, the assembly includes a gear assembly that is supported proximate an end of the support beam. The gear assembly includes a gear train and a gear housing. The gear train is operably coupled to a wheel hub. The gear housing substantially encloses the gear train. Moreover, the walking beam assembly includes an input drive assembly with at least one movable part configured to deliver an input torque from the vehicle engine to the gear train. The input drive assembly includes an input drive housing that substantially encloses the at least one movable part. The input drive housing is attached to the gear housing such that an interior of the input drive housing is in fluid communication an interior of the gear housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active roll stabilizer. The active roll stabilizer includes a pair of stabilizer bars installed between wheels and an actuator connected between the pair of stabilizer bars and configured to deliver a rotational force to the pair of stabilizer bars, wherein the actuator includes a motor configured to generate the rotational force; a housing located between the pair of stabilizer bars and inside which the motor is disposed; and an engagement part installed between the housing and at least one of the pair of stabilizer bars and configured to screw-couple and fix one end portion of the at least one of the pair of stabilizer bars to one inner side of the housing.

Abstract: A rear passenger seat air ventilation system for an electric vehicle includes a rigid tunnel positioned within a passenger compartment of the electric vehicle. The rigid tunnel covers a portion of a battery assembly that extends above a floor structure of the electric vehicle such that the passenger compartment is sealed from the battery assembly. The rigid tunnel defines a forward opening and a rear opening connected by a conduit extending along at least a portion of a length of the rigid tunnel. The conduit is disposed within an interior of the rigid tunnel. A center console is positioned above at least a portion of the rigid tunnel. An air supply system interfaces with the forward opening and to deliver air to the conduit. At least one air vent receives air from the conduit and deliver the air to a rear seating area of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle and a vehicle having the cooling system are disclosed. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger system with heat exchangers, and a cooling fluid management system, configured to force each of first and second cooling fluids through one or more of the multiple components of the vehicle and through one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers. The cooling fluid management system includes a single compressor configured to compress the first cooling fluid and force the first cooling fluid through at least a first and a second of the multiple components. The cooling fluid management system includes a single pump configured to force the second cooling fluid through at least a third of the multiple components.

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle includes a low-temperature circuit and a high-temperature circuit which can be operated independently of each other and in which a low-temperature cooler or a high-temperature cooler is arranged. The two cooling circuits are coupled to each other via two coupling points for the exchange of coolant, and have a common conduit section, which extends between the two coupling points and on which a heat exchanger is arranged for heating the passenger compartment. A respective heat exchanger is arranged in the two cooling circuits, namely a low-temperature heat exchanger or a high-temperature heat exchanger for receiving waste heat from a respective vehicle component. The cooling circuits can be switched between a cooling operation and a heating operation.

Abstract: Provided is a damper opening/closing mechanism of a vehicle air-conditioning device, the damper opening/closing mechanism being configured such that a pin (28) of a damper lever (26) is fitted in a cam groove (24) of a link plate (22) rotatably driven by a stepping motor and that a damper (19) is opened/closed through the damper lever (26) rotated by rotation of the link plate (22). One end portion of the cam groove (24) for reference positioning of the stepping motor is in such a shape that a connection surface (32) not contacting an outer peripheral surface of the pin (28) connects between the point of contact of the outer periphery of the pin (28) with one end surface of the cam groove (24) and the point with a side wall surface (24A) of the cam groove (24) when the damper (19) is in a closed state.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for starting-up a vehicle air-conditioning system. In one aspect, a method is performed at a vehicle air-conditioning system including a blower fan, a condenser fan, and a compressor electrically coupled to a battery system. The method includes: (1) starting the blower fan; (2) after starting the blower fan, measuring a first current drawn from the battery system, the first current indicative of current drawn by the blower fan; (3) in accordance with a determination that the first current meets predefined criteria, starting the condenser fan; (4) after starting the condenser fan, measuring a second current drawn from the battery system, where the difference between the second current and the first current is indicative of current drawn by the condenser fan; and (5) in accordance with a determination that the second current meets predefined second criteria, starting the compressor.

Abstract: An electric heating device having a housing with a fluid inlet and with a fluid outlet, wherein the housing can be flowed through by a fluid, and wherein a number of heating elements protrude into the interior of the housing, wherein the heating elements have a heating element housing, and wherein a heating element has at least one heater in the heating element housing and the at least one heater has contacting contact elements and an electrical insulation for insulating the contact elements from the heating element housing, wherein the heating elements are sealingly connected with their heating element housing to the housing, wherein the heater of the heating elements are arranged in a geometrical configuration between the contact elements.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for an open motorized vehicle can include a cab assembly defining an interior volume, the cab assembly includes an enclosed frame configured to be attached to an open vehicle, and an air conditioning unit positioned at least partially within the cab assembly, the air conditioning unit being configured to deliver conditioned air to the interior volume of the cab assembly.

Abstract: A riding vehicle is provided with a downdraft fan assembly mounted on a vehicle roll bar for providing a flow of ambient air over the vehicle operator and a canopy carried by the fan assembly and providing solar and precipitation protection for the operator.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a climate control system includes a power delivery system configured to be driven by a motor of a vehicle and having a first power output that selectively provides power based on a control signal and a second power output that provides power to the vehicle, an air conditioner configured to be at least partly powered by the first electrical output and having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, an evaporator configured to expand the refrigerant, a first blower configured to direct air across the evaporator, and a second blower configured to direct air across a heat exchanger, and a load management controller configured to operate the air conditioner and the first control signal based on an operator parameter and one or more vehicle parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicular heat pump system and, more specifically, to a vehicular heat pump system having a chiller for heat exchanging cooling water circulating through vehicle electrical equipment (200), a refrigerant discharged from an outdoor heat exchanger so as to flow through a first bypass line (R1), and a refrigerant discharged from an indoor heat exchanger, thereby: in the air conditioner mode, increasing sub-cool while the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger is first cooled at the chiller and then is second cooled at the outdoor heat exchanger such that the flow rate of refrigerants increases and cooling performance is improved; in the heat pump mode, allowing the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger to ensure sub-cool in the chiller so as to increase the flow rate of refrigerants, and allowing the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger to receive an additional heating source from the chiller so as to improve heating performance;

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an inside camera capturing images of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. An outside camera captures images of an environment outside of the motor vehicle. A movable sunblock device blocks sunlight from impinging upon a portion of the passenger compartment. An electrically powered actuator is coupled to the sunblock device and moves the sunblock device. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to each of the inside camera, the outside camera, and the actuator. The electronic processor receives images captured by each of the inside camera and the outside camera. The electronic processor transmits control signals to the actuator dependent upon the images captured by each of the inside camera and the outside camera.

Abstract: Embodiments for environmental control of a vehicle by a processor. An environmental change in the vehicle is predictively anticipated by monitoring at least one environmental factor over time. In response to the predicted environmental change, a physical change is caused in a constituent portion of an assembly inclusive of an external surface of the vehicle, which when activated compensates for the predicted environmental change.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door panel and a door trim panel comprising a shaped pelvic load path energy-absorbing feature disposed on a door panel-facing surface of the door trim panel. The shaped pelvic load path energy-absorbing feature is defined by a plurality of stepped surfaces, which in turn may define as various cross-sectional shapes for the shaped pelvic load path energy-absorbing feature.

Abstract: An installation base member couples to an opening of an automobile body and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. A hollow seal member includes a first base root and a second base root which extend from an outer-cabin side wall of the installation base member. The hollow seal member in cross section protrudes from the first base root outwardly to a first turning point, curves toward a base root of the flange and connects with the second base root. A side of the first base root includes solid (dense) material. An interval between the first and the second base roots includes sponge material. A first border between the solid (dense) material of the side of the first base root and the sponge material is closer to an exterior of the automobile than the first turning point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disposing a cover over an automobile. The apparatus is placed on the highest portion of a vehicle and then activated by either actuating an app on a mobile device or by actuating the apparatus itself. The apparatus then raises a shell and exposes a cover that is disposed about a rotating body. A motor disposed within the apparatus then begins to spin the rotating body which expands the cover out over the vehicle. Once fully deployed, the user may secure the cover to the vehicle. To retract the cover, the user releases the cover from the vehicle and then activates the apparatus to spin the rotating body in the opposing direction which draws the cover back into the apparatus. The apparatus may be powered by a plurality of batteries or recharged by the sun via a solar panel disposed within the surface of the apparatus.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a front control tower provided forwardly of a driver's seat, a battery accommodated inside the front control tower, and a bottom member that provides a bottom of the front control tower. The battery is mounted on the bottom member.

Abstract: A case structure of a power equipment unit, which accommodates a power equipment mounted in a vehicle and is disposed in a power equipment unit accommodating part provided on a floor panel, includes: a case body having an upper portion opened to accommodate the power equipment; a lid member which covers the upper portion of the case body; and a cover member which is attached to the lid member and covers at least an opening part formed in the lid member. The cover member has an intake port which takes in air from outside, and a levee wall is provided in front of the intake port.

Abstract: A case structure of a power equipment unit includes: a case body having an upper portion opened to accommodate a power equipment; a lid member which covers the upper portion of the case body; and a cover member which is attached to the lid member and covers at least a first opening part formed in the lid member. The cover member has an intake port, the lid member has a second opening part which is provided with a maintenance/inspection plug of the power equipment so as to be adjacent to the first opening part, a space part is formed between the cover member and the lid member, the space part has a drain passage for discharging liquid to the outside, and the second opening part and the drain passage are located opposite to each other with the first opening part interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A mounting system for an electric vehicle includes a front cross beam extending from a right side of a passenger compartment of the electric vehicle to a left side of the passenger compartment. The mounting system includes a rear cross beam extending from the right side to the left side. An underside of each of the front cross beam and the rear cross beam defines a plurality of mounting features configured for mounting a battery assembly to an underside of the electric vehicle. A plurality of seat rails extend across and mounted to the front cross beam and the rear cross beam, the plurality of seat rails being configured for mounting seats within the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A mounting system for an electric vehicle includes a floor structure of the electric vehicle and a rear cross beam mounted to the floor structure and extending from a right side of a passenger compartment of the electric vehicle to a left side of the passenger compartment. An underside of the rear cross beam defines a plurality of mounting features configured for mounting a battery assembly to an underside of the electric vehicle. The rear cross beam defines an interior comprising a plurality of ribs extending along a length of the rear cross beam.

Abstract: A rear impact system for an electric vehicle, the rear impact system includes a rear crash element extending laterally along a rear of the electric vehicle. The rear crash element defines an interior having a number of ribs extending between a front surface and a rear surface of the rear crash element. The system includes a left crash beam coupled between a rear portion of a rear wheel arch of the electric vehicle and the rear crash element of the electric vehicle and a right crash beam coupled between the rear portion of the rear wheel arch and the rear crash element of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically-driven vehicle includes a high-capacity battery unit and a high-output battery unit, both of which supply electric power to rotating electric machines, and a charging inlet serving as a charging port of an external power supply. The high-capacity battery unit receives more charge power from the charging inlet than the high-output battery unit and is positioned nearer to the charging inlet than the high-output battery unit is to the charging inlet. In this way, an electric power loss increase caused by a wiring resistance during an external charge can be suppressed in a plug-in type electrically-driven vehicle, which is chargeable by an external power supply.

Abstract: An off-highway vehicle is provided with a frame, a plurality of wheels, a seat, a drive source and a drivetrain. The frame has a longitudinal center plane dividing the frame into first and second lateral sides. The seat and the drive source are primarily located on opposite lateral sides of the frame. The drive source has an output shaft oriented in a vehicle widthwise direction. The output shaft is arranged forward of a rearmost end of the seat and rearward of a frontmost end of the seat as viewed in a top plan view. The output shaft and an axle of a drive wheel are located on different axes. The drivetrain operatively couples the output shaft to the axle to transmit a drive force from the output shaft to the axle.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an off-road vehicle comprising a frame, including at least one cargo box support member, a suspension movably coupled to the frame, a passenger compartment, an engine, a transmission operatively coupled to the engine, and a cargo box. The cargo box includes a floor and a plurality of upwardly extending sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the cargo box floor extends over the at least one cargo box support member and wherein the cargo box is removably coupled to the at least one cargo box support members and is removable from the off-road vehicle via the removal of fewer than eight fasteners.

Abstract: A structure of a powertrain for a vehicle according to the present invention includes: a first clutch connecting or disconnecting power from an engine; a driving motor disposed between the first clutch and a transmission, including a stator and a rotor, and having a recess, such that a center of a side of the rotor that faces the first clutch concaves toward the transmission; and an actuator at least partially inserted in the recess to operate the first clutch.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus of a hybrid electric vehicle includes an input device including four input shafts disposed with several input gears, torque converting device including a planetary gear set having rotation elements connected with the input shafts, and a shifting output device for shifting torques received from the input shafts and outputting the shifted torque.

Abstract: A wheel rim for motor vehicles driven with wheel hub motors has a wheel rim base, an outer and an inner wheel rim flange, and a wheel disk having a center hole, attachment holes, and, if applicable, having spokes. At least a part of the rotor housing of a wheel hub motor forms at least a part of the wheel rim.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly for a motor vehicle and brake has an engine cartridge with a stator connected to an engine casing. The engine cartridge also has a rotor connected to a wheel shaft. The assembly also has a disc of a disc brake connected to the wheel shaft. The assembly also has a disc brake caliper arranged astride the disc and connected to the engine casing.