Abstract: A method for controlling a synchronizer of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises an engine unit, a transmission unit configured to selectively couple with the engine unit and to couple with at least one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, a synchronizer configured to adjust a power transmission between the transmission unit and the wheels. The method comprises acquiring an operation mode and operation parameters of the vehicle and controlling the synchronizer to adjust the power transmission between the transmission unit and the wheels based on the operation parameters. A vehicle including a controller configured to control the synchronizer according to the method is also provided. The vehicle further includes a first motor generator configured to adjust a rotating speed of the synchronizer according to a speed of the vehicle, and a second motor generator configured to drive at least one of wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle driving device including an internal combustion engine as a driving force source for a wheel and a transmission apparatus, wherein the transmission apparatus includes a transmission shift input member drivably coupled to the internal combustion engine, a transmission shift output member drivably coupled to the wheel, and a transmission mechanism having a plurality of engagement devices and selectively forming a plurality of transmission shift stages having different transmission shift ratios depending on engagement states of the plurality of engagement devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle driving system in which quick response and improvement in fuel economy are compatible. A hybrid vehicle driving system 1 of the invention includes a cylinder deactivated operation necessity determination unit for determining the necessity of a cylinder deactivated operation of an engine 6 when a required driving force required on a vehicle is smaller than a driving force of the engine 6 that runs in the cylinder deactivated operation. When the cylinder deactivated operation is determined to be unnecessary by the cylinder deactivated operation necessity determination unit, the vehicle can be driven in an EV driving by disengaging a first clutch 41 and a second clutch 42, whereas when the cylinder deactivated operation is determined to be necessary by the cylinder deactivated operation necessity determination unit, the engine 6 runs in the cylinder deactivated operation and at least one of the first clutch 42 and the second clutch 42 is engaged.

Abstract: An inverter power module: selectively applies power from a battery to a permanent magnet (PM) electric motor; and selectively provides power output by the PM electric motor for the battery. A switch, when open, prevents power flow the inverter power module from the battery, and, when closed, enables power flow between the inverter power module and the battery. An adjustment module determines an SOC adjustment based on at least one of a vehicle speed and a temperature of the battery. A maximum module receives a first maximum SOC of the battery and that determines a second maximum SOC of the battery based on the first maximum SOC and the SOC adjustment. A clutch control module disengages a clutch, decoupling the PM electric motor from a transmission, when the switch is stuck closed and an SOC of the battery is greater than the second maximum SOC.

Abstract: A device and a method for assisting an automatic/automated maneuvering process, such as a parking maneuver, of a motor vehicle. The automated maneuvering assistance system plans a movement path for the vehicle, determines a recommended position outside of the vehicle from which a vehicle operator can effectively visually monitor the vehicle following the movement path; and communicates the recommended position to the operator. The recommend monitoring position may be communicated to the operator by the vehicle lights, such as by projecting a light beam onto a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle at the recommended position, or by transmitting data identifying the recommended position to a wireless communication device operated by the operator. Initiation of the movement of the vehicle along the path may require a confirmation that the operator is in the recommended position.

Abstract: A self-driving car includes a vehicle body; wheels mounted on the vehicle body for moving the car; brakes mounted on the vehicle body for stopping the wheels; a steering apparatus connected between the vehicle body and at least some of the wheels for steering the wheels; sensors configured to detect environmental parameters; and a processor that is configured to facilitate at least an autonomous parking module for controlling the wheels, brakes, and steering apparatus. The processor is further configured as part of the autonomous parking module to scan the surroundings of the self-driving car, using at least one of the sensors, in order to detect a road hazard proximate a door of the self-driving car.

Abstract: A driver assist system for a vehicle includes a camera, a receiver and a control. The camera has a field of view exterior of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The receiver is operable to receive a wireless communication from a communication device disposed at another vehicle. The control includes a data processor that processes captured image data to detect objects. The wireless communication includes a car-to-car communication. The driver assist system, responsive at least in part to processing by the data processor of captured image data and to the wireless communication received by the receiver, determines a potential hazard existing in a forward path of travel of the equipped vehicle. The control, responsive at least in part to such determination, controls at least one vehicle function of the equipped vehicle to mitigate the potential hazard in the forward path of travel of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for automatically adjusting a speed of a vehicle capable of allowing the vehicle to arrive at a destination within a time desired by a driver in consideration of a desired arrival time to the destination, a distance to the destination, a current traffic volume, or the like. A method for adjusting a speed of a vehicle in a system for adjusting a speed of a vehicle may include a driver of the vehicle setting a destination, and the system for adjusting a speed of a vehicle searching a path to the destination and calculating a distance to the destination and a current traffic volume to calculate an arrival time to the destination. The method may further include the driver setting a desired arrival time to the destination, and the system for adjusting a speed of a vehicle deciding whether or not the vehicle arrives at the destination within the desired arrival time.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle power train that includes a heat engine connected to the transmission of the vehicle by a clutch controlled between an open position and a closed position of the transmission by a computer of the transmission exchanging information with a computer of the heat engine. The method includes sending, in order to shut down the engine before the clutch is opened when the vehicle is in motion, the kinematic chain being closed and the injection interrupted, a message from the computer of the transmission to the computer of the engine at a first moment in time so as to synchronize an opening of the clutch and the closure of an air flap of the engine at a second moment in time subsequent to the first moment.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a user interface device and an autonomous mode controller. The user interface device receives a user input representing a driving mode selection. The autonomous mode controller commands one or more vehicle subsystems to operate in accordance with characteristics associated with the driving mode selection. Examples of characteristics can include how aggressively the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a minimum distance from the vehicle to a front vehicle, or how frequently the vehicle changes lanes, among others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a vehicle powertrain (3). The vehicle powertrain (3) includes a transmission (27), a launch control clutch (31), and a transfer case (39) selectively operable in a high range and a low range. The control system includes a monitor (53, 55) for monitoring one or more operating parameters of the launch control clutch (31) and/or the transmission (27). The control system comprises a controller (49) configured, in dependence on said monitoring means determining that said one or more operating parameters are above a predefined operating threshold or outside a predefined operating range, to output a notification to the user to select said low range; and/or to output a transfer case control signal to the transfer case (39) automatically to select said low range.

Abstract: The invention provides a power storage system of a hybrid vehicle in which a battery can be charged with electric power supplied from an external power supply. The power storage system includes an engine heater and a battery heater, a DC/DC converter that converts a voltage of input power and outputs the power to the engine heater and the battery heater, respectively, a charger connected to the external power supply and operable to outputs power supplied from the external power battery to the battery and the DC/DC converter, and a controller that performs external charge control for charging the battery with power supplied from the external power supply, and temperature regulation control for raising the temperatures of the engine and the battery, by supplying power from the external power supply to the engine heater and the battery heater via the DC/DC converter, until the external charge control ends.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which ambient data related to a vehicle is sensed and processed, for use in determining a state change related to external traffic awareness. Based upon the state change, an allowed level of interactivity with a user interface may be changed, and/or a notification may be output. Images and/or depth data may be sensed as part of determining whether a user who is interacting with a device in a stopped vehicle is to be made aware of the changed condition with respect to other vehicles, pedestrians and/or the like.

Abstract: A system and method may monitor the biometric data of an operator in real time or near real time. Low cost electronic devices may monitor operator vital signs and biometric data allowing the system to determine stress levels, hydration levels, possible illness, body or blood chemical levels, incapacitation risks, and other biometric parameters of the operator, and proactively notify the operator, others aboard the vehicle, the vehicle control systems, or ground control to take responsive action. Industrial electronics may enable the system to monitor ambient workspace temperature, pressure, oxygen levels, and other environmental parameters, offering the system an additional second source of information to detect and address factors affecting the capacity of the operator. The system may further compare biometric and ambient parameters to archived operator, ambient, location, route, or vehicle performance data to determine and respond to long-term data patterns.

Abstract: An actuator system for a vehicle is described that includes a first steering actuator, operated on a first on-board network of the vehicle, a first steering actuator control unit, operated on the first on-board network, for controlling the first steering actuator, and a second steering actuator, operated on a second on-board network of the vehicle that is designed to be redundant in relation to the first on-board network. In addition, the actuator system includes a brake actuator device, operated on the second on-board network of the vehicle, having a brake actuator and a brake actuator control unit for controlling the brake actuator. The brake actuator device includes in addition a second steering actuator control unit, operated on the second on-board network of the vehicle, for controlling the second steering actuator.

Abstract: A control system of a vehicle includes a network, a first control module, and a second control module. The first control module measures a voltage of a battery of the vehicle and supplies power from the battery to an actuator of the vehicle based on commands received via the network. The second control module is external to the first control module, transmits the commands to the first control module via the network, and, in response to diagnosing a loss of communication with the first control module, controls an alternator of the vehicle to increase the voltage of the battery. In response to diagnosing a loss of communication with the second control module, the first control module supplies power to the actuator based on predetermined data stored in the first control module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vehicle mode scheduling with learned user preferences include monitoring vehicle data when a vehicle changes from a first mode to a second mode. The method also includes analyzing the vehicle data to identify a preference for the second mode during a driving context. Additionally, the method includes generating a recommendation on whether to switch to the second mode while traversing a route based on the vehicle data, and the driving context, and presenting the recommendation to the driver.

Abstract: An arrangement for facilitating handover to and from an automated autonomous driving aid system of a vehicle comprises a lane marking detecting unit, a steering control driving aid system for performing steering in response to detected lane markings, a positioning system for determining a current position and a current heading direction, an alert signal arrangement for selectively providing an alert signal, and a communication arrangement for communicating with a database comprising data indicative of an incapability of performing automated steering at a portion of a road ahead. The communication arrangement is configured to receive the data from the database and configured to provide an alert signal in case the data indicates an incapability of performing an automated steering at an upcoming road portion.

Abstract: Position information of a vehicle 100 and feature amounts of driving operations by a driver are acquired as triggered by occurrence of switching from an automatic driving mode to a manual driving mode, and a driving operation to be corrected in the automatic driving mode and a correction amount thereof, are determined from these feature amounts. A driving operation in the automatic driving mode is corrected using the determination result, so that the vehicle 100 is controlled in the automatic driving mode in which the corrected driving operation is included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable stiffness positioning device for a railway vehicle bogie axle box. The variable stiffness positioning device includes a vertical elastomer arranged between the top face of an axle box bearing saddle and the bottom surface of a guide frame of a side fame, and a longitudinal elastomer arranged between the axle box bearing saddle and the front and back side faces of the guide frame of the side fame, the longitudinal elastomer is provided with at least one small-stiffness elastic element and a large-stiffness elastic element, and the small-stiffness elastic element is arranged in an elastomer pre-compression device and is serially arranged with the large-stiffness elastic element under the action of a pre-compression load F1.

Abstract: A running gear frame for a rail vehicle, comprising a frame body. The frame body comprises two longitudinal beams and a transverse beam unit providing a structural connection between the longitudinal beams, such that a substantially H-shaped configuration is formed. Each longitudinal beam has a free end section forming a primary suspension interface. Each longitudinal beam has a pivot interface section associated to the free end section and forming a pivot interface for a pivot arm. Each longitudinal beam has an angled section associated to the free end section, the angled section being arranged such that the free end section forms a pillar section. The pivot interface section is integrated into to the angled section and the frame body is formed as a monolithically cast component made of a grey cast iron material.

Abstract: This traveling bogie is provided with: steered wheels; a main body for supporting the steered wheels; a guide device turning when subjected to a reaction force from a guide rail; a steering mechanism for applying a steering force to the steered wheels utilizing the reaction force applied to the guide device; and an assist mechanism for applying an assist steering force to the steered wheels, the assist steering force assisting the steering force applied by the steering mechanism. The assist mechanism is provided with: a first operation arm pivoting together with the steered wheels in the direction in which the steered wheels are steered; a second operation arm rotating about a rotation axis relative to the main body in response to the turning of the guide device; and an elastically deformable section connected to the first operation arm and the second operation arm and elastically deformable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a front suspension system having overload protection. The system comprises a mounting seat, a centering device, a support device used for supporting a coupling buffer and a coupling end pin, wherein the mounting seat is connected to a railway vehicle body, and the centering device and the support device are both installed on the mounting seat. The system further has a coupling connection seat and an overload protection element, wherein the coupling connection seat comprises a base and a coupling connection part connected as one with the base. The base is connected to a rear face of the mounting seat by means of the overload protection element. The coupling connection part passes through a through hole provided in the middle of the mounting seat and is connected with the coupling buffer by means of the coupling end pin. The coupling connection part is closely fitted with the through hole. The front suspension system has a simple structure and is lightweight.

Abstract: A railroad vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle units, a cable, and a disconnector. In the plurality of vehicle units respective vehicles are coupled. The cable is placed astride the vehicles to connect the power supply unit of each vehicle unit. The disconnector is installed at some midpoint in the cable and electrically separates the vehicle units from one another.

Abstract: An aerial system and method use a distance sensor to measure spatial distances between the distance sensor and plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the vehicles operably coupled with each other during relative movement between the distance sensor and the vehicle system. The spatial distances measured by the distance sensor are used to determine a size parameter of the vehicle system based on the spatial distances that are measured.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided and includes a steering column shaft and a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. A disengagement assembly selectively couples a steering column telescope lead screw to the column adjustment assembly. The disengagement assembly is configured to selectively disengage the telescope lead screw from the column adjustment assembly to facilitate manual movement of the steering column shaft between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steering column including a mounting bracket, a housing rotated in upward and downward directions relative to the mounting bracket, an inner tube installed in a hollow of the housing so as to be axially extensible and contractible, an operating lever installed to the mounting bracket and an adjustment bolt passing through the housing so as to be tightened and released, a telescopic assembly including a fixed gear installed on the inner tube and a movable gear engaged with the fixed gear depending on axial movement of the adjustment bolt, and a bending plate provided between the inner tube and the fixed gear.

Abstract: An adjustable handlebar riser assembly has an outer member, an inner member, a pin, a retainer member and a locking member. The inner member and the outer member have mating flat-bottom V-shaped faces. The inner member slides at least in part within the outer member. Each of the outer and inner members has at least one aperture through their flat-bottom V-shaped faces. The pin is inserted in an aperture of the outer member and in an aperture of the inner member. The retaining member is connected to the pin at one end while the locking member is connected to an opposed end of the pin. The locking member can exert a tension on the pin, pressing the outer member onto the inner member for locking these members at a selected position relative to one another.

Abstract: A shaft for a steering system of a motor vehicle may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube that can be telescoped relative to the outer tube. The inner tube may be guided fixedly in the outer tube so as to rotate with the outer tube in order to transmit torque. An inner end of the inner tube may be received in the outer tube. The shaft may further include a pull-out protection mechanism for impeding the inner tube from being pulled out of the outer tube. The pull-out protection mechanism may be disposed at the inner end of the inner tube and may include at least one sprung blocking element for impeding the pulling of the inner tube out of the outer tube in a positively locking manner.

Abstract: A shaft comprises two parts. One of these two parts is tube-shaped, and the other is pushed into the tube-shaped part along a main axis. The two parts are fixed to each other for rotation about the main axis and connected to each other in a gliding way along the main axis, by a spline provided between the two parts. One of the two parts comprises a plurality of elongated teeth which are parallel to the main axis and whose cross-sections decrease from the first part towards the second part. Intermediate spaces between neighboring teeth are at least as broad as the teeth. The other of the two parts, at its circumference facing the first part, is made of plastically deformable plastic material, and a counter-profile into which the teeth engage is pressed in the plastic material by intrusion of the teeth during assembly of the two parts.

Abstract: A power steering system is provided with a communicating hole and yet ensures the strength of a housing. Space between the housing and a wheel turning shaft is divided into two. Space located on one axial side of the bearing supporting a nut and the plurality of balls disposed in the nut is a first chamber, and space located on the other side is a second chamber. The communicating hole allowing communication between the first and second chambers is formed in the nut to open in the nut-side ball screw groove, avoiding a region in which the balls circulate, or in a member disposed radially further outside than the nut and radially inside than the inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: A steering device includes tie rods connected to right and left wheels, and rack bars connected to the respective tie rods. The steering device is capable of simultaneously steering the right and left wheels to the right or left of the vehicle, by moving the rack bars to the right or left. A rack bar moving arrangement is provided which is capable of moving the rack bars in opposite directions by the same distance, and rack teeth are arranged along the opposite directions. The rack bar moving arrangement includes a synchronizing gear in mesh with the rack bars, and is configured to convert the movement of one of the rack bars in one of the opposite directions to the movement of the other of the rack bars in the other opposite direction, thereby steering the wheels in opposite directions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body frame, an engine, a transmission, an injector, an engine controller, and a transmission controller. The body frame supports three or more wheels. The engine is attached to the body frame. The transmission is attached to the body frame and changes a torque from the engine and outputs a resulting torque. The injector is disposed on or above the engine, and supplies fuel to the engine. The transmission controller is configured or programmed to control a gear position of the transmission. The engine controller and the transmission controller are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly for a steering system in a vehicle is described. The system includes a shaft rotatable in response to a steering input, a clutch that includes a brake member rotatable with the shaft and a reaction member, and an electromagnetic actuator that is selectively actuated to selectively provide a force to selectively engage the brake and reaction members. When the actuator is not actuated, the force between the brake and reaction members limits or prevents rotation of the brake member relative to the reaction member. And when the actuator is actuated, the force between the brake and reaction members is reduced or removed to permit rotation of the brake member relative to the reaction member.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus including a torque sensor to detect a steering torque and a motor control unit to control a motor that applies an assist torque to a steering system of a vehicle, including a function to switch a control system of the motor between a torque control system to control a motor output torque and a position/speed control system to control a steering angle of a steering in accordance with a predetermined switching trigger, such that a fade processing switches from the torque control system to the position/speed control system or vice versa.

Abstract: To provide an electric power steering apparatus capable of suppressing a vibration of an assist torque while keeping a steering feeling. A current command value is calculated by adding a torque differential compensation value depending on a differential value of a steering torque to a basic assist current command value calculated based on the steering torque and vehicle speed. In this situation, the torque differential compensation value is calculated to be smaller when the steering speed of a steering wheel falls within a specific steering speed region in which a resonance phenomenon easily occurs due to a disturbance vibration of a steering assist torque, in comparison with when the steering speed falls outside the specific steering speed region.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to acquire first information indicating a situation of the vehicle at the time when the vehicle is traveling, and set a path for guiding the vehicle to a target position on the basis of the first information such that a variation in an inertial force in a lateral direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the vehicle is smaller than or equal to a first threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle adaptive steering control apparatus includes a front wheel steering mechanism having a right wheel steering portion and a left wheel steering portion. A left front wheel rotatably is coupled to the left wheel steering portion. A right front wheel rotatably coupled to the right wheel steering portion. A controller in electronic communication with a steer-by-wire steering wheel assembly and the front wheel steering mechanism operates the front wheel steering mechanism to turn the left front wheel and the right front wheel in accordance with Ackerman steering geometry. The controller is also configured to calculate toe angle adjustments for the right wheel steering portion relative to the left wheel steering portion and make the toe angle adjustments to right wheel steering portion and the left wheel steering portion during turning and steering movements effected by the right wheel steering portion and the left wheel steering portion.

Abstract: A steerable crawler track for an agricultural utility vehicle such as a tractor or a self-propelled harvesting machine has a left-side track roller unit, a right-side track roller unit, a differential having a transmission input driven by an engine, a first transmission output for driving the left track roller unit, and a second transmission output for driving the right track roller unit and a hydraulic transmission having a variable transmission ratio (i). The transmission outputs of the differential are coupled to one another via the hydraulic transmission such that the ratio of the rotational speeds (nl, nr) of the transmission outputs are influenced by changing the transmission ratio (i) of the hydraulic transmission.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle comprising: means for detecting a side-slope condition in which a vehicle is traversing a side-slope; and means for controlling an amount of torque applied to one or more wheels to induce a turning moment on a vehicle, the system being configured to cause a turning moment to be induced in a direction opposing side-slip of a trailing axle in a down-slope direction relative to a leading axle.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a processor programmed to control operation of the vehicle. The processor may control operation of the vehicle according to an indication of a direction of travel. The indication of direction of travel may be based on signs of data representing jerk of the vehicle. The signs of data representing jerk may be derived from acceleration and speed sensor outputs. The indication may be such that the indication is reverse in response to the signs being opposite when the vehicle is in a forward drive gear.

Abstract: A method for controlling a lane keep assist system comprises the combination of predicting that a driver may initiate a lane change without using a turn indicator switch and temporarily deactivating the lane keep assist system in response to such prediction.

Abstract: An autonomous driving vehicle is configured to enable mutual switching between an autonomous driving state and a manual driving state. The autonomous driving vehicle includes a steering wheel, and a controller configured to control mechanical linkage or electrical linkage between the steering wheel and a directional vehicle wheel so as to be cut off based on whether the autonomous driving vehicle is in the autonomous driving state or the manual driving state.

Abstract: A vehicle body has an underbody structure and an auxiliary frame fastened thereto, which supports components of a wheel axis of the vehicle. The auxiliary frame is connected to the underbody structure without interposition of elastomer bearings or the like by use of several adhesive beads. The adhesive beads are configured not only with regard to a connection that meets mechanical requirements, but in particular with regard to the thickness the adhesive beads are also configured for acoustic insulation. The auxiliary frame is additionally supported on a securing structure provided below the auxiliary frame with the interposition of an acoustic insulation layer. The securing structure is connected to the underbody structure in a force-fit or material fit manner.

Abstract: A motor vehicle front end crash-load carrying structure has at least one side rail on each side of the vehicle extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, an A-pillar extending upward from the side rail, and a reinforcement extending between the A-pillar and the side rail. The reinforcement is made up of a longitudinally-extending rear element fixed to the A-pillar and extending forward therefrom outboard of the side rail, and a transversely-extending forward element fixed to and extending inboard from a forward end of the rear element, an inboard end of the forward element abutting an outboard surface of the side rail. The rear element extends substantially parallel with a vehicle longitudinal axis and defines a concave-downward wheel arch. The rear element may include an engineered bending site adjacent to a joint between the rear element and the forward element. The reinforcement may be supported on a suspension mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell structure having a force transmission point, wherein a force transmission structure is provided on the force transmission point, wherein the force transmission structure has a fitting element comprising a fastening element, wherein the fitting element is connected to the shell structure. According to the invention, the fitting element has a contact surface having the shell structure and the contact surface can be clamped with or is clamped with the shell structure.

Abstract: A motor vehicle structure includes two left and right bell-shaped suspension element supports arranged inside a front compartment close to a bulkhead of the vehicle. The suspension element supports are respectively adjacent to side walls of the front compartment. Each of the suspension element supports includes an internal face opposite the side wall. The structure also includes left and right spacers that extend respectively between the left and right suspension element supports and the rigid cross member, in a substantially longitudinal direction. The spacers are respectively anchored to the internal faces of the two suspension element supports. The spacers each have a skirt-shaped edge that can be applied to the suspension element supports, and a folded edge extending between a free end and an opposing attachment end to be joined to the cross member. The spacers include a central portion joining the folded edge and the skirt-shaped edge together.

Abstract: A motor vehicle floor assembly includes an articulating floor body having a first panel and a second panel supported by a linkage. The linkage includes a first link connected to the first panel, a second link connected to the second panel and a first pivot connecting the first link to the second link and defining an articulation joint for the articulating floor body.

Abstract: A vehicle side impact sensing assembly includes a side impact sensor installed on a center tunnel and a bracket, for mounting the sensor, arranged on an upper end portion of the tunnel. The sensor senses a side impact load acting sideways on a body. The bracket has a substantially M-shaped section, is a member put on the upper end portion of the tunnel and includes left and right vertical-plate-like legs and a horizontal-plate-like middle portion. T legs are overlaid on and joined to left and right side surfaces or an upper surface of the tunnel. The middle portion is lower than upper ends of the legs, and overlaid on and joined to the upper surface of the tunnel. Left and right mounting portions for mounting the side impact sensor are formed between the middle portion and the upper ends of the legs.

Abstract: A vehicular sensing system, a vehicle and a method of performing one or both of vehicular mapping and navigating operations using the sensing system. The sensing system is secured to a roof or other suitable location on the vehicle and includes one or more sensors configured to acquire at least one of vehicular mapping and navigational data, a retractable mounting structure to move the sensor or sensors between a deployed and stowed position, and an aerodynamic spoiler, air dam or deflector. The body of the spoiler acts as a housing with a recess formed in its upper surface such that upon placement of the spoiler on the roof, the recess provides a location within the spoiler to permit storage of the mounting structure and sensors when they are in their deployed (non data-acquisition) mode of operation. The size and placement of the mounting structure and sensors is such that they do not detract from the aerodynamic or aesthetic qualities of the spoiler.