Patents Issued in June 21, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180170391
    Abstract: A method for determining a limit speed for driving, for a driver at a vehicle's steering wheel, includes a step of estimating a grip potential available at a given instant between a tire of the vehicle and a roadway on which a tire of the vehicle is running. The grip potential is estimated as a function of at least one of: a known influencing parameter, and a measured influencing parameter. The method also includes a step of determining a need for grip as a function of a driving situation of the vehicle and driving characteristics of the driver. The method further includes a step of determining a limit speed for driving as a function of the need for grip and the estimated grip potential. By virtue of the limit speed for driving, it is possible to prevent exceeding an estimate grip potential available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: MARC DUVERNIER, ANTOINE PATURLE, BENJAMIN LEVRARD, JEAN-LOUIS LINDA
  • Publication number: 20180170392
    Abstract: Driving statistics of an autonomous vehicle are collected. The driving statistics include driving commands issued at different points in time and route selection information of one or more routes while the autonomous vehicle was driven in a manual driving mode by one or more users. For each user of the autonomous vehicle, one or more user driving behaviors and preferences of the user are determined from at least the driving statistics for predetermined driving scenarios. One or more driving profiles for the user are generated based on the determined user behaviors and preferences under the driving scenarios, where the driving profiles are utilized to control the autonomous vehicle under similar driving scenarios when the user is riding in the autonomous vehicle that operates in an autonomous driving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: I-Hsuan Yang, Liyun Li, Jinghao Miao, Shiyuan Fang, Jingao Wang
  • Publication number: 20180170393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating the driving behaviour of a vehicle operator with a motor vehicle, in particular in local public transport or in inner-city traffic, preferably for use in vehicle fleets, wherein parameters for describing the driving behaviour are determined, wherein fuel consumption over time is determined as a parameter, wherein the position of the gas pedal over time is determined as another parameter, wherein vehicle operator-specific characteristic values for a drive of the vehicle operator are derived or calculated from the determined parameters, wherein the vehicle operator-specific characteristic values are compared with predefined threshold values, and wherein conclusions about the driving behaviour of the vehicle operator for the drive are drawn from the comparison of the vehicle operator-specific characteristic values with the threshold values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Decker, Simon Anderer
  • Publication number: 20180170394
    Abstract: A vehicle-control system for an automated vehicle includes a load-sensor and a controller. The load-sensor is used to determine a weight of a payload transported by a host-vehicle. The controller determines a response-characteristic used to operate the host-vehicle, wherein the response-characteristic is determined based on the weight of the payload. The load-sensor may be used to measure a ride-height of the host-vehicle, estimate the weight based on a test-acceleration of the host-vehicle, or estimate the weight based on a manifest that indicates a package-weight of a package transported by the host-vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Peter A. Bedegi, Divya P. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20180170395
    Abstract: Described is a system and method that provides the ability for an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) to determine (or estimate) one or more control characteristics for the ADV. In order to determine these control characteristics, the system may perform one or more driving maneuvers such as an acceleration or deceleration maneuver, and a constant velocity maneuver. By performing these maneuvers using various known forces, the system may then perform various calculations to obtain one or more unknown characteristics. For example, the system may determine as estimated mass of the ADV, and as a result, adjust (or tune) various controls of the ADV based on the estimated mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Qi Luo, Qi Kong, Fan Zhu, Sen Hu, Xiang Yu, Guang Yang, Jingao Wang
  • Publication number: 20180170396
    Abstract: Methods of estimating a weight of a vehicle and using the information are provided. Kinematic data of the vehicle, including at least one of a velocity or an acceleration of the vehicle, can be measured at a time. This data can be processed to estimate a weight of the vehicle. This data can be used to adjust autonomous driving, confirm a weight of freight carried by the vehicle, transmitted to external devices, or used in other ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Burnette
  • Publication number: 20180170397
    Abstract: A database of high risk locations is formed and high risk causal factors for the high risk locations determined. Driver behavior is monitored at the sites in the database using data collection devices such as electronic logging devices or mobile phones to see if the drivers exhibit the same specific behaviors that are considered contributing factors to specific accident types at risk of occurrence at those sites. Warnings are provided to drivers approaching the specific sites to prompt behavioral changes which may further be monitored by the data collection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Heath, Wayne Allan Malkin
  • Publication number: 20180170398
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an accessory powered by an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle are provided. The method includes a control module determining when a primary power source of a vehicle is deactivated. The method also includes the control module determining when an auxiliary power unit is activated after deactivation of the primary power source. Also, the method includes the control module automatically controlling the accessory powered by the auxiliary power unit when the control module determines that the primary power source is deactivated and the auxiliary power unit is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Dean MILLER, Mark D. LEASURE
  • Publication number: 20180170399
    Abstract: A control system to control a multi-passenger ride vehicle includes a controller. The controller receives a first user feedback from a first user input device and a second user feedback from a second user input device. The controller selects the first user feedback, the second user feedback, or a combination thereof for a determination of a vehicle path of the multi-passenger ride vehicle. The controller determines the vehicle path using the first user feedback, the second user feedback, or the combination thereof based on the selection. The controller controls movement of the multi-passenger ride vehicle based on the vehicle path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Alan Osterman, Justin Michael Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20180170400
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor configured to receive first sensor data from a sensor system of the first entity and a receiver. The receiver is configured to receive second sensor data from a second entity in the vehicle to vehicle network over a communication network and provide the second sensor data to the processor. The second sensor data comprises a first type of sensor data having a first bandwidth requirement. The processor is further configured to determine an available bandwidth of the communication system; and when the first bandwidth requirement exceeds the communication bandwidth, select a second type of sensor data having a second bandwidth requirement. The second bandwidth requirement is less than the first bandwidth requirement. The processor is further configured to process the first and second sensor data to at least partially determine an environment surrounding the first entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Holger Mahnke, Abdellatif Zanati, Michael Johannes Doescher
  • Publication number: 20180170401
    Abstract: A screen door module for a platform edge of a transport vehicle station. The module includes a leaf that moves between open and closed positions, a fixed element to which the leaf is mechanically connected and along which it slides and a sill extending under the leaf and under the fixed element. The module also includes a raiser with a predetermined height extending under the leaf and the fixed element and being arranged in such a way as to be laid on a finished ground level of the platform and so the predetermined height corresponds to a difference between the finished ground level and the floor of the transport vehicle when the latter comes to a standstill alongside the module. An access ramp on the platform side runs along the entire length of the module and allows access to passengers of limited mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Faiveley Transport Tours
    Inventor: Gilles Tenet
  • Publication number: 20180170402
    Abstract: A suspension railway system including a suspension mechanism for supporting a vehicle and a rail system. The suspension mechanism includes a suspension structure as well as a first main-wheel and a second main-wheel. Further, the suspension mechanism includes a first selection means attached to the suspension structure via a first actuator. Yet further, the suspension mechanism includes a second selection means attached to the suspension structure via a second actuator. Moreover, the suspension mechanism includes an attachment means for attaching the vehicle to the suspension structure. The rail system includes a group of lower rails and a group of upper rails, the group of lower rails comprising a first rail and a second rail and the group of upper rails comp includes rising a third rail and a fourth rail, each of the rails having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Tero Kinnunen
  • Publication number: 20180170403
    Abstract: An extension mechanism for a zip track system within a playground environment is provided. The extension system comprises a crossover unit configured to attach to a zip track. The crossover unit comprises a crossover arch, configured to couple to the zip track. The crossover unit also comprises a support pole configured to couple to an end of the crossover arch, such that the support pole does not obstruct a path of movement under the zip track. The extension mechanism also comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect the crossover unit to the zip track system such that the crossover unit distributes the weight of the track through the crossover arch and the crossover support poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Randy G. Watermiller, Steven J. Schaust
  • Publication number: 20180170404
    Abstract: This coupling device (2) comprises a support body (4); a first clamping jaw (8); a clamping element (9) comprising a second clamping jaw (11) and a connecting portion (12), the clamping element (9) being hingedly mounted on the support body (4) between a clamping position in which the first and second clamping jaws (8, 11) are configured to clamp a traction cable (3) and a release position of the traction cable (3); a biasing device (25) configured to bias the clamping element (9) towards the clamping position; and an actuation lever (15) configured to actuate a displacement of the clamping element (9) between the clamping and release positions thereof, the actuation lever (15) being hingedly mounted on the support body (4) between a first stable position in which the clamping element (9) is in the clamping position, and a second stable position in which the clamping element (9) is in the release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Rémi MANFREDI, Ludovic BIBOLLET-RUCHE
  • Publication number: 20180170405
    Abstract: A plug door opening-closing apparatus, which is adapted for use with a vehicle having a vehicle front-rear direction and a vehicle width direction, includes a door hanger capable of coupling a door panel of the vehicle, a movable guide configured to guide movement of the door hanger in the front-rear direction and move in the width direction, a guide support member that guides movement of the movable guide in the width direction, and an interlock mechanism mechanically connected to the movable guide. The interlock mechanism conforms a movement amount of a first portion of the movable guide to a movement amount of a second portion of the movable guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Atsuhito YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180170406
    Abstract: An air conditioning device with a first heat exchanger on a low-pressure side and a second heat exchanger on a high-pressure side of the air conditioning device. A cooling medium in a cooling circuit of the air conditioning device is under a higher pressure on the high-pressure side than on the low-pressure side. The first heat exchanger is arranged in a first housing portion on the low-pressure side, and the second heat exchanger is arranged in a second housing portion of the air conditioning device on the high-pressure side. A smoke removal opening is arranged between the first and the second housing portions. The smoke removal opening is closed during the normal operation of the air conditioning device and can be opened in the event of a fire and allow a flow of air from the first housing portion into the second housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: ALEXANDER HILDEBRANDT, CHRISTOPH KARSCHNIA
  • Publication number: 20180170407
    Abstract: There is provided a railway vehicle vibration control apparatus that can reduce the amount of power consumed. A railway vehicle vibration control apparatus (1) of the present invention includes a first semi-active damper (D1) that functions as a semi-active damper under normal control and enters an unloaded state upon non-energization, and a second semi-active damper (D2) that functions as a semi-active damper under normal control and as a passive damper in a non-energized state or an actuator (A) that functions as an actuator under normal control and as a passive damper in the non-energized state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki OGAWA
  • Publication number: 20180170408
    Abstract: A bogie for a train vehicle includes two side frames, each side frame including two axle openings, each axle opening disposed on a corresponding end of the respective side frame, each side frame further forming a central slot disposed between the two axle openings; two wheelsets, each wheelset including an axle passing through two opposing axle openings between the two side frames; and a central beam having two ends, each end being slidably disposed within a corresponding central slot such that the central beam is disposed generally parallel to the axles of the two wheelsets and is slidable towards or away either of the two wheelsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20180170409
    Abstract: An axlebox of railway vehicle bogie comprising a housing, a front cover fixed to a front side of the housing, a rear cover fixed to a rear side of the housing, a cylindrical roller bearing unit, an end cap and a backing ring. A rear chamber and a front chamber on both axial sides of the sealed bearing unit are in fluidic connection through a bypass system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Thierry Le Moigne
  • Publication number: 20180170410
    Abstract: A railway vehicle and an axle box structure thereof are provided. The axle box structure includes an axle box body and a positioning node mounting seat. The axle box body includes an upper box body and a lower box body. The upper box body and the lower box body enclose a bearing mounting chamber together. A lower end surface of the upper box body has a convex portion, and an upper end surface of the lower box body has a concave portion. A first semi-circular hole and a second semi-circular hole are respectively provided at the middle of the upper box body and the lower box body. If the convex portion and the concave portion are assembled in a sealed coupling manner, the bearing mounting chamber is formed by the first semi-circular hole and the second semi-circular hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peidong WANG, Pingyu ZHOU, Xiaojiang ZHOU, Xiaojun LV, Daqiang WANG
  • Publication number: 20180170411
    Abstract: A data transmission device has an elongated hollow profile with a hollow space extending in a longitudinal direction of the hollow profile, with the hollow profile having a longitudinal slot extending in the longitudinal direction for a transmission unit which moves relative to the hollow space at least in the longitudinal direction and which extends at least partially into the longitudinal slot. At least one sealing element extending along the hollow profile for sealing off at least one portion of the hollow space is provided. A conductor rail system includes a conductor rail for supplying at least one electrical load with electrical power, which load can be moved in the longitudinal direction along the conductor rail, with at least one conductor strand extending in the longitudinal direction with an electrically conducting conductor profile for contacting a sliding contact of the load and with at least one data transmission device extending in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbH
    Inventor: Michael ECKLE
  • Publication number: 20180170412
    Abstract: A control arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, includes an operational control system which has at least one central control unit, a set of decentralized sub-system controllers and a control network to which the control unit and the sub-system controllers are connected. In order to ensure that the control satisfies high safety requirements, the control arrangement has an operational control module which is different from the control unit, is connected to the control network and has a data connection unit which is different from the control network and by which the operational control module is connected by data technology to the sub-system controllers. A vehicle having the control arrangement and an operational control module forming the control arrangement in cooperation with an operational control system, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: HARALD FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20180170413
    Abstract: An intelligent locomotive brake control system which selects and optimizes use of dynamic, independent, and automatic brakes on the locomotive to assure intended brake power, to minimize in-train forces, minimize brake component wear, and to automate standard train brake protocol. The system may be programmed to alter an automatic brake application commanded by a train driver to omit or reduce the amount of the automatic brake application in favor of a dynamic brake application, and independent brake application, or combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventors: Eric C. Wright, John M. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20180170414
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting components of a moving train having a locomotive and a plurality of rail cars is disclosed. An inspection unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be deployed from the locomotive or one of the rail cars of the train, and the inspection UAV may fly to an initial inspection position relative to the moving train. The inspection UAV performs an inspection function on components of the moving train via inspection equipment mounted on the inspection UAV and starting at the initial inspection position. The inspection UAV then returns to the locomotive and the rail car after the inspection of the components of the moving train is complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Arndt, Mark J. Bartonek
  • Publication number: 20180170415
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a track location and/or a direction of travel of a train includes at least one computer programmed or configured to determine at least one of a track on which the train is located and a direction of travel of the train on the track based at least partly on at least one location associated with at least one locomotive or control car of the train and at least one other location associated with at least one other locomotive or control car of the train. The at least one computer can be programmed or configured to determine a track on which the train is located based at least partly on the at least one location associated with the at least one locomotive or control car of the train and at least one additional location associated with at least one additional locomotive or control car of at least one additional train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: James A. Oswald, Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Publication number: 20180170416
    Abstract: A modular cart for use with an anthropomorphic test device, an assembly including an anthropomorphic test device and a method of placing an anthropomorphic test device on a modular cart. The cart includes a wheeled base with a pair of upstanding posts that together with members that can be interchangeably secured to one of the posts in order to form one of a storage position or a ready-to-test position. In this way, when an anthropomorphic test device is placed on the cart between these members, the members and the posts cooperate with one another to have the anthropomorphic test device be in a generally seating position that can accommodate both storage and testing without having to reposition the anthropomorphic test device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared P. Vogt, Scott M. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20180170417
    Abstract: A method of operating a payload-carrying vehicle having two laterally disposed wheels positioned along a central axis is described. The method includes measuring a force applied by a user to the hand truck, where the measured force comprising a direction and a magnitude, and providing torque to each wheel to cause each wheel to rotate in a respective direction as a function of the measured magnitude and direction. The amount of torque provided to each wheel in response to the force from the user is such that the magnitude of measured force applied by the user is not greater than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Segway, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Casey, Kimberley A. St. Louis, Nicholas A. DeAngelis, Benjamin C. Minerd, Robert M. Bowman, Jason A. Swift
  • Publication number: 20180170418
    Abstract: Provided herein is a baby wagon with improved ease of use configured such that the volume of the bulky body of the baby wagon is minimized in a wagon folding mode, whereby it is possible to easily put the baby wagon in the trunk of a small-sized car, such that frames are completely fixed in the wagon folding mode, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to the frames due to protrusion of the frames when the baby wagon shakes or is laid down, and such that brakes are mounted to the front and rear parts of the baby wagon in order to easily move or stop the baby wagon in opposite directions, whereby it is possible to improve the ease of use. The baby wagon includes a folding type body frame, a wagon wheel unit, a seat unit, and a canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Yejin CHOI
  • Publication number: 20180170419
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column may include a casing tube that rotatably supports a steering spindle, a holding part that has two lateral cheeks between which the casing tube is positioned, and an electromechanical fixing device. In a release position of the fixing device, the casing tube may be adjustable relative to the holding part. In a fixing position, a set position of the casing tube may be fixed relative to the holding part. The fixing device may include a clamping bolt that passes through the lateral cheeks and is rotatable about its axis by an electric motor positioned in a housing as the fixing device is opened and closed, a cam mechanism, and a support bearing. The lateral cheeks and the casing tube may be positioned between the cam mechanism and the support bearing. A first cam disk of the cam mechanism may rotate with the clamping bolt, and a second cam disk may be guided on the clamping bolt so as to be axially movable in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Simon BLÄTTLER, Jean-pierre SPECHT
  • Publication number: 20180170420
    Abstract: A steering assistance system for an agricultural vehicle includes a rigid axle on which steerable wheels are mounted and which is mounted so as to float relative to a supporting vehicle structure. The system includes a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle of the steerable wheels, a swing angle sensor for determining a swing angle of the rigid axle relative to the supporting vehicle structure, an actuating arrangement for influencing the steering angle, and a control unit that calculates a threshold value permissible for the steering angle depending on the detected swing angle. If the detected steering angle exceeds a tolerance range specified for the threshold value, the control unit executes steering interventions for reducing the steering angle by activating the actuating arrangement to satisfy the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Uwe Weber
  • Publication number: 20180170421
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo MINAKI, Takayoshi SUGAWARA, Hideki SAWADA
  • Publication number: 20180170422
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus that reduces an uncomfortable feeling due to a noise at a steering holding and a low-speed steering time, and can smoothly steers so as to prevent a phase-lag at a high-speed steering time. The apparatus has a torque control section to calculate a current command value based on at least a steering torque, and assist-controls a steering system by driving a motor using a current control system based on the current command value. A motor angular velocity calculating section calculates a motor angular velocity from a motor rotational angle; a motor angular acceleration calculating section calculates a motor angular acceleration from the motor angular velocity; and a stability compensating section calculates a steering torque for compensation and a current command value for compensation based on the motor angular velocity and the motor angular acceleration. The steering torque compensates the steering torque, and the current command value compensates the current command value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Keita YOSHIDA, Yousuke IMAMURA, Masahiro MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20180170423
    Abstract: An encoder includes an optical scale that has a phase difference plate, a light source section that irradiates the phase difference plate with light, and a light receiving section that receives the light from the phase difference plate, and outputs a signal corresponding to a received light intensity. The light emitted from the light source section is linearly polarized, and the light receiving section outputs a signal corresponding to a polarization state of the light from the phase difference plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Hiroshi WADA
  • Publication number: 20180170424
    Abstract: A lane departure suppression device is provided in a car equipped with a steering angle change mechanism that changes a steering angle and with a motor that operates the steering angle change mechanism, and the lane departure suppression device includes: a main control unit that outputs a main control signal after a position of the car reaches a deflection starting position at which deflection of the car is started in order to suppress departure of the car from a lane, the main control signal representing a main control amount for causing the motor to generate an assist torque that changes the steering angle; and a pre-control unit that outputs, until the main control unit outputs the main control signal, a pre-control signal while the position of the car is located closer to a center of the lane than the deflection starting position is, the pre-control signal representing a pre-control amount for causing the motor to generate an assist torque equal to or less than a friction torque of the steering angle chan
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Junpei Tatsukawa, Hidenobu Kinugasa, Yuji Okuda
  • Publication number: 20180170425
    Abstract: A method for side slip angle variable control of a vehicle having a rear wheel steering system, may include a first step of determining a first steering angle ratio value which corresponds to a steering angle ratio of a front wheel and a rear wheel in a driver driving mode and determining a second steering angle ratio value which corresponds to the steering angle ratio of the front wheel and the rear wheel in an autonomous driving mode; a second step of determining a rear-wheel steering angle through determination by the second steering angle ratio value and comparing the rear-wheel steering angle with a predetermined maximum steering angle of a rear wheel steering (RWS); and a third step of determining any one driving mode of the driver driving mode and the autonomous driving mode when the rear-wheel steering angle is determined to be smaller than the RWS maximum steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jang Hyun JUNG
  • Publication number: 20180170426
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes providing an input, an output, a controller, a control system, a hydrostatic unit, and a geartrain. The geartrain includes a direct drive pivot clutch and a steer drive geartrain. The method also includes receiving a pivot command by the controller from a shift selector, where the command indicates the shift selector is in a pivot position. The method further includes engaging the direct drive pivot clutch, decoupling the hydrostatic unit from a torque path defined between the input and the output, and coupling the input and the output to one another via a second torque path. The second torque path is defined through the direct drive pivot clutch and the steer drive geartrain. The transmission is controllable in a direct drive steer operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Robert C. Hood, Kelly L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20180170427
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle, particularly a skid-steered vehicle, that employs motive power from a prime mover delivered through an input shaft to drive left and right drive shafts at a nominal speed and input power from an electric motor to vary the speed of the left and right drive shafts according to steering commands from a steering control structure. The speed of the left and right drive shafts is directly related to a speed of the input shaft and the nominal speed of the left or right drive shaft is varied upwardly or downwardly by a ratio of the speed of the steering shaft via a speed varying structure. The speed of the left and right drive shafts is simultaneously varied in opposite directions (i.e. upwardly and downwardly) relative to the nominal speed by an equal number of rotations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Ontario Drive & Gear Limited
    Inventors: Peter Derek Visscher, Jeremy Bauman, Robert Reiter
  • Publication number: 20180170428
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating in-vehicle devices using a steering wheel includes a reference signal input unit for inputting a reference signal to a driver through a charged plate, a touch sensor for receiving the reference signal through human body communication and for detecting a touch of the driver, and a controller for generating a control signal on the basis of the results detected by the touch sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jin Kwon KIM, Byoung Joon LEE, Seong Sook RYU, Ho Choul JUNG, Sam Yong KIM
  • Publication number: 20180170429
    Abstract: A deviation avoidance apparatus includes: a boundary detection section that detects boundaries defining both edges in a width direction of a traveling path on which an own vehicle travels; a deviation prediction section that predicts that the own vehicle will deviate from the traveling path based on a travelling condition of the own vehicle that travels on the traveling path defined by the boundaries detected by the boundary detection section; an object detection section that detects an object that exists on one of the boundaries, the one of the boundaries being on a side where the own vehicle deviates from the traveling path, or outside of the one of the boundaries; a deviation avoidance section that commands, when the deviation prediction section predicts that the own vehicle will deviate from the traveling path, a travel control unit to have the own vehicle avoid deviating from the traveling path, the travel control unit controlling the travelling condition; and a command value adjustment section that adju
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Takahiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20180170430
    Abstract: A deviation avoidance apparatus of an embodiment includes a boundary detection section that detects boundaries of a travelling path on which an own vehicle travels; a deviation prediction section that predicts that the own vehicle will deviate from the travelling path based on a travelling condition of the own vehicle that travels in the travelling path defined by the boundaries detected by the boundary detection section; a deviation avoidance section that commands, when the deviation prediction section predicts that the own vehicle will deviate from the travelling path, a steering control unit to have a steering actuator drive a steering mechanism that changes a traveling direction of the own vehicle such that the own vehicle avoids deviating from the travelling path; and a notification section that notifies vehicle passengers, via a notification unit, when the steering actuator applies driving force to the steering mechanism such that the own vehicle avoids deviating from the travelling path, that deviation
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Takahiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20180170431
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steering input unit that is steered by a driver; a steering force detector to detect steering force input into the steering input unit; a first steering control amount calculator to calculate a first steering control amount for bringing the vehicle close to the target traveling line; a steering control amount correction coefficient calculator to calculate a steering control amount correction coefficient for correcting a steering control amount based on the steering force; a second steering control amount calculator to calculate a second steering control amount based on the first steering control amount and the steering control amount correction coefficient; and a steering controller that steers and controls the vehicle based on the second steering control amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka SHIROZONO, Shunsuke NAKAJIMA, Yasuyoshi HORI
  • Publication number: 20180170432
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-contact angle/torque sensor. The non-contact angle/torque sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention having an upper rotor in an annular shape having a central axis, and in which magnets are located, the magnets positioned within the annular shape around the central axis with the north and the south poles of adjacent magnets being oriented opposite to one another, and a lower rotor in an annular shape and sharing the central axis of the upper rotor, and located spaced outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the upper rotor; the lower rotor having: upper and lower stators spaced apart along the central axis; the upper stator having: upper and lower backplanes and a series of upper and lower extensions extending from the respective backplanes, wherein the upper extensions and the lower extensions are not intermeshed or overlapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mazharul CHOWDHURY, Stephen WALIGORSKI, Neil MONIZ, Victor DAHN, Troy STRIETER, Scott BLEHM, Joshua GROVE, Mohammad ISLAM, Christian ROSS
  • Publication number: 20180170433
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a main frame part including a side sill extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame assembly. The side sill has a C-shaped cross-section with a top and bottom walls, an inboard sidewall interconnecting the top and bottom walls, and an open outboard sidewall. A rear frame part is secured to the main frame part and includes a rear frame member extending in the longitudinal direction. The rear frame member has a U-shaped cross-section with an inboard and outboard sidewalls, a bottom wall interconnecting the inboard and outboard sidewalls, and an open top wall. The inboard sidewall at a rearward end portion of the side sill includes a section bulging away from the open outboard sidewall in a lateral direction of the vehicle frame assembly, and the inboard sidewall of the rear frame member is secured to the bulging section of the side sill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Neil D. Salmons, Robb L. Augustine
  • Publication number: 20180170434
    Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a corner reinforcement member (22) that connects a damper housing reinforcement member (21) and an upper dash panel reinforcement member (15). The corner reinforcement member (22) is a member having a substantially L-shaped step section (22f), and has a first portion (22a) facing the damper housing reinforcement member (21) in a vehicle body width direction and joined to the damper housing reinforcement member (21), a second portion (22b) extending from the first portion (22a) toward an inner side of a vehicle body in the vehicle body width direction, a third portion (22c) facing the upper dash panel reinforcement member (15) from below and joined to the upper dash panel reinforcement member (15), and a fourth portion (22d) extending downward from the third portion (22c). The first portion (22a) and the third portion (22c) are formed as a continuous surface. The second portion (22b) and the fourth portion (22d) are formed as a continuous surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Satoshi Saito, Akihisa Kudoh
  • Publication number: 20180170435
    Abstract: A metal piece having at least two areas of lower mechanical strength than the body of the piece, said pieces being respectively arranged on one side and the other of a longitudinal central section (PM) of said piece and alternatively located in two locations separated longitudinally along the piece, the areas of lower mechanical strength than the body of the piece being formed by local control of the stamping temperature during a stamping process of the piece, notably a process comprising steps including heating the piece to a temperature range suitable for obtaining an austenitic stage, then stamping this piece in a stamping tool suitable for defining different temperatures in the different areas of the stamped piece, for example by virtue of the voids formed in the stamping tool or by local reheating of the stamping tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Christophe CAZES, Gregory GATARD, Martin JONSSON, Atsushi HASEGAWA, Yusuke MIURA
  • Publication number: 20180170436
    Abstract: A hood inner panel of an automobile hood structure includes: an outer peripheral skeleton portion disposed at an outer peripheral portion and having an annular shape, the skeleton portion having a recessed-top cross sectional shape orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the annular shape; and an outer proximal surface extending inwardly from the outer peripheral skeleton portion and mastic-joined with a hood outer panel. A vertical wall connecting the outer proximal surface and a bottom surface of the outer peripheral skeleton portion includes a plurality of trim holes except for a ridge line where the vertical wall and the bottom surface meet and for the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Masatoshi YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20180170437
    Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement structure corresponding to a small overlap collision may include side members whose front end surface is bonded to a rear surface of a crash box bracket; an external cover whose upper and external edge portions of a front surface are bonded to a rear surface of the crash box bracket; and a fender apron member that is disposed at the outside of the side member and in which at an upper end portion of the front side, an upper bonding portion that is bonded to an upper portion of the external cover, a lower bonding portion and that is bonded to a lower portion of a rear surface of the external cover are formed, and a slanted bonding portion that is bonded to the cover slanted surface of the external cover are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ji Woong PARK, Sun Ik JANG, Jae Kap JOO, Jong Seop Song
  • Publication number: 20180170438
    Abstract: A front lid for a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, which front lid includes an outer panel, where, in a predetermined region or in the entire area of the front lid below the outer panel, at least one inertia mass is arranged, and the inertia mass is formed of a flexible heavy layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jürgen Cordes, Julia Bierbaum, Torsten Kind, Knut Böttcher, Lukas Rafalski, Zdislaw Kornacki, Stephan Riebel, Christian Hardt, Frederick Luis Schwab
  • Publication number: 20180170439
    Abstract: A front pillar structure includes a pillar outer. The pillar outer includes an outer side wall portion, a front side wall portion, a rear side wall portion, a rear side curved portion, and a front side curved portion. The outer side wall portion constitutes a part of the pillar outer on a side far from a vehicle width center in a width direction of a vehicle. The front side wall portion constitutes a part of the pillar outer on a front side of the vehicle. The rear side wall portion constitutes a part of the pillar outer on a rear side of the vehicle. The rear side curved portion connects the outer side wall portion and the rear side wall portion to each other. The front side curved portion connects the outer side wall portion and the front side wall portion to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki NAKAMOTO, Naohiko UENO
  • Publication number: 20180170440
    Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a main body section (21) extending forward from a substantially central portion of a front pillar in an upward/downward direction, and an upper member (5) including an extension section (22) extending forward and downward from the main body section (21). The main body section (21) includes a first L-shaped member (31). The extension section (22) includes a second L-shaped member (33). Either one of the first L-shaped member (31) and the second L-shaped member (33) has an extension portion (51) overlapping a wall surface of the other one of the first L-shaped member and the second L-shaped member different from a flange (41) and a flange (42) of the other one of the first L-shaped member (31) and the second L-shaped member (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Yasunori Watanabe, Seiji Suzuki, Ryo Fujita