Abstract: Disclosed herein are a vehicle control apparatus and a vehicle control method thereof. The vehicle control apparatus includes an input unit to receive first current heat energy calculation information, receive second current heat energy calculation information, and receive a current degree of slope; an estimator to estimate a current temperature of the brake apparatus on the basis of information regarding the difference between the first current heat energy calculation information and the second current heat energy calculation information; a compensator to compensate for braking power between the brake apparatus and the brake friction material; and a controller to receive the first current heat energy calculation information, the second current heat energy calculation information, and the current degree of slope, transmit an estimation command to the estimator, and transmit a compensation command to the compensator.

Abstract: A valve unit (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) for modulating pressure in a compressed air braking system has an inlet valve (6) configured as a diaphragm valve, an outlet valve (7) configured as a diaphragm valve, and respective precontrol valves (8, 9), which are each configured as a 3/2-way solenoid valve and are arranged in an elongate valve housing (2), which is divided by a division plane (10) that is largely horizontal in the installation position into a base housing (11) and a housing cover (12). The precontrol valves (8, 9) are arranged in the housing cover (12) in the longitudinal direction (13), and the housing cover (12) has a centrally arranged magnet module (20) and two air guide modules (23, 24) adjacent to the magnet module (20) in the longitudinal direction (13) and connected via a single connecting element (45) both to each other and to the base housing (11).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pulsation damping device of a hydraulic brake system. The pulsation damping device of a hydraulic brake system which attenuates a pressure pulsation of brake oil discharged from a pump, the device comprises a damping portion installed to be inserted into a bore in communication with an inport into which the brake oil flows and an outport through which the brake oil is discharged, and a cap coupled to one end of the bore to block the one end, wherein a flow path is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the damping portion to guide the brake oil introduced into the inport to be discharged through the outport, and the flow path is formed in a longitudinal direction of the damping portion to be continuously connected from the inport to the outport.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system for giving an excellent brake feeling to a driver includes: a stroke detector configured to detect a stroke of a brake pedal; a brake fluid pressure generator including a motor actuator and configured to generate a brake fluid pressure by operation of the motor actuator, and a controller configured to control the operation of the motor actuator on the basis of a detected value by the stroke detector. The controller has a base required-deceleration map for obtaining a base required-deceleration associated with a detected value by the stroke detector; a responsive-feeling required-deceleration map for obtaining a responsive-feeling required-deceleration associated with the detected value by the stroke detector; and a phase-lag processor applying phase-lag processing on the responsive-feeling required-deceleration, and control the operation of the motor actuator on the basis of the required-deceleration and the responsive-feeling required-deceleration applied with the phase-lag processing.

Abstract: A master cylinder apparatus includes: an input piston that can be moved forward by operating a brake operating member; a pressure piston that is provided in front of the input piston to be capable of moving relative to the input piston; and a stroke velocity ratio modification device that is capable of modifying a stroke velocity ratio, which is a ratio between a stroke velocity of the pressure piston and a stroke velocity of the input piston, in at least two stages while the input piston moves from a rear end portion position to a front end portion position, and that sets the stroke velocity ratio at 1 when an abnormality occurs—in the master cylinder apparatus.

Abstract: A parking brake for a body mounted brake cylinder having either a single locking mechanism cooperates with a threaded shaft that is centrally mounted within the brake cylinder or with multiple locking mechanisms that are positioned symmetrically about the centerline of the brake cylinder push rod so that the push or piston rod can still accommodate arcuate motion of the level of the braking system. The locking mechanism may be controlled by a mechanical linkage or through a pneumatic circuit. Activation of the locking mechanisms prevents axial movement of the brake piston. As a result, engagement of the locking mechanism may be used to prevent a release of the brakes after then have been applied to provide an automatic parking brake.

Abstract: Provided is a monitoring apparatus including an acquiring unit that acquires information relating to an operation status when an operating body is operated, a determination unit that determines one of plural categories of the operation status, which are classified based on a degree of occurrence of a malfunction of the operating body or a degree of danger of the operation status, to which the information relating to the operation status acquired by the acquiring unit belongs, and an attention calling unit that calls for an attention for an operation of the operating body in a case where the information relating to the operation status is determined to belong to a specific category.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a combination vehicle system, including a drone and a hovercraft body. The drone has a plurality of motor-driven rotors and a controller. The hovercraft body defines a ground-facing chamber having a hover air inlet, and includes a mount for the drone. The drone is removably connectable to the mount in a mounted position so as to form a hovercraft. The controller is programmed to drive the plurality of rotors to maintain stable flight of the drone without the hovercraft body connected thereto. The controller is programmed to drive the first rotor to at least partially lift the hovercraft off a support surface and to drive the second rotor to propel the hovercraft along the support surface.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a battery and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to set a running torque based on a required torque of a drive shaft according to an accelerator opening degree. The electronic control unit is configured to control the engine and the motor such that the running torque is output to the drive shaft. The electronic control unit is configured to limit the power of the engine by use of the running torque or a drive-shaft torque output to the drive shaft as a torque for determination until the torque for determination reaches a torque threshold smaller than the required torque, as compared with the power of the engine after the torque for determination has reached the torque threshold, when a predetermined acceleration request is made by a user.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a planetary gear train including a first gear coupled to a first rotating electrical machine, a carrier coupled to an input shaft having an ejecting hole, the input shaft being coupled to an engine shaft of an engine via a torque limiting mechanism which allows the input shaft to skid against the engine shaft depending on a variation of torque between the input shaft and the engine shaft, and a second gear coupled to a drive shaft which is coupled to a second rotating electrical machine, and a rotation limiting mechanism which prevents the engine shaft from rotating in another direction, drives the first rotating electrical machine to output torque for rotating the input shaft in the another direction when the ejecting hole with the engine stopped does not extend in a predetermined direction in which the ejecting hole can eject oil to a mechanism portion of the planetary gear train which locates vertically above the input shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powertrain control system (1) for a vehicle. The powertrain control system (1) includes a torque limit calculator (47) for generating a torque control signal based (57) on one or more vehicle operating parameters. A torque request module (43) is provided for generating a torque request signal (45) and a torque control module (7) controls the torque applied by the powertrain. The torque control module (7) is configured to receive the torque request signal (45) from the torque request module (43) and the torque control signal (57) from the torque limit calculator (47) and to control the torque applied by the powertrain in dependence on the torque request signal (45) and the torque control signal (57). The present invention also relates to a control system; and a method of operating a powertrain control system.

Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque converter impeller torque from beginning to end of transmission shifting is adjusted in response to variable driveline inertia. The approach may improve transmission shifting and reduce driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: A control system of a hybrid electrical vehicle includes: a transmission device; an engine power subsystem and a motor power subsystem connected with the transmission device; and a control module configured to control the hybrid electrical vehicle to operate in a hybrid electrical-economical mode by controlling the engine power subsystem and the motor power subsystem, and to control the hybrid electrical vehicle to operate in a first manner if a current slope detected by the hybrid electrical vehicle is less than or equal to a minimum slope and a current electric quantity of a power battery of the motor power subsystem is less than or equal to a first electric quantity threshold, or if the current slope is less than or equal to the minimum slope and a maximum allowable discharge power of the power battery is less than or equal to a first power threshold.

Abstract: Inverterless running control is control in which an inverter is set to a gate cut-off state, an engine is driven to mechanically rotate a motor-generator and to generate in the motor-generator, counter-electromotive torque in accordance with a difference between a counter-electromotive voltage of the motor-generator and a system voltage, and a vehicle runs with drive torque applied to an output shaft as reaction force of the counter-electromotive torque. An ECU controls drive torque to produce driving force determined by an accelerator position by raising or lowering the system voltage during inverterless running control.

Abstract: A method for preventing over discharge of a battery includes steps of: detecting a gradient of a road on which a vehicle is running by a controller, when a battery is discharged under a state that an engine of the running vehicle is operated, detecting a clutch driving state of an engine clutch, which connects or disconnects the engine and an electric motor, after detecting the road gradient, detecting a SOC (State of Charge) of the battery after detecting the clutch driving state of the engine clutch, and carrying out a torque reserve control allowing more torque to be reserved in the engine, using a combination of the road gradient, the clutch driving state, and the battery SOC, such that the battery SOC is not lowered below a certain amount.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for stall-starting a hybrid vehicle comprising a combustion engine (12), an electric machine (14), a transmission (16) and two clutches (20, 22). In a first stall phase torque output of the combustion engine (12) is increased and compensated by the electric machine (14) operating as a generator. In the second start phase the method comprises configuring the electric machine (14) not to operate as a generator, in particular to operate as a motor. A further independent claim is directed to a stall-start apparatus. This avoids overheating the clutches (20, 22) and battery depletion, while at the same time providing high acceleration.

Abstract: A method to control a hybrid vehicle with a parallel architecture and with an unknown speed profile, wherein the hybrid vehicle is provided with an internal combustion engine and with a reversible electrical machine connected to a storage system designed to store electrical energy; the method comprises the steps of recognizing the operating mode of the hybrid vehicle; determining a function of the specific fuel consumption of the drive system of the hybrid vehicle as a function of the operating mode of the hybrid vehicle; determining the optimal value of the power of the storage system and the optimal value of the power of the internal combustion engine, which correspond to the values that permit a minimization of said function.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an in-range error of a pressure sensor arranged downstream of a lift pump in a fuel system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include performing feedback control of the lift pump based on output of the pressure sensor, monitoring the pressure sensor output for flattening during the application of the voltage pulses, and adjusting operation of the fuel system depending on whether the pressure sensor output flattens for at least a threshold duration, which is indicative of an in-range error. The method may further include dynamically learning a setpoint pressure of a pressure relief valve of the fuel system and a fuel vapor pressure within the fuel system by monitoring pressure sensor output while adjusting the duty cycle of voltage pulses applied to the lift pump.

Abstract: An electric vehicle control apparatus includes a first motor generator, a booster, and a controller. The booster boosts an input voltage to the first motor generator. The controller controls the first motor generator to drive a load with regenerative power supplied during braking of an electric vehicle and to be driven at an inefficient operating point within an operable range of the first motor generator in a case where the regenerative power is used, the booster boosting an input voltage to the first motor generator so as to expand the operable range.

Abstract: A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.

Abstract: A method to control an electric motor including the steps of: determining a target torque; calculating a target current by dividing the target torque by a torque constant; determining an equivalent impedance by means of a predetermined map; calculating the voltage drop by multiplying the target current by the equivalent impedance; calculating a counter-electromotive force by multiplying an actual rotation speed by a speed constant; determining a control voltage to be applied to the power supply terminals of the electric motor by adding the voltage drop to the counter-electromotive force; determining an offset parameter; and correcting the equivalent impedance provided by the predetermined map by applying the offset parameter.

Abstract: A control unit in a work vehicle executes an automatic downshift for shifting a transmission from a current speed range to a speed range that is lower than the current speed range when at least a first condition, a second condition, a third condition, and a fourth condition are satisfied. The first condition is that an operating amount of an accelerator operating member of the work vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined accelerator threshold. The second condition is that a vehicle speed of the work vehicle is less than a predetermined speed threshold. The third condition is that a vehicle acceleration of the work vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined acceleration threshold. The fourth condition is that that the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic fluid supplied to a brake device of the work vehicle is less than a predetermined brake threshold.

Abstract: A parking assistance system for parking a vehicle in a parking garage includes a measuring sensor system, with at least one sensor which is arranged on at least one end of the vehicle, and which measures a contour of the parking garage. The parking assistance system further includes a steering control unit, which automatically steers the vehicle from a stopping point into a parking end position inside the parking garage.

Abstract: A collision prevention device is mounted on a vehicle and prevents collision against an obstacle by controlling a driving system of the vehicle. This collision prevention device includes an obstacle sensor, an obstacle detection area setting unit, a detector and a vehicle controller. The obstacle sensor transmits one of a light wave, a radio wave and an ultrasonic wave to a predetermined obstacle detection area, and receives a reflected wave of one of the light wave, the radio wave and the ultrasonic wave. The obstacle detection area setting unit sets the obstacle detection area of the obstacle sensor. The detector detects the obstacle in the obstacle detection area based on a detection result of the obstacle sensor. The vehicle controller controls the driving system of the vehicle based on a result of the detection of the detector, and according to the obstacle detection area set by the obstacle detection area setting unit.

Abstract: A configuration includes: a target-motion prediction unit (5) that calculates predicted movement ranges of one or more other vehicles (60) based on target tracking; an inter-target collision possibility estimator (6) that estimates a collision possibility based on overlap of predicted movement ranges of the other vehicles (60); a target-motion re-prediction unit (7) that again calculates predicted movement ranges to avoid collision when the collision possibility between the other vehicles (60) exists; an own-motion prediction unit (10) that calculates a predicted movement range of a user's vehicle (50) based on an observation result; and an own-collision possibility estimator (11) that estimates collision possibilities between the user's vehicle (50) and the other vehicles (60) based on overlap of the final predicted movement ranges of the other vehicles (60) and the predicted movement range of the user's vehicle (50).

Abstract: A path of a target object is predicted. A path of a non-moving host vehicle is predicted based on at least one of a predetermined host vehicle acceleration and a predetermined host vehicle speed. A threat number for the target is determined based at least in part on the predicted path of the host vehicle, the threat number indicating a probability of a collision between the target and the host vehicle. A brake is actuated when the threat number is above a threat number threshold.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes: a radar that detects an object that is located behind a vehicle and that detects a distance to the object; a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, each of which detects the object and detects a distance to the object, the plurality of ultrasonic sensors respectively detect different detection areas; an approaching object detection unit that detects an approaching object that approaches the vehicle from among the objects; a screen estimation unit that estimates that there is a screen that blocks an approach to the vehicle from behind; and a control unit that, when the approaching object has been detected, executes driving assistance for avoiding a collision with the approaching object, and, when a distance to the approaching object is larger by a predetermined value or more than a distance to the screen, restricts or prohibits execution of the driving assistance.

Abstract: A method for guidance of driver behavior during driving of a vehicle (1) in hilltop driving: the steps of continuously determining topography along the vehicle's itinerary for determining a profile of the vehicle's speed (v); presenting (S2) the vehicle driver with suggestions for action concerning the driving of the vehicle for a desired reduction of fuel consumption, the action includes reduced power mobilization before a hilltop transition. A profile of the vehicle speed (v) is determined as a result of the action, whereby the step of presenting (S2) the vehicle's driver with suggestions for said action, is subject to consideration to subconditions.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle drive-train having a continuously power-branched transmission with secondary coupling. In the open operating condition of reversing clutches of a reversing gear unit, torque applied in the area of a drive output can be supported by a range group in the area of a variator. In the event of a command to interrupt the power flow between a drive engine and the drive output, it is checked whether the vehicle is on an inclined surface and if the result of that inquiry is positive, the power flow between the drive engine and the transmission is interrupted at the latest when the rotational speed of the drive output is reduced to zero by opening the reversing clutches, while the active connection between the drive output and the variator is maintained by way of the range group.

Abstract: A lane change device, a system including the same, and a method thereof are provided. The lane change system includes a sensor unit that senses a rotational angular velocity of a turn signal lever of a subject vehicle, an electric field signal of a gear lever of the subject vehicle, and distances between the subject vehicle and neighboring vehicles. A processor then sets a driving mode using the rotational angular velocity, the electric field signal, and the distances between the subject vehicle and the neighboring vehicles, generates a lane change path based on the driving mode, and executes a lane change of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A prime mover arrangement includes a prime mover (23) including a first shaft (25) driven by the prime mover, a second shaft (27), and a speed and torque manipulator (29) connected to the first shaft (25) and to the second shaft (27), the speed and torque manipulator permitting manipulation between at least one non-one-to-one ratio or a plurality of different input/output ratios of speeds and torques input by the first shaft and output to the second shaft. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for driving vehicle accessories of a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission are presented. In one non-limiting example, the vehicle accessories are driven via a vehicle's kinetic energy while an engine of the vehicle has stopped rotating. Vehicle accessories are driven from a location of a driveline downstream of a torque converter impeller.

Abstract: A method jointly estimates a state of a vehicle including a velocity and a heading rate of the vehicle and a state of stiffness of tires of the vehicle including at least one parameter defining an interaction of at least one tire of the vehicle with a road on which the vehicle is traveling. The method uses the motion and measurement models that include a combination of deterministic component independent from the state of stiffness and probabilistic components dependent on the state of stiffness. The method represents the state of stiffness with a set of particles. Each particle includes a mean and a variance of the state of stiffness defining a feasible space of the parameters of the state of stiffness.

Abstract: The autonomous vehicle visual language system displays a plan sentence to an operator of an autonomous vehicle. The plan sentence includes visual syntax, the visual syntax being images displayed in predetermined configurations to convey specific information associated with any maneuvers the autonomous vehicle plans to execute. The visual syntax allows for a structured layering of information such that the plan sentence can display more complex information. The operator of the autonomous vehicle can process individual warnings and information more quickly, even when the operator has never seen a particular warning or element of information before. Additionally, the system 100 allows for personalization of a driver model to more closely reflect the operator's driving style, which is then implemented in the visual language displayed as the plan sentence.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front door to be provided on an end panel of an end portion of a railcar. The front door includes a hinge provided at a first vertical side portion on the front door, the hinge supporting the front door rotatably toward the car interior side, a lock mechanism provided at a second vertical side portion on the front door, the lock mechanism locking the front door, and an emergency support mechanism that holds the front door on the end panel upon collision of an object with the front door in a locked state.

Abstract: A bogie for a high-speed railway vehicle includes a wheel set, an axle box, a primary spring suspension device, a frame, a secondary spring suspension device and a foundation braking device. A wheel of the wheel set has an LMA wheel tread. The foundation braking device is mounted by a three-point hitch structure. The axle box is a structure which is separatable in a vertical direction, and an off-line safety protecting device is mounted at a lower portion of the axle box. A traction rod of the secondary spring suspension device is a single traction rod. A center pin is provided with an integral hoisting device. Two anti-yaw dampers, as a group, are arranged at either side of the secondary spring suspension device, and the two anti-yaw dampers have the same damping coefficient.

Abstract: A railcar coupler includes a coupler head portion extending from a shank portion. The coupler head portion is configured to couple to a first coupler knuckle for coupling the railcar coupler to a second railcar coupler of an adjacent railcar. The coupler head portion comprises a nose portion and a gathering face extending from the nose portion for engaging a second coupler knuckle coupled to the second railcar coupler. The coupler head portion comprises a guard arm portion extending from the nose portion towards the shank portion. The coupler head portion comprises a horn portion having a back surface. A distance between the back surface of the horn portion and a nose end of the guard arm portion is less than 11 inches. The coupler head portion comprises a locklifter shelf less than 2 inches above a bottom edge of the coupler.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a brake cylinder that has a tube surrounding the hollow shaft of the brake cylinder with a first set of teeth formed along an outer surface thereof. A gate having a second set of teeth corresponding to the first set of teeth is moveable in between a first position, wherein the first and second set of teeth are engaged to prevent movement of the brake cylinder piston, and a second position where the first and second set of teeth are disengaged to allow movement of the brake cylinder piston. A spring biases the gate into the locked position and a supplemental piston responsive to a source of brake pipe pressure can move the gate into the unlocked position so that the main piston is free to move.

Abstract: A utility cart for storage and transport of a touch-screen voting terminal, separate ballot counter, and multiple (collapsible) voting booths in a more convenient and secure manner. The cart is generally formed with a pair of opposing side-rails of tubing bent in a rectangular loop with one or more pairs of horizontal struts for supporting a suspended shelving unit, wherein the vertical distance between a shelving unit and the corresponding pair of horizontal struts is adjustable to allow for various combinations of differently sized voting equipment to alternately be stored thereon. The suspended shelves increase the weight capacity of the shelving unit. The cart may also have a bumper along the bottom edge of a lower deck to allow several carts to be stored or transported together and moved by laypersons while minimizing the risk of injury or impact to equipment housed on the carts.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to powered pusher devices configured to push wheeled objects from one location to another. Further embodiments relate to wheeled objects such as carts for transporting items from one location to another. Other embodiments relate to platform powered pushers that can be coupled to a family of various wheeled objects.

Abstract: A storage device for removable attachment to a shopping cart includes a collapsible container having an interior storage space accessible through an upper opening; and an attachment assembly secured to the collapsible container and including at least one attachment for removably securing the collapsible container to the shopping cart. The at least one attachment can be one or more pairs of hooks of different sizes interchangeably and removably attached to the collapsible container. The attachment assembly includes an attachment bracket secured to the collapsible container that forms one or more pairs of spaced-apart predetermined attachment locations for the one or more pairs of hooks.

Abstract: A steering system enabling telescopic adjustment within a predetermined range includes a second tooth member supported by a lower jacket, a damper fixed to an upper jacket so as to face the second tooth member, and an abutting contact member fixed to the lower jacket and coming into abutting contact with the second tooth member from a side opposite from a side where the damper faces the second tooth member. The damper includes an inclined surface that is located at a portion (an end) of the damper, which faces the second tooth member and that is inclined so as to gradually be closer to the upper jacket toward the second tooth member. During telescopic adjustment, the second tooth member comes into abutting contact with the inclined surface of the damper at a sliding limit position.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention has a biasing member arranged to bias a rack retainer toward a rack bar, wherein a biasing force of the biasing member is set such that, in a two-axis coordinate system with a rotation amount of a steering wheel on a horizontal axis and a steering torque on a vertical axis, the steering torque increases with increase in the rotation amount of the steering wheel in a region before the start of relative movement of the rack bar and the rack retainer.

Abstract: A steering system includes a rack housing in which a rack shaft is housed, rack ends fitted to respective end portions of the rack shaft and coupled to respective steered wheels, and shock-absorbing members provided between the rack housing and the respective rack ends. When the rack shaft moves in a direction in which an end face of the rack end approaches a restricting surface of the rack housing and thus the rack shaft reaches a position after the shock-absorbing member is compressed by a compression amount, a control unit creates a normal input end through electronic stopper control of reducing an assisting force to be generated by a motor. This restricts movement of the rack shaft in a direction in which the end face approaches the restricting surface.

Abstract: Vehicle steering can be synchronized by first, turning the steering rack from lock-to-lock to determine a steering rack midpoint, second, turning the steering wheel from lock-to-lock to determine a steering wheel midpoint, third, synchronizing the steering rack with the steering wheel based on the steering rack midpoint and the steering wheel midpoint, and fourth, piloting a vehicle based on the synchronized steering rack and steering wheel; wherein the steering rack is mechanically decoupled from a steering wheel of the vehicle before turning the steering rack from lock-to-lock and before turning the steering wheel from lock-to-lock.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes: a target-steered-angle setting unit configured to set a left target steered angle that is a target value of the steered angle of a left steered wheel and a right target steered angle that is a target value of the steered angle of a right steered wheel; left motor controllers configured to control a left steering motor based on a left-steered-angle deviation that is a difference between the left steered angle and the left target steered angle; right motor controllers configured to control a right steering motor based on a right-steered-angle deviation that is a difference between the right steered angle and the right target steered angle; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine that an abnormality has occurred when an absolute value of difference between the left-steered-angle deviation and the right-steered-angle deviation is equal to or larger than a first threshold.

Abstract: An electric power assisted steering apparatus comprising a combined angular position and torque sensor assembly comprising an upper column shaft that in use is operatively connected to a steering wheel of the vehicle, a lower column shaft that in use is operatively connected to the road wheels of the vehicle, a torsion bar that interconnects the upper column shaft and the lower column shaft, a first and a second torque signal generating means that each generate a first torque signal based on angular deflection of the torsion bar, an absolute position signal generating means that in use produces an absolute upper column position signal indicative of the angular position of the upper column shaft, an electric motor that is connected to the lower column shaft of the torque sensor assembly, and a motor position sensor carried by the motor that provides a motor position signal dependent on the angular position of the motor rotor.

Abstract: A trailer angle detection system and method of detecting a trailer of a vehicle including a wide-angle camera and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the wide-angle camera representative of an area behind the vehicle. The controller transforms the signal into a top-down image. The controller determines a first plurality of values. Each of the first plurality of values is indicative of an amount of symmetry in a region of the top-down image. The controller determines a second plurality of values. Each of the second plurality of values is indicative of how closely a shape in the top-down image matches a predetermined shape. Then, the controller determines an estimate of an articulation angle based on the first plurality of values and the second plurality of values. Then controller performs an automated vehicle maneuver based on the estimate of the articulation angle.

Abstract: A lane change control arrangement, vehicle, and method are described. The lane change control arrangement is arranged to adjust a host vehicle velocity in accordance with a first velocity profile to expand a detectable zone to cover a previously undetectable zone of a second road lane, detect whether a vehicle is present in the previously undetectable zone, determine that a lane change is possible, or determine that a lane change is unsuitable using the second road lane and issue a control signal to the vehicle drive arrangement to adjust the host vehicle velocity until a safety distance is established between the host vehicle and the detected vehicle, and issue a control signal to the vehicle drive arrangement to perform the lane change.

Abstract: A rear floor arrangement structure for a vehicle is provided. The rear floor arrangement structure includes a bottom part and a cross part that extends in a width direction of a vehicle body from one side of the bottom part. Additionally, a collision dispersion member is disposed at the bottom part and the cross part and the collision dispersion member extends along a collision direction of the vehicle body.