Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle airbag occupant restraint system fastener includes a metal clip, a first thermoplastic connector, a second thermoplastic connector, and a thermoplastic tether. The thermoplastic tether extends between the first and second thermoplastic connectors. Opposing ends of the thermoplastic tether are seamlessly integrated into the first and second thermoplastic connectors, respectively. The first and second thermoplastic connectors are formed of a first material and the thermoplastic tether is formed of a second material that is different from the first.

Abstract: Airbag module arrangement for a car is disclosed having an airbag module including an inflatable airbag to protect of at least one occupant of the car, a body section of the vehicle having a fixing point to attach the airbag module. The airbag module arrangement includes a fastening element attached in the fixing point on the body section. An airbag ramp in the direction of steering of the anti-inflatable airbags with an airbag ramp connection attached to the body section which is screwless.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a bump stop having a shaft. The support assembly includes an insert having a guide ring disposed around the shaft, a bump stop support supporting the bump stop, and a column connecting the guide ring to the bump stop support. The column is breakable relative to the guide ring and the bump stop support.

Abstract: A frame (10) for a vehicle seat belt retractor comprises a back part (12), two side legs (16) extending in parallel to each other starting from the back part (12), with a retaining aperture (18) for a belt reel being provided in each side leg (16), and a mounting structure for mounting the frame (10) fixed to the vehicle, wherein the mounting structure includes a retaining bracket (22) having a mounting hole (36) for a retaining means (50) and at least one deformable deformation element (46). Furthermore, in accordance with the invention a vehicle structure for mounting a belt retractor in a vehicle is provided comprising a body part (52) and a frame (10) according to the invention. Moreover, a sheet metal blank for such frame is provided.

Abstract: A belt assembly includes a belt retractor, a sensor having a detection field, and a belt retractably payable from the belt retractor through the detection field. The belt has a webbing and a plurality of markers fixed to the webbing. The webbing has a longitudinal length and the markers are equally spaced along the longitudinal length of the webbing. The sensor senses the length of the webbing paid out. A size of the occupant may be determined based on the length of the webbing paid out, and the size of the occupant may be used to classify the occupant in classes.

Abstract: An image storage device based on an input sound signal comprises: an acceleration sensor unit for outputting an acceleration sensor value according to an impact event; a microphone unit for receiving an input of an impact sound according to the impact event; a camera unit for photographing an external image; and a processing unit for, if an impact event is sensed by the acceleration sensor unit and the impact sound inputted by the microphone unit corresponds to a valid sound which is previously set and stored, storing, in a storage unit, the images photographed by the camera unit in a certain time period both before and after the point in time when the impact event occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor programmed to output an occupant or object detection signal indicating a presence of an unauthorized occupant or unauthorized object in a host vehicle. An autonomous mode controller is programmed to determine, from the occupant or object detection signal, whether to operate the host vehicle in an autonomous mode.

Abstract: A method to reduce refreezing of meltable snow includes configuring a wiper arm to wipe the meltable snow from an ambient-facing surface of a window positioned on a vehicle. The method also includes configuring a sensor coupled to the wiper arm to gather and transmit a parameter on the vehicle and environment. The method also includes configuring a processor to receive the parameter, determine refreezability of the meltable snow based on the parameter, and define an action to be performed by the wiper arm.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper system includes a vehicle has a wiper motor and a windshield. The wiper motor is electrically coupled to the vehicle. A pair of windshield wipers is provided and each of the windshield wipers is movably coupled to the vehicle. Each of the windshield wipers is operationally coupled to the wiper motor. The wiper motor selectively urges each of the windshield wipers across the windshield. Thus, each of the windshield wipers may clear the windshield. A heating unit is coupled to each of the windshield wipers. The heating unit is electrically coupled to the wiper motor. The heating unit selectively heats each of the windshield wipers. Thus, each of the windshield wipers may melt snow and ice from the windshield.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a top-lock wiper blade adapter for coupling a wiper blade to a corresponding top-lock wiper arm adapter (10), having at least one main body (12) and at least one locking element (14) which is provided for locking the main body (12) to the top-lock wiper arm adapter (10). It is proposed that the top-lock wiper blade adapter has a blocking unit (16), which comprises at least one engagement element (18, 20) which engages at least partially over at least one inner abutment surface (22, 24) of the main body (12) and is provided to avoid the locking of a top-lock wiper arm adapter (26) which deviates from the corresponding top-lock wiper arm adapter (10) in terms of width (28).

Abstract: The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper blade that is made of an elastomeric material and extends in a longitudinal direction. The windscreen wiper device also includes a joint part with a U-shaped cross-section that includes a top wall and a pair of side walls. At least one of the side walls has a spring loaded interference finger which projects outwardly for engaging an inner surface of a wiper arm to reduce side to side play between the joint part and the wiper arm.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the windshield wiper fluid refilling system includes a removable filter configured to receive fluid through a first opening from outside an automobile. The removable filter includes one more filtering components therein for removing contaminants from the fluid. A reservoir is configured to couple to the removable filter and receive the fluid from the removable filter through a second opening formed therein. The reservoir including a pump inlet configured to pump the fluid from the reservoir to a windshield of the automobile. The windshield wiper fluid refilling system allows the wiper fluid to be refilled without needing access to the hood of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle window washer device having: a washer tank that stores washer fluid; a washer pump having one end connected to the washer tank and another end connected to one end portion of a hose; a washer nozzle connected to another end portion of the hose; a control unit that drives the washer pump to supply the washer fluid stored in the washer tank to the washer nozzle via the hose; and a supply portion that is placed in a wiping region, wiped by a wiper blade, of a windshield glass, is disposed in the washer nozzle or the windshield glass so as to not project from a wiping surface, and supplies the washer fluid from a supply port to the wiping surface.

Abstract: A service line for servicing a vehicle includes stations disposed in a serial direction along the service line, each station including a pair of conveyors disposed along the serial direction, a driver side conveyor configured to support and convey driver side tires of the vehicle and a passenger side conveyor configured to support and convey passenger side tires of the vehicle.

Abstract: The dynamic footprint of a tire is received and the dynamic footprint is determined by and received from a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor. A weight or load of the secondary vehicle attached to the primary vehicle is calculated based at least in part on the footprint. Instructions to alter the operation of the braking system of the secondary vehicle based on the calculated weight or load are transmitted to the secondary vehicle.

Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve. In another embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve only when no first control pressure is delivered through the first solenoid valve.

Abstract: A hydraulics block having a piston-cylinder unit that can be driven by an electric motor via a gear in order to generate a brake pressure for a hydraulic non-muscular-energy vehicle brake system. An annular cavity is provided which encloses a piston of the piston-cylinder unit inside a cylinder, as a leakage chamber which communicates with a reservoir. Possible drag leakage is carried away in this manner. An end shield situated between the electric motor and the gear prevents lubricant or leakage from entering the electric motor.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a pressure-generating device of a braking system of a motor vehicle, including a piston, which is at least partially insertable into an opening formed in a hydraulic unit of the braking system and is axially displaceable therein, and including a ball screw for axially displacing the piston. The piston is connected to the axially displaceable spindle of the ball screw in such a way that the piston moves along with the axially displaceable spindle of the ball screw, the piston enclosing at least one first portion of the nut in a first, retracted position of the piston and the piston enclosing at most one second portion of the nut in a second, extended position of the piston, and the first portion is larger than the second portion.

Abstract: A method for determining the charge in a battery which comprises providing a main battery and a auxiliary battery. The method then comprises connecting the main battery to an electrical load; measuring I1, the current drawn from the main battery while it is connected to the electrical load; connecting the auxiliary battery in parallel with the main battery and the electrical load; measuring I2, the current drawn from the main battery while it is connected to the electrical load and the auxiliary battery; and estimating the state of charge in the auxiliary battery based upon at least the difference between I1 and I2.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes applying both friction braking and powertrain braking when decelerating a vehicle to a stop, the applying in response to a driver lifting off an accelerator pedal. An exemplary assembly includes a powertrain brake, a friction brake, and a braking controller configured to command the powertrain brake to apply powertrain braking and the friction brake to apply friction braking to stop a vehicle in response to a driver lifting off an accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A DCT shifting control method of a vehicle includes: a temporary engaging step that engages an N-3 stage gear having a gear ratio larger than an N stage gear that is a currently engaged gear; a first torque switching step that starts to slip a first clutch engaged with the N-3 stage gear and disengages a second clutch engaged with the N stage gear that is the currently engaged gear; a synchronization speed adjusting step that synchronizes a speed of a power source of a vehicle with a desired input shaft speed by controlling the power source of the vehicle, disengages the N stage gear, and engages the N-2 stage gear that is the desired gear, with the slip of the first clutch maintained; and a second torque switching step that finishes shifting by disengaging the first clutch and engaging the second clutch.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a power determination module and a powertrain control module that includes a state selection module. The power determination module can estimate power required to travel at a desired speed on a roadway segment located in an anticipated path of a vehicle based upon an estimated slope of the roadway segment. The powertrain control module can control operational states of a hybrid powertrain. The powertrain control module includes a state selection module that can determine whether a current operational state is capable of producing the estimated power based upon a state of charge of a vehicle battery. The state selection module can also switch to another operational state that is capable of producing the estimated power if the current operational state is incapable of producing the estimated power.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a dual-structured power output apparatus of an electric drive and power system that provides a means for outputting both mechanical power and electrical power. It comprises dual motor/generators having two stator assemblies, two rotor assemblies and a power transmission unit all integrated into a single housing for easy mounting. The power transmission unit is disposed adjacent to the two motor/generators and coupled on both ends to rotating shafts mechanically linked to the rotor assemblies such that they are rotatable relative to each other. It function is to change the rotational speed and torque of at least one of the rotors in order to reduce weight and physical size of the apparatus, and thus significantly improving the power density and capability. The structure of the apparatus is well-suited to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the prior art hybrid powertrain.

Abstract: A motor generator (27) is connected mechanically to an engine (21) and a hydraulic pump (23). The hydraulic pump (23) delivers pressurized oil to cylinders (11D) to (11F) in a working mechanism (11), a traveling hydraulic motor (25) and a revolving hydraulic motor (26). The revolving hydraulic motor (26) drives a revolving device (3) in cooperation with a revolving electric motor (33). The motor generator (27) and the revolving electric motor (33) are connected electrically to an electricity storage device (31). An HCU (36) sets a target electricity storage rate (SOC0) of the electricity storage device (31) and a pump output limit (POL0) of the hydraulic pump (23) corresponding to a mode selected by a mode selection device (38). The HCU (36) controls the engine (21), the motor generator (27), the revolving electric motor (33) and the electricity storage device (31) corresponding to the target electricity storage rate (SOC0) and the pump output limit (POL0).

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, capable of moving backward through control of a motor and a transmission. The shift control apparatus for the hybrid vehicle includes an engine as a power source; first and second motors connected to the engine; an engine clutch positioned between the engine and the first motor and selectively connecting the engine and the first motor; a transmission receiving a driving torque from at least one of the engine and first motor by a release or an engagement of the engine clutch; and a vehicle controller releasing the engine clutch if a backward moving request signal is input. The shift control apparatus further confirms a backward moving torque amount when the speed of the vehicle is a reference speed or less, and controls the first motor based on the backward moving torque amount for the vehicle to be moved backward.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission is configured to alter clutch pressures in preparation for an upcoming shift between discrete gear ratios (e.g., input-to-output ratio). For example, the clutch pressures may spike to a heightened magnitude to prepare for the upcoming shift. The electric machine is configured to selectively propel the vehicle and perform regenerative braking. If regenerative braking demands occur during the clutch pressures being heightened during shift preparation, the controller is programmed to stop the preparing of the clutches. This can be done by reducing the clutch pressures back to their pre-preparation magnitude. The upcoming shift can be cancelled or delayed.

Abstract: A shift strategy is provided for a hybrid electric vehicle to cause a speed of a motor to approach a target motor speed to increase fuel economy for an engine operating in a hybrid drive mode. A controller shifts the transmission according to a magnitude of a driver torque demand, the current rotor or impeller speed, and whether the motor is consuming or producing current. The controller shifts the transmission according to one shift schedule when the motor is motoring, and according to another shift schedule when the motor is generating power.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is configured to calculate an amount of divergence of an actual MG rotational speed with respect to a reference rotational speed at the start-up of an internal combustion engine, and correct a generation timing of a compensation torque at the next start-up of the internal combustion engine based on the amount of divergence.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. One instruction is to determine a transition in performance of a steering system actuator of a vehicle to a diminished operating mode. Another instruction is to determine a maneuverable envelope of vehicle velocity and path curvature adapted to the diminished operating mode. Another instruction is to select a vehicle velocity within the envelope for a path curvature.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. In some embodiments, a computing system or IoT management node might receive sensor data from one or more IoT-capable sensors, analyze the sensor data to determine one or more actions to be taken, and identify one or more devices (e.g., household devices associated with a customer premises; vehicular components associated with a vehicle; devices disposed in, on, or along a roadway; devices disposed throughout a population area; etc.) for performing the determined one or more first actions. The computing system or IoT management node then autonomously controls each of the identified one or more devices to perform tasks based on the determined one or more first actions to be taken, thereby implementing smart environment functionality (e.g., smart home, building, or customer premises functionality, smart vehicle functionality, smart roadway functionality, smart city functionality, and so on).

Abstract: A method for automatically assessing the risk of collision between a vehicle and an object includes determining a danger value characteristic of the risk of collision on the basis of the relative position and the relative speed between the vehicle and the object. A braking danger value is determined based on the current distance between the vehicle and a last possible (“last-chance”) position at which it is possible to avoid a collision between the vehicle and the object by braking the vehicle, and a steering danger value is determined based on the current distance between the vehicle and a last possible (“last-chance”) position at which it is possible to avoid a collision between the vehicle and the object by steering the vehicle. The risk of collision is assessed on the basis of the braking danger value and the second danger value.

Abstract: Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous and/or driver-assist navigation features. In some implementations, techniques for predicting the location of first roadway lane constraints are provided. The system may receive multiple images of a roadway in a vicinity of a vehicle, recognize a first roadway lane constraint, and, when lane prediction conditions are determined to be satisfied, predict a location of a second roadway lane constraint. In some implementations, techniques for detecting and responding to construction zones are provided. The system may receive multiple images of a roadway in a vicinity of a vehicle, recognize indicators of a construction zone in the images, determine that the vehicle is proximate to a construction zone, and output a signal indicating that the vehicle is proximate to a construction zone.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a lane change maneuver of an autonomous vehicle. The method includes detecting a feature of a road surface with a sensor and determining, at an electronic processor, a road camber of a target lane based on the feature. The target lane is a traffic lane targeted for a lane change maneuver by the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes determining a lateral compensating force based on the road camber and applying the lateral compensating force, by the electronic processor, during the lane change maneuver.

Abstract: A traveling control apparatus includes a generation section generating traveling paths from a history of positions of vehicles present ahead of an own vehicle, a first control section defining one vehicle, which runs in a driving lane of the own vehicle, as a target, and making a lateral position of the own vehicle follow a lateral position which is a position of the target in a width direction of the own vehicle, a determination section determining, when follow-up control is performed, whether or not, in the driving lane, one of the vehicles cuts in a space between the own vehicle and the target, and a first selection section selecting, when cutting in is determined to occur, the current target or the cut-in vehicle as the target, based on a result of comparison between the lateral positions on the traveling paths respectively generated for the current target and the cut-in vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided to control a first vehicle when the first vehicle is being overtaken. The method comprises determining whether a rear vehicle is overtaking; and controlling a speed of the first vehicle when it is determined that the rear vehicle is overtaking.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes: an inter-vehicle distance detector that detects a presence or an absence of a preceding vehicle, and an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle; an effectiveness ratio setting module that sets an effectiveness ratio indicating a proportion of an accelerator operation amount of a driver to be reflected in a drive control, on the basis of the inter-vehicle distance when the inter-vehicle distance is less than a predetermined standard value; and a drive controller that performs the drive control on the vehicle on the basis of the effectiveness ratio. When the preceding vehicle goes away in a state in which the effectiveness ratio is lowered, the effectiveness ratio setting module gradually increases the effectiveness ratio for a period for which an accelerator is on.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a notification of an automated restart of vehicle movement that include determining an automated stoppage of the vehicle based on an operation of a low speed follow functionality of the vehicle. The system and method also include measuring a duration of the automated stoppage of the vehicle and determining at least one countermeasure parameter. The system and method further include providing an impulse acceleration for a duration of time during the automated restart of vehicle movement.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle having an engine and a battery includes a memory and a controller. The memory has a predicted current expected to be provided by the battery for restarting the engine during a cranking event. The controller is configured to predict a minimum voltage of the battery expected during the cranking event based on the predicted current and to update the predicted current in the memory as a function of the predicted current and an actual current actually provided by the battery for restarting the engine during the cranking event.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle, second axle, driveshaft, engine, clutch, and controller. The first and second axles are coupled by the driveshaft. The engine is configured to generate torque in the first axle. The clutch is configured to disconnect an output of the second axle. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a clutch release request that would result in an increasing commanded torque to the first axle being greater than a threshold, decrease an engine torque such that a first axle torque is less than the threshold.

Abstract: In a rough terrain vehicle, at a time of preparing to start movement, in a case that a left paddle switch and a right paddle switch are operated together with an accelerator pedal, an ECU disengages a clutch of an automatic transmission, and causes an output of an engine to increase. On the other hand, at a time of starting movement, in a case that the left paddle switch and the right paddle switch are returned to their initial positions, the ECU engages the clutch and transmits the output of the engine from the engine to vehicle wheels via the automatic transmission, to thereby rapidly start movement of the rough terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric machine (EM) during a synchronization procedure of a first shaft and a second shaft, whereby said first shaft is in drive connection with an output shaft of said electric machine (EM) and said first shaft and said second shaft are connectable over a synchronization mechanism, comprising: controlling the output shaft to a speed (na) close to a target speed (nt) of said second shaft by using speed control; continuously controlling an electrical torque of said electrical machine (EM), such that an output torque (Tout) of said electric machine (EM) becomes essentially equal to zero; and controlling said synchronization mechanism to synchronize the speed of the first shaft and the second shaft.

Abstract: A method and system for managing settings on a single vehicle/implement system and across a fleet of vehicle/implement systems. Each vehicle/implement system includes a plurality of Embedded Systems having configurable settings, a Precision Agriculture Server having configurable settings, and a Telematics Server having configurable settings. All of the servers are connected by a plurality of vehicle data busses. The Telematics Server is connected to Cloud-Based Servers via the Internet. Vehicle/implement system settings are managed by the Precision Ag Server and shared with other vehicle/implement systems via the Cloud-based Server. Flexibility for different vehicle/implement models and options is provided by a distributed system using Client Software in the Precision Ag Server or Client Software in the Embedded Systems and by a settings identification and versioning schema.

Abstract: A device displaying information about an imminent takeover of manual control of a vehicle. The device includes a radio receiving apparatus and a controller, and a projection unit, a vibration unit or a display. The radio receiving apparatus receives the information by radio. The projection unit projects the information by lighting of the projection unit, while the vibration unit is activated by the device in accordance with the receipt of the information. The information is displayed on the display together with additional information.

Abstract: A method for processing image data. The method includes a step of determining correspondence data as the result of a correspondence generation between first image data that represent data recorded by a camera at a first point in time, and preceding image data that represent data recorded by the camera at a preceding point in time. In a step of determining, depth data are determined on the basis of an ego-motion estimate carried out using the correspondence data. In a step of ascertaining, fusion data are ascertained using the depth data and the transferred fusion data, the fusion data including an item of depth information based on the image data.

Abstract: A driving assistance device according to an embodiment includes: a target setting unit configured to set a stop target; an acquisition unit configured to acquire a position of a vehicle; and an output information control unit configured to control a display unit to display a first image that instructs a driver to stop the vehicle in a first form when the vehicle is located within a region including the stop target and display the first image in a second form different from the first form when the vehicle is located outside the region.

Abstract: Emergency egress systems carry multiple riders simultaneously accessing a zip line (catenary) from higher, accessible, working locations to lower, safer areas in a marine environment. Hangers above the track line suspend trolleys to avoid weighting the catenary unduly at the high end, which might otherwise alter (reduce) clearance distances and safety of riders above a launch platform (deck). Catenary shape is controlled against approaching the launch deck by sequencing the release from the hangers of each trolley to roll along the catenary with its own rider. Track line systems installed may be left undeployed indefinitely. Deployment of a track line will typically be fully effected at the time of egress, adding time but eliminating permanent obstructions that would result if a permanent deployment of track lines were undertaken. Terminal ends are anchored and configured to accommodate workers arriving after escape.

Abstract: An actuator unit includes a rod side chamber and a piston side chamber defined by a piston; a tank; a first opening/closing valve communicating the rod side chamber with the piston side chamber; a second opening/closing valve communicating the piston side chamber with the tank; an suction passage allowing a working fluid to flow from the tank toward the piston side chamber; a rectifying passage allowing the working fluid to flow from the piston side chamber toward the rod side chamber; a pump supplying the working fluid to the rod side chamber; a first discharge passage and a second discharge passage respectively communicating the rod side chamber to the tank; a first passive valve provided on the first discharge passage; a second passive valve provided on the second discharge passage; and a third passive valve configured to communicate and block the first discharge passage.

Abstract: A tubular elastic linkage device for axle beam for elastically linking a truck frame and an axle beam including: an inner axial member; two outer segments opposed in axis-perpendicular direction peripherally outside the inner axial member for attachment to a housing part on an axle-beam side; and a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting them. A pocket part opens in an outer peripheral face of the main rubber elastic body onto outside via a window penetrating one outer segment. A stopper supported by the inner axial member is disposed in the pocket part to face the housing part distantly via the window. Contact of the stopper with the housing part constitutes a displacement limitation mechanism between the inner axial member and the outer segments. The other outer segment has an aperture having the main rubber elastic body exposed outside via it.

Abstract: A coupler having a support provided through the body of the coupler and a plurality of openings in the coupler which are configured as open cavities. The coupler structure includes a shank that has a vertical support as well as lateral support. The coupler may be configured with a double I-beam structure with openings into the shank. Cores that may be fixed to the mold may be used to form the coupler and produce the openings in the shank.

Abstract: An on-board device controls the speed of the control target train so that the control target train is set to a given speed-controlled state upon reception of an earthquake detection signal, the given speed-controlled state being a state in which the speed of the control target train is set to be equal to or lower than a reduced speed, or the control target train is stopped. A speed control part estimates an estimated position and an estimated timing at which the control target train is set to a speed-controlled state when a given brake is continuously applied, and controls the speed of the control target train based on the positional relationship between the estimated position and a recommended avoiding-train-existence section when there is a time allowance between the estimated timing and the estimated earthquake arrival timing.