Patents Issued in April 18, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190111838
    Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to signaling status of an autonomous vehicle to a rider or potential rider. In one example, a computer-implemented method for communicating autonomous vehicle status includes obtaining, by a computing system comprising one or more computing devices, data associated with a state of an autonomous vehicle. The method further includes determining, by the computing system, one or more vehicle indications indicative of the state of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the data associated with the state of the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes providing, by the computing system, control data for one or more visual indicators associated with the autonomous vehicle to communicate the one or more determined vehicle indications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Eric James Hanson, Molly Castle Nix, Sean Chin, Dennis Zhao
  • Publication number: 20190111839
    Abstract: An engine sound color control method based on an engine dynamic characteristic with artificial intelligence is provided. The method maximizes audio-visual control through the audio-visual synergy effect by performing both of the visual control of the dash board by the artificial intelligence using the virtual engine revolution per minute based on the shifting event and driving pattern of a vehicle. In particular, the auditory control of the speaker is operated by the signal processing controller based on the virtual engine RPM in response to an engine vibration signal of the engine. Further, a driver is provided with rapid response with vehicle power performance control through a real-time audio-visual change regulated by the artificial intelligence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Dong-Chul Lee, In-Soo Jung
  • Publication number: 20190111840
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a sound generator which is connected to a vehicle body and generates sound, the sound generator including: a magnetic circuit generating vibration; a yoke contacting an upper surface of the magnetic circuit; an elastic member contacting at least a part of an upper surface of the yoke and performing vibration motion; a housing including an internal space formed as upper and lower sides of the housing are opened and lateral sides of the housing are closed; and a coil receiving an alternating current signal provided from the outside, wherein the coil is positioned in the internal space of the housing, wherein the sound generator transmits the vibration generated by the magnetic circuit to the vehicle body and vibrate at least a part of the vehicle body such that sound is generated from the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Yoon Kyu Kang, Jae Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20190111841
    Abstract: A fake engine sound control device includes an environment information acquisition unit, a vehicle speed acquisition unit, an engine speed acquisition unit, a fake engine sound generator, and a fake engine sound controller. The environment information acquisition unit acquires environment information. The vehicle speed acquisition unit acquires vehicle speed information. The engine speed acquisition unit acquires rotation speed information. The fake engine sound generator generates a fake engine sound. The fake engine sound controller determines, based on the environment information and the vehicle speed information, whether leading to a target vehicle speed is required, the target vehicle speed being different from the vehicle speed indicated by the vehicle speed information, and controls, when leading to the target vehicle speed is required, the fake engine sound generator based on the target vehicle speed and the rotation speed information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomofumi YAMANASHI, Masafumi TAO
  • Publication number: 20190111842
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for moving a vehicle to a target location is disclosed. According to examples of the disclosure, a camera captures one or more images of a known object corresponding to the target location. An on-board computer having stored thereon information about the known object can process the one or more images to determine vehicle location with respect to the known object. The system can use the vehicle's determined location and a feedback controller to move the vehicle to the target location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Aziz Umit Batur, Oliver Max Jeromin, Paul Alan Theodosis, Michael Venegas
  • Publication number: 20190111843
    Abstract: A vehicular display device includes a surrounding information obtaining unit configured to obtain surrounding information indicating a surrounding situation of a host vehicle, and a display ECU configured to inform a driver of the presence of a warning object that needs to be recognized by the driver through displaying of an in-vehicle display unit when the warning object is detected based on the surrounding information. The in-vehicle display unit has a display screen in a region surrounded by a grip of a steering wheel in a planar positional relationship when the driver views the steering wheel. The display ECU is configured to display a host vehicle mark in a central position of the steering wheel in a right-left width direction and display a warning object mark indicating the warning object in a position corresponding to a direction of the warning object relative to the host vehicle on the display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori YAMADA, Yasutomo KATO, Satoshi YAMAMICHI, Masaki ITO
  • Publication number: 20190111844
    Abstract: An ECU as a vehicle device includes an image generation unit that generates an image in a predetermined reference coordinate system, a viewpoint position identification unit that identifies a viewpoint position of a driver; a superimposed position identification unit that identifies a display position at which the image is displayed within an eyesight of the driver; an image conversion unit that generates a converted image obtained by converting the image into a coordinate system having the viewpoint position of the driver as a reference point; and a notification unit that displays a display image falling within the converted image so as to be superimposed on the eyesight of the driver with the projection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Takamitsu SUZUKI, Masayuki KONDO, Yuji KUSUNOSE
  • Publication number: 20190111845
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera having a field of view exterior and rearward of the vehicle. The camera captures frames of image data as the vehicle moves forward or rearward. A control includes an image processor that processes multiple frames of captured image data. The control utilizes vehicle motion information and, responsive to processing of captured image data, utilizes software based algorithms to generate, for each frame of image data captured by said camera, a left side bird's eye view image portion, a right side bird's eye view image portion and rear bird's eye view image portion. The control combines left side image portions, right side image portions and rear image portion of multiple frames of captured image data to generate combined bird's eye view images for display at a display for viewing by the vehicle driver during a parking maneuver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Peter Karas
  • Publication number: 20190111846
    Abstract: A method for determining a location of a vehicle feature of a vehicle relative to an environmental feature located in an environmental zone of the vehicle feature includes: arranging a camera at the vehicle with a fixed orientation relative to the vehicle such that the vehicle feature and an environmental zone of the vehicle feature are disposed in the field of view of the camera; generating an index in the environmental zone of the vehicle feature for determining the location of the vehicle feature relative to an environmental feature located in the environmental zone; taking a measurement image that includes the vehicle feature, the index and an environmental feature located in the environmental zone of the vehicle feature; and determining the location of the vehicle feature relative to the environmental feature with reference to the position of the environmental feature relative to the index in the measurement image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Volker S. Kalms, Mathias Busch, Peter Egbert, Wolfgang Vorwerk
  • Publication number: 20190111847
    Abstract: A logo lamp device includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back, a cap covering the top of the housing or preferably an encapsulant, one or more clips formed integrally with or attached to the housing, a connector receiving portion including an opening formed at the back of the housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) fully enclosed within the housing, a light source connected to the PCB and enclosed within the housing, and an optical assembly including at least one optical element for receiving light projected by the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Jacob Messenger, Dan Flynn, Simon Belcher, Jake Whittenbury, Dean Stevens
  • Publication number: 20190111848
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle equipped with a blind spot monitoring system includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a heater pad disposed between the mirror reflective element and the mirror back plate. A light transmitting aperture of the heater pad is juxtaposed with a light transmitting aperture of the mirror reflector of the reflective element and with a light transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate. The mirror back plate includes first structure that is configured to attach at an actuator. A blind spot indicator is disposed at the light transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, and, when activated responsive to a blind spot monitoring system of the vehicle, emits light through the light transmitting apertures, forming an illuminated icon viewable by a driver of the vehicle viewing the mirror reflective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190111849
    Abstract: An open space organizer (OSO) apparatus and system that may be configured to be employed in various open storage areas including areas that may include, nest, or be near power sources where the OSO system may include multiple sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Thomas Besley
  • Publication number: 20190111850
    Abstract: A storing device having at least one first body defining at least a first storage volume accessible through a first opening, and at least one second body defining at least one second storage volume accessible through a second opening. The first body and the second body are movable relative to one another along a first direction between a close position and a separated position. The first opening is arranged so that the first storage volume is accessible along the first direction, with the first storage volume being closed along the first direction by the second body in the close position and being accessible along the first direction in the separated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Eric VANEL, Frederic BIGUET, Pierre Emmanuel COSTE, Thomas ANGEBAULT
  • Publication number: 20190111851
    Abstract: An improved golf cart dash liner adapted to be placed in a golf cart receptacle to improve the visibility and retention of items therein, the liner having a light color, a moisture-resistant non-slip upper surface, and a non-slip lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: JAMES F. WALTERS
  • Publication number: 20190111852
    Abstract: A multiple glasses storage apparatus comprising articles, means, and methods. A storage case comprising a single open ended tubular compartment sandwiched by flexible material creating an interior and exterior access flap. A means for coupling the interior and exterior access flap forming a coupled access flap. A means for fastening the coupled access flap creating an opening access hole. A rectangular connecting baseplate comprising two slab faces. A rectangular connecting strap comprising two strap faces. A means for coupling the first strap face with the second strap face. A means for coupling the second strap face with the first slab face. A means for coupling the second slab face with the storage case. A method of fastening and opening the coupled access flap. Methods of using one or more connecting straps with one or more storage cases with or without the connecting baseplate all in cooperation with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Jovan Leon Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190111853
    Abstract: A load carrying bar for a roof rack including a channel with an opening for receiving a fastening member of a load carrying bar accessory, and a cover including a channel sealing portion adapted to substantially seal a cross section of the opening of said channel of said load carrying bar in a cross section. A biasing portion is configured in a first position to bias said channel sealing portion towards said opening and configured in a second position to deflect said channel sealing portion away from the opening. The biasing portion includes at least one biasing member. A first end of the biasing member is connected to the channel sealing portion. A second end of the biasing member is configured to engage a base part of the channel. A central portion of the biasing member is positioned between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Fredrik BERGMAN, Magnus FERMAN
  • Publication number: 20190111854
    Abstract: A tailgate storage box for entertainment while in the bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a housing having an interior volume formed by a pair of opposing sidewalls, a front wall, and a rear wall. The interior volume of the housing is accessed through an open top end. A lid is disposed over the open top end, wherein the lid is pivotally affixed to the housing. A control, such as a remote control, moves the lid between a closed and open position when actuated. A media display device is suspended from an interior surface of the lid, wherein the media display device can be watched when the lid is in the open position and wherein the media display device is housed in the housing when in the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Harold Abel-Bey
  • Publication number: 20190111855
    Abstract: A rotationally limited connection system that includes a first mount to hold an object or couple with an object, a first ferromagnetic coupling element that includes a material attracted to a magnet or wherein the material includes the magnet, an a first mechanical coupling element. The first mechanical coupling element includes at least one protrusion to limit rotation of the first mount with respect to another object in 90 degrees increments. The first mount is coupled with the first ferromagnetic coupling element and the first mechanical coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: CasexCase, LLC
    Inventors: J. Ty ALOE, Mario MINNECI
  • Publication number: 20190111856
    Abstract: A transportation vehicle trim with display functionality having a light shade unit with at least one window section which is transparent at least area by area in the visible wavelength area for a transillumination, and a functional unit having at least one illuminant or at least one illuminant and one input unit, wherein the functional unit is formed as a basic module having a self-contained, water-tight housing, in the interior of which the at least one illuminant and the input unit are arranged, wherein the basic module is mechanically connected to the light shade unit. A front side of the housing of the basic module facing a viewing side of the light shade unit may be smaller than an area across which backlit information areas of the transportation vehicle trim extend. Individual light exit areas of the basic module are coupled via light guiding elements to the backlit information areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Bernd ETTE, Andre MORGNER
  • Publication number: 20190111857
    Abstract: A resilient U-base fastener includes a U-shaped body defining a central body cavity between a first side and a second side. The first side is connected to the second side at an insertion end. The U-base fastener also includes a first spring arm connected to the first side of the body that bends outwardly and away from the central body cavity at a first bend and a second spring arm connected to the first side of the body adjacent the first spring arm. The second spring arm bends outwardly and away from the central body cavity at a second bend. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are laterally spaced apart from one another and are separated by a gap in the first side of the body. The gap extends toward the insertion end past the first bend and past the second bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. BENEDETTI, Wayne Robert BOYLAN
  • Publication number: 20190111858
    Abstract: A flexible plastic snap-receiving socket (110) comprises a mounting panel (112), two support legs (111) arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a weakening structure (113). Two opposite ends of the mounting panel are respectively connected to a top end of the support legs via the weakening structure. The weakening structure is U-shaped, and comprises a bottom wall (113a) and a side wall (113b, 113c). The snap-receiving socket can match with the existing plastic snap (120), and realize an effective connection between a vehicle back door trim panel (1) and a vehicle back door (2). Moreover, in a high-temperature or low-temperature ambient environment, the snap-receiving socket can ensure a good appearance matching between the vehicle back door trim panel and the vehicle back door in an installed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Linhui Xiong, Zhongyu Ma, Wufan Li
  • Publication number: 20190111859
    Abstract: The vehicle headliner includes a base layer, a skin layer disposed on one side of the base layer, and an infrared reflecting layer and a protection layer, in this order, disposed on the other side of the base layer. The base layer contains thermoplastic resin and fiber. The protection layer is a non-stretched resin layer containing a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 200° C. or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki KUMAMOTO, Tsutomu TAKAGI, Atsuhiro HATTORI
  • Publication number: 20190111860
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to trim components having textured surfaces that support physical vapor deposition (PVD) deposited thin film coatings, and/or methods of making the same. A plastic substrate has a surface to be coated that is textured so that PVD-deposited layers formed thereon are generally conformal thereto and provide a desired matte or glossy aesthetic for the trim component. An adhesion promoting base layer and an overcoat sandwich a metal-inclusive layer, and each of these layers may be PVD-deposited on the textured plastic substrate surface. The trim components may be used for interior and/or exterior vehicle or other applications, e.g., in connection with functional and/or decorative elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Xuequn HU, Jerry Lawrence LOGSDON
  • Publication number: 20190111861
    Abstract: A door edge protector for an edge of a door of a motor vehicle includes a unitary extrusion having a rear wall member coupled to a push rod member by a coupling member, the push rod member being separate and distinct from a pull member, the pull member coupled to the rear wall member and extending to an edge covering member; and an adhesive attaching the unitary extrusion to an interior surface of the door of the motor vehicle, wherein the push rod member is not in contact with the pull member, and the edge covering member extends around the edge of the door in a first position, and wherein the push rod member is in contact with the pull member and compresses a portion of the pull member in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Marten Wittorf, Uwe Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20190111862
    Abstract: An electronics assembly comprising at least one circuit board substrate comprising a fluid inlet channel and a fluid outlet channel and at least one heat generating component coupled to the circuit board substrate. The at least one heat generating component is fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet channel and the fluid outlet channel. A heat exchanger is directly coupled to the circuit board substrate and comprises an inlet plenum fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet channel of the circuit board substrate and an outlet plenum fluidly coupled to the inlet channel of the circuit board substrate. A pump is fluidly coupled to the circuit board substrate and the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ercan M. Dede
  • Publication number: 20190111863
    Abstract: An in-vehicle communication network comprising a bus and at least one node connected to the bus; an in-vehicle network operating system (OS) that manages OS processes, to enable a processor to run the processes and execute their respective process codes; and a module hosted in the OS that is configured to monitor the OS and vet a process that the OS enables for running by a processor to determine if the process is potentially damaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Ofer Ben Noon, Yaron Galula, Oron Lavi
  • Publication number: 20190111864
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for identifying a vehicle using data collected by a personal electronic device residing in the vehicle during its operation. By enabling the vehicle to be identified using data collected by the personal electronic device, embodiments of the invention may allow other information captured by the personal electronic device relating to the user's operation of the vehicle to be associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Agero, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20190111865
    Abstract: An in-wheel motor power line wiring structure of the present invention includes an in-wheel motor drive device configured to drive a wheel, a damper (77) including an upper end portion (77b) and a lower end portion (77c), the upper end portion (77b) being coupled to a vehicle-body-side member and the lower end portion (77c) being coupled to the in-wheel motor drive device, a power line extending from the in-wheel motor drive device to a vehicle body, and a clamp member (96) that is provided on the lower end portion of the damper and configured to hold an intermediate portion of the power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Shiro TAMURA, Yusuke SHIBUYA
  • Publication number: 20190111866
    Abstract: A wire harness includes: a conductive first wiring material wired to a vehicle; and a second wiring material wired to the vehicle in a state where at least a part of the second wiring material is bundled with the first wiring material, and having a flow passage formed therein through which a liquid can flow. With this configuration, the wire harness has an effect of enhancing assemblability to the vehicle, since in a state where the second wiring material having the flow passage therein through which a liquid can flow is bundled with the conductive first wiring material, in addition to the first wiring material, the first wiring material and the second wiring material can be wired to the vehicle together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Ken ITO, Naoto Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20190111867
    Abstract: A grommet which can prevent unintended deformation of an annular lip portion is provided. The annular lip portion is configured to be compressed in a compression direction corresponding to a direction perpendicular to a plane of a panel member. Thus, even if the annular lip portion is formed with a large length to ensure a pushing force against a planar portion, a tip edge of the annular lip portion is unlikely to be located in the vicinity of a first flange portion. Therefore, the annular lip portion is avoided from contacting the other members, preventing unintended deformation of the annular lip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi OGAWA, Satoshi YOKOYAMA, Shinichi IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20190111868
    Abstract: A grommet which allows an annular lip portion to be pushed hardly against a panel member is provided. When the annular lip portion abuts on a planar portion on a radially inner side than an outer peripheral edge of a flange portion, a protruding portion of the annular lip portion is sandwiched between the planar portion and the flange portion. An inner member of a grommet is made of a material having a higher degree of hardness than the material of a body of the grommet, thereby allowing the annular lip portion to be pushed hardly against the panel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi OGAWA, Satoshi YOKOYAMA, Shinichi IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20190111869
    Abstract: A grommet which can maintain water tightness in response to inclination is provided. In an attachment section of the grommet, a substantially right-angled first bending portion is formed between a first flange portion and a tubular portion. Thus, when the attachment section is inclined with respect to a panel member, the first bending portion changes in angle, thereby absorbing the inclination, and thereby maintaining the contact between the annular lip portion and a planar portion. As a result, water tightness can be maintained in response to the inclination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi OGAWA, Satoshi YOKOYAMA, Shinichi IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20190111870
    Abstract: Even in the case where a vehicle is not utilized for a long period of time, not only maintenance notification but notification of countermeasures is performed by use of vehicle information. There is provided a control unit that: calculates a maintenance timing based on vehicle information obtained by a vehicle information I/F, a present time measured by a time measurement unit, and maintenance information stored in a memory unit; detects that the maintenance timing for the vehicle part has arrived, from the result of a failure determination based on the vehicle information, a stoppage period during which the vehicle is turned off, a usage period of the vehicle part between the usage-start time and the present time, and mileage of the vehicle or an engine driving time; and controls a display unit to notify the user of the arrival of the maintenance timing and a maintenance method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki ONO, Hiroshi AIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20190111871
    Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle and method of controlling a display therein. Herein, the vehicle supports auto driving. The present invention includes sensors, a display including a display area formed on a glass of the vehicle and a controller configured to cause the display to display data obtained via at least one of the sensors on the display area based on an operation mode of the vehicle and vehicle passenger information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hangtae KIM, Kyungdong CHOI
  • Publication number: 20190111872
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure includes first and second components. The first component includes a polymer and a plurality of reinforcing fibers disposed therein. The first component includes first bumper and crush member portions respectively defined by first and second walls. The second wall projects from and is integrally formed with the second wall. At least some of the fibers continuously extend between the first and second walls. The second component includes the polymer and a plurality of reinforcing fibers. The second component includes second bumper and crush member portions respectively defined by third and fourth walls. The fourth wall projects from and is integrally formed with the third wall. At least some of the fibers continuously extend between the third and fourth walls. The first and second components are joined. The first and third walls cooperate to define a bumper. The second and fourth walls cooperate to define a crush member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bradley A. Newcomb, Hamid G. Kia
  • Publication number: 20190111873
    Abstract: There is provided a crash box comprising a pedestal portion attached to one of two members that are placed in an inward-outward direction of a vehicle; and a bottomed tubular portion integrally molded with the pedestal portion and configured to include a base end portion that is arranged to rise from the pedestal portion and an extended portion that is extended from the base end portion and that has a leading end wall which forms a bottom of the tubular portion and which is attached to the other of the two members, wherein the tubular portion is configured such that a side wall of the extended portion has a smaller thickness than a thickness of a side wall of the base end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN KEIKINZOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takanobu KANEKO, Takafumi HAYASHI, Katsuhiko NAKAJO, Kiyoichi KITA, Jun SHOBO, Tamaki OBAYASHI, Kyosuke MATSUI
  • Publication number: 20190111874
    Abstract: A pre-crash control device includes target information acquisition units and an electric control unit configured to update a recognized position based on an acquired position each time target information is newly acquired, to estimate a moving direction based on history of the recognized position, to determine whether a collision probability is high based on the recognized position and the moving direction, and to perform pre-crash control if it is determined that the collision probability is high and a time to collision becomes equal to or smaller than a threshold execution time. The electric control unit is configured to update the recognized position based on a currently predicted position and on the acquired position and to update the recognized position to the acquired position when the time to collision becomes equal to or smaller than a first threshold switching time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoaki HARADA
  • Publication number: 20190111875
    Abstract: A seatback for a seating assembly in a vehicle comprises: a vertical midline; and a guide for seatbelt webbing having a first position and a second position; wherein, the second position is closer to the vertical midline than the first position. The seatback further includes a frame and trim at least partially covering the frame. The guide can be operably coupled to the frame. The guide can be disposed at least partially above the trim. The seatback can further include an actuator with a piston to move the guide. The piston can be operably connected to the guide below the trim having a first position and a second position. When the piston is in the first position, the guide is in the first position. When the piston is in the second position, the guide is in the second position. The actuator can be a controller controlled pyrotechnic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq
  • Publication number: 20190111876
    Abstract: One example method of operation may include identifying a vehicle collision event via one or more sensors disposed in one or more sensor circuits affixed to a vehicle body of a vehicle via one or more multi-layered removable stickers, responsive to identifying the vehicle collision event, identifying vehicle collision event data including a geolocation of the vehicle and a timestamp of the vehicle collision event, and storing, in a wirelessly accessible memory of the one or more sensor circuits, the vehicle collision event data received during the vehicle collision event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: QIRFIRAZ SIDDIQUI
  • Publication number: 20190111877
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, an arm connected to the seat, a carrier supported by the arm, and an airbag supported by the carrier. The arm is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The carrier is spaceable from the seat when the arm is in the deployed position. The airbag is inflatable to an inflated position in a direction toward the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, Daniel Ferretti, Brian Robert Spahn, Benjamin Yilma
  • Publication number: 20190111878
    Abstract: An airbag assembly includes a plurality of pipes each having a distal end. The pipes are inflatable to an inflated position in which the distal ends are positioned in a circular configuration. The airbag assembly includes a plurality of interconnecting panels in alternating arrangement with the plurality of pipes. Each interconnecting panel is fixed to adjacent ones of the plurality of pipes. The airbag assembly includes an uninflatable panel fixed to the distal ends of the plurality of pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Publication number: 20190111879
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protecting device, includes: an multidirectional airbag that is accommodated in a headrest, and that receives a gas supply from an inflator and inflates and expands, and that protects a head portion of a vehicle occupant from at least a front side and left and right both sides, and at which a front expanding portion, which protects the head portion from a front side, passes above the head portion in a process of inflating and expanding; and a vehicle cabin ceiling at which a reinforcing portion as an expanding direction regulating means is provided at an interference region which the front expanding portion interferes with in the process of inflating and expanding, and that, by the interference, directs an expanding direction of the front expanding portion toward a front side of the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanobu OHMI, Seiji YAMAMOTO, Kosuke SAKAKIBARA, Kazuki SUGIE, Misato KINOSHITA, Yoshiaki MATSUMURA
  • Publication number: 20190111880
    Abstract: A variable control apparatus for an airbag of a vehicle includes: a plurality of tethers each of which having one side coupled to a front sheath among a plurality of sheaths of an airbag cushion, each of the plurality of tethers formed to have a length shorter than a distance between the front sheath and a rear sheath when the airbag cushion is fully deployed; a release mechanism provided at a rear sheath side of the airbag cushion, connected to the respective other sides of the plurality of tethers, and selectively releasing a tether among the plurality of tethers upon an operation of the release mechanism; and a controller configured to variably control a deployment shape of the airbag cushion by operating the release mechanism based on a collision direction of the vehicle, a seat state of a seat of the vehicle, or a sitting posture of a passenger in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Jae Ho Choi
  • Publication number: 20190111881
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) comprising an airbag fabric (24) forming at least one airbag wall (26, 28) and an elongate flexible tether (20) for positioning the airbag (12) in its deployed state which extends from a first tether end (30) associated with the airbag fabric (24) to an opposite second tether end (32), wherein at the first tether end (30) the tether (20) is tightly sewn to the airbag fabric (24) by a fastening seam (36) and wherein the airbag fabric (24) includes a fabric reinforcing seam (38) which encloses at least part of the fastening seam (36). The invention further relates to a method of mounting a tether (20) on the airbag fabric (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Rui Maximino, Elsa Moreira, Fatima Sepulveda, Philippe Schneeweiss, Pilar Abelenda, Pedro Jose Santin Navarro
  • Publication number: 20190111882
    Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes a main airbag inflatable to cover a portion of a vehicle and to help provide protection from impacts with the covered portion of the vehicle, and an auxiliary airbag connected to the main airbag, the auxiliary airbag being inflatable to cover portions of the vehicle left uncovered by the main airbag. The auxiliary airbag includes a deployment portion and a restriction panel. The deployment portion is inflatable to extend from the main portion and having a first length. The restriction panel has a second length that is shorter than the first length. The restriction panel overlies the deployment portion and has opposite ends connected to opposite ends of the deployment panel. The deployment portion, when inflated, is configured to tension the restraining panel between the opposite ends of the deployment portion and position the restraining panel for receiving and absorbing impacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Young S. Kim
  • Publication number: 20190111883
    Abstract: An airbag assembly of the present disclosure includes a forward cushion portion, a left side cushion portion, and a right side cushion portion. The forward cushion portion is configured to be disposed in front of an occupant of a vehicle. The left and right side cushion portions are connected to and in fluid communication with the forward cushion portion, are configured to be disposed on left and right sides of the occupant, respectively, and are configured to be mounted to a roof of the vehicle. The left side cushion portion, the right side cushion portion, and the forward cushion portion define at least one opening disposed above a lower region of the forward cushion portion and between the left and right side cushion portions. The at least one opening allows at least a portion of the lower region to move forward relative to the left and right side cushion portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Scott D. THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20190111884
    Abstract: A side airbag device includes: an inflator; a cushion main body that is disposed at a side of a seat of a vehicle and that is expandable from the side toward a front of the vehicle by a gas; a cushion protrusion that is disposed at a vehicle front side with respect to the cushion main body and that is expandable to project further toward the front of the vehicle by receiving the gas from the cushion main body; a tether that is string-shaped, the tether bridging from the cushion protrusion over a predetermined position of the side of the seat, the tether maintaining the cushion protrusion in a state in which the cushion protrusion is folded back toward a rear of the vehicle; a sensor that receives information from the vehicle; and a tether cutter that cuts the tether according to the information obtained by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Yuto KOBAYASHI, Makoto FUMA, Hideho FUKUDA, Hiroyuki TAGUCHI, Takanari MUROYA
  • Publication number: 20190111885
    Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus may include: a cushion having an inlet through which gas discharged from an inflator is introduced; a plurality of tethers connected to the cushion, and arranged along the edge of the cushion so as to be separated from each other; a plurality of steel tabs each having a connection hole formed therein; and a tether guide installed in a pillar shape through the connection holes, and supporting the cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Sang Won HWANGBO, Hae Kwon PARK, Jiwoon SONG, Byung Ho MIN
  • Publication number: 20190111886
    Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes a first webbing, a first plate attached to the first webbing, a second plate rotatably and irremovably coupled to the first plate, and a second webbing attached to the second plate. The seatbelt assembly may include a spring attached to the first plate and to the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq
  • Publication number: 20190111887
    Abstract: A method of using a vehicle restraint device, including a vehicle safety belt having an adjustable safety belt connected to a vehicle seat such that a first end of the safety belt is connected to a seat belt anchor and a second end of the safety belt is connected to an upper seat portion, a strap extension having a lower attachment device connected to a first end of the extension such that the lower attachment device is located between the seat belt anchor and a hip area of the end user and an upper attachment device is connected to a second end of the extension, wherein the lower and upper attachment devices are located on the extension in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the safety belt and the lower attachment device and the upper attachment device allow the extension to be removed from the safety belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Kukielka, Maciej Luczak, Norbert Galuszewski