Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor comprising a frame (10), a belt reel (12) rotatably arranged within the frame, a blocking mechanism (18) by which the belt reel (12) can be blocked within the frame (10), and a load limiter (14) which is detachably coupled to the belt reel (12), characterized in that for coupling the load limiter (14) at least one load-transmitting bar (28) is used which is arranged at the belt reel (12) and is retained in a coupling position by a support ring (32), wherein the support ring (32) can be moved from a supporting position to a release position by means of an actor (70).

Abstract: In a method for operating a safety system of a motor vehicle, a corresponding safety system, and a motor vehicle equipped with such safety system, status signals from several sensor devices are captured by the safety system, wherein the status signals indicate respective status change of a functional unit of the motor vehicle. Thereafter, a chronological order of the status changes is determined and evaluated to detect a consistency or an inconsistency with the proper application of a seat belt of the motor vehicle. If an inconsistency is detected and it persists over a predetermined period of time, a control signal is transmitted by the safety system to a safety device of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A terminal-vehicle linking method includes: receiving registration of a portable terminal apparatus to be used to drive a vehicle or instruct the vehicle; receiving registration of an in-vehicle apparatus mounted in the vehicle; and when authentication information received from the portable terminal apparatus of which the registration has been received coincides with authentication information transmitted in advance to the in-vehicle apparatus of which the registration has been received, determining that it is possible to drive the vehicle or instruct the vehicle on operation by using the portable terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly accessing a vehicle including the steps of: exchanging data between a UID-transponder and the vehicle to verify authorization of the UID-transponder, triangulating a location of UID-transponder relative to the vehicle using at least three first antennas being positioned at three different first positions of the vehicle and providing access to the vehicle under the first authorization condition that the UID-transponder is identified as an authorized UID-transponder and if the location meets a second authorization condition as well, to recognize a relay attack.

Abstract: A start switch device includes a start button configured to send a command to start or stop a vehicle drive device, a biometric sensor arranged on the start button for reading a biometric information of an operator to operate an operating surface of the start button, a light source configured to emit an illuminating light from an inside of the start button toward the operating surface, and a design part arranged around the biometric sensor on the operating surface and configured to define a design on the operating surface by the illuminating light transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting and mitigating unauthorized vehicle license plate removal. An example vehicle includes a detection circuit having an insulator configured to slide along an axis based on a rotation of a screw holding a license plate, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, based on a position of the insulator, that the screw has been removed while the vehicle is locked, and responsively activate a camera directed toward the license plate.

Abstract: A washer tank according to an embodiment includes: a first container which stores a washer fluid and retains a temperature of the washer fluid; an inflow pipe through which the washer fluid flows into a storage space in the first container; an outflow pipe through which the washer fluid flows out of the first container from the storage space; and a heating portion which heats the washer fluid, in which all the inflow pipe, the outflow pipe, and the heating portion are disposed in a lower portion of the first container.

Abstract: A camera cleaning device includes: a jet nozzle being placed above a lens of the camera, the jet nozzle being configured to dispersedly jet washing water toward the lens; and a garnish fixed to an outer panel so as to be placed on a rear side of the outer panel in a vehicle front-rear direction, wherein the jet nozzle is disposed between the outer panel and the garnish.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for motor vehicles is provided, which is movable in a treatment direction relative to the surface of a motor vehicle to be dried. The drying apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles suppliable with drying air, a nozzle support device, and a holding device holding the nozzle support device. The nozzle support device includes at least two nozzle supporting parts, each holding at least one nozzle, arranged side by side transversely to the treatment direction. The drying apparatus includes an adjusting device for transferring the nozzle supporting parts relative to one another between at least two relative positions in which the parts are oriented at different angles to one another. The relative positions include an angular position in which air flows exiting the nozzles have or form an apex region on the leading side with respect to the treatment direction. A vehicle wash installation is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning system includes a vehicle having a substantially flat cabin floor from which a plurality of seats of the vehicle extend, and a robotic cleaning device. The robotic cleaning device includes wheels configured to propel the cleaning device along the cabin floor and selectively clean the cabin floor.

Abstract: The embodiments herein disclose a kit for emergency repair of broken window of automobiles. The kit comprises the a clear 20 gauge vinyl, a crystal clear gorilla tape, a double sided clear mounting strips, latex glove and dry erase pen. Following are the steps followed for repairing the broken window screen or wind shields of automobiles. The outer edge of window is wiped clean or dirt, grit and moisture before installation. The latex glove is worn. The double sided mounting tape is applied around the edge of the window being repaired. The gauge vinyl is placed across window area. The dry erase marker is used to outline the window and create line to cut the excess gauge vinyl. The excess gauge vinyl is trimmed, the crystal clear tape is applied to seal outer edge of gauge vinyl with the outer edge of the window.

Abstract: A brake controller is provided as an inline plug between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle or trailer. The electronics including an accelerometer and wireless communication radio are potted within a brake controller housing package. There is no conventional display or input controls on the exterior of the brake controller package. Input settings, and possibly output messages, are communicated through a smartphone or similar software or hardware application. The brake controller can identify a hazard lighting condition and avoid braking the towed vehicle during the hazard lighting condition, and can also distinguish when braking during signaling a turn, using the turn signals of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A braking force control system for an agricultural system includes a controller including a memory and a processor.

Abstract: A system and associated method for achieving both force and position control of motor-driven electrical brake actuators for a brake disc stack that has, and seeks to maintain, a characteristic built-in clearance among the discs. The system employs both force feedback and motor turns position feedback associated with the actuator during a braking operation in order to obtain a motor turns position that achieves the characteristic built-in clearance following braking action or the like.

Abstract: A dual mass flywheel protection system includes an engine coupled to a transmission using a dual mass flywheel defining a drive train. A gear determiner identifies a present operational gear. A filtered engine speed is available. A torque reduction module applies the present operational gear and filtered engine speed producing signals limiting an engine torque to reduce engine torque variations. A first torque limitation option limits engine torque when the drivetrain is coupled, dependent on an engine rpm, which is related to an actual gear selected. A second torque limitation option determines an engine torque reduction during an emergency braking maneuver while an anti-lock brake (ABS) system is active. An engine shut-off module produces an output signal shutting off the engine upon initiation of one of multiple engine shut-off module outputs, and is active when an engine torque limitation due to a low engine rpm is not present.

Abstract: A hydraulic block is described for a braking system of a vehicle including at least one check valve, which is situated in a check valve receiving bore extending partially through the hydraulic block, including a valve seat and a valve body, the check valve receiving bore being formed as a stepped recess into the hydraulic block including a first subarea having at least one minimum diameter and an inner second subarea having at most one maximum diameter smaller than the minimum diameter; the valve seat is inserted onto and/or into the check valve receiving bore in a direct contact with at least one inner wall of the check valve receiving bore; and the valve body being inserted cageless and adjustable within the first subarea of the check valve receiving bore. A braking system for a vehicle and a manufacturing method for a hydraulic block for a braking system of a vehicle including at least one check valve are also described.

Abstract: A brake system has a first emergency brake control valve, a first emergency brake flow path, which is operatively connected to at least one first compressed-air brake cylinder, an emergency line, and a first switch-over valve, the pneumatic control connection of which is connected to the emergency line. The emergency line is kept at zero pressure during a service operation of the brake system, and pressurized during an emergency operation such that during the service operation, the first switch-over valve is kept in a first position, and during an emergency operation, the first switch-over valve means is kept in a second position. The first position of the first switch-over valve opens the first emergency brake flow path and blocks a first emergency flow path to compressed air controlled by an emergency control valve. The second position blocks the first emergency brake flow path and clears the first emergency flow path.

Abstract: A filter assembly for separating and removing a liquid from a compressed fluid stream includes a filter element for separating the liquid from the fluid, a purge valve, and an elongated valve operator for actuating the purge valve. The top of the filter element has a shroud that decreases the flow area of the entering fluid stream to induce a vortex of the fluid, allowing the liquid to separate from the fluid. The purge valve is located at the bottom of the filter element for draining the separated liquid. The elongated valve operator axially extends through the filter element and is moveable by an actuating piston located at the top of the filter element, in response to elevated pressure in the filter assembly. The filtered air is dried through a desiccant body and then outputted from the filter assembly to be used in an air brake system.

Abstract: A driving force control device for saddled vehicle includes a transmission that transmits driving force of an engine to a driving wheel of a vehicle at predetermined reduction ratio; a clutch that connects/disconnects the driving force between the engine and the transmission; and a controller that controls the transmission and the clutch. The controller permits selection of a normal mode in which the reduction ratio of the transmission is varied according to a running condition and a slow mode permitting slow forward movement and slow backward movement by varying the reduction ratio of the transmission to a fixed reduction ratio according to predetermined operation, and the controller holds the clutch in a partial clutch engagement condition so as to prevent the vehicle from moving forward or backward when the slow mode is selected and no predetermined operation is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes: a reprogramming slave device that is an electronic control unit (hereinafter, referred to as ECU) to be a target of updating an update file of a program stored among a plurality of the ECUs; a reprogramming master device that transmits the update file to the reprogramming slave device in response to a request from a terminal operable by a vehicle user to control updating of the program stored in the reprogramming slave device; and a determination unit that determines traveling propriety of a vehicle when the update file is rewritten in the reprogramming slave device. The vehicle device functions as the reprogramming master device, and includes: an obtaining unit that obtains the traveling propriety determined by the determination unit; and a notification command unit that commands a notification medium to notify information of the traveling propriety obtained by the obtaining unit.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for a vehicle including at least one primary shaft rotatable about an axis. At least one reducer assembly is coupled with the at least one primary shaft. The reducer assembly includes a sun gear rotatable with the primary shaft. A plurality of planet gears are rotatable about the sun gear. A ring is positioned about the planet gears. A planet carrier is rotatably connected to a center of each of the planet gears. An output shaft is fixed to the planet carrier. A sliding clutch fixes the ring to a ground in a high torque position to provide a gear reduction, and fixes the ring to the planet carrier in a low torque position to provide a 1:1 gear ratio. A method for operating such a driveline assembly is also provided.

Abstract: During a predetermined drive in which a hybrid vehicle is driven with shutting off gates of a first inverter and a second inverter and operating an engine, the hybrid vehicle controls the engine and a step-up/down converter, such that a reverse voltage of a first motor is higher than a voltage of a high voltage-side power line. In the event of an increase in an operation amount of an accelerator during the predetermined drive, the hybrid vehicle controls the engine and the step-up/down converter to limit an increment of a difference between the reverse voltage of the first motor and the voltage of the high voltage-side power line when a temperature of the step-up/down converter is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, compared with an increment of the difference when the temperature of the step-up/down converter is lower than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive axle, a multi-mode transmission, and a controller coupled to the multi-mode transmission. The multi-mode transmission includes a first gear set having a first planetary gear carrier and a second gear set having a second planetary gear carrier, a first motor/generator coupled to the first gear set, a second motor/generator coupled to the second gear set and selectively coupled to a connecting shaft, a brake positioned to selectively limit a rotational movement of a ring gear of the second gear set when engaged, a first clutch selectively rotationally coupling the first gear set and the second gear set to the drive axle when engaged, and a second clutch selectively rotationally coupling the second motor/generator to the connecting shaft when engaged. The controller is configured to engage the brake and the clutches to selectively reconfigure the multi-mode transmission to an intermediate shift mode of operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an inverter that is electrically coupled to a battery and an electric machine that provides propulsive force to vehicle are described. The systems and methods may selectively adjust a duty cycle of an inverter transistor responsive to battery voltage and a dead time between when a first transistor is deactivated and when a second transistor is activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, various vehicle operating modes may be entered from a baseline vehicle operating mode and the vehicle operating modes may revert back to the baseline vehicle operating mode in a plurality of stages so that returning to the baseline operating mode may be less noticeable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: When a shift position is changed from a non-forward operating position to a forward operating position during a predetermined operation that shuts off gates of a first inverter and a second inverter and operates an engine, a step-up/down converter is controlled to gradually change the voltage of a high voltage-side power line toward a required voltage that is lower than a reverse voltage of a first motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for correcting an offset of a resolver of an environment-friendly vehicle. The apparatus includes a resolver offset correcting error determining unit configured to determine whether a resolver offset correction error occurs, by determining whether an engine clutch is released and a torque command of a motor. The apparatus further includes a motor speed change value calculating unit configured to calculate a change value of a speed of the motor when it is determined that the resolver offset correction error occurs and a controller configured to extract a resolver offset change value by using a resolve offset change value table for the change value of the speed of the motor.

Abstract: A method for increasing a safety of a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid separating clutch configured to disconnect or connect an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A torque output by the internal combustion engine and/or the electric motor is transferred to drive wheels of the hybrid vehicle. When using the electric motor as a drive motor, in an event of a fault in the hybrid separating clutch, a revolution rate (NIce) of the internal combustion engine is limited to a current revolution rate (NEMot) of the electric motor.

Abstract: A method for autonomous driving includes detecting an environment around a vehicle, autonomously driving the vehicle based on the detected environment, determining whether a target parking position has been set, determining an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle from among a first mode for controlling a speed of the vehicle to move the vehicle to the target parking position and a second mode for searching for an available parking position, based on a determination of the autonomous driving mode from among the first and second modes, autonomously driving the vehicle in one of the first and second modes, based on autonomously driving the vehicle in one of the first and second modes, determining whether a condition is satisfied, and based on a determination that the condition is satisfied, switching the autonomous driving mode to the other of the first and second modes.

Abstract: A method of monitoring parking of an autonomous vehicle, the method including: determining, based on at least one parameter, a monitoring mode for a parking operation of the autonomous vehicle; transmitting, according to the monitoring mode, driving information about the autonomous vehicle to at least one remote device; determining whether a command is received from the at least one remote device for controlling the parking operation of the autonomous vehicle; and controlling the parking operation of the autonomous vehicle based on the monitoring mode and based on a determination of whether a command is received from the at least one remote device for controlling the parking operation.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle includes cameras disposed at the driver side door and passenger side door of the vehicle and having respective fields of view exterior the vehicle. A control, responsive to processing at a processor of image data captured by the cameras, determines a potential hazardous condition at the driver side door and/or the passenger side door. The determined potential hazardous condition includes a determination that the driver-side door or the passenger-side door, when opening, will impact an object. Responsive to determination of the potential hazardous condition, the control controls the equipped vehicle to mitigate the potential hazardous condition by limiting opening of the respective driver-side door or the passenger-side door.

Abstract: A forward movement limit determination unit determines to execute a forward movement limit in the case it is recognized that there is an intersecting road or an entering vehicle, and further, it is recognized that an event that limits traveling of a host vehicle is occurring on a more forward side of the travel direction of the host vehicle than an intersecting position or an entry position. In the case it is determined that the forward movement limit is to be executed, a vehicle control unit performs the forward movement limit, on a more opposite direction side of the travel direction than the intersecting position or the entry position.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle, by which it is determined whether a further vehicle located in the surroundings of the vehicle is operated in an at least semi-automated manner. The method includes detecting at least one parameter of the further vehicle and determining, on the basis of the at least one parameter, whether the further vehicle is operated in an at least semi-automated manner.

Abstract: A method for collision avoidance between a vulnerable road user transportation vehicle and a surrounding transportation vehicle. The user of the vulnerable road user transportation vehicle makes use of a portable communication device. Since such vulnerable road users are often involved in accidents since they are not easily recognized in the traffic, the disclosure increases safety for these vulnerable road users. The method includes transferring position detecting sensor data or derived position data of the vulnerable road user transportation vehicle to the portable communication device which performs a map matching technique for refining the position data and transfers the refined position data to the vulnerable road user transportation vehicle. The vulnerable road user transportation vehicle distributes the refined position data to the surrounding transportation vehicles which calculate a trajectory for the vulnerable road user transportation vehicle and estimate the risk of a collision.

Abstract: A system, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to pilot a vehicle based on determining first and second lane markers, where lane markers are mathematical descriptions of roadway lane markers applied to a roadway to mark traffic lanes, determine a missing first or second lane marker, and pilot the vehicle for a determined period of time based on a remaining first or second lane marker.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer program products for determining a safe driving speed for a vehicle. Aspects include obtaining a location and a direction of travel of the vehicle, obtaining one or more operating conditions of the vehicle, and obtaining historical accident data that corresponds to the location of the vehicle under operating conditions that are similar to the one or more conditions of the vehicle. Aspects also include analyzing, by a processor, the historical accident data to identify the safe driving speed for the vehicle, wherein the safe driving speed is determined to be a maximum speed that is associated with maximum acceptable risk of an accident and causing an indication of the safe driving speed to be displayed to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle can be operated according to a charging profile. A location of an electric vehicle and a time period corresponding to the location of the electric vehicle can be determined during a driving operation of an electric vehicle. A charging profile for the electric vehicle can be selected during the driving operation of the electric vehicle and based at least in part on the location and the time period. One or more functions corresponding to the charging profile can be performed on the electric vehicle and based on selecting the charging profile.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically determining and implementing a driving mode from a plurality of driving modes of a vehicle. The system includes a GPS unit configured to detect a geographical location of the vehicle. The system includes a memory configured to store a driving mode map identifying an initial driving mode based on a given geographical location. The system includes an input unit configured to receive a driving mode sensitivity indicating a desired level of driving aggressiveness. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to determine the driving mode based on the driving mode map, the detected geographical location of the vehicle, and the driving mode sensitivity. The ECU is configured to automatically adjust operation of the vehicle based on the adjusted driving mode by adjusting a suspension, throttle sensitivity, shift points, air conditioning usage, traction control, or stability control.

Abstract: The invention provides an adaptive driving behavior adjusting method for an electric vehicle, intended for solving the problem that existing energy recovery approaches fail to fully satisfy endurance mileage extending requirements of electric vehicles and the problem that a charging or battery-swapping time cannot be accurately determined. The method comprises the steps of: estimating an endurance mileage of the electric vehicle; acquiring information of a location of the nearest charging pile or a destination by means of a GPS; acquiring information of a lane in which the electric vehicle is currently traveling by means of the GPS; and the electric vehicle selectively enters a forced adaptive driving mode or an optional adaptive driving mode, based on endurance mileage of the electric vehicle, the information of the location of the charging pile or the destination and the information of the lane.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for limiting a load applied to a rotatable shaft joint. An example apparatus comprises a comparator to, based on at least one of an angle of a rotatable shaft joint or a torque applied to the joint, determine whether at least one of the torque or the angle exceeds a threshold, and a limiter to limit at least one of the angle or the torque when at least one of the torque or the angle exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a creep torque in an environmentally-friendly vehicle. The apparatus includes detectors that detect driving-related information of the vehicle and a controller that calculates rolling resistance based on the driving-related information and variably controls the creep torque in consideration of the calculated rolling resistance depending on whether the vehicle satisfies a creep cruise control operating condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control method for an engine and a transmission. The control method may include: determining whether a current mode corresponds to a coasting mode; outputting a neutral operation signal to the transmission when the current mode corresponds to the coasting mode; determining whether an operation condition corresponds to a coasting mode release condition based on the signal of each sensor; outputting a D-stage connection signal to the transmission and outputting an engine torque limitation signal to the engine when the operation condition corresponds to the coasting mode release condition; determining whether the operation condition corresponds to a release of the engine torque limitation condition according to an entry of D stage and the signals of the engine RPM and turbine RPM; and outputting a normal operation signal to the engine when the operation condition corresponds to the release of the engine torque limitation condition.

Abstract: A vehicle controller for a vehicle that is able to travel autonomously in a junction at which a traveling lane and another lane join, the vehicle controller includes an electronic control unit configured to: acquire constraint condition information on traffic constraint conditions that are imposed on a vehicle entering the junction; perform a priority determining process of determining priorities of the traveling lane and the other lane in the junction based on the constraint condition information, perform a behavior determining process of determining whether to cause a host vehicle to precede another vehicle traveling on the other lane based on the priorities; and control the host vehicle based on the constraint condition information.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes an overtaking prediction unit configured to predict an overtaking section where a host vehicle overtakes another vehicle that exists ahead of the host vehicle and in a second lane different from a first lane where the host vehicle is traveling, and a travel controller configured to perform travel control to overtake another vehicle. The travel controller performs travel control to adjust speed of the host vehicle in a case where the overtaking section predicted by the overtaking prediction unit entirely or partially overlaps a restricted section in which overtaking is restricted.

Abstract: A map, including potential obstacles, can be generated by a computing device in a vehicle. An estimated coefficient of friction between the vehicle wheels and a roadway surrounding a stuck vehicle can be generated based on sensor data. A path can be determined based on the map, and the stuck vehicle can be operated based on the path and a determined slip ratio based on the vehicle wheels to unstick the stuck vehicle.

Abstract: A method for producing control data for rule-based driver assistance for guiding a vehicle by a driver assistance system is provided. The method includes detection of values of at least one adjustment parameter for guiding the vehicle and/or a body parameter which at least partially characterizes body functions of a vehicle passenger. The method also includes detection of values of at least one input parameter which at least partially characterizes a driving scenario; determining at least one boundary condition for adjusting the at least one adjustment parameter according to the at least one input parameter based on the detected values; and emission of control data for guiding the vehicle, which takes into account the at least one boundary condition as a rule.

Abstract: Driver fingerprinting using sensor data was known to be feasible only with access to in-car data. This disclosure presents a novel technique for identifying a vehicle driver from only one vehicle turn and using zero-permission sensors residing in the mobile device. Through extensive evaluations, extracted features are shown to reflect only the drivers unique turning style and thus functions as the core of driver fingerprinting.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for estimating a radius of curvature of a vehicle. An apparatus for estimating a radius of curvature of a vehicle includes a processor, a memory for storing a program to be executed in the processor. The program includes instructions for estimating a first radius of curvature of the vehicle based on a yaw rate of the vehicle, estimating a second radius of curvature of the vehicle based on a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, and determining a final radius of curvature of the vehicle by combining the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method for determining a safety-critical yawing motion of a vehicle includes comparing a specification signal representing an ascertained setpoint yaw rate of the vehicle for an anticipated trajectory of the vehicle to a measuring signal representing an instantaneous yaw rate of the vehicle measured based on an actual trajectory of the vehicle, thereby generating a comparison signal; checking whether an amplitude of the comparison signal exceeds a first threshold value and whether a frequency of the comparison signal exceeds a second threshold value; and, in response to the amplitude exceeding the first threshold and the frequency exceeding the second threshold, outputting a yawing-motion signal indicating presence of the safety-critical yawing motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a control that, when a particular driver is in the vehicle, receives an input indicative of that particular driver and associates the particular driver with a driver profile. An engine control module is disposed in the vehicle and is provided with an output of the control. The engine control module, responsive to the provided output, regulates speed that the vehicle can be driven by that particular driver. The provided output is dependent on the driver profile for that particular driver. Responsive to the provided output, at least one function of a vehicle accessory is controlled. The vehicle accessory may be an accessory selected from the group consisting of (i) an infotainment module, (ii) a telematics system, (iii) an image vision system and (iv) a forward viewing camera module.