Abstract: A selective battery control system includes a battery exchange station and an at least partially electric vehicle communicably coupled to the battery exchange station. The at least partially electric vehicle includes processing circuitry configured to determine a number of batteries needed for a trip, determine if the at least partially electric vehicle has a correct number of batteries, and in response to the at least partially electric vehicle having an incorrect number of batteries, add or remove batteries until the at least partially electric vehicle has the correct number of batteries for the trip.

Abstract: Methods are presented. A rechargeable battery of an unmanned aerial vehicle is charged using an electromagnetic field of a high voltage power line and a recharging system of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle is flown a specified distance from the high voltage power line during the charging.

Abstract: An information providing system includes a plurality of vehicle, a charging station, and a management server. The management server is configured to communicate with the plurality of vehicles and the charging station. Each of the vehicles allows charging of a power storage device mounted therein using electric power from the charging station and performs inter-vehicle charging for charging another vehicle using electric power of the power storage device. The management server obtains a congestion degree in the charging station and a destination of a vehicle. When a charging station is installed as an annex at a destination of the vehicle, and when the congestion degree exceeds a threshold value, the management server selects a candidate vehicle capable of performing inter-vehicle charging from among other vehicles that aim at a destination identical to the destination of the vehicle, and transmits information about the selected candidate vehicle to the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies are being adopted to reduce peak demand and to take over as energy sources during grid instability. It is necessary to estimate attributes of electric vehicle trips and residual battery charge in order to correctly predict spatio-temporal availability of energy from EVs to form a micro grid. However, it may not be feasible to get the required attributes for all vehicles in a city-scale traffic scenario. Embodiments of the present disclosure and system address the problem of accurately estimating the local energy reserve that is available from parked EVs during a given time of the day. In addition, the system also determines which neighborhoods have the potential to form micro grids using the parked EVs during a given time period. This will help grid operator(s) to plan and design smart grids which can create EV-powered micro grids in neighborhoods during periods of peak demand or during disruptions.

Abstract: A power supply control apparatus for an electric vehicle includes a main circuit including a smoothing capacitor connecting a power supply to an electric load driven by the power supply to smooth a fluctuation in an input voltage to the electric load, a main contactor interposed between the power supply of the main circuit and the electric load, and a precharge circuit connected in parallel with the main contactor and including a precharge contactor and a resistance element. When a timeout occurs before precharging by the precharge circuit is completed, the power supply control apparatus permits a retry of the precharging if the precharging is retried without any disadvantage.

Abstract: A method for determining a charging requirement for an energy storage means of a vehicle can include: determining a routine of use of charge of the energy storage means; predicting a future use of charge of the energy storage means based on the routine; determining a charging requirement for the energy storage means based on the prediction; and providing an output to a user of the vehicle indicative of a time at which an increase in the state of charge of the energy storage means will be required based on the determined charging requirement.

Abstract: A method for determining a minimum state of charge for an energy storage means of a vehicle can include: determining a routine of use of charge of the energy storage means; determining a user requirement for future driving of the vehicle; predicting a reduction in the state of charge of the energy storage means associated with the user requirement in dependence on the determined routine; determining a minimum state of charge for the energy storage means for enabling the user requirement to be satisfied in dependence on the predicted reduction; and providing an output to the user indicative of a time requirement for increasing the state of charge of the energy storage means to a value at or above the minimum state of charge.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of computing dynamically the maximum power output to electric vehicle (EV) power train from the multiple and independently controlled battery packs to ensure safety and proper protection of the electric system. This method applies to an EV with multiple or extendable number of battery packs and provides fast computation of number of connected battery packs, the SOC of each battery pack, maximum power output of each battery pack and maximum power output of all battery packs combined.

Abstract: An electrical control system is provided. A first slave IC generates a first message indicating that a first battery cell has an overvoltage condition that is received by a communication IC. The communication IC sets a fault line coupled between the communication IC and a secondary microcontroller to a first logic level indicating that an overvoltage condition has been detected. The secondary microcontroller sends a message to a primary microcontroller indicating that the overvoltage condition has been detected in response on the fault line having the first logic level. The primary microcontroller commands a contactor control system to set each of the first and second contactors to the open operational state, in response to receiving the message.

Abstract: A solar power generation system of a vehicle includes a solar panel configured to generate power by sunlight, a first load, an auxiliary battery configured to supply the power to the first load, a second load configured to drive the vehicle, a driving battery configured to supply power needed to drive the vehicle to the second load, a first power converter configured to supply the power generated by the solar panel to the auxiliary battery, and a second power converter configured to bidirectionally exchange the power between the auxiliary battery and the driving battery.

Abstract: An exemplary battery assembly includes, among other things, a first thermal exchange plate having a male feature, and a second thermal exchange plate having a female feature. The male and female features are interlockable with one another to limit separation between the first and second thermal exchange plates. An exemplary method includes, among other things, interlocking a male feature of a first thermal exchange plate with a female feature of a second thermal exchange plate to limit separation between the first and second thermal exchange plates.

Abstract: An automobile includes a fan configured to send cooling air, a fan driving apparatus, a first electronic control unit, and a second electronic control unit. The first electronic control unit is configured to output a first driving control signal to the fan driving apparatus when an ignition switch is turned off and a predetermined condition is established. The second electronic control unit is configured to determine whether or not the first driving control signal has been output by monitoring the signal line when the ignition switch is turned off. The second electronic control unit is configured to output a second driving control signal to the fan driving apparatus when determination is made that the first driving control signal has not been output to the fan driving apparatus from the first electronic control unit, the ignition switch is turned off, and the predetermined condition is established.

Abstract: A power supply control system includes at least two power supply devices. Each of the at least two power supply devices includes a battery, a monitoring unit configured to generate availability information of the battery, and a charging and discharging controller configured to control charging and discharging of the battery. A first monitoring unit of a first power supply device acquires a state of a second battery of a second power supply device from a second monitoring unit of the second power supply device. When a failure occurs in the second monitoring unit, the first monitoring unit estimates a present state of the second battery, and generates estimation availability information of the second battery based on an estimation result. A second charging and discharging controller of the second power supply device acquires the estimation availability information, and controls charging and discharging of the second battery.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle plant, which is capable of reducing computational load and a storage capacity in a case where the vehicle plant is controlled using a plurality of periodic function values having a plurality of frequencies different from each other. A control apparatus for a fuel cell device includes a first ECU and a second ECU. The second ECU calculates a superposition sine wave value of one of frequencies Z to nZ (Hz) based on a frequency command value by a thinning method using a data group of one set of reference sine wave values, stored in a map. The second ECU executes an AC superposition control using the superposition sine wave value, and calculates impedance of the fuel cell device during execution of the AC superposition control. The first ECU executes an FC humidification control process such that the impedance becomes equal to a target value.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension system (MC1; MC2; MC3) for a vehicle (20) is described comprising: a rail (30) made of material reactive to a magnetic field and comprising two opposite side surfaces (R1, R2); a skid (50) which slides on the rail and, being substantially U-shaped, comprises two parallel arms (54) whose facing surfaces (P1, P2) delimit an empty space (G) partially occupied by the rail, each of the two opposed side surfaces of the rail, respectively facing one of the surfaces facing the two parallel arms, said skid being able to generate a magnetic field with a polar axis (Q) orthogonal to those facing surfaces.

Abstract: Single, internally adjustable modular battery systems are provided, for handling power delivery from and to various power systems such as electric vehicles, photovoltaic systems, solar systems, grid-scale battery energy storage systems, home energy storage systems and power walls. Batteries comprise a main fast-charging lithium ion battery (FC), configured to deliver power to the electric vehicle, a supercapacitor-emulating fast-charging lithium ion battery (SCeFC), configured to receive power and deliver power to the FC and/or to the EV and to operate at high rates within a limited operation range of state of charge (SoC), respective module management systems, and a control unit. Both the FC and the SCeFC have anodes based on the same anode active material and the control unit is configured to manage the FC and the SCeFC and manage power delivery to and from the power system(s), to optimize the operation of the FC.

Abstract: A position-determining system is provided for a charging station for a vehicle being driven at least partially electrically. The position-determining system serves to determine a position of a contact interface of the vehicle in relation to a charging interface of the charging station. The position-determining system determines the position visually in at least two dimensions. As a result of the at least two-dimensional determination of the position, the vehicle is not tied to a predefined route. This increases the reliability of the positioning of the vehicle when it approaches the charging station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat occupancy recognition device for recognising the occupancy of a seat, characterised by at least one volume detection device with at least one first sensor, which is provided and designed to detect a volume on the vehicle seat, and at least one body function detection device with at least one second sensor, which is provided and designed to detect body functions, wherein the first sensor comprises a detection area, the maximum being in a range over and/or in front of the seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat occupancy recognition device for recognising the occupancy of a seat, characterised by at least one volume detection device with at least one first sensor, which is provided and designed to detect a volume on the vehicle seat, and at least one body function detection device with at least one second sensor, which is provided and designed to detect body functions, and at least one body function recognition device for recognising the detected body functions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat structure including: a mode switching mechanism including: a rotating mechanism which is configured to switch one seat of two seats between a state where the one seat faces a vehicle front direction and a state where the one seat faces a vehicle rear direction by rotating the one seat; and a slide mechanism which is configured to move another seat of the two seats from a laterally located position where the other seat is located side by side with the one seat to a vertically located position where the other seat is located to face, in the front-rear direction, the one seat facing the vehicle rear direction by obliquely sliding the other seat in a rear direction and in the seat width direction from the laterally located position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for collision impact force reduction for a vehicle. The method comprises determining a smallest relative distance (D) between a head of a driver of the vehicle and a steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag of the vehicle, obtaining information of an imminent collision, the collision being at least partly frontal, comparing (300) the smallest relative distance (D) to a pre-defined threshold, and, when said smallest relative distance (D) is equal to or less than said pre-defined threshold, initiating a forward displacement of a driver seat of the vehicle and a retraction of the steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag, preferably a retraction along the steering column of the steering wheel assembly.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a vehicle seat sliding device includes a rotary member that integrally rotates with a screw rod, a swinging member that is supported on an upper rail in a manner capable of swinging in a state in which the rotation around a rotational center is restricted and that rotatively supports the rotary member and integrally swings with the rotary member, and receiving members that are fixed to a lower rail and support the swinging member in a manner capable of swinging.

Abstract: It is provided an adjusting device for a seat element of a vehicle seat, the strength structure of said seat element being connected to a guide device which substantially oriented in a first spatial direction and on which a support and a slide are arranged in a longitudinally adjustable manner relative to each other by means of a first drive device. A support lever which changes the contour of the seat element and which is hinged to the support and a toggle lever which is hinged to the slide and to the support lever via a connection joint are pivotable about axes which are oriented in a second spatial direction running perpendicularly to the first spatial direction and pivot on a plane defined by the first spatial direction and a third spatial direction running perpendicularly to the first and second spatial direction when the first drive device is actuated.

Abstract: A seat rotating device for a vehicle includes: a plate used to support a seat; and a pair of guide rails arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction and supporting the plate. The guide rails each have a fixed rail and a sliding member that supports the plate and is slidable along the fixed rail. The plate includes guides that guide each of the sliding members. The guides are configured such that the plate rotates while causing the sliding members to move in directions opposite to each other or the plate rotates based on movement of the sliding members in directions opposite to each other.

Abstract: Vehicle seat comprising a vehicle seat top part, a vehicle seat bottom part and a guide device for guiding the vehicle seat top part with respect to the vehicle seat bottom part when the vehicle seat top part is deflected relative to the vehicle seat bottom part. The guide device includes a first assembly having a first lever element, a second lever element and a lever element connector. The first lever element and the second lever element are arranged so as to extend forwards in a longitudinal direction. The guide device also includes a second assembly having a third lever element, a fourth lever element and the lever element connector. The third lever element and the fourth lever element are arranged so as to extend backwards in a longitudinal direction. The guide device further includes a stabilization device having a fifth lever element, a sixth lever element and a seventh lever element, which are pivotally connected by means of a shared pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising: a seating portion having a seat frame; a backrest portion pivotably supported on the seating portion; a seat base for supporting the seating portion; and an easy-entry mechanism for displacing the seating portion and the backrest portion with respect to the seat base at least along a longitudinal axis between a use position and an easy-entry position, the easy-entry mechanism comprising: at least one arm pivotably connected with the seat frame and pivotably connected to the seat base at a first position; and at least one sliding pivot joint for supporting the seat frame on the seat base at a second position, the first position being spaced apart from the second position along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket detachable from and rotatable about a transverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a seat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. The linkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.

Abstract: During long car rides, children often sit in their car seats and complain about boredom. A car-seat tray is introduced for connection to a car seat. The tray provides a space for eating and for play. And the tray provides an adjustable easel. Some versions have lights such as reading lights and ventilation such as a fan.

Abstract: A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket pivotable about a transverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a channel within a flange of a seat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. The linkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.

Abstract: A seat having a seat frame with a seat back designed to prevent injuries to a rear occupant seated behind the seat as the rear occupant moves forward into the seat back during a frontal crash of a vehicle, the seat including a seat back frame part designed to support the back of any occupant but which can rotate during a crash as a rear occupant moves forward into the seat back, the invention including at least one energy absorbing assembly to control the rotary motion of the rotating seat frame part, the rotating frame part maintained in a non-rotating state by an articulating or breakable pin which when moved or broken permits the frame part to rotate as the rear occupant engages the seat frame in response to a frontal vehicular crash.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and methods for fabricating seat assemblies are provided. In one example, a seat assembly includes a seat frame and a seat cushion that is supported by the seat frame. The seat cushion includes a modular foam arrangement that includes a first modular foam section. A pneumatic bladder sub-assembly is coupled to the first modular foam section. The pneumatic bladder sub-assembly includes a plurality of bladder cells each configured to independently expand and contract to produce movement that is communicated to the first modular foam section. An outer covering at least partially covers the modular foam arrangement.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and methods for fabricating seat assemblies are provided. In one example, a seat assembly includes a seat frame and a seat cushion that is supported by the seat frame. The seat cushion includes a modular foam arrangement having an interior surface disposed therein. The modular foam arrangement includes a venting modular section in fluid communication with the interior surface. An outer covering at least partially covers the modular foam arrangement. An air movement device is in fluid communication with the venting modular section for advancing air between the interior surface and the air movement device.

Abstract: Seat heaters, methods for manufacturing seat heaters, and methods for using seat heaters are provided. A seat heater for use in a vehicle seat includes a graphene-containing electrothermal layer, a first polymer layer contacting and extending along a first side of the graphene-containing electrothermal layer, and a second polymer layer contacting and extending along a second side of the graphene-containing electrothermal layer. The seat heater also includes lead wires connected between the graphene-containing electrothermal layer and a heater control system operatively connected to a power supply. The control system may be controlled using an application programming interface running on a mobile electronic device. The graphene-containing electrothermal layer, the first polymer layer, and the second polymer layer form a flexible sheet that is disposed under a cover of a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A mechanism for suspending a skin material on a seat rear surface with a simple and light structure is described. A vehicle seat including a seat back forming a backrest surface includes a seat back pad which is a cushion material of the seat back, a skin material which covers the seat back pad, a wire of which a part is embedded inside the seat back pad and another part is exposed to a seat rear surface, and a hook which is attached to an end portion of the skin material on the side of the seat rear surface. The wire engages with the hook so that the skin material is suspended and fixed to the seat rear surface of the seat back.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat pad including: a first surface portion; a second surface portion; and a peripheral edge portion forming a boundary between the first and second surface portions, and a seat cover including: a first cover portion; a second cover portion; and a sewn portion in which a first seam allowance of the first cover portion and a second seam allowance of the second cover portion are overlapped in a state of being turned back inwardly and are sewn together, the sewn portion being arranged along the peripheral edge portion, and a portion of the sewn portion arranged along the peripheral edge portion is formed of the first seam allowance and the second seam allowance which is shorter than the first seam allowance, and the first seam allowance is tilted toward in a manner of facing either the first surface portion or the second surface portion.

Abstract: A seat hooking structure (10) which supports by hooking a changeable cover (7) so as to be detachably attached to a seat member provided with a base trim cover (6), the seat hooking structure (10) comprising: an open-type fastening member (5) which is not sewn to the base trim cover (6), the fastening member (5) including a fastener part constituted by one fastener half (511) and another fastener half (512), and a slider part that slides along the fastener part so as to open and close the one fastener half (511) and the other fastener half (512); and an anchoring member (18) which anchors the one fastener half (511) to the seat member in a groove for hooking (11). The other fastener half (512) and the changeable cover (7) are secured to each other by a securing part (74).

Abstract: A hooking structure includes a fastening member that is configured from an open-type slide fastener and is not stitched to a base trim cover, and a plastic fixing member for fixing one fastener half part to a seat member in a groove part formed in a seat member and used for hooking. The fastening member is provided with a locked part, the fixing member is provided with a flexible locking part that locks with the locked part, and the other fastener half part and a dressing cover are anchored together by an anchoring part.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and methods for fabricating seat assemblies are provided. In one example, a seat assembly includes a seat frame and a seat cushion that is supported by the seat frame. The seat cushion includes a modular foam arrangement including a first modular foam section having a first interlocking feature and a second modular foam section having a second interlocking feature engaged with the first interlocking feature. An outer covering at least partially covers the modular foam arrangement.

Abstract: What is new about this invention is the concept of installing these rubber types of air inflatable inner tubes in the interior of the operators' seat frame construction. These tubes would be installed beneath the operators' seating location and also the lumbar position of the frame seating area. The air filling valve locations would be placed to the rear of the seat construction frame or also could be altered due to the type of product construction being used.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bearings, guide sleeves and head restraint assemblies for automobiles.

Abstract: A reversible seat for an automotive vehicle having a head restraint which rotates between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position as the seat is moved between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position. The head restraint folds towards the seat back as the reversible seat passes through the peak of its locus to increase clearance with a headliner of the automotive vehicle. The head restraint returns to an upright rotated position as the seat reaches the opposing position.

Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a front surface and a frame member disposed within an interior of the headrest bun. First and second hinge members are coupled to opposite sides of the frame member and first and second side supports are operably coupled to the first and second hinge members, such that the first and second side supports are independently operable between stowed and extended positions relative to the headrest bun. The first and second side supports extended outwardly from the front surface of the headrest bun in the extended position, and the friction hinges are tuned to move the first and second side supports towards the stowed position when the first and second side supports are contacted by a vehicle occupant during a vehicle impact event.

Abstract: A latching device for automotive applications, in particular a backrest latch for the bolting and unbolting of seat backrests in motor vehicles, with a locking mechanism fundamentally comprising a catch and at least one pawl, and with a manually and/or mechanically impingeable unbolting element for the locking mechanism, wherein the unbolting element is a component of an exchangeable unbolting module which defines a latch casing together with a basic module incorporating the locking mechanism is proposed. A latching device where only the unbolting module is adapted to the specific purpose of use is provided, considerably reducing manufacturing, installation and warehousing costs.

Abstract: Interior trim assemblies for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, an interior trim assembly for a vehicle interior of a motor vehicle includes an interior trim panel. The interior trim panel has a first outer surface for facing the vehicle interior and a second outer surface on a side opposite the first outer surface. The interior trim panel has an opening formed therethrough. A deployable support sub-assembly is coupled to the interior trim panel. The deployable support sub-assembly includes a support layer and a first moveable arm that is configured to move the support layer from a stowed position adjacent to the second outer surface of the interior trim panel through the opening to a deployed position adjacent to the first outer surface of the interior trim panel.

Abstract: A work surface for a vehicle includes an actuator plate that engages with a locking plate. Actuation of the actuator plate in a first direction induces actuation of the locking plate in a second direction, thereby actuating the locking plate between a locked and an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.

Abstract: Embodiments provide shelves, bracket systems, automated picker robots, totes, and other features that may be used with delivery vehicle configurations that have automated cargo areas. A delivery vehicle may include a picking robot that selectively retrieves packages for delivery without requiring substantial human intervention for locating those packages. The cargo area of the delivery vehicle may further comprise a plurality of customizable shelving units that generate custom-sized shelves for packages. The shelves may include a plurality of individually movable shelf brackets having retaining members that pivot between an extended and retracted position to hold the package in place and to enable the picking robot to retrieve the package from the shelf. Another embodiment provides for a tote having a drive mechanism to hold letters so that a letter may be automatically retrieved from the cargo arear and provided at a delivery location.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for delivering proppant to a well site has a trailer with a bed thereon and at least one track of rollers extending in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The track of rollers extend substantially for an entire length of the bed of the trailer. At least one proppant container is translatably positioned on the track of rollers. The proppant container is movable along the array of rollers from one end of the bed to an opposite end of the bed. A bin can be removably positioned below the bed of the trailer in a position rearward of the front end of the trailer and forward of a rear end of the trailer so as to allow the proppant container to discharge into the bin. A conveyor is cooperative with the bin so as to move proppant from the bin to a location at the well site.

Abstract: A transport system includes a trailer with a transport bed adapted to receive a shelter having substantially rectangular base with approximate bottom dimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container; first and second wheeled transport assembly positioned on the trailer, wherein each transport assembly is adapted to connect to each end of the shelter to move the shelter on or off the trailer; and base locking units at each corner of the bed to be secured to a shelter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The slide-out room having a floor sliding under the main RV floor. The slide-out room is able to locate over the vehicle wheel wells with the slide-out floor lower than the top of the wheel well allowing for a much lower vehicle profile. The fixed room includes a main floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section. The slide-out room includes a floor section which has more than one level of flooring to cover the wheel well and the step-down entrance door well section. Furthermore, when the slide-out room is retracted, the slide-out floor slides under the main floor to tuck underneath the main floor. The vehicle of the present invention may have other slide-out assemblies in the fixed room above the main floor.