Abstract: A car includes a factory installed harness and a factory installed data processing component coupled to the factory installed harness. The factory installed harness is configured to receive an assisted driving hardware component in order to allow the assisted driving hardware component to make electrical connection with the data processing component when the assisted driving hardware component is installed by the car's owner or user or dealer. The assisted driving hardware component can be a user installed LIDAR to add to the car's assisted driving functionality.

Abstract: A power distribution box (PDB) includes relays to connect a vehicle battery to corresponding electronic control units (ECUs) of a vehicle. A processor is programmed to instruct the PDB via a control interface to cause one of the relays to power a target ECU, send a sleep command over a vehicle bus to cause powered ECUs other than the target ECU to sleep, and install a software update to the target ECU.

Abstract: Vehicle roof structure with integrated electrical connectivity module and methods for making the same are disclosed. For one example, the vehicle roof structure includes a plurality of pre-assembled components and an electrical connectivity module. The pre-assembled components include a plastic panel which covers a first compartment integrated into the roof structure that houses the electrical connectivity module below the plastic panel. The electrical connectivity module can be coupled to an antenna system that provides radio or cellular communications. The antenna system can be attached to the plastic panel. The electrical module can include a plurality of modems that can receive and transmit radio or cellular signals. An advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) module can be housed in a second compartment integrated into the roof structure. The roof structure including the electrical connectivity module or ADAS module can be attached to a body frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes first and second vehicle power distribution buses electrically isolated from one another, each electrically connected to an electric generator. Each of the first and second buses includes a high voltage portion, electrically connected to a first load with a power consumption exceeding a threshold, and a low voltage portion electrically connected to a second load with a power consumption less than the threshold.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and product for automatic accident detection. The method comprising: obtaining readings from a mobile device of a user carried thereby and not affixed to a vehicle in which the user is riding; determining, based on the readings obtained from the mobile device, that the user is riding in the vehicle; obtaining data from the mobile device of the user; and determining automatically, based on the data obtained from the mobile device, that the vehicle was involved in an accident.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a passenger during a crash comprises a moveable seat with an energy absorber (EA) that allows the seat to stroke a finite distance to decelerate the passenger in a controlled manner. The seat is designed so that one of a plurality of fixed profile EA's can be selectively engaged to provide a tailored EA composite profile adapted to the occupant's weight and anticipated crash environment. The tailored EA composite profile applies a frequency matched, low onset force to the seat, which substantially eliminates problems associated with dynamic overshoot of the passenger's spine.

Abstract: A life and property protection system including a monitoring member having a plurality of sensors and devices for monitoring the interior of the vehicle and communicating with phone devices of designated individuals and 911 dispatch. The system has an activation mode that is triggered when motion is detected, a pre-alarm mode triggered when preset criteria is met, and an alarm mode when the system is not manually reset after a preset time period following a text to designated phone devices.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a base. The seat assembly includes an air bag supported by the base. The seat assembly includes a cover adjacent the base. The seat assembly includes a first plurality of ribs extending transversely from the cover and toward the base. The seat assembly includes a second plurality of ribs extending transversely from the base and toward the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus comprises an airbag secured to a roof rail of a vehicle and a trim cover. The trim cover has a base member fastened to the roof rail, a flap member, and a living hinge integrally molded between the base and flap members. The flap member rotates on the hinge when the airbag deploys. The flap member also, in a covering position, has a distal edge fastenerlessly clipped to the vehicle.

Abstract: An airbag includes a bag and a tether. The bag includes a first woven fabric layer and a second woven fabric layer that are opposite each other and form a double woven fabric member produced with a one-piece weaving procedure. The tether includes a first tether thread and a first anchor thread. The first tether thread is one of the warp threads and the weft threads included in the first and second woven fabric layers and runs out from the second woven fabric layer and runs back again into the second woven fabric layer. The first anchor thread is another one of the warp threads and the weft threads included in the first and second woven fabric layers and the first tether thread is hooked on the first anchor thread so as to be pulled from two directions symmetrically by the first tether thread when the bag inflates.

Abstract: Airbag assemblies and venting assemblies are disclosed. An airbag assembly includes an airbag cushion and a venting assembly including a vent, one or more shear tethers, and a peel tether. The shear tether(s) are configured to be drawn to a taut state by expansion of the airbag cushion to configure the vent in a first venting state. The shear tether(s) are releasably coupled to the peel tether. The releasable coupling is configured to keep the shear tether(s) releasably coupled to the peel tether. The peel tether is configured to transition from a slack state to a taut state as the airbag cushion continues to expand. When drawn taut, the peel tether produces a peel force transverse to the shear force. The peel force causes the releasable coupling to release and the peel tether to uncouple from the shear tether(s), to transition the vent to a second state.

Abstract: An airbag device for a panorama roof may include: a panorama roof; a guide disposed under the panorama roof; a folded cushion supported by the guide; an operation unit mounted on the guide, and configured to operate the folded cushion to cover the panorama roof; an inflator configured to supply gas to the cushion; and a controller configured to control the operations of the operation unit and the inflator.

Abstract: The invention describes a belt retractor for a vehicle seat belt comprising a belt reel (12) supported for rotation in a frame, a sensor (16) for vehicle-sensitive blocking of the belt reel (12) and a mechanism (17) for disabling the sensor (16). Via a gear (18) supported for rotation on the frame and a cam follower (22) the belt reel (12) acts on the mechanism (17) for disabling the sensor (16) and can adjust the same.

Abstract: A belt tensioner (10) for a seatbelt system comprises a tensioner tube (20) having an open outlet end and a force transmission element (22) which is guided in the tensioner tube (20) and which leaves the tensioner tube (20) via the open outlet end, a gas generator (18) providing compressed gas for displacing the force transmission element (22) within the tensioner tube (20) as well as a drive wheel (16) rotated by the force transmission element (22) leaving the tensioner tube (20). There is provided a guiding component (24) surrounding the drive wheel (16) into which guiding component the force transmission element (22) enters upon leaving the tensioner tube (20). At the guiding component (24) an energy-dissipating structure (50) is provided which the force transmission element (22) contacts when it has at least substantially completely left the tensioner tube (20).

Abstract: A seatbelt pretensioning retractor assembly for use in a vehicle is provided. The pretensioning assembly includes a tube in fluid communication with a gas generator and a driving element disposed therein that travels in a first direction in response to actuation of the gas generator. The driving element includes a polymer rod. A stopper is coupled to an end portion of the polymer rod. In one example, a seal member disposed between the gas generator and the stopper includes a head section and a skirt section. In another example, the tube has an opening that is adjacent to an exit to facilitate venting gas from the gas generator.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system include a cloud computing center with one or more servers, storage coupled to the one or more servers, and a communication interface coupled to the one or more servers. A plurality of devices are communicatively coupled to the communication interface of the cloud computing center, so that the plurality of devices can communicate with the cloud computing center and with each other via the cloud computing center. At least one of the plurality of devices is a vehicle. A plurality of functional modules include instructions that, when executed by the cloud computing center, by at least one the plurality of devices, or by both the cloud computing center and at least one of the plurality of devices, enable functions including remote or direct interaction with the vehicle and, when there is direct interaction, personalization of the vehicle.

Abstract: Data including vehicle occupant authentication information is received. A request to control a vehicle component is received. A role for the vehicle occupant is identified. A determination is made whether the identified role includes a permission to control the vehicle component. The requested control of the vehicle component is performed if the identified role includes the permission to control the vehicle component.

Abstract: A method for controlling access authorization and/or driving authorization for a vehicle, involves establishing a wireless link between a mobile communications unit and an on-board control unit when the mobile communications unit is located at a predetermined distance from the vehicle. The mobile communications unit transmits authorization data to release the access authorization and/or driving authorization to the on-board control unit, and the on-board control unit receives and checks the authorization data. The access authorization and/or driving authorization is/are released upon successful authorization of the authorization data by the on-board control unit. The authorization data are transmitted from the mobile communications unit exclusively when, after the link between the mobile communications unit and the on-board control unit has been established, a predefined or predefinable knocking gesture is made on and detected by the mobile communications unit.

Abstract: An authentication element, specifically a keyless go device for a vehicle. The authentication element has a transponding interface for transmitting an authentication signal and receiving power and data. The authentication element also has a key button device for detecting user input, whereby the authentication element is designed such that authentication signals are transmitted over the transponding interface if the key button device detects user input. An authentication system for vehicles includes at least one authentication element and an apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for facial recognition camera configurations for a vehicle. For one embodiment, a vehicle includes a door assembly. The door assembly includes: a window, a lower door assembly body, an upper door frame and a user capture device. The upper door frame is fixedly attached to the lower door assembly body and surrounding the window. The upper door frame includes a recessed portion in an inner panel of the upper door frame. The recessed portion houses the user capture device for identifying and authenticating users of the vehicle.

Abstract: Described are devices, systems and methods for real-time remote control of vehicles with high redundancy. In some embodiments, two copies of at least one control command are received using two different wireless communication protocols, and are compared. The at least one control command is executed when the two copies are in agreement, but is rejected when the two copies differ. In other embodiments, additional wireless communication protocols may exist to provide a redundant mode of communication when one of the two different wireless communication protocols are unavailable. In yet other embodiments, redundant GPS units may be used to determine availability of any of the communication protocols, and relevant control commands may be downloaded in advance to circumvent the lack of coverage.

Abstract: A monitoring system in which a mounting device of a moving body and a monitoring center device are connected via a communication network, wherein the mounting device includes a photographing unit configured to photograph a passenger, and a feature transmission unit configured to transmit feature data of the passenger, and the monitoring center device includes a monitoring processing unit which determines whether the feature data is recorded in a database and performs monitoring processing on the basis of a result of the determination.

Abstract: A monitoring system in which a mounting device of a moving body and a monitoring center device are connected via a communication network, wherein the mounting device includes a photographing unit configured to photograph a passenger, and a feature transmission unit configured to transmit feature data of the passenger, and the monitoring center device includes a monitoring processing unit which determines whether the feature data is recorded in a database and performs monitoring processing on the basis of a result of the determination.

Abstract: A method and a system for theft prevention from an autonomous vehicle are provided. The method includes acquiring data from one or more sensors associated with the autonomous vehicle and analyzing, using processing circuitry, the data to determine whether one or more exterior systems of the autonomous vehicle are tampered with. An alert is output to an electronic device associated with a user of the vehicle when a whether one or more exterior systems of the autonomous vehicle are tampered with. Further, an alert is output the user that the autonomous vehicle is no longer safe to be operated when at least one of the one or more exterior systems tampered with belongs to a predefined category. Further, a signal is output to the vehicle to control one or more systems of the vehicle when whether one or more exterior systems of the autonomous vehicle are tampered with.

Abstract: A device for secure tire and wheel protection including: a control module, the control module including: an interface for connecting the control module to a factory alarm of a vehicle; a tilt sensor; and a glass break sensor.

Abstract: A wiper blade having a wiper strip, a primary frame and a pair of secondary frames. The primary frame may have a top side and opposite ends, a connection device capable of connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm disposed on the top side of the primary frame, and a connection structure disposed on each of the opposite ends of the primary frame. Each secondary frame may have a central pivot connection portion and two leg portions extending from the central pivot connection portion, a pivot structure disposed on the central pivot connection portion of the secondary frames. The pivot structure may be a turn-buckle holder comprising two holder halves and a rivet wherein the rivet passes through the two holder halves and holds them together.

Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine an amount of occluding material on a vehicle sensor, determine a temperature of the vehicle sensor, and actuate a liquid pump arranged to pump liquid to the vehicle sensor and an air pump arranged to pump air to the vehicle sensor based on the amount of occluding material and the temperature.

Abstract: A system for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a controller and a rear wiper configured to wipe a rear window of the motor vehicle in response to instructions from the controller. Further, the controller is configured to instruct the rear wiper to run at a predefined speed for a predefined time period based on a plurality of factors. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle having an on-board vacuum includes an interior trim quarter side panel assembly disposed adjacent a third row of seats, and an on-board central vacuum system integrated into the interior trim quarter panel assembly. The interior trim quarter side panel assembly includes an outermost surface, an armrest portion positioned between an inboard sidewall and an outboard sidewall of the interior trim quarter panel assembly, and generally sloping toward an interior floor of the vehicle, and a handle pocket defining an opening in the armrest portion and a cavity below the outermost surface. The on-board central vacuum system includes a vacuum hose coupled to a vacuum motor assembly, and a vacuum nozzle handle coupled to the vacuum hose and nestingly received within the handle pocket such that in a stowed position within the handle pocket cavity, the vacuum nozzle handle is located at or below the outermost surface.

Abstract: A roof-rack for a vehicle and method of operation where the siderails and the crossbars are both automatically movable via a control circuit to clear snow from a vehicle roof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to outrigger pads, and specifically outrigger stabilizer pads providing a three-dimensional frictional surface, which provides additional stability between the outrigger foot and the staging ground surface. The frictional surface provides the pad with a non-slip feature when the pad is used on slippery surfaces, such as mud, snow and ice. Additionally, the frictional surface of the present outrigger pads provide the pad with interlocking capabilities, either for stacking complimentary outrigger pads on top of one another, or for engagement with another object such as a cribbing block, for changing the height of the outrigger pad.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a driver-independent braking maneuver of a motor vehicle includes ascertaining a reference trajectory of the motor vehicle, ascertaining a lateral guidance force variable representing the lateral guidance force necessary for guidance of the motor vehicle on the reference trajectory, ascertaining, as a function of the lateral guidance force variable, a longitudinal force variable representing the maximum longitudinal force transferable in a longitudinal vehicle direction, and, based on the longitudinal force variable and driver-independently, establishing a braking force variable representing the braking force of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic block of a slip control system of a hydraulic vehicle brake system has receptacles for inlet valves and outlet valves of the slip control system arranged on a cover side, and receptacles for block valves, intake valves, and hydraulic accumulator on an opposite main side. All connecting bores for wheel brakes and a main brake cylinder are arranged on a transverse side and an eccentric chamber is arranged on an opposite transverse side of the hydraulic block.

Abstract: A cylinder apparatus for a brake may include: a piston configured to reciprocate in a cylinder body; a rod coaxially coupled to the piston; a stopper disposed in the cylinder body with the rod penetrated and inserted into the stopper; and an elastic member disposed between the piston and the stopper and configured to elastically support the piston in a direction away from the stopper. The piston and the rod may be integrally formed by injection molding.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake assembly (12) includes a housing (24) having first and second side-by-side bores (30), each defining a respective master cylinder assembly. Each master cylinder assembly includes a master cylinder piston (32) slidably movable by actuation of a respective brake pedal (18a, 18b) to and between an active position and an inactive position. A spool (74) slidably disposed within a piston bore (70) of the master cylinder piston (32) is operable in a first mode to direct hydraulic fluid from a quick-fill chamber (62) to a master cylinder chamber (50) at a first pressure upon initial movement of the master cylinder piston (32) from the inactive position toward the active position. The spool (74) is operable in a second mode to direct hydraulic fluid from the quick-fill chamber (62) to a tank (20) when pressure in the master cylinder chamber (50) reaches a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining information relating to a mechanically effective power of an active brake booster of a braking system of a vehicle, including: ascertaining a first piece of information relating to an assisting force that is effectuated with the aid of the operated active brake booster, ascertaining a second piece of information relating to a pressure force in a master brake cylinder of the braking system, situated downstream from the active brake booster, the pressure force acting counter to the operated active brake booster, ascertaining a third piece of information relating to a spring force of at least one spring of the active brake booster and/or of the braking system, the spring force acting counter to the operated active brake booster, and establishing the information relating to the mechanically effective power of the active brake booster, taking into consideration the first, second, and third pieces of information.

Abstract: In order to provide a pneumatic system for motor vehicles, which system is lightweight and environmentally friendly and furthermore flexible with respect to further developments and adaptations to modern vehicle systems, the invention proposes a pneumatic system for motor vehicles, comprising at least one compressed air reservoir, a compressor, a valve unit that can be controlled by a control unit and a pipe system, in order to supply compressed air that has been generated by means of the compressor and stored in the compressed air reservoir to an operable actuator.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic control device that improves the reliability. The hydraulic control device includes a rear-side connection fluid path, a front-side connection fluid path, a first discharge fluid path, a first hydraulic source, a second discharge fluid path, a second hydraulic source, and a shutoff valve. The rear-side connection fluid path connects a master cylinder with a rear-side wheel cylinder. The front-side connection fluid path connects the master cylinder with a front-side wheel cylinder. The first discharge fluid path is connected to the rear-side connection fluid path and to the front-side connection fluid path. The first hydraulic source is configured to discharge a brake fluid to the first discharge fluid path. The second discharge fluid path is connected to the front-side connection fluid path at a position between a connecting position of the first discharge fluid path and the front-side wheel cylinder.

Abstract: In a solenoid valve for a hydraulic braking system, a valve body has a receiving region which at least partially accommodates a guide assembly, the valve armature running axially through at least one through-opening of the guide assembly. A mechanical detent device is formed between the guide assembly and the valve armature, the detent device releasing the valve armature when the latter is in a de-energised closed position, such that the restoring spring drives the valve armature and pushes the closing element sealingly into the valve seat to produce a sealing function, and said detent device fixes the valve armature in a de-energised open position against the force of the restoring spring in an axial detent position, such that the closing element is raised from the valve seat.

Abstract: An electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) overlay control valve can selective switch between a conventional pneumatic mode and an ECP mode. In ECP mode, the overlay control valve shunts the brake cylinder pressure of the pneumatic control valve which allows a relay valve to build or exhaust pressure in the brake cylinder in response to an electronically controlled apply/release circuit. In conventional pneumatic mode, the overlay control valve disconnects the relay valve and allows a conventional pneumatic control valve to control the pressurization and exhausting of the brake cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for communicating between control systems via hydraulic fluid. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes operating a first pressure regulating device associated with a first control system to regulate a fluid pressure of hydraulic fluid being supplied through a hydraulic line, the first pressure regulating device being in fluid communication with a hydraulically actuated component via the hydraulic line. The method includes controlling the operation of the first pressure regulating device to generate a fluid-pressure based signal within the hydraulic line, the signal providing an indication of an operational status of at least one of the first control system or the hydraulically actuated component. The method includes detecting pressure changes within the hydraulic line associated with the signal to allow a second control system to monitor the operational status of the first control system and/or the hydraulically actuated component.

Abstract: The vehicle includes a powertrain having an axle having a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel. A first gearbox may couple a first power source to the first drive wheel, and a second gearbox may independently couple a second power source to the second drive wheel. And, a controller may be configured to initiate a gear shift in the first gearbox and the second gearbox at different times.

Abstract: A drive mode switch controller receives a switch request for switching from a manual drive mode to an automatic drive mode when switching the drive mode of a vehicle between the manual drive mode and the automatic drive mode. The drive mode switch controller outputs, in response to the received switch request, a first switch signal for switching from the manual drive mode to the automatic drive mode, and a disconnecting command for disconnecting the steering wheel from the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control device for a vehicle provides a predetermined control based on the rotational characteristic, the vehicle including a rotation lock mechanism preventing rotation of a coupling portion of the rotating member coupled to the engine on the engine side of the rotating member in at least one direction, the vehicle control device comprising: a characteristic detecting portion detecting the rotational characteristic by applying a torque to the rotating member from the electric motor to measure a twist angle of the rotating member while the rotation of the coupling portion is prevented by the rotation lock mechanism; and a characteristic correspondence control portion setting a control value related to an engine rotation speed based on the rotational characteristic detected by the characteristic detecting portion to provide the predetermined control by using the control value.

Abstract: When the state of charge of a battery is greater than or equal to a lower limit value and less than or equal to an upper limit value, an electronic control unit calculates a charging electric energy transferred between a motor-generator and the battery such that the battery is neither charged nor discharged. When the state of charge is less than the lower limit value, a required torque of the engine is calculated based on the charging electric energy, a power consumption of an auxiliary device, and a driving torque. When the state of charge is greater than or equal to the lower limit value and less than or equal to the upper limit value, the required torque is calculated based on the charging electric energy and the driving torque, without taking the power consumption into consideration.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a driving device of a vehicle, wherein even if a power storage device is fully charged, the driving device is capable of applying a corresponding decelerating force to a driving wheel. The driving device of the vehicle includes a motor as a driving source, a first planetary gear mechanism connected to the motor, a second planetary gear mechanism connected to the first planetary gear mechanism, and a differential mechanism connected with driving wheels from the second planetary gear mechanism, and further includes a brake detachably connecting a ring gear of the second planetary gear mechanism to a fixed-side member, and a lock mechanism capable of locking the differential mechanism.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus is applied to a system including rotating electrical machine, a battery connected to the rotating electrical machine via a power conversion circuit, and an electric load. The engine control apparatus determines that engine speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range including at least a resonance range of an engine during a rotation drop period while engine speed drops to zero after engine combustion is stopped, and, in the case where it is determined that engine speed is within predetermined rotation speed range, selectively performs one of first rotation drop processing of increasing reduction rate of engine speed by regenerative power generation of the rotating electrical machine and second rotation drop processing of increasing reduction rate of engine speed by causing rotating electrical machine to perform power driving on an inverse rotation side. At a rotation drop control unit the first rotation drop processing is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to enhance the driving performance of a leanable vehicle such as a motorcycle. The system includes a leanable vehicle interface to receive input from a driver (e.g., a human or a robotic driver) and a sensor interface to receive inputs from sensors on the leanable vehicle. The system also includes a computing module to use the sensor data in combination with data from the leanable vehicle interface to calculate the driver behavior to produce a future desired performance, based on a specified aggressiveness, so that the performance of the leanable vehicle is optimized. The calculation may be done using a machine learning method, a rule based method, or both.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic adjustment of the speed of a motorcycle during a turning maneuver, the current position of incline of the motorcycle is determined and is compared with a target position of incline, the speed being reduced or increased as a function of the difference.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to detect water on a ground surface, actuate a vehicle exterior light to illuminate a grid pattern on the ground surface, detect a depression at a location of the detected water based on received reflections of the grid pattern, and move a vehicle based on the detected depression.