Patents Issued in February 20, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200055390
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a liquid trap of a vehicle fuel tank assembly includes a pump configured to couple to the liquid trap and selectively drain liquid therefrom, a sensor configured to monitor an inductive signature of the pump, and a controller programmed to operate the pump and monitor the inductive signature to determine if liquid is present in the liquid trap based on the monitored inductive signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Jeffrey B. Smith, Daniel Pifer, Robert A. Dayton
  • Publication number: 20200055391
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric powertrain including a differential assembly operably coupled to a drive axle having a set of wheel coupled to the ends thereof; a planetary gear set connected to the differential, the planetary gear set having a sun gear, a planet carrier supporting a plurality of planet gears, and a ring gear, wherein the planet carrier is drivingly engaged with the differential assembly; a first electric motor/generator; a second electric motor/generator; a first gear pass drivingly connected the first electric motor/generator and the ring gear; and a second gear pass drivingly connected the first electric motor/generator and the sun gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: KRISHNA KUMAR, WILLIAM F. WALTZ
  • Publication number: 20200055392
    Abstract: A center bearing assembly for a multi-piece propeller shaft includes a stud yoke extending along an axis A between first and second stud yoke ends to define a central stub shaft rotatable about the axis A. A rotatable weld collar is operably connected to the second stud yoke end of the central stub shaft for simultaneous rotation therewith. The rotatable weld collar includes a body extending from a first collar end disposed adjacent the central stub shaft to a second collar end to define an exterior surface. A tuned damper extends radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the rotatable weld collar for reducing noise, vibration, and/or harshness (NVH) generated during operation of the multi-piece propeller shaft. A first shaft segment is operably connected to the rotatable weld collar and a second shaft segment is operably connected to the stud yoke for transferring a rotational force therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: John Willyard
  • Publication number: 20200055393
    Abstract: Provided are a control method, a vehicle frame, a power driving assembly and a vehicle. The vehicle frame is configured to be connected with the power driving assembly, and the vehicle frame is provided with a manipulation assembly and a controller for controlling the power driving assembly. The control method includes that: after the vehicle frame is connected to the power driving assembly and a communication connection is established between the controller and the power driving assembly, the controller detects a manipulation instruction from the manipulation assembly; and in response to detecting the manipulation instruction from the manipulation assembly and determining that the manipulation instruction corresponds to the power driving assembly, the controller generates, according to the manipulation instruction, a control instruction for controlling the power driving assembly, and sends the control instruction to the power driving assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Ji LIN, Xingle LI, Yi LOU
  • Publication number: 20200055394
    Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal behaviors of a driver of a vehicle includes: an input unit including a display module for displaying a plurality of buttons with different colors and characters to allow the driver to select desired buttons to generate an input password; a processing unit connected with the input unit and including: a random control module for randomly re-arranging the colors and the characters every time after the driver has entered one of the buttons; and a password verification module for comparing the input password and a predetermined password and generating an unlock instruction when the input password matches the predetermined password; a communication unit connected with the processing unit for receiving and transmitting the unlock instruction; and an unlock control unit connected with the communication unit for unlocking a door lock or an engine lock of the vehicle upon receiving the unlock instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Tse-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20200055395
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual image display optical system that is capable of substantially simultaneously displaying virtual images at a plurality of distances even with a simple configuration, and an image display device using the virtual image display optical system. A virtual image display optical system (30) according to the present invention is provided with: a display element (11); a projection optical system (15) that enlarges an image formed on the display element (11); a diffusing screen (16) that has a diffusing function, and is positioned on the light emission side of the projection optical system (15); and a virtual image forming optical system (17) that converts an image on the diffusing screen (16) into a virtual image, wherein the virtual image display optical system (30) is further provided with a positioning changing device (62) that changes a position of the diffusing screen (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kentarou NAKAMURA, Norihide YAMADA, Eiji NOMURA, Junji HASHIMURA, Shinichiro SAITO
  • Publication number: 20200055396
    Abstract: An assembly of a graphical user interface in a transportation vehicle with a transportation vehicle seat to which a range is assigned and having a touchscreen arranged in the transportation vehicle relative to the transportation vehicle seat so a first sub-region of the touchscreen is arranged within the range and a second sub-region is arranged outside of the range. The assembly includes a control unit by which a virtual operating surface with an application region and an information region are generated. The virtual operating surface is output on the touchscreen so the application region extends substantially over the first sub-region of the touchscreen and the information region extends substantially over the second sub-region of the touchscreen. During the output process, a first section of the virtual operating surface is displayed on the touchscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Maria Esther MEJIA GONZALEZ, Heino WENGELNIK, Indra Lena KOEGLER, Frank ALTHOFF
  • Publication number: 20200055397
    Abstract: A user interface and a method for the inputting and outputting of information in the vehicle includes an image generation unit which generates a projected image. A means for gesture recognition is arranged as a means for detecting an input, and that a means for view detection and following is arranged such that the recognition of the viewing direction and an association of the viewing direction of the driver with an area in the vehicle is carried out. Information about this area is generated in the viewing direction in the form of a projected image and is displayed floating over the area. Recognition of gestures of the driver is carried out. Upon a coincidence of a position of a hand of the driver, detected by the gesture recognition, with the projected image or a component of the projected image, a signal is generated by the central control unit and outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Alexander Van Laack
  • Publication number: 20200055398
    Abstract: A display device includes a display unit for displaying a moving body speed being a speed of a moving body, a first speed that is arbitrarily settable by a driver, and a second speed that is not arbitrarily settable by the driver. The display unit includes a display having a drawing function, and a frame member disposed to overlap the display. The display includes a display area spanning an inner side and an outer side of the frame member. The display displays the moving body speed and the first speed on the inner side of the frame member, and displays the second speed on the outer side of the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Yo Kitamura, Seiji Hisada, Hado Morokawa
  • Publication number: 20200055399
    Abstract: A head-up display apparatus 200 includes: a projection optical system 30 that projects a virtual image; an environment monitor portion 72 as an object detection part that detects an object present in a detection region and detects a distance from the projection optical system 30 to the object as a target distance; an arrangement change apparatus 462 as a projection distance change part that periodically changes a projection distance of a virtual image from the projection optical system 30; and a main control apparatus 90 and a display control portion 18 as an image addition part that adds a related-information image as a virtual image by the projection optical system 30 to the detected object at timing when the target distance substantially matches the projection distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Norihide YAMADA, Junji HASHIMURA, Osamu TANNAI, Toshiyuki KOJIMA, Kazuhiro SUGAWARA
  • Publication number: 20200055400
    Abstract: Vehicle projection assemblies are described. In particular, vehicle projection assemblies within a housing including a projection module, and selective reflective polarizing element are described. Particular selective reflective polarizing elements may enable advantageous configurations for such vehicle projection assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: William F. Edmonds, Matthew B. Johnson, Carl A. Stover
  • Publication number: 20200055401
    Abstract: A monitoring system for an electric vehicle that draws current from a conductor by means of a current collector (3, 7) that contacts a conductor (13) in operation of the vehicle, the system comprising: a plurality of sensor modules distributed at spaced intervals throughout the current collector, wherein each sensor module comprises a plurality of FBG (Fibre Bragg Grating) sensors orientated so as to be at least generally co-planar with a surface of the current collector that conducts the conductor in operation of the vehicle, the sensors of each said module being arranged in a geometric pattern that compensates for temperature induced wavelength changes in the FBG sensors of each module; an optical source (15) for illuminating each said sensor module; means (19) for optically coupling said optical source to each said sensor module; and an optical signal interpretation module (17) configured to receive optical signals from each said sensor module via said optical coupling means, said optical signals being gen
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Tong SUN, Kenneth GRATTAN, Ye CHEN, Miodrag VIDAKOVIC, Matthias FABIAN, Fei XIONG
  • Publication number: 20200055402
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods of automatic off-throttle regenerative braking in electric vehicles. One or more sensors disposed in an electric vehicle can acquire one or more sensor signals indicative of one or more respective driving parameters of the electric vehicle. A data processing system of the electric vehicle can determine, using the one or more sensor signals, one or more current driving conditions of the electric vehicle. The data processing system of the electric vehicle can determine, using the one or more current driving conditions, a future driving state indicative of an imminent future slowdown event. The data processing system of the electric vehicle can cause a regenerative braking system of the electric vehicle to apply regenerative braking, responsive to determining the future driving state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Jaime Camhi, Avery Jutkowitz
  • Publication number: 20200055403
    Abstract: The invention is designed for manned and drone vehicles and utilizes the console and drive train area of an automobile. The invention relates to in-transit conservation of energy via the aerodynamic design improvement, and the in-transit generation of energy via the console wind power generation system. It relates to the cooling of rear electric motors and the thrusting of the vehicle by sending power back to the wind generation power system and includes combustion at a point past or behind the wind generator motor area. Wind is coursed completely through the vehicle via the opening at the front grill area, through the traditional console and drive train area, through a cylindrical, concentric, or other bladed generator or generators which charge the power grid, battery, or drive motors, then out through opening at the back of the vehicle. Power can also be sent back to the generator where it operates as a motor, powering the blades to thrust the vehicle forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Josiah Lamar Overstreet
  • Publication number: 20200055404
    Abstract: An electrical system includes cables, a DC charge connector, first and second battery modules, a splice device, and a controller. Each battery module has first, second, third, and fourth electrical connectors receiving a respective one of the cables. The battery modules are connected to each other via the cables, and further have first, second, third, and fourth switches that connect battery cell strings to one or more connectors. The charge connector is connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors. The splice device connects the charge connector to the first connector of the first battery module and to a pair of the cables. A charging current may be split between the battery modules. The controller selectively establishes parallel charging, parallel drive, and separate drive and charging modes for each battery module. The system may have an independent drive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Shifang Li, Kris Sevel, Russell K. Steele
  • Publication number: 20200055405
    Abstract: A high voltage battery pack comprises series-connected battery units, each separately powering a respective DC/DC converter. The converter outputs are coupled in parallel to supply a low-voltage DC bus. A central module has 1) an outer loop controller generating a target current to regulate the bus voltage and 2) an allocator distributing the target current via allocated current commands for respective converters. Local controllers each regulate an output current of a respective converter. The allocator identifies battery units having a predetermined deviation from a reference metric that characterizes the battery pack, allocates reverse currents to respective converters for the identified battery units, and increases the target current commanded for the DC/DC converters not allocated to have a reverse current by the allocated reverse currents. Battery units with extremely low or high states as compared with the other units are quickly balanced, thereby improving overall performance of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Xiaohong Duan, Richard Dyche Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200055406
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for preconditioning a rechargeable energy system (RESS) for a vehicle. The method includes monitoring one or more rechargeable energy storage system parameters; adjusting a rechargeable energy storage system precondition window based on one or more of the monitored rechargeable energy storage system parameters; and prompting for or activating thermal preconditioning of the rechargeable energy storage system at least partially depending on the adjusted rechargeable energy storage system precondition window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua A. Vallender, Brandon R. Jones, William M. Hare, Jeanette C. Kurnik
  • Publication number: 20200055407
    Abstract: A vehicle can include a battery architecture configured to provide electrical power to motors, accessories, and other components of the vehicle. The architecture can include a controller coupled to multiple battery units. Each battery unit can include a battery and a battery management system. Additionally, each battery unit can be coupled to a controller and to other battery units. Through the use of redundant coupling and redundant data transmitted to and from the controller, battery units, and other components, the architecture can detect a fault and continue to operate while providing an indication of the fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle Matthew Foley, Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Chong Zhang Tao, Vincent Richard Tannahill, Efren Alonzo Cabebe, Derek Redfern
  • Publication number: 20200055408
    Abstract: An all-wheel system for a motor vehicle, with a first electric machine for driving a first drive axle of the motor vehicle; a first electronic power unit for controlling a rotational speed of the first electric machine; a second electric machine for driving a second drive axle of the motor vehicle; a second electronic power unit for controlling the rotational speed of the second electric machine on the basis of the rotational speed of the first electric machine and a specified differential rotational speed between the first electric machine and the second electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Michael WEIN, Michael BÄR, Christian GRAF, Karl-Heinz MEITINGER
  • Publication number: 20200055409
    Abstract: This application discloses a vehicle, a ramp auxiliary system of the vehicle and a control method thereof. The vehicle is driven by a rim motor. The method includes: acquiring current state information of the vehicle; determining whether the ramp auxiliary system meets preset activation conditions or not according to the current state information, wherein the preset activation conditions are used for activating the ramp auxiliary system; activating the ramp auxiliary system if the ramp auxiliary system meets the preset activation conditions; determining whether to control the vehicle to be in a torque keeping mode or not according to the current state information, wherein torque for driving the vehicle is kept unchanged in the torque keeping mode; and when the vehicle is in the torque keeping mode, driving the vehicle according to the preset torque to prevent the vehicle from slipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Wei YAO, Shiyou WANG, Guangjun YUE, Li CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200055410
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes controlling a rotation rate of a rotor in a vehicle, detecting that an electric motor system is electrically energized and rotating the rotor at least at a minimum rotation rate that is greater than zero in response to the electric motor system being electrically energized. The rotor may be rotated at least at the minimum rotation rate when the electric motor system is energized and the motor is turned-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Bell Helicpter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Albert Sinusas
  • Publication number: 20200055411
    Abstract: A motor vehicle on-board power system with a power converter, windings, an electric machine and a delta switch group is described. The electric machine is connected to the power converter, wherein a DC external connection is provided. The delta switch group connects the windings in a delta configuration. At least one switch of the delta switch group also connects at least one alternating current connection of the power converter to the DC external connection. A configuration controller actuates the delta switch group and has, on the one hand, the function of actuating the delta switch group in the closed state or open state within a driving state, according to a configuration specification. When energy is transmitted via the DC external connection, at least one switch of the delta switch group is actuated by the configuration controller according to a closed switching state. In addition, an associated method is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Franz Pfeilschifter
  • Publication number: 20200055412
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for an electrical energy storage system (100) with two energy storage units (R1, R2) respectively comprising a first and a second pole connection (P1, P4, P3, P2), said circuit comprising: at least one first and one second input (E1, E2), at least one first and one second output (A1, A2), a first switching element (S1) between the first pole connection (P1) of the first energy storage unit (R1) and the first output (A1), and a second switching element (S2) between the second pole connection (P2) of the second energy storage unit (R2) and the second output (A2), a third switching element (S3) being arranged between the second pole connection (P3) of the first energy storage unit (R1) and the first pole connection (P4) of the second energy storage unit (R2), a fourth switching element (S4) being arranged between the second pole connection (P3) of the first energy storage unit (R1) and the second pole connection (P2) of the second energy storage unit (R2), and a fifth switching
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Berengar Krieg, Marco Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20200055413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device (10) for charging a battery device on a vehicle, having an electrical alternating current interface (20) for receiving an alternating current connector and a direct current interface (30) for receiving a direct current connector (130), wherein the direct current interface (30) has a cover flap (40) which is mounted movably between a closed position (SP) which covers the direct current interface (30) and an open position (FP) which exposes the direct current interface (30). According to the invention, the direct current interface (30) has a catch mechanism (50) with a catch means (52) on the cover flap (40), said catch means locking with a mating catch means (54) of the cover flap (40) when in the open position (FP), wherein the mating catch means (54) has an actuating section (56) with which the direct current connector (130) makes contact and which unlocks the catch device (50) when the direct current connector is received in the direct current interface (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas Nagel
  • Publication number: 20200055414
    Abstract: A charging state display controller recognizing and displaying that a high voltage battery of an electric vehicle is being used, may include a receiving unit receiving operation signals output from controllers using the high voltage battery when the high voltage battery is in a using mode, a signal determination unit determining whether or not the number of the operation signals received by the receiving unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a control unit controlling on/off of a charging state indicator in accordance with whether or not the number of operation signals satisfies the predetermined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gi Bum Kim, Young Chan Byun, Chil Seong Park
  • Publication number: 20200055415
    Abstract: A vehicle charging station for use in transmitting charging power to an electric vehicle for use in charging the vehicle is configured to communicatively couple to the electric vehicle via a network connection to a wireless network provider and electrically couple to the electric vehicle via a connector. Vehicle charging station is further configured to receive a unique identifier from the electric vehicle via the network connection, deliver a quantity of electrical charging power to the electric vehicle via the connector, and meter the quantity of electrical charging power delivered to the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Nathan Bowman Littrell
  • Publication number: 20200055416
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multipurpose charging system suitable for supplying charging power to an electricity-powered vehicle. The charging system comprises a plurality of spaced apart fixtures, where each fixture comprises a power inlet for receiving electrical energy. At least one of the fixtures is an EVSE fixture comprising a control device system comprising an EVSE control device and an EV plug, where the EVSE control device is configured to charge, via the EV plug, a rechargeable battery powering the electricity-powered vehicle. The energy transfer from the EV plug to the battery may take place via a charging cable. The charging system further comprises a primary power source arranged outside the fixtures for supplying electric energy (PS) to the power inlet of each of the fixtures, one or more second electric loads arranged at least partly within at least one of the fixtures and a solid state transformer system arranged within the at least one EVSE fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Brage W. Johansen, Kjetil Naesje
  • Publication number: 20200055417
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning unit and to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or similar, wherein an electrical charging contact of the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact surface and contacted with same by means of the positioning unit, wherein the positioning unit has an articulated arm device and a drive device for driving the articulated arm device, wherein the charging contact can be positioned between a contact position for power transmission and a retracted position for power interruption by means of the articulated arm device, wherein the drive device has an adjustment drive for forming an adjustment force acting on the articulated arm device, wherein the drive device has a control device by means of which the adjustment drive can be actuated, wherein the drive device has a sensor device by means of which the charging contact surface can be detected, wherein the s
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: ALEXANDER PACHLER
  • Publication number: 20200055418
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a method includes establishing a communication connection with each of multiple electric resources connected to a power grid, receiving an energy generation signal from a power grid operator, and controlling a number of the electric resources being charged by the power grid as a function of the energy generation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Seth W. BRIDGES, Seth B. POLLACK, David L. KAPLAN
  • Publication number: 20200055419
    Abstract: An electric vehicle reservation charging system is provided. The system includes a communication controller that receives charging and discharging reservation setting information and power rate information. A vehicle controller determines a preset charging profile based on an entry of a preset minimum cost charging mode using the charging and discharging reservation setting information and the power rate information. A charging state control is performed based on an optimal charging state profile and an optimal charging power profile that are preset based on the charging profile. A charger then perform a power control for charging or discharging to correspond to a target charging discharging power command determined by the charging state control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Hyun-Sup Kim, In-Seok Park
  • Publication number: 20200055420
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for charging a battery of a motor vehicle by an external charging station and to a motor vehicle which is designed to carry out such a method. The method includes the following steps which occur before coupling the motor vehicle to the charging station for charging the battery of the motor vehicle: first, on the basis of charging station data received by a motor vehicle, data which characterizes a current maximum charging capacity of the charging station, it is verified whether a predetermined charging state of the battery of the motor vehicle can be achieved by the charging station within a predetermined time. If the predetermined charging state of the battery cannot be achieved, a warning signal is issued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Reinhard PEER, Stefan NIEMAND
  • Publication number: 20200055421
    Abstract: A computing system can receive and compile power cell data, and in certain examples, the power cell data can be distributed to a distributed ledger. The computing system can further determine approximate battery end of life (ABEL) for each power cell based on a compiled historical record of power cell data. Based on the determined ABEL, the computing system can generate ABEL reports for users, determine optimal settings for a power cell or battery-powered device, and/or transmit notifications to users, to facilitate power cell usage optimization, and/or optimal repurposing or recycling timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Michal Sastinsky
  • Publication number: 20200055422
    Abstract: An external power supply system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system includes a fuel cell and a high voltage battery that is connected to the fuel cell via a main bus terminal A charging/discharging unit executes charging or discharging of the high voltage battery. A power supply line is branched from the main bus terminal and connected to a load outside the vehicle to supply power of the fuel cell or the high voltage battery to the load outside the vehicle. A controller operates the fuel cell and the charging/discharging unit based on a magnitude in power supplied to the load outside the vehicle and a state of charge (SOC) of the high voltage battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kyu Il Lee, Gun Hyung Park
  • Publication number: 20200055423
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Publication number: 20200055424
    Abstract: A vehicle seat actuator includes an electric motor and a gear set that connects the drive motor to the seat and transmits the output of the motor to the vehicle seat. The drive motor and gear set are each disposed in an individual, dedicated housing component. The individual housing components are then assembled together to provide the actuator. The housing components are maintained in the assembled configuration using snap fit mechanical fasteners. Each snap-fit fastener includes a receiving portion provided on one housing component and a retaining portion provided on the other housing component. The receiving portion may be a through hole formed in the drive motor housing, while the retaining component protrudes from an outer surface of the gear housing and forms a snap-fit engagement with the receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Luis Angel Ramirez Ortiz, Pablo Daniel Molina Cardozo, Alex Martin
  • Publication number: 20200055425
    Abstract: A seat slide structure includes a cushion frame, a slide rail including lower and upper rails, a movement mechanism, and a lock mechanism. The movement mechanism slides the cushion frame along a length direction of the slide rail. The lock mechanism includes a lock body engaging with the slide rail, and places or lifts a restriction on movement of the slide rail. The movement mechanism includes a lead screw, a gear part, and a shake absorber. The lead screw is provided in parallel with the slide rail, and is supported by the upper rail. The gear part transmits power from a power source to the lead screw to slide the lead screw and the upper rail along the lower rail. The shake absorber allows the cushion frame and the lead screw to move relative to one another in a moving direction of the upper rail along the lower rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi AKUTSU, Tsukasa MEGURO, Yuya ADACHI, Masaki NAGAYAMA, Chikara HISHINUMA, Yuta SUGAYA, Richard ORR, Jonathan OSBORNE
  • Publication number: 20200055426
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat structure supported on a base structure and having a swivel mechanism for permitting pivoting of the seat structure, includes a seat swivel limiter that limits the swivel angle of the seat depending on the fore-aft position of the seat structure. The limiter includes a swivel stop connected to the seat structure to pivot with the seat structure and a plate connected to the base structure and arranged to be contacted by the swivel stop after the seat structure pivots through a predetermined swivel limit angle to thereby prevent further swiveling of the seat structure. In a further aspect, the swivel stop and the plate are configured to provide different swivel limit angles depending on the fore-aft location of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Linnberg
  • Publication number: 20200055427
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and seat structure for use with an ISOFIX bar is disclosed. The vehicle seat can include a bottom portion, a back portion, a trim portion located between the bottom portion and the back portion, and left and right ISOFIX bars located at the trim portion. A trim cover, made from a flexible material such as a carpet, fabric, or other known vehicle interior material, can extend from a left side of the seat to a right side of the seat and can include left and right openings configured to allow the ISOFIX bars to pass therethrough. A one-piece integrally molded member can be overmolded onto the flexible material trim cover, and can include left and right pocket indents. The left and right pocket indents can each include a slot configured to allow a respective ISOFIX bar to pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher STYN, Joseph RAJKUMAR, Takashi SORA, Brian HOLDER, Scott LYNCH
  • Publication number: 20200055428
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a seat sliding mechanism (a) including a lower rail and an upper rail fitted and moved in the lower rail, a seat structure (b) equipped with a seat cushion frame including a seat side member and a seat back frame, an upper riser (c) fixed to the upper rail and supporting the seat structure, and a seat inclining mechanism (d) that enables inclining of the seat structure for the upper riser. When the seat structure is inclined by the seat inclining mechanism, an angle between the seat cushion frame and the seat back frame is maintained and the rear of the seat cushion frame is located on the upside of the rear of the seat cushion frame in a state before the seat structure is inclined by the seat inclining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Yasuo Kakishima, Rengith Francis Xavier, Anand Abraham, Richard Entrup
  • Publication number: 20200055429
    Abstract: A flexible fabric (1) for an interior of a vehicle, a seat cover having the flexible fabric (1), a vehicle seat having the seat cover, and a vehicle with such a seat are disclosed. The flexible fabric (1) is provided for a vehicle seat and has an at least partially translucent top layer (7). A lighting device (9, 10) is provided. At least partially translucent spacer layer (3) is arranged at least partially between the lighting device (9, 10) and the top layer (7). The spacer layer (3) has at least one embossed line (4, 8) in which the lighting device (9, 10) is accommodated. Backlighting is provided over a large area for such a flexible fabric in the interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Tomás DRBOHLAV, Miroslav RÍHA, Jaroslav LÍR
  • Publication number: 20200055430
    Abstract: A lumbar support device for a vehicle seat permits vertical and fore-aft adjustment of the support or forces exerted on the back of an operator seated on the vehicle seat. The lumbar support device includes a lumbar panel resiliently flexibly attached to the seat frame and/or seat shell to permit fore and aft movement of the lumbar panel relative to the seat back, the lumbar panel arranged to bear against the seat back, and a cam element having a cam surface bearing against the lumbar panel to apply force to the lumbar panel toward the seat back, the cam element supported on the seat frame and/or seat shell for movement relative to the lumbar panel and relative to the seat shell and/or seat frame, the cam element configured to vary the force applied to the seat back based on the movement of the cam element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: William W. Tuman, II, Edward A. Stulik, Daniel J. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20200055431
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a vehicle floor, a seat supported by the vehicle floor, a retractor mounted to the vehicle floor beneath the seat, a webbing guide supported by the seat, and a webbing extending from the retractor through the webbing guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Zhenyan Gao
  • Publication number: 20200055432
    Abstract: An armrest device is provided in which deformation of an armrest frame is suppressed. The armrest device includes an armrest frame, and a bracket by which the armrest frame is rotatably supported. The armrest frame has, at lengthwise extremities thereof, a base end closer to an axis of rotation and a distal end farther from the axis of rotation. The bracket includes a deformation restriction portion provided protrusively toward the armrest frame, the deformation restriction portion being a portion which faces toward the armrest frame in a direction of the axis of rotation of the armrest frame and which is located on one side of the axis of rotation on which the base end is located, when an armrest is in a use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Hidetsune NONAKA
  • Publication number: 20200055433
    Abstract: A multi-direction power actuated head restraint assembly includes a head restraint mountable to a vehicle seat. The head restraint assembly also includes a fore-aft power actuation mechanism including a fore-aft electric motor to adjust a fore-aft position of the head restraint, the fore-aft electric motor programmed to adjust the fore-aft position at a first fore-aft speed during manual adjustment of the head restraint and at a second fore-aft speed upon detection of an imminent impact by an impact detection system, the second fore-aft speed greater than the first fore-aft speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Little
  • Publication number: 20200055434
    Abstract: A vehicle headrest assembly including a Bluetooth speaker for connecting to a vehicle occupant's mobile device. The vehicle headrest assembly includes a housing operatively coupleable to a vehicle seatback and a cover at least partially surrounding the housing. The cover can completely enclose the Bluetooth speaker or may alternatively provide cover apertures that the Bluetooth speaker is disposed in. The headrest assembly further includes an armature permitting the housing to move vertically with respect to the vehicle seatback. A vehicle with multiple seats can employ multiple vehicle headrest assemblies to allow occupants to personalize their audio preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: David James Hunt
  • Publication number: 20200055435
    Abstract: A head support apparatus provides support to a persons head while the person is seated. In some embodiments, A seat strap passes around the seat back of a seat and is adjusted tightly enough to maintain itself in position. A support strap attaches in a least one place to the seat strap at the back side of the seat back. The support strap passes up over the top of the seat back and presents a sling at the front side of the seat back to support a user's head. The seat strap, support strap, and sling are adjustable. In other embodiments, a sling has spring powered reels associated with each end. A strap extends from each reel. Each strap has a coupler at its exposed end which may connect directly to a seat. Some embodiments include a seat having complementary couplers complementary to the couplers on the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Paula Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20200055436
    Abstract: A seating assembly is provided herein that includes a console disposed between laterally adjacent first and second seats. A panel is disposed within the console and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A first portion of the panel has a greater transparency than a second portion of the panel. A tray is supported by the console and movable between a first position and a second position. The tray is supported by a support member extending from the console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Antonio Garcia Sanchez, Paul Pagnoulle De la Rosa, Mauricio Aguilar Amoros, Jose Raymundo Hernandez Rubio, Luis Enrique Flores Alegria
  • Publication number: 20200055437
    Abstract: A dump body for a hauler vehicle, and a hauler vehicle adapted for such a body. The dump body can be equipped to an autonomous, and electric or hybrid, working machine. The working machine includes a dump body and a working machine frame. The dump body includes at least one guide portion having a guide surface facing downwards and being arranged at the load supporting end portion, the guide portion being configured to transfer the load of the dump body, and a second end portion of the working machine frame includes at least one guiding plate arranged to receive the at least one guide portion of the dump body, whereby the guide portion and the at least one guiding plate are arranged such that the dump body is guided towards a centered position on the working machine during a pivotal downward movement towards said working machine frame of the working machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Lena SOLLENLID, Peter JOHANSSON, Jörgen AHLBERG
  • Publication number: 20200055438
    Abstract: A trailer system and method of using the same are described herein where the trailer system allows for storage in a compact space and reduction of weight of the trailer system. The trailer system in some embodiments may have a center rail with a hinge so that the trailer can fold in half and be positioned against a vertical wall for storage. The trailer system can also have a sliding basket system for receiving the wheels of a vehicle to allow for the storage of the trailer system in a compact space, to allow the trailer system to receive vehicles with different wheelbases, and to reduce the weight of the trailer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Couch
  • Publication number: 20200055439
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic strap hook belonging to the technical field of logistics appliances. The present invention solves the problem that unhooking is easy to occur during usage of the magnetic strap hook in the prior art because the magnet is fixed on the hook body. The magnetic strap hook comprises a hook body, a magnet holder fixed on the hook body, and a magnet connected on the magnet holder. The hook body comprises a connector portion, and a hook portion connected to the connector portion and located at a front side of the connector portion. The magnet on the magnet holder is capable of moving back and forth relative to the hook body and/or swinging along front and rear directions of the hook body. The magnetic strap hook has the advantage of better stability of attraction of the strap hook during the process of binding goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: ZheJiang TOPSUN Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Buqin RUAN, Zhaoyin XIAO