Abstract: A tire including a contact charging type self-power generation module, and more particularly, a tire including a contact charging type self-power generation module that can generate electricity by charging static electricity occurring within a tire and a sound-absorbing material of the tire and that can operate a sensor using the generated electricity is provided.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a front frame, a rear frame, an intermediate frame, a front propeller shaft, a rear propeller shaft, and a brake. A pair of right and left front lower arms are swingably mounted to the front frame. A pair of right and left rear lower arms are swingably mounted to the rear frame. The intermediate frame is located between the front frame and the rear frame. The front propeller shaft extends forward from the engine and the rear propeller shaft extends rearward from the engine. The brake is located outside the engine in the front-rear direction and within a region defined by the intermediate frame and brakes a rotation of the front propeller shaft.

Abstract: A spreader sprayer system includes a frame member defining a frame body that has a first side, a second side, a front portion, and a rear portion, a first walking member pivotably coupled to the first side of the frame body, a second walking member pivotably coupled to the second side, a first and second plurality of drive wheels, and at least one spray container. The first plurality of drive wheels are disposed on the first side of the frame body and are operatively coupled to the first walking member. The second plurality of drive wheels are disposed on the second side of the frame body and are operatively coupled to the second walking member. Each spray container is coupled to at least one of the first walking member or the second walking member.

Abstract: A control arm includes a pair of mounting portions provided separately from each other and a main body portion extending in a X-direction and connecting the pair of mounting portions. At a cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction at a position along the X-direction, the main body portion includes: a first V-shaped member having a first apex and opening from the first apex in a V-shape toward one side in a Y-direction, and a second V-shaped member having a second apex and opening from the second apex in a V-shape toward the other side in the Y-direction. At the cross-section, the first apex and the second apex are joined. At a cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction at the center position of the main body portion in the X-direction, an opening angle of the first V-shaped member and an opening angle of the second V-shaped member are each no more than 150°.

Abstract: An independent wheel suspension includes a knuckle which is supported on a spring support connected to a vehicle body. The knuckle is connected to the spring support via a knuckle pin and is arranged so as to be mounted rotatably around a longitudinal axis A of the knuckle pin. The transverse control arms are mounted at the upper end and lower end, respectively, of the knuckle pin. The spring support is connected to the knuckle pin so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it so that the knuckle pin connects the spring support, the knuckle and the upper transverse control arm and lower transverse control arm together. The independent wheel suspension has a further safety component which prevents the knuckle pin from rotating in an uncontrolled manner around its longitudinal axis A.

Abstract: A pivot bearing for independent wheel suspension of a steerable front wheel of a vehicle having at least one upper bearing with a connection to a spring strut for attachment to the body. To improve the safety of the passenger cell in the event of a frontal collision, the connection has a separating device that brings about separation of the attachment of the pivot bearing to the spring strut and to the body of the vehicle at the upper bearing in the event of a frontal impact.

Abstract: A suspension for a wheeled vehicle includes a leaf spring extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle and having first and second lugs protruding downward therefrom. The lugs are spaced from one another a length of the leaf spring to define a pocket therebetween. An axle passes perpendicularly beneath the leaf spring such that a portion of the axle is disposed in the pocket and is clamped between the lugs. The lugs may be fabricated integrally with the leaf spring.

Abstract: Composite suspension components are disclosed. The components are made from resin containing elongated fibers (8). The arms of the suspension components may receive reinforcement (40) using different devices and methods. A composite torque rod also incorporates a tunable compliance feature.

Abstract: An end member assembly includes first and second end member sections. The first end member section includes a first securement feature integrally formed thereon. The second end member section includes a second securement feature integrally formed therein that is dimensioned to cooperatively engage the first securement feature. In an assembled condition, the first and second end member sections are operatively engaged to substantially inhibit axial displacement therebetween. A substantially fluid-tight joint can be formed between the first and second end member sections such that an end member chamber can be formed within the end member assembly. A third end member section can be included, and can be operatively connected to the second end member section. A gas spring assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: A pet mode door and suspension control system and method includes determining whether a door control action has occurred with respect to a door on the vehicle. When determined that the door control action has occurred, the system and method further includes determining whether a pet mode control action is needed. When determined that the pet mode control action is needed, a suspension control command is sent to suspension control system for raising and/or lowering at least one side of the vehicle and a door control command is sent to a power control unit for opening or closing the door in accord with the door control action.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic suspension apparatus capable of achieving both of vibration isolation performance and road holding performance. The electromagnetic suspension apparatus includes an electromagnetic actuator, an information acquisition unit that acquires information on a stroke speed of the electromagnetic actuator and a state quantity of the vehicle, a plurality of filters in which individual gain characteristics are respectively set, a filter setting unit that selectively sets a filter having a gain characteristic suitable for the state quantity of the vehicle from among the plurality of filters, a filter processing unit that performs a filtering process on a stroke speed signal using the filter set by the filter setting unit, and a drive control unit that controls driving of the electromagnetic actuator based on relationship information between the stroke speed after the filtering process and a damping force corresponding to the stroke speed.

Abstract: A vehicle height control system includes a fluid feeder and a vehicle height control unit. The vehicle height control unit includes a communication control unit. In a first communication state, a high-pressure source and a common passage are made to communicate with each other via the first passage and the second passage. In a second communication state, the first passage is shut off and the high-pressure source and the common passage are made to communicate with each other via the second passage. The communication control unit selects one from among the plurality of communication states based on at least one of a content of a start condition, a target vehicle height of a height increasing control and a number of wheels to be controlled in the height increasing control, when the start condition of the height increasing control is satisfied.

Abstract: A hydraulic anti-sway bar disconnect system for locking and unlocking movement of an anti-sway bar of a vehicle, the system including an actuable control valve for controlling the movement of a working fluid within the system, at least one cylinder and piston assembly connected to the anti-sway bar having a working fluid connection port at both ends of the cylinder, a working fluid reservoir in fluid connection with the working fluid connection ports on the at least one cylinder via the actuable control valve whereby the actuable control valve is operable to maintain the system in a locked condition whereby working fluid in the cylinder maintains the piston substantially in position and an unlocked condition in which the actuable control valve allows the working fluid in the cylinder to exit the cylinder giving the piston free travel in the cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicular air conditioning device includes a blower, a heating heat exchanger, an auxiliary heater, and a blower controller. The heating heat exchanger heats blown air by exchanging heat between the blown air and the cooling water of the in-vehicle device emitting heat during operation. The blower controller is configured to control the operation of the blower. The blower controller is configured to increase a blowing capacity of the blower with increase of a temperature of the cooling water. The blower controller, during operation of the auxiliary heater, increases the blowing capacity after a waiting time during which the increase of the blowing capacity is prohibited has elapsed since a start-up switch of a vehicle system is turned on. The vehicular air conditioning is capable of implementing a quick warming of the in-vehicle device without impairing the heating feeling of occupant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are air-conditioning systems for a vehicle for a battery, which can control temperature of the vehicle or the battery by delivering air cooled through a first evaporator of a cooling and heating module or air heated through a condenser to a supply side (toward a passenger or a battery). The cooling and heating module includes: a compressor; the condenser; an expansion valve for controlling a flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; the first evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant supplied through the expansion valve; a first-first blowing unit for blowing air through the first evaporator; a first-second blowing unit for blowing air through the condenser; and a discharge duct for selectively delivering the air supplied through the first-first blowing unit and the first-second blowing unit toward the passenger by opening and closing means.

Abstract: A hood article and a method of use for a seat conditioning assembly. The hood article including an air-impermeable housing with an internal hollow chamber and at least a first aperture adapted and a second aperture to connect an air mover to a collar device of an air distribution system assembly. The hood article used for fluidly connecting the air mover to the air distribution system assembly.

Abstract: Various techniques described herein relate to battery packs of electric vehicles, batteries, and battery charging systems. Batteries may comprise a plurality of battery modules, wherein each battery module may be provided with one or more battery cells, and the plurality of battery modules may be connected in series when providing electric power output. Battery charging systems described herein may comprise a charging circuit that connects a plurality of battery modules in series, and may be used for charging the plurality of battery modules in the battery in series. Additional charging circuits may be connected respectively to the plurality of battery modules, and the additional charging circuits may be used for charging at least one battery module in the plurality of battery modules.

Abstract: A vehicular manipulation apparatus, which manipulates a different apparatus, includes a manipulation unit, a communication unit, a display unit, and a controller. The manipulation unit accepts a manipulation and inputs a set value step-by-step for controlling the different apparatus. The communication unit communicates with the different apparatus, transmits manipulation information to the different apparatus, and receives a set value of the different apparatus. The display unit digitally displays the set value. The controller controls an image on the display unit using the set value. In displaying change due to the manipulation step-by-step, the controller broadens a change width between steps in cases where the manipulation amount within a threshold period of time is equal to or greater than a threshold manipulation amount, as compared with cases where the manipulation amount within the threshold period of time is less than the threshold manipulation amount.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a control system that improves defroster performance in a vehicle by reducing rear heater core heat rejection to increase heat availability to the defroster. The control system includes a rear heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit configured that moves air into the vehicle. The control system 100 includes a memory for storing multiple blower maps. The control system includes an electronic control unit connected to the rear HVAC unit and memory. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a mode for a front HVAC. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain from the memory a blower map for the rear HVAC unit from the multiple blower maps based on the mode. The electronic control unit is configured to determine an airflow rate for the air based on the obtained blower map and control an amount of air outputted.

Abstract: An actuator system which may incorporate a motor, a motor controller connected to the motor, a processor connected to the motor controller, and a switch connected to the processor for engaging the motor to open and close an actuator shaft. The switch may have a position which is a test mode. Selecting the position of test mode may cause the motor to move the actuator shaft to a certain position to verify operation of the actuator shaft. The actuator shaft may stay in the certain position while the switch is in a position of test mode. The system may also incorporate a spring attached to the actuator shaft. If power fails to the motor, then the actuator spring or another mechanism may return the actuator shaft to a fail safe position. The test mode may alternatively be selected at a controller via the communications bus to the processor.

Abstract: A closed loop auxiliary heating circuit includes a coolant, a closed loop coolant line and a pump for circulating the coolant through the closed loop coolant line between a computing device and an auxiliary heater core whereby heat is transferred from the computing device to the auxiliary heater core to heat the cabin of an electric motor vehicle. An electric motor vehicle incorporating the closed loop auxiliary heating circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle. The heat pump system includes a refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant circulating through a refrigerant circulation line and coolant circulating through electronic units of the vehicle. The heat pump system can operate the heat pump mode even though outdoor air temperature is zero or lower or frosting is formed on the external heat exchanger because waste heat of the electronic units is retrieved through the refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger, thereby further enhancing heating performance and efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicular heating device comprising: a vehicular engine cooling unit for connecting an engine, a water pump, and a radiator on a first cooling water circulating line to cool the engine; and a vehicular indoor space heating unit for connecting the engine, the water pump, and a heater core on a second cooling water circulating line to heat an indoor space of the vehicle, wherein the vehicular heating device comprises a heating means mounted on the second cooling water circulating line to heat cooling water supplied to the heater core. According to the present invention, the heating performance of the cooling water, which is supplied to the heater core during an initial cold start of the vehicle is improved, thereby increasing the indoor heating efficiency of the vehicle during a winter season.

Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioning device includes a blowing port mode door as an air volume regulator that regulates volumes of air-conditioning air blown to a driver seat area, a front passenger seat area, and a rear seat area inside a vehicle compartment, and an air-conditioning controller activated by an activation signal outputted from a body controller in response to opening and closing of a rear seat door during a stoppage of a vehicle system. The air-conditioning controller is capable of operating an actuator for driving the blowing port mode door to blow the air-conditioning air to the rear seat area when an activation switch of the vehicle system is turned on in a state where the air-conditioning control unit has been activated by the activation signal.

Abstract: A delivery device provides two medium flows guided separately from one another in a fuel-operated vehicle heater. The delivery device includes a first delivery wheel (14) rotatable about a first rotation axis (A) for delivering a first medium, a second delivery wheel (16) rotatable about a second rotation axis (A) for delivering a second medium, as well as a drive motor (12) for driving the first delivery wheel (14) and the second delivery wheel (16). At least one delivery wheel (16) is coupled with the drive motor (12) via a magnetic coupling device (60).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioning system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same and, more specifically, to an air conditioning system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same in which an opening/closing valve and an expansion valve are installed on a branch line connecting a first air conditioning unit and a second air conditioning unit, the opening/closing valve is always open so as to always supply a refrigerant to the second air conditioning unit during a cooling mode, and the opening/closing valve is always closed so as to always block the refrigerant supply to the second air conditioning unit during a heating mode, such that the refrigerant flows into the branch line of the second air conditioning unit even during a single cooling mode, thereby solving the problem wherein the pressure of a compressor increases, oil is forcibly circulated through a notch of the expansion valve, thereby solving the problem wherein the oil circulation rate decreases, and the refrig

Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle includes a mechanical fan configured to be driven by a driving force of the engine, an engine cooling heat exchanger disposed forward of the mechanical fan in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger that are disposed forward of the engine cooling heat exchanger in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first electric fan that includes a first motor and cools the first heat exchanger, and a second electric fan that includes a second motor and cools the second heat exchanger. The first motor and the second motor are disposed forward of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, respectively, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle such that the first motor and the second motor do not overlap the coupling when viewed in a front direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Exchanger having a tube and fin bundle and comprising: a duct (4) through which a cryogenic fluid can flow between a fluid inlet (1) into the exchanger and a fluid outlet (2) from the exchanger; and a system of flat, continuous and parallel fins (3) through which said duct passes inside the exchanger, it being possible for air (12) to circulate within the exchanger by passing through channels delimited by the space between the duct and the parallel fins. The exchanger is characterized in that it comprises at least two independent ducts (10a, 10b) for the circulation of cryogenic fluid within the exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an air conditioning system for a vehicle including the steps of: calculating a water collection quantity in an evaporator during the operating period of a cooling mode of the air conditioning system, calculating a quantity of drainage water from the evaporator, determining a quantity of water present in the evaporator at a certain point in time, and comparing the determined quantity of water in the evaporator with a predetermined limit value at the point in time of starting the vehicle or at the point in time of starting the ventilation mode of the air conditioning system. The cooling mode of the air conditioning system is activated if the limit value is exceeded and otherwise the ventilation mode of the air conditioning system is activated.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a wall and a removable panel. The wall has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The wall defines a vent opening with a peripheral edge extending between the first surface and the second surface. The wall includes an air vent structure open to the vent opening. The removable panel has a trim surface and an attachment surface with a plurality of air vent slots extending from the attachment surface to the trim surface. The attachment surface has a retaining structure configured to retain an air filter along the attachment surface and an attachment structure configured to attach to the wall covering the vent opening with the retaining structure extending at least partially within the air vent structure.

Abstract: A method of mitigating rear end contamination of a vehicle while driving using an active spoiler system includes providing an active rear spoiler to a square back vehicle. Next, determinations are if the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, if the rear end of the vehicle is contaminated, and if the vehicle wipers are on. The method then moves to deploying the active rear spoiler when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, the rear end is contaminated, and the vehicle wipers are on.

Abstract: An outer skin module of a vehicle door has a side impact support for stiffening the vehicle door, a shell-shaped outer skin having a shell edge, and a peripheral mounting frame on its edge, which is connected to the shell edge of the outer skin for fixing the outer skin to a door shell of the vehicle door. The mounting frame and the side impact support are designed as one-piece module components.

Abstract: The weather strip for an automobile includes an extrusion formed portion and a molding formed portion and each includes an attaching base portion and a sealing portion. The attaching base portion includes an attaching base portion bottom side portion which faces the outer peripheral portion of the opening and closing member for the opening of the vehicle body or the outer peripheral brim of the opening. A core removing slit is formed at the attaching base portion bottom side portion extending in a longitudinal direction and a connecting sheet provided for covering an outer surface of the attaching base portion bottom side portion by crossing over the core removing slit, The connecting sheet is formed by an olefin system resin and a surface of the connecting sheet facing the attaching base portion bottom side portion is fusion-bonded to the outer surface of the attaching base portion bottom side portion.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with an electric motor serving as a driving source and is not provided with an internal combustion engine from which power is transmitted to drive wheels driven by power from the electric motor. The electric vehicle includes: a torque converter that is disposed coaxially with an output shaft of the electric motor, and to which the power is transmitted from the electric motor; an automatic transmission disposed on a power transmission path between the electric motor and the drive wheels, and configured to achieve a shift stage at which the power is interrupted; and a mechanical oil pump driven by the power from the electric motor, and disposed on the power transmission path, at a position upstream of the automatic transmission in a direction of power transmission from the electric motor to the drive wheels. The mechanical oil pump is disposed in the electric motor.

Abstract: To provide a power unit structure for an electrically driven vehicle which can decrease design man-hours, as well as raise the rigidity of the unit. A control device unit for an electrically driven vehicle includes: a first mounting part which is a mounting part of a power supply unit that supplies electric power to an electric motor, and a second mounting part which fixes the control device unit to an electric motor unit; and the control device unit is mounted from a transmission case side of the electric motor unit towards an electric motor case side, the first mounting part being mounted to a central case, and the second mounting part being mounted to the transmission case.

Abstract: An engine mount for a vehicle is provided which attenuates vibration generated when an engine of the vehicle operates. The engine mount includes a main rubber body which supports a core and an inner casing which fixes the main rubber body to a housing. A nozzle plate is mounted in the inner casing and an upper membrane and a lower membrane are attached thereto. The nozzle plate includes a lower plate and an upper plate that is inserted and coupled into the lower plate. The upper membrane is attached to a top plate of the upper plate and the lower membrane is attached to a bottom plate of the lower plate.

Abstract: A hybrid transaxle permits location of a traction motor in a more favorable location, decreasing the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle collision. Axis transfer gearing moves the generator off the engine axis, which permits placing the traction motor further forward without interference with the generator. The gearing is confined to two gear planes, reducing the transaxle width.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a transaxle, a battery and a load carrying bed. The transaxle includes a casing incorporating a drive train and supporting an axle and includes an electric motor mounted on the casing to drive the axle via the drive train. The battery is provided for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The transaxle and the battery are disposed below the load carrying bed so as to overlap the load carrying bed when viewed in plan.

Abstract: A hybrid driveline assembly for a vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor, and a transmission having an input and an output. The transmission input is selectively coupled to the engine and electric motor. The transmission is shiftable between a plurality of drive modes. The driveline assembly further includes a final drive assembly operably coupled to the transmission output. The final drive assembly has a front final drive operably coupled to a rear final drive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated fuel tank assembly, and a process of manufacturing the same, for use in commercial vehicles, and more particularly, to an integrated fuel tank assembly that allows multiple components to be manufactured as a single integral structure, such as a single extruded device including a draw tube, a return tube, a fuel sender device, and a vent, for example.

Abstract: Operating fluid container made of thermoplastic for a motor vehicle, with the following features: the operating fluid container has two openings in opposite container walls of the operating fluid container, and a stiffening element extending through both openings; and two stiffening element ends engage behind the container walls from the outside, such that the stiffening element counteracts a deformation caused by internal pressure of the operating fluid container, wherein the operating fluid container is characterized by the following features: a stabilizing element is arranged between at least one stiffening element end and a container wall; the stabilizing element has a through-opening through which the stiffening element extends; the stabilizing element has a first and a second thermoplastic; and the stabilizing element is welded to a container wall.

Abstract: A lock pin is arranged so as to be projected from a side wall of a concave region, in which a fuel filler port of a vehicle is arranged, toward the inside of the concave region. In addition, a retainer placed around the lock pin on an inner side of the side wall of the concave region and a protector supported by the retainer so as to be placed in a region close to the lock pin are provided. The protector has a detent pin to prevent the retainer from rotating relative to the lock pin.

Abstract: A two-track multi-axle motor vehicle including at least two fuel tanks in which a fuel for producing driving energy for a vehicle drive unit can be stored under high pressure of the order of magnitude of 300 bar and more is provide. Each tank includes a safety valve device having a temperature-sensitive element monitoring only a partial region of the tank surface. The safety valve device allows at least a partial quantity of the stored fuel to escape from the respective tank at a higher temperature, which can occur, for example, in the case of a fire.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle, according to one aspect of the present invention is configured such that: a propeller shaft rotated by an engine is arranged so as to extend in a vehicle body front-rear direction; a drive gear provided at a rear end portion of the propeller shaft and a driven gear configured to rotate together with a differential case of a differential device mesh with each other; a motor or a generator is connected to the differential case so as to transmit power to the differential case; the motor or the generator is arranged at one of vehicle width direction right and left sides of an axis of the propeller shaft; and the differential case is arranged at the other of the vehicle width direction right and left sides of the axis of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A control device is disclosed for a torque distributor arranged between front and rear wheels that can achieve both reduction of vibrations and noises caused by torque transmitted to rear wheels by the torque distributor and securing of turning performance and driving performance. The control device is provided with a normative yaw rate calculation section for calculating a normative yaw rate that is a target value of a yaw rate when the vehicle turns and a yaw rate deviation calculation section for calculating a yaw rate deviation that is a difference between the normative yaw rate and the actual yaw rate. When the yaw rate deviation falls below a threshold Th1, a value of a command torque is limited to a predetermined limit torque value, and when the yaw rate deviation exceeds a threshold Th2, the limit of the command torque by a limit torque value is released.

Abstract: A torque vectoring system may include a first planetary gear set that may include first, second, and third rotation elements, wherein the first rotation element is selectively connectable to one of the left-side output shaft and the right-side output shaft through a coupling element, the second rotation element is selectively connectable to the one output shaft through a coupling element, and the third rotation element is fixedly connected to a housing; and a second planetary gear set that may include fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, and the fourth rotation element is fixedly connected to the first rotation element, the fifth rotation element is connected to the differential such that power may be transmitted thereto, and the sixth rotation element is fixedly connected to the second rotation element.

Abstract: An image display device includes: a camera that takes a rear-view image; a rear-view-image display unit including a mirror surface and a display for displaying the rear-view image; a distance obtainer that obtains a distance between a vehicle and a following vehicle; a cutout-image creator that cuts out a cutout image from the taken rear-view image based on a view-angle value; and a display controller that creates, based on the cutout image, a display image matching a size of a display region of the display and controls the display to display the created display image. The cutout-image creator is configured to, based on the obtained distance, determine the view-angle value to such a view-angle value that a size of the following vehicle to be displayed on the display image is equal to a size of the following vehicle that is to reflect in the mirror surface.

Abstract: An energy storage module arranged in a vehicle comprises an energy storage cell arranged in a casing, an inflatable element arranged between the casing and the energy storage cell and to at least partly cover a surface portion of the energy storage cell, and an inflating unit in communication with a detection unit arranged to determine a crash severity in the event of an accident for the vehicle. The inflating unit is arranged to inflate the inflatable element when the crash severity exceeds a predetermined threshold.