Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to operating an electric vehicle (EV) during a fault condition. The EV drive system comprises a motor configured to provide motive force to the EV. The EV processing system can to run a diagnostic routine to monitor the drive system for the fault condition. In response to identifying that the drive system is in the fault condition, the processing system can determine whether the fault condition was caused a three-phase short circuit or a three-phase open circuit. The processing system can estimate a motor torque for the motor based at least partly on the motor speed and on whether the fault condition was caused by the three-phase short circuit or the three-phase open circuit, and can use the estimated motor torque to control the drive system to provide motive force to the EV while operating in the fault condition.

Abstract: A negative voltage backflow direct current supply system for a rail transport is provided. The system adds a negative voltage return line and a DC converter for realizing negative voltage backflow current based on traditional DC power supply system. The negative voltage backflow line replaces the backflow line of running rail in the traditional DC power supply system, which can greatly reduce or eliminate the stray current in the traditional DC power supply system and the negative influence of too high ground potential of running rail. At the same time, the DC converter can be used as regenerative braking energy storage device of train to improve the regenerative braking energy utilization efficiency of DC power supply system and maintain the voltage stability of DC power supply system of rail transport.

Abstract: A positioning unit (10) and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a charging station, said positioning unit being able to be arranged above the vehicle, an electrical charging contact of the charging station movable relative to a contact surface of the vehicle and contacted by the positioning unit including a hinged arm element (11) and a drive element (12) for driving the hinged arm element, said drive element comprising a displacement drive (29) for exerting a displacement force acting on the hinged arm element and a spring element (31) mechanically interacting with the displacement drive, the spring element having at least one contact spring (32), said displacement drive and said contact spring being coupled to each other in a mechanical series circuit (53) such that a contact force can be exerted on the contact surface from the displacement drive and the contact spring.

Abstract: A control unit of an electric power transmission apparatus is configured to perform alignment processing in which an electric power transmission unit and an electric power reception unit are aligned with each other and foreign matter sensing processing for sensing whether or not a foreign matter is present between the electric power transmission unit and the electric power reception unit, by using an image shot by a camera. The control unit selects an alignment prioritized mode in which alignment processing is performed in preference to foreign matter sensing processing before start of electric power transmission, and selects a foreign matter sensing prioritized mode in which foreign matter sensing processing is performed in preference to alignment processing during electric power transmission.

Abstract: Dynamic allocation of power modules for charging electric vehicles is described herein. The charging system includes multiple dispensers that each include one or more power modules that can supply power to any one of the dispensers at a time. A dispenser includes a first power bus that is switchably connected to one or more local power modules and switchably connected to one or more power modules located remotely in another dispenser. The one or more local power modules are switchably connected to a second power bus in the other dispenser. The dispenser includes a control unit that is to cause the local power modules and the remote power modules to switchably connect and disconnect from the first power bus to dynamically allocate the power modules between the dispenser and the other dispenser.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling the same are provided to secure additional distance to empty (DTE) of the vehicle by controlling the use of a load that is consuming battery power or by changing driving mode, when a recharging station is unavailable within DTE of the vehicle at a current battery charge level. The vehicle includes a DTE calculator that calculates DTE of the vehicle based on a battery charge level and a cluster that displays the calculated DTE. A controller detects a recharging station located within the calculated DTE and transmits a control signal to create an interface for controlling battery power consumption based on battery power consumed by at least one load when a recharging station is unavailable within the calculated DTE and a display displays the created interface.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a thermal system for a battery; and a controller for the thermal system. The controller may be configured to, during vehicle motion, cool the battery when a temperature of the battery exceeds a lower threshold and inhibit transfer of power with the battery when the temperature exceeds an upper threshold, and while coupled with a charge station, heat the battery to a temperature between the lower threshold and the upper threshold.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a guide rails extending parallel with each other, a vehicle configured to be movable along the guide rails, and a contactless driving module mounted to the vehicle. The contactless driving module includes a pair of running rails extending parallel with the guide rails and comprising a plurality of first permanent magnets and a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged in a extending direction, respectively, a driving wheel disposed between the running rails to be spaced apart from the running rails and comprising a plurality of third permanent magnets arranged in a circumferential direction, and a driving unit for rotating the driving wheel. Particularly, at least one of the third permanent magnets is disposed between the first permanent magnets and the second permanent magnets.

Abstract: Transport apparatus having at least one levitation generator and at least one drive generator. The at least one levitation generator configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one lifting member, and elevate above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux. The at least one drive generator configured to generate a driving magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one drive member, and laterally move relative to the at least one drive member in response to the driving magnetic flux. At least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

Abstract: A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a two motor drive system of an electric vehicle A spline connects the two Motors, and a second spline connects a motor to a transmission. The control apparatus is configured to in positive driving traction, initiate torque change of the first motor and delay torque change of the second motor, in negative driving traction, initiate torque change of the second motor and delay torque change of the first motor, in downshift of the transmission, initiate torque change of the first motor and delay torque change of the second motor, and in upshift of the transmission, initiate torque change of the second motor and delay torque change of the first motor. The control of torque and the initiation sequence of torque change between the two motors is such that impacts from backlash are substantially reduced, and vibration and noise phenomena are minimal.

Abstract: One or more converters are selected from a plurality of converters to enable where there is a plurality of energy storage modules electrically connected together in series. Each converter is electrically connected to a corresponding energy storage module. The selected converters are enabled where in response to being enabled, an enabled converter converts an input, from its corresponding energy storage module, at a first voltage level into an output at a second voltage level and the outputs of the enabled converters are electrically combined to produce a combined output. The combined output is compared against a desirable operating region defined by an upper threshold and a lower threshold. In response to the combined output being outside of the desirable operating region, the number of enabled converters is adjusted.

Abstract: A system comprises a high voltage (HV) battery system connected to an HV bus, a motor generator unit (MGU) connected to the HV bus, a main contactor disposed on the HV bus between the MGU and the HV battery system such that, when the main contactor is closed, the HV battery system stabilizes a voltage of the HV bus, a low voltage (LV) battery system connected to an LV bus and configured to stabilize a voltage of the LV bus when the main contactor is open or malfunctioning, a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter connected to the HV bus and the LV bus, and a controller configured to (i) when the main contactor is closed, control the DC-DC converter to stabilize the LV bus voltage, and (ii) when the main contactor is open or malfunctioning, control the DC-DC converter to stabilize the HV bus voltage.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting charging of a battery before entry into a zero emissions zone. In one example, the battery is charged with a ratio of motor torque drawn from a first electric motor of an electric turbocharger and a second electric motor of an HEV driveline. The ratio is coordinated with adjustments to an exhaust waste-gate and an intake throttle so as to maintain operator torque demand and propel the vehicle while charging the battery.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a drive motor; a locking member configured to perform a linear reciprocating motion along a predetermined movement path by the drive motor, and selectively locking or unlocking a predetermined object to be locked according to a position of the locking member on the movement path; a position sensor including a sensor gear rotatably driven by the drive motor and a variable resistor of which a resistance value is varied according to a rotation angle of the sensor gear; and a controller configured to determine an operating state of the locking member on the basis of a voltage value applied to the variable resistor.

Abstract: A material handling system includes storage rack configured to store one or more items. An Autonomous Mobile Unit (AMU) is configured to move within the storage rack to service the items. The storage rack includes at least one power rail to charge the AMU when within the storage rack. The AMU includes a wheel assembly with a cogwheel electrically connected to the power rail. The AMU includes a power supply electrically connected to the wheel assembly. The power supply includes a power converter electrically coupled to an Energy Storage System (ESS). The power rail includes a cog track with track teeth. The cogwheel includes cogwheel teeth intermeshed with the track teeth.

Abstract: A method controls electrical charging of a group of vehicles, wherein the respective vehicles are connected to a power supply system for charging a vehicle energy store for driving the particular vehicle, wherein a central control system communicates with the respective vehicles in the group and with a server belonging to the power supply system operator. On the basis of a received charging command from the server which specifies a charging period, the central control system selects a number of vehicles from the group which are intended to be charged.

Abstract: A charging rescue system and method for all-electric vehicles comprises: a rescue vehicle APP, a charging rescue vehicle, a rescued vehicle APP, and a rescue platform. The rescue vehicle APP comprises a user module, an order module, a monitoring module, and a communication module. The charging rescue vehicle comprises a controller, a GPS device, a direct current battery charger, an alternating current battery charger, and a measuring module. The rescued vehicle APP comprises a user module, an order module, a payment module, and a communication module. The rescue platform comprises an access module, an order execution module, a vehicle selection module, a rescue vehicle monitoring module, a bill management module, and a user authentication module.

Abstract: A power-supply apparatus includes: an energy storage unit including energy storage modules; switches conducting or shutting off a current and switching a connection state of the storage modules; a voltage control unit switching a voltage of the energy storage unit; drive units, connected to the energy storage unit in series, driving respective external rotating electrical machines; and a capacitor connected to the drive units. Further, the power-supply apparatus includes a control unit that, when the voltage control unit switches the voltages of the energy storage unit, supplies electric power regenerated in the drive units to the capacitor and discharges the capacitor, and after an absolute value of a voltage difference between a post-switching voltage of the energy storage unit and a voltage of the capacitor is less than a predetermined value, controls so that the post-switching voltage of the energy storage unit is applied to the capacitor.

Abstract: A motor driving and battery charging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a motor having a plurality of coils, a rectifier circuit connected to the plurality of coils, and a high voltage battery. An inverter generates a driving current from an output voltage of the high voltage battery and supplies the driving current to the motor while the motor operates. While the high voltage battery is charged, the rectifier circuit rectifies an alternating current (AC) of an external power source, the motor and the inverter compensate for a power factor of the current rectified by the rectifier circuit, and the high voltage battery is charged with an output current of the motor and the inverter.

Abstract: A method for balancing energy in an energy storage system of an electric vehicle includes detecting a first voltage of a first energy storage unit (ESU) and a second voltage of a second energy storage unit of the energy storage system, and determining a discharge time corresponding to the detected second voltage. The method may also include discharging energy from the first energy storage unit, while not discharging energy from the second energy storage unit, for a duration of the determined discharge time.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle and method for managing a battery for vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery configured to be charged and discharged while connected to a charger; and a controller configured to charge the battery by distributing charging current for the battery with the foremost priority if the charging current for the battery is smaller than consumption current, and distribute the consumption current after a state of charge (SoC) of the battery reaches a target charging level.

Abstract: A vehicle traction battery cooling system is provided. The battery cooling system includes a blend door movable between at least an open and a closed position to select the location of incoming air for cooling a plurality of battery cells. A controller is configured to command the door to the open position in response to detecting gases vented by the battery cells.

Abstract: A cooling device for a battery that is mounted in a vehicle includes: a cooling fan that is configured to suck air in a vehicle interior, and to blow the sucked air to the battery; an intake air temperature sensor that is configured to detect a temperature of the air sucked by the cooling fan; and an electronic control unit that is configured (i) to control the cooling fan, and (ii) to prohibit the cooling fan from being operated when a detected value of the intake air temperature sensor is lower than a first temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a fuel cell vehicle capable of informing a user outside of the vehicle of the possibility that the fuel cell stops power generation and external power-feeding stops, whereby problems due to unexpected stopping of power feeding can be avoided. In a method for controlling a fuel cell vehicle 100 including an external power-feeding device 50, when it is determined that a state of a fuel cell exceeds a limiting point where deterioration of the fuel cell 20 or a failure of a driving device to supply fuel to the fuel cell 20 occurs during external power feeding, warning is issued to outside of the vehicle 10 before the fuel cell 20 stops power generation.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a backrest, a seat including a seat surface, and a partition. The seat is movable between a seat folded position in which the seat surface is disposed along a front surface of the backrest and a seat unfolded position in which the seat surface faces up. The partition to be disposed adjacent to a side surface of the backrest includes a fixing portion and a movable portion. The fixing portion includes a base portion that extends along the side surface and a projecting portion projecting from the base portion farther than the front surface. The movable portion is movable between a folded position adjacent to the base portion and the front surface and an unfolded position away from the base portion and the front surface. The movable portion includes an armrest surface that faces up when the movable portion is in the unfolded position.

Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein are directed toward a seat assembly, and corresponding method, for seat retraction in a vehicle during an autonomous driving mode. Seat refraction is provided by detecting a user initiated input for the retraction. Thereafter, a front seat is refracted such that an occupant of the front seat is out of reach of at least one driving control input device, for example, a steering wheel, pedals or a gear shift, during an autonomous driving mode. Such seat retraction prevents the occupant from providing inadvertent driving inputs to the driving control input devices during the autonomous driving mode.

Abstract: A seat rail for a vehicle includes a stopper part of a locking mounting bracket and a towel bar for inhibiting a misoperation of a release lever due to the feet of a rear seat passenger by inhibiting interference of the feet of the passenger with the release lever and inhibiting deformation of the towel bar when the towel bar is pressed down.

Abstract: A track adjuster includes a first pair of tracks, a first lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the first pair of tracks, a second pair of tracks, and a second lockset configured that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the second pair of tracks. The first lockset may be a first type of lockset and the second lockset may be a second type of lockset. The first lockset may include a positive engagement locking lockset. The second lockset may include a pawl-type lockset.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a height adjustment apparatus of a vehicle seat, whereby during a height adjustment of a seat cushion, a desired tilting angle of the seat cushion is obtained and heights of a front part and a rear part of the seat cushion are individually adjusted. Due to the height adjustment apparatus, the comfort of a seated occupant is improved by adjusting the angles of the seat cushion in response to various postures of the occupant. In addition, a link connection is structurally secured and thus its durability is also improved.

Abstract: A deployable driver station including a seat utilizing both a front-facing driver seat bottom and a coupled rear-facing passenger seat bottom. In a driver configuration, the driver seat bottom is used in a conventional manner, being disposed behind the steering wheel or other steering control and the interior panel, while the passenger seat bottom is disposed more centrally within the passenger compartment. In a passenger configuration, the passenger seat bottom is used like the adjacent rear-facing passenger seat bottom(s), when used, while the driver seat bottom is disposed under the interior panel such that it does not take up space in the passenger compartment. Likewise, the steering wheel or other steering control is disposed under the interior panel. A common two-sided pivoting seat back is alternately used for the driver seat or the passenger seat by pivoting to an appropriate angle for the configuration.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest portion and a seating surface portion, each of which is arranged to be connected with a seat base portion, wherein the backrest portion is resiliently arranged and supported to be able to swivel with respect to the seat base portion, and wherein the seating surface portion is arranged to be able to move in at least a longitudinal direction of the seat frontwards and rearwards with respect to the seat base portion, wherein the backrest portion and the seating surface portion are operatively connected together via a first lever arrangement in such a way that the seating surface portion is able to move rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the seat when the backrest portion makes a suspending movement with respect to the seat base portion in a direction away from the seating surface portion.

Abstract: Active vibration isolation (AVI) systems are becoming more available in various markets, one such market being vehicle operator seating. Unfamiliarity with the performance of such systems may cause users initial perceptions of system performance to be unfavorable. AVI systems can include a demonstration system capable of providing simulations too users of various types of vibration isolation systems under various input conditions, so that users can be introduced to the system benefits over other systems before using an AVI equipped product in its intended application.

Abstract: A seat includes one or more cushions secured to a shell. The cushions include a 3D printed lattice of repeating cells. The cells may include nodes interconnected by branches. The nodes may be arranged in a cubic, parallelepiped, diamond, or other arrangement. The branches may extend directly between nodes or may be bent. The branches may extend from each node to an adjacent node that is closest to its point of attachment to the each node or the branches may be curved or bent to secure to a different adjacent node. The 3D printed lattice may include 3D printed barbs formed thereon that engage receptacles in the seat shell. The 3D printed lattice may be printed with a groove that engages a fastening structure on a cover or a separate fastening element. The cover may be a perforated sheet of material or fabric.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an air mover within a seatback. An inlet channel extends from an occupant seatback surface to the air mover and includes first and second outlet channels. The air mover selectively and alternatively moves air from the inlet channel to one of the first and second outlet channels. The first outlet channel includes a vent located proximate a headrest.

Abstract: This invention provides a locking seat cover securing system that includes a listing bead with a notch removed from the bead, and a stop clip with a nub in an inner surface of the stop clip. The notch is curved so as to maintain the structural integrity of the listing bead. The nub is sized, shaped, and located to correspond to the notch on the listing bead, so that the nub can engage within the listing bead when the listing bead is inserted into the notch. The engagement of the nub within the notch prevents the listing bead from sliding within the locking stop clip. The listing bead with the stop clip can be inserted into an upholstery clip within a foam seat, and the stop clip can abut the upholstery clip so that the listing bead cannot move relative to the upholstery clip.

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

Abstract: A motor vehicle console comprises a mount and a pair of exposed parallel tubular members. Each of the tubular members has a forward section, an intermediate section extending rearwardly, and a rearward section, wherein at least one of the forward horizontal section, intermediate section, and rearward section is disposed at an elevation horizontally above the other of the forward section, intermediate section, and rearward section and each forward section is operatively coupled with the mount.

Abstract: An operator seat system is provided that includes an operator seat and an armrest control center with an I/O (input/output) system that is connected to and moves with the operator seat. An armrest control center mount system may include a seat mount and an armrest control center mount that are attached to each other with an adjustment system that allows adjustment of the armrest control center with respect to the operator seat.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a vehicle seat includes moving each of a set of first valves respectively associated with ones of a group of first bladders into an open position allowing the receipt of air into and fluidic communication among the group of first bladders, inflating the first group of bladders to a predetermined pressure, and closing each of the set of first valves to maintain an inflation level of each of the first bladders.

Abstract: A tray table assembly includes a table body and a support. The support can include a first end and a second end distal from the first end. The second end of the support can be pivotably attached to the table body. The support can define a receiving area between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to methods for operating a transport system, which have a large number of transport mechanism and means. The invention further relates to a corresponding transport system.

Abstract: When vehicles become disabled on a road or race track, they may be towed away to be repaired or discarded. A disabled vehicle that is repairable but severely damaged may be susceptible to further damage caused by towing it away, which may prevent conventional tow trucks from quickly and easily towing the disabled vehicle away. The presently disclosed vehicle towing system incorporates a telescoping boom extending from a tow vehicle. The telescoping boom includes a first towed vehicle attachment mechanism extending from a distal end of the telescoping boom and a second towed vehicle attachment mechanism extending from a proximal end of the telescoping boom. The first and second vehicle attachment mechanism connect the boom to the disabled vehicle and the boom is used to lift and suspend the disabled vehicle behind the tow vehicle as the disabled vehicle is towed away.

Abstract: A flat strap holding apparatus includes a chassis and a first and second rotating hub that rotate in the interior of the chassis. The interior of the chassis being bounded by two opposing side walls of the chassis and a plurality of cross bars adjoined to the side walls. The chassis has a first and second end, each end containing the first and second rotating hub. A gripping surface of each rotating hub is proximate to a first and second gripping area in the interior of the chassis residing on the plurality of chassis cross bars. The first and second grip areas are arranged approximately orthogonal to one another. The first and second rotating hubs are arranged to rotate towards and away from the first and second gripping areas.

Abstract: The present invention is an organizer to be installed in a truck bed of a vehicle. The organizer includes a rectangular base plate. The organizer also includes a first rear plate and a second rear plate hingedly coupled to a rear edge of the base plate. The first rear plate and the second rear plate are arranged side-by-side along a length of rear edge of the base plate. The organizer further includes one or more means for constraining the first rear plate and the second rear plate either relative to each other or to the truck bed for disposing the first rear plate and the second rear plate in open position and closed position independent of each other.

Abstract: An in-vehicle light apparatus for monitoring a region in a first direction outside a vehicle, including: a lamp unit including a light source and a reflector; a radar unit including a circuit board disposed such that a board surface extends substantially along the horizontal direction on a lower side or an upper side of the lamp unit and a plurality of antenna elements disposed in the hoard surface of the circuit hoard to transmit an electromagnetic wave in the first direction; and the plurality of the antenna elements are arranged in an array on the first direction side relative to the reflector in plan view, and an array direction of the plurality of antenna elements is a direction intersecting the first direction and non-parallel to an extending direction of an end portion on the side of the first direction of the reflector in plan view.

Abstract: A headlight assembly (126) for a mower (100) includes a cover member (302) defining an aperture (306). A first light source (308) is at least partially received within the aperture (306). The first light source (308) illuminates a first area (202) in front of the mower (100). A second light source (408) is coupled to the cover member (302). The second light source (408) illuminates a second area (204) extending at least partially around the mower (100).

Abstract: A light assembly for attachment to a surface of a vehicle includes a light head having a light including a flood light mode and a spot light mode, a light head terminal in electrical communication with the light, and a first mounting structure. A vehicle base is configured to be removably coupled to the surface of the vehicle. The vehicle base includes a second structure configured to mate with the first mounting structure such that the light head can be removably secured on the vehicle base, and a base terminal configured to mate with the terminal of the light head to provide power to the light when the light head is secured on the vehicle base. A remote is configured to control rotation of the light about first and second axes and to control operation of the flood light mode and the spot light mode.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methodologies for transportation vehicle fit-up can include a tuning assembly for tuning the spatial relationship between an accessory and adjacent portions of the transportation vehicle.