Patents Issued in October 1, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200307382
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, an electric power acquirer, a relay, a power supply unit, and a controller. The controller is able to switch a mode of electric power transmission to a direct transmission mode on the first condition that electric power is transmitted from the electric power acquirer to the battery and the power supply unit is in continuous operation or starts up. The direct transmission mode includes that the relay is in a disconnected state and electric power is transmitted from the electric power acquirer to the power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Fumiyuki MORIYA, Kazuya FUKE
  • Publication number: 20200307383
    Abstract: An in-vehicle control apparatus includes: a first inverter; a second inverter; and a voltage conversion part configured to increase or decrease an operation voltage of one of the first inverter and the second inverter by an open-close control of a switch and supply the increased or decreased operation voltage as an operation voltage of another of the first inverter and the second inverter. The voltage conversion part includes: a reference voltage line; a low-voltage-side switch that is connected to and between the reference voltage line and a high-voltage-side power line of the second inverter; and a high-voltage-side switch that is connected to and between a high-voltage-side power line of the first inverter and a high-voltage-side power line of the second inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Jiro Fukui
  • Publication number: 20200307384
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine and a controller. The electric machine is configured to draw energy from a battery to propel the vehicle and to recharge the battery during regenerative braking. The controller is programmed to, in response to identifying a regenerative braking opportunity along an upcoming road segment based on a classification of driver behavior and a classification of the upcoming road segment, operate the electric machine to recharge the battery along the upcoming road segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Herbert David MENDEZ PINEDA, David OSTROWSKI, Mohan JOHN, Victoria Leigh SCHEIN, William G. HERBERT, Madeleine Itzel SANTIAGO ESTRADA
  • Publication number: 20200307385
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and a braking control method thereof are provided. The method includes determining, by a first controller, a total braking amount corresponding to a brake pedal manipulation amount and transmitting a regenerative braking request corresponding to at least a portion of the total braking amount to a second controller. A state of a regenerative braking system having a motor and a battery is determined and a regenerative braking execution amount is calculated by selectively using a first torque corresponding to a torque command transmitted to a third controller to operate the motor based on the regenerative braking request or a second torque measured by the third controller based on the determined state. A braking force of a frictional brake is determined based on the calculated regenerative braking execution amount and the total braking amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Joon Young Park, Sung Deok Kim
  • Publication number: 20200307386
    Abstract: A brake system includes: a friction brake mechanism; a regenerative brake mechanism; and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain a target regenerative braking force. The electronic control unit is configured to perform replacement control between the friction brake mechanism and the regenerative brake mechanism when a predetermined replacement condition is satisfied. The replacement control is control in which a shortfall of the required total braking force, which is caused by a decrease in the regenerative braking force, is covered by increasing the front wheel friction braking force and the rear wheel friction braking force while satisfying a set relationship between the front wheel friction braking force and the rear wheel friction braking force or between an increase gradient of the front wheel friction braking force and an increase gradient of the rear wheel friction braking force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yu TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20200307387
    Abstract: A pressing member is used for pressing semiconductor modules and cooling pipes which are alternately disposed, and includes a plate and an elastic member. The plate includes a contact plate section that faces an end surface of the fixed unit in the fixed direction and contacts with the end surface of the fixed unit, and plate ribs standing in the fixed direction from an end portion of the contact plate section in a width direction of the contact plate section. The elastic member is disposed in a side of the plate opposite to a side of the plate where the fixed unit is disposed, the elastic member pressing the plate towards a fixed unit side in the fixed direction. The contact plate section has an inner plate surface including a concave surface formed at a portion apart from the plate ribs in a contact region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuki SAKAMOTO, Hideaki TACHIBANA, Hiroki UMEDA
  • Publication number: 20200307388
    Abstract: A system for compensating acceleration of electrical motorbike includes a throttle unit and an electro-mechanic assembly. After the electrical motorbike starts, the throttle unit receives external operation from a rider for generating a series of original throttle signal. An acceleration compensating module calculates a throttle variation rate based on the original throttle signal and variation of a throttle operation magnitude, and calculates a throttle compensating value based on the throttle variation rate when the throttle variation rate is larger than or equal to a correction threshold. A throttle compensating module receives and sums the original throttle signal and the throttle compensating value up for generating a new throttle signal. A torque controller generates a corresponding torque command based on the new throttle signal, and outputs the torque command to the electro-mechanic assembly for operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Chien-Ping HUANG, Chung-An HSIEH, Hsiang-Hsi HUANG, Cheng-Hsien HUANG
  • Publication number: 20200307389
    Abstract: A motor is stably driven under an extremely low temperature. A control unit controls an inverter to extract a pulse-like direct current from a battery, in case where a temperature Temp of the battery is below a predetermined value TH at which a power that can drive a motor is continuously extractable, by cyclically repeating an on-period to extract the direct current that can drive the motor from the battery and an off-period in which, after the on-period, the power is not extracted from the battery until the direct current that can drive the motor becomes extractable from the battery again. The inverter converts, to a phase current, the direct current extracted from the battery in the on-period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Teruyoshi Mihara
  • Publication number: 20200307390
    Abstract: A system for maintaining attitude control under degraded or depleted energy source conditions using multiple electric propulsors includes a plurality of propulsors, at least an energy source providing electric power to the plurality of propulsors and a vehicle controller communicatively coupled to each propulsor and configured to calculate initial power levels for the plurality of propulsors, the initial power levels including an initial power level for each propulsor, determine an energy output capacity of the least an energy source under load, calculate, by the vehicle controller, an aggregate potential demand of the plurality of propulsors as a function of the initial power levels, determine that electric potential is insufficient to match the aggregate potential demand, and for each initial power level generate a reduced power level, the reduced power level less than the initial power level and direct a corresponding propulsor to consume electrical power at the reduced power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle B. Clark, Herman Wiegman
  • Publication number: 20200307391
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, an electric power acquirer, a power supply unit, and a controller. The electric power acquirer is able to acquire, from outside the vehicle, electric power to be charged to the battery. The power supply unit is able to receive electric power from a power line and supply a power supply voltage to a device other than a traveling motor. The controller is able to execute electric power adjustment processing on the condition that electric power is acquired from the electric power acquirer and the power supply unit is in operation. The electric power adjustment processing includes reducing a difference between electric power to be acquired from the electric power acquirer and electric power to be inputted to the power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Fumiyuki MORIYA, Kazuya FUKE
  • Publication number: 20200307392
    Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second electric machines driven by inverters and coupled to first and second sets of wheels. The vehicle includes switches configured to selectively connect each of the electric machines in one of a wye and a delta connection. The vehicle further includes a controller programmed to operate the switches to select a connection for the electric machines and operate the inverters to proportion a torque demand between the electric machines based on speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew JOSEPH, Shehan HAPUTHANTHRI
  • Publication number: 20200307393
    Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Mikhail Slepchenkov, Roozbeh Naderi
  • Publication number: 20200307394
    Abstract: An electric power supply system includes a battery, an electric power receiving apparatus, and a control apparatus. The electric power receiving apparatus is configured to receive external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source, and supply the external electric power to the battery. The control apparatus is configured to, in a case where the electric power receiving apparatus is able to receive the external electric power, permit a load driving mode of driving a load that is coupled to the battery in parallel with the electric power receiving apparatus. The control apparatus is configured to, in the load driving mode, execute function restriction control of restricting a function of the load to suppress input and output currents of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Fumiyuki Moriya, Daisuke Kato
  • Publication number: 20200307395
    Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Mikhail Slepchenkov, Roozbeh Naderi
  • Publication number: 20200307396
    Abstract: An electric power system includes a secondary battery configured to supply electric power to a drive motor, configured to generate driving force of a vehicle, and an auxiliary having an auxiliary smoothing capacitor, a secondary battery relay configured to open or close an electrical contact between the secondary battery and the drive motor, a secondary battery smoothing capacitor connected between the secondary battery relay and the drive motor, an auxiliary relay configured to open or close an electrical contact between the secondary battery and the auxiliary, and a control unit configured to control a switching operation of each of the secondary battery relay and the auxiliary relay. The control unit is configured to, at startup of the vehicle, precharge the secondary battery smoothing capacitor by closing the secondary battery relay and then precharge the auxiliary smoothing capacitor by closing the auxiliary relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Tomohiro OGAWA, Kenji UMAYAHARA, Ryota KAWAGUCHI, Shota OKADA
  • Publication number: 20200307397
    Abstract: The lawn mower has at least a first structure in which a pair of power receiving terminals are separately disposed in the vehicle body cover and the vehicle body that are different parts from among a plurality of parts constituting the lawn mower, or a second structure in which the power receiving terminal, which is one of the pair of power receiving terminals, has a downward-facing contact surface that comes into contact with the charging station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Takuma Namiki, Kohei Matsuzawa, Kenta Kawanishi, Kotaro Nakamura, Shuhei Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20200307398
    Abstract: A method of managing energy service for a plurality of assets of different types connected to a plurality of grid connection points includes determining, by a respective asset, a quantity of the energy service to be realized by the respective asset during a connection event; responsive to the respective asset being of a first type; detecting a grid connection point identifier that identifies an associated grid connection point associated with the respective asset of the first type used for the connection event; and sending, by the respective asset, connection event information, wherein the connection event information includes at least one of: the determined quantity of the energy service and an asset identifier, responsive to the respective asset not being of the first type; or the determined quantity of the energy service and the detected grid connection point identifier, responsive to the respective asset being of the first type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: The AES Corporation
    Inventors: John Christopher SHELTON, John Michael ZAHURANCIK
  • Publication number: 20200307399
    Abstract: A drone is described. The drone includes a propulsion system, a transceiver, a tether connector, and a power system. The power system has a battery and a chopper circuit. The chopper circuit bleeds excess charge from the battery. The power system is configured to power the propulsion system, and to power the transceiver through the chopper circuit. The power system is also configured to receive electrical power, through the tether connector, to charge the battery while the drone is in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle Lashbrook, Steve Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200307400
    Abstract: A power connector includes a housing having a terminal channel holding a terminal. The terminal includes a mating pin at a front of the terminal and a cable connector at a rear of the terminal. The mating pin is positioned in the terminal channel for mating with a charging connector. The power connector includes a power cable including a conductor terminated to the cable connector at the rear of the terminal. The power connector includes a cable heat exchanger thermally coupled to the conductor of the power cable. The cable heat exchanger includes a coolant channel for coolant flow through the cable heat exchanger for actively cooling the conductor of the power cable. A thermally conductive separator electrically isolates the cable heat exchanger from the conductor of the power cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Aaron James de Chazal, Nathan Philip Myer, Jeremy Christian Patterson, Kevin John Peterson, Clara Rhodes, David Bruce Sarraf
  • Publication number: 20200307401
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station system having, at least: an EV charging station that includes a supply part configured to supply electric energy to at least one vehicle battery, a computing device configured to manage supplying of electric energy to electric vehicles, and a transactions module of a station application stored in and executable by the computing device of the EV charging station. The transactions module and other modules of or associated with the EV charging station or an electric vehicle can leverage asymmetric cryptography and peer-to-peer networks and systems to provide secure supplying of electric energy from the EV charging station to an electric vehicle and recording of information on the station supplying electric energy to the vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Antonino Mondello, Alberto Troia
  • Publication number: 20200307402
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for providing a grid regulation service, including: determining a preferred operating point for use with one or more grid regulation resources of a first type; determining a predicted regulation up capacity and a predicted regulation down capacity of the one or more grid regulation resources of the first type for the grid regulation service period; commencing the grid regulation service period based on an indication; performing a grid regulation service during the grid regulation service period by varying a power delivery rate of the one or more grid regulation resources of the first type; and enabling one or more grid regulation resources of a second type to participate in the grid regulation service during the grid regulation service period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory POILASNE
  • Publication number: 20200307403
    Abstract: Techniques are described for aligning a vehicle to a wireless charger. Wireless communication is performed between at least a first wireless device of the vehicle and at least a second wireless device external to the vehicle. The first wireless device has a stationary position relative to the vehicle. The second wireless device has a stationary position relative to the wireless charger. Based on the wireless communication, a distance between the first and second wireless devices is measured and used to determine the relative position of the vehicle. A trajectory is calculated, based on the relative position of the vehicle, to enable the vehicle to be maneuvered into a charging position in which a charge receiving device of the vehicle is aligned with respect to the wireless charger. In some embodiments, multiple wireless devices on the vehicle or external to the vehicle participate in determining the relative position of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Cyril RASTOLL, Malte JOOS, Shahram REZAEI
  • Publication number: 20200307404
    Abstract: To prevent theft and/or leakage of electricity and to distribute electricity for recharging electric vehicles, the present invention discloses methods and systems for enabling and disabling a plurality of relays at a system. The system comprises a power supply, at least one ammeter, a power supply enabler and at least one power controller. The required steps include measuring current drawn by the plurality of loads by one or more ammeters. The power controller independently enables or disables each of the plurality of relays according to the instructions received. The power supply enabler enables or disables power supply to the system substantially based on the amount of current being drawn by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Pismo Labs Technology Limited
    Inventors: Alex Wing Hong Chan, Ming Pui Chong, King Shan Lam, Chi Leong Kwok
  • Publication number: 20200307405
    Abstract: A method of charging a battery in a vehicle, the method comprising: controlling, by a controller, battery charging from a power source external to the vehicle, charging the battery to a state of charge (SOC), wherein the SOC is based on: cost of electricity, source of electricity, battery health, battery temperature, electrical grid voltage, electrical grid frequency, and/or utility incentives. Generally, the vehicle charges more on good days so it can charge less on bad days, and charges less on bad days so it can charge more on good days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Alexander Frank Waardenburg
  • Publication number: 20200307406
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging arrangement for an electric vehicle having a traction battery, having a charging station connected directly to a medium-voltage grid and a charging cable to be coupled to the electric vehicle, wherein a medium-voltage transformer is arranged in the charging station, at which medium-voltage transformer the medium voltage is present on a primary side and at least one IT low-voltage grid and a TN low-voltage grid electrically isolated therefrom are formed on a secondary side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Julian STENTENBACH
  • Publication number: 20200307407
    Abstract: A drone includes a propulsion system, a processing unit, and a power system having a battery and a power connection port. The power system is configured to receive packetized electrical power over a tether including an air-to-ground power feed attachable to the power connection port. The power system is also configured to supply electrical power to the processing unit, the battery, and the propulsion system. The processing unit is configured to acknowledge receipt of the packetized electrical power. A power delivery system includes a packetized electrical power transmitter and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to operate the packetized electrical power transmitter to transmit packets of electrical power over a power feed within a tether attached to a drone. The processing unit is also configured to monitor a communication channel within the tether for acknowledgements indicating the drone has received the transmitted packets of electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Steve Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200307408
    Abstract: A modular and portable charging station according to various aspects of the present technology may include a main chassis body that is fully assembled at one location and then transferred as a whole to a desired location and placed into operation without the need for significant site modification, or connection to the electric power grid. The interior of the main chassis body may contain one or more removable charging stations and at least one removable battery bank. The battery bank provides each charging station with electrical power to charge a vehicle battery system. The portable charging station may comprise its own onboard power supply configured to use renewable sources to maintain a charge to the battery bank. The portable charging station may also be configured to be connected to a local power source that is connected to the local power grid. A power management system monitors the charge level of the battery bank and is able to select an appropriate method of recharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Neil Oakshott, Mark Cavanaugh, Joseph Vrabel
  • Publication number: 20200307409
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatus, and computer readable medium for a battery exchange including the steps of receiving a request for the battery exchange from a requesting device, identifying a supplying vehicle eligible to exchange one or more batteries, transmitting location information of the supplying vehicle to the requesting device, transmitting an unlock signal to the supplying vehicle or the requesting device to unlock a compartment containing the one or more batteries, and receiving one or more confirmation signals indicating completion of the battery exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Robert UYEKI
  • Publication number: 20200307410
    Abstract: A charge-discharge management system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of electric vehicles each having a storage battery, a charge-discharge facility that charges and discharges the storage batteries, and a charge-discharge management device that controls charging and discharging actions of the charge-discharge facility. Each electric vehicle is configured to be able to exchange electricity of the storage battery with another electric vehicle through the charge-discharge facility. The charge-discharge management device switches, according to an electricity buying price, a charging action of the storage batteries between an action of charging the storage batteries by the charge-discharge facility and an action of charging the storage batteries by exchanging electricity of the storage batteries between the electric vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi TSUDA
  • Publication number: 20200307411
    Abstract: An electric power supply system includes a battery, an electric power receiving apparatus that is coupled to the battery in parallel with a load and receives and supplies external electric power to the battery, a switching apparatus that allows or cuts off connection of the electric power receiving apparatus and the load to the battery and is switchable between a normal state and a current suppression state when the connection is allowed, and a control apparatus that permits a load driving mode if the external electric power is receivable. In the load driving mode, the control apparatus controls an electrical connection state of the electric power supply system to a first connection state in which the electric power receiving apparatus and the load are coupled to the battery via the switching apparatus in the current suppression state, depending on output electric power of the electric power receiving apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Fumiyuki Moriya, Daisuke Kato
  • Publication number: 20200307412
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, an electric power acquirer, a relay, a pre-charge relay, a power supply unit, and a controller. The controller performs a control of electric power transmission through a power line of the vehicle. The controller executes pre-charge processing on a request for operation of the power supply unit, with the relay being in a disconnected state, and with the electric power acquirer being available for electric power acquisition. The pre-charge processing includes raising a voltage of the power line by switching the pre-charge relay. The controller causes a transition of a mode of the electric power transmission to a direct transmission mode. The direct transmission mode includes transmitting electric power acquired by the electric power acquirer to the power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Fumiyuki MORIYA, Kazuya FUKE
  • Publication number: 20200307413
    Abstract: A selection apparatus includes an acquirer configured to acquire information of a usage state of at least one reuse component before being reused and a purpose of use of the at least one reused component; and a selector configured to select a reused component suitable for the purpose of use based on the usage state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Koji Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20200307414
    Abstract: To provide a seat occupancy sensor capable of detecting that an occupant is seated on a seat, a seat occupancy sensor (10) provided in a vehicle seat (1) includes a pair of switch modules (16, 17, 18, 19) disposed in an occupant seating area (5) of a seat cushion (2), wherein: each of the switch modules includes a first pressure-sensitive switch (16A, 17A, 18A, 19A) and a second pressure-sensitive switch (16B, 17B, 18B, 19B) that are disposed on a front part so as to be laterally spaced from each other and a third pressure-sensitive switch (16C, 17C, 18C, 19C) disposed on a rear part; each of the switch modules is configured to be turned on when at least one of the first pressure-sensitive switch and the second pressure-sensitive switch is on and the third pressure-sensitive switch is on; and the seat occupancy sensor is configured to be turned on when the switch modules are both on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Ozawa, Naohiro Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20200307415
    Abstract: The vehicle structure includes seats provided away from each other in a vehicle width direction, a support provided on a vehicle floor, and attached between the seats, a vehicle structural part provided between the seats, and an armrest detachably attached to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Ryoji Maruoka, Shohei Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20200307416
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. Shape memory material members can be operatively positioned with respect to a seat portion of the vehicle seat. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated by an activation input. When activated, the shape memory material members can engage a seat pan so as to cause the seat pan to tilt in a respective lateral direction. As a result, a seat cushion supported by the seat pan can also tilt in the respective lateral direction. The seat cushion can be tilted in a lateral direction that is opposite to the direction of the lateral acceleration. Thus, the effects of lateral acceleration felt by a seat occupant can be reduced. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Brian J. Pinkelman, Ryohei Tsuruta, Mark A. Gummin
  • Publication number: 20200307417
    Abstract: A seat track covering system and method are configured to cover a seat track and one or more cables within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The seat track covering system and method include a seat track cover that securely couples to the seat track, and at least one cover adjustment member moveably coupled to the seat track cover. The seat track cover and the cover adjustment member(s) cover at least a portion of the seat track and at least a portion of the cable(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachelle N. Ornan, Dean Hettick, Amy L. Wisch, Patrick William O'Neill, Mark L. Cloud
  • Publication number: 20200307418
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a base and a seat rotatable relative to the base. The vehicle includes a helical ramp fixed relative to one of the base and the seat. The vehicle includes a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) including a housing fixed relative to the other of the base and the seat and a plunger moveably supported by the housing. The plunger contacts the helical ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: MOHAMMAD OMAR FARUQUE, S. M. ISKANDER FAROOQ, MARK A. CUDDIHY, DEAN M. JARADI
  • Publication number: 20200307419
    Abstract: An articulation mechanism for coupling a pivoting backrest to a traveling seat pan frame includes a first link having a first end section attachable to a pivoting backrest, and a second end section connected to the first end section, the second end section having multiple holes. A second link has a first end section and a second end section connected together, the first end section of the second link having at least one hole aligned with one of the multiple holes of the second section of the first link, the second end section of the second link is pivotally attachable to a seat pan frame. A fastener pivotally attaches the second link to the first link via the at least one hole of the second link and the selected aligned one of the multiple holes of the second end section of the first link based on a hole combination chosen to achieve a predetermined ratio of backrest recline to seat pan travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Travis K. Finlay, Brian P. Wenger, James Stephen Kash
  • Publication number: 20200307420
    Abstract: A fold and dive seat for a vehicle that achieves a fatigue reduction posture is provided. The seat includes a tip up-extension mechanism that enable stipping-up and extension of the front end of a seat cushion and a seatback reclining mechanism for the fold and dive seat so that tipping-up for lifting the front end of the seat cushion and extension for extending the front end forward are performed simultaneously performed when the seatback reclining is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Hyun Kyu Moon, Chan Ho Jung, Seon Chae Na, Sang Beom Hwang, In Chang Hwang, Myung Soo Lee, Jeong Soo Kim, Eom Seok Yoo
  • Publication number: 20200307421
    Abstract: A support base for a child safety seat includes a shell, a belt clamp, a latching mechanism and a belt retaining structure. The shell is adapted to receive a child seat thereon, and has a panel at an end thereof. The belt clamp is pivotally connected with the shell and is disposed adjacent to the panel, the panel rising above the belt clamp, the belt clamp being operable to clamp a lap belt portion of a vehicle safety belt adjacent to a surface of the shell. The latching mechanism is operable to lock the belt clamp in a clamping state. The belt retaining structure is provided on the panel, and is configured to hold a shoulder belt portion of a vehicle safety belt adjacent to the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Wonderland Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Robert Scott ANDERSON, Curtis M. HARTENSTINE, Patrick J.G. BOWERS
  • Publication number: 20200307422
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an appendage of a seated user, generally in a vehicle, including adjustable support arms attached to a seat with a platform disposed at a distal end of second support arms so that the appendages of the user, such as a child, are supported thereon for comfort of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Steven B. PETERSON
  • Publication number: 20200307423
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle seat includes a seating portion and a seat back extending from the seating portion. The seat back defines a rear facing surface and a recessed area formed in the rear facing surface. The recessed area extends from an upper surface of the seat back toward a central portion of the seat back. The recessed area defines a void between the vehicle seat and a child seat positioned proximate to the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North Ame rica, Inc.
    Inventor: Lauren Abro
  • Publication number: 20200307424
    Abstract: A vehicle seat hinge mechanism includes: a base portion that is fixed to a vehicle body; a movable portion that is fixed to a vehicle seat; a rotating shaft that is passed through the movable portion and the base portion and is welded to one of the movable portion and the base portion; a spiral spring that is passed through the rotating shaft and applies a rotational urging force to the movable portion; and a heat affected member that is passed through the rotating shaft and arranged with the spiral spring, wherein the rotating shaft is divided into a. first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, and the first shaft portion includes an assembling portion that is capable of setting the heat affected member such that the heat affected member is passed from the one side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiichiro INADOME, Ko TANAKA, Shunsuke MATSUI, Takahiro OYAMA, Shigeru CHIBA, Takashi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20200307425
    Abstract: A seat rail module for a vehicle seat, comprising two longitudinal adjustment rails (10) arranged parallel to each other for guiding the vehicle seat (1) and adjusting its position in longitudinal direction, deformation units (18) which can be fastened or are fastened to the longitudinal adjustment rails (10), and fastening members (25) for fastening the seat rail module to the floor of a vehicle body, wherein the vehicle seat (1) can be fastened to the longitudinal adjustment rails (10) and the deformation units (18) are configured for deforming deformation members (19) when the vehicle seat is displaced in a main direction of travel, in order to decelerate the vehicle seat in the event of a crash, characterized in that the fastening members (25) are configured to fasten the seat rail module to the floor of the vehicle body by means of locking, and in that the fastening members (25) are mechanically unlocked when the vehicle seat (1) is displaced in longitudinal direction in the direction opposite to the mai
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Andreas HÖPFNER
  • Publication number: 20200307426
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat (1), a heater element (40) disposed between the surface of a cushion pad (8) and a skin member (9) includes a pair of main body portions (45-47) and a crossing portion (48, 49) connecting the main body portions to each other, the crossing portion being received in a tuck-in groove (11) formed in the cushion pad and extending through a gap defined between a bottom portion (22) of the tuck-in groove and a tuck-in member (35). The heater element includes a substrate (41) in sheet form, and a heater wire (42) attached to the substrate, and the heater wire in the crossing portion extends in a direction orthogonal to a lengthwise direction of the tuck-in groove in a zigzag pattern, the heater wire including a bent portion (62) of the zigzag pattern located in a bottom region (68) of the tuck-in groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hoshi, Sachio Kobayashi, Yuma Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20200307427
    Abstract: A gap blocker assembly for a vehicle is provided. The gap blocker assembly includes a passage extending through an outer wall of a vehicle center console. A gap blocker resides in the passage and is configured to be positionable in an extended position in which the gap blocker extends from the passage past the outer wall to an exterior of the console. The gap blocker is also configured to be positionable in a retracted position in which the gap blocker does not extend past the outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: James D. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20200307428
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a seat back includes a backrest on which an occupant sitting on a seat cushion leans his/her back, and banks supporting the back of the sitting occupant on both sides. Urethane pads configuring the banks are formed in a shape protruded to the front with respect to a urethane pad configuring the backrest, the back face sides of the urethane pads configuring the banks formed in the shape protruded to the front are formed in a recessed shape with respect to a back face side of the urethane pad configuring the backrest, and on the portions of the back face sides of the urethane pads configuring the banks formed in the recessed shape, protrusions having faces at the same height as the back face side of the urethane pad configuring the backrest and extended to the portions formed in the recessed shape are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Shinnosuke KOBAYASHI, Akinori TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20200307429
    Abstract: A reinforcement structure for a seat back frame includes a panel material; and a frame material joined to the panel material. The frame material is formed as a hat-type frame material including a web portion which is formed as a substantial U shape from a cross-sectional view and which forms a closed cross-sectional shape with the panel material, and a flange which is formed as one with the web portion and which is also joined to the panel material. A bead is formed in the panel material in a position opposing to the frame material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicants: TS TECH CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei OKUMA, Naoya NISHIMOTO, Yuta SUGAYA, Hisato OKU, Shingo BABA
  • Publication number: 20200307430
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle seat including: a seat back frame standing from a seat rear end side of a seat cushion, a left and right pair of cushion frames, the seat back frame being supported to be tiltable in a seat front-and-rear direction, and the seat back frame structuring a framework of a seat back; and a seat back panel that is provided at the seat rear side of the seat back frame, an upper frame structuring an upper end portion at the seat rear side of the seat back frame, an upper end portion of the seat back panel being disposed at the seat upper side relative to the upper frame, and the seat back panel displacing toward the seat lower side when an impact load is applied from the upper side of the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Takehiro Watanabe, Tomoharu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20200307431
    Abstract: A seat armrest comprises an elbow-rest segment, an arm-rest segment, a mobilizable connecting structure, and a height-locking structure. The elbow-rest segment is connected to a seat. Both the mobilizable connecting structure and height-locking structure are connected to the elbow-rest segment and the arm-rest segment. The mobilizable connecting structure facilitates the arm-rest segment to surround the mobilizable connecting structure to pivot toward a space above the elbow-rest segment. When the arm-rest segment is pivoted to any desired height, the height-locking structure can fix the arm-rest segment on that desired height. As a result, the user can adjust the height of his forearm on the arm-rest segment freely at different heights according to different occasions, so that the user can rest his forearm comfortably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu