Abstract: A method for operating an electric power steering system of a motor vehicle, wherein a steering wheel angle is specified by a steering handle as a measurement for a desired wheel steering angle for at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein an electric servo drive having an electric motor provides steering assistance, and wherein an additional restoring force is provided to compensate for increased internal friction in the power steering system based upon temperature, wherein the additional restoring force is reduced based upon a desired steering direction that is detected at the steering handle. Also disclosed is an associated electric power steering system, an associated computer program, and an associated control unit.

Abstract: In an electric power steering device including a controller, which is configured to carry out feedback control for a motor including independent two coil winding groups and being configured to rotate a steering mechanism of a vehicle, when one of the two groups recovers from a failure that has occurred in the one group while control is continued solely by another group due to the failure, the controller resumes cooperative control by the two groups, and when starting the cooperative control, sets target current values of the one group and the another group to values different from a final target current value based on an actual current value or a target current value of the another group at a time of the recovery, to thereby output respective control amounts for the cooperative control.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example wheel steering apparatus includes a steering actuator to couple to a rear axle, a tie rod, and a transfer link to couple the steering actuator and the tie rod. The steering actuator is positioned on a first side of a first longitudinal axis of the rear axle and the tie rod positioned on a second side of the first longitudinal axis of the rear axle opposite the first side.

Abstract: A wheel steering system is provided that improves an environment of an actuator being mounted and reduces changes in toe angles of wheels at the time of a suspension stroke. The system includes: right and left hub carriers supported by a rear suspension mechanism; right and left tie rods having outer ends in a vehicle width direction thereof pivotally connected to the right and left hub carriers; and a Watts link having inner ends in the vehicle width direction of the right and left tie rod pivotally attached thereto so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator and the Watts link are arranged above springs, and the Watts link is connected with the actuator so as to be displaceable substantially along the vehicle width direction when a driving force of the actuator is inputted to the Watts link.

Abstract: A small radius- or zero radius-turn vehicle that may be steered by differentially-driven rear drive wheels and by at least one electronically-controlled, steerable front wheel. A device, e.g., one or more levers, may be provided that controls both speed and direction of the drive wheels. A sensor may be provided that detects a position of the lever(s). A controller may calculate a steering angle of the front wheel based upon the position, and issue a command to an actuator associated with the front wheel. The actuator may rotate the front wheel to an electronically calculated steering angle in response to the command.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a drive configuration for a skid steered vehicle includes first and second torque outputs coupled by a differential and in a torque connection with first and second electric motors, the differential being configured to mechanically transfer power across itself; and a mechanical power splitter having a first torque transfer feature in a torque connection with a combustion engine, a second torque transfer feature in a torque connection with a respective additional electric motor and a third torque transfer feature in a torque connection with at least one of the first and second torque outputs of the drive configuration, wherein torque output from the or each the mechanical power splitter in use is dependent on torques generated by the combustion engine and the associated additional electric motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling articulation angle during reversing of a vehicle combination, comprising a tractor motor vehicle having at least one trailer, uses a first articulation angle controller, which determines an intended steering lock from at least one steerable wheel of the tractor vehicle and controls the same via a steering actuator of the tractor motor vehicle, in order to achieve a predefined intended articulation angle of the vehicle combination. The rate of change of the articulation angle is limited in such a way that the maximum available setting speed of the steering actuator is sufficient, such that the movement of the at least one trailer follows the intended articulation angle, in particular over a predefined range of speed of travel of the vehicle combination.

Abstract: An angle sensor includes a detection signal generation unit for generating detection signals, an angle detection unit for generating a detected angle value on the basis of the detection signals, and a condition determination apparatus. The condition determination apparatus includes a determination value generation unit for generating a determination value to be used for determining the condition of the angle sensor, and a determination unit for determining the condition of the angle sensor. The angle detection unit includes a common correction processing unit for performing common correction processing for converting uncorrected signals, which have correspondence with the detection signals, into common corrected signals to be used for the generation of the detected angle value and the generation of the determination value. The common correction processing reduces an angular error occurring in the detected angle value, and narrows the variation range of the determination value.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a control device, a first sensor and a global positioning device. The control device has a control unit and a data memory. At least one item of information about an arrangement of an overhead line is stored on the data memory. The control unit is connected to the first sensor and to the global positioning device. The first sensor determines a position of the overhead line relative to the motor vehicle and provides the control unit with the relative position. The global positioning device determines a global position of the motor vehicle and provides the control unit with it. The control unit, on the basis of the established relative position, the established global position and the information about the arrangement of the overhead line, calculates a position of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle control apparatus and a vehicle control method. The vehicle control apparatus includes a first sensor configured to detect an object; a second sensor configured to detect driver steering input information; an Autonomous Emergency Steering Assist (AESA) device configured to perform automatic emergency steering assist; a Driver-initiated Emergency Steering Assist (DESA) device configured to perform emergency steering assistance based on the driver steering input information; and a controller configured to control the AESA device to apply a steering assist control torque value corresponding to the AESA device differently for each of collision risk levels in a collision risk situation with the detected object, and when there is the detected driver steering input information, to control the DESA device to apply a steering assist control torque value corresponding to the DESA device according to the driver steering input information.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus 1 of the present invention assists parallel parking of an own vehicle 21. The parking assist apparatus 1 includes: a first route calculation unit 11 configured to calculate a first route for moving the own vehicle 21 from a target parking position P1 to a virtual departure position P3 based on a parking space and a constraint condition of own vehicle behavior; a second route calculation unit 12 configured to calculate a second route for moving the own vehicle 21 from an initial position P0 where parking assistance is started to the virtual departure position P3; and a parking route setting unit 13 configured to set a parking route of the own vehicle 21 with use of the first route and the second route.

Abstract: A rear subframe structure including a rear subframe disposed on a rear side of a vehicle is provided. The rear subframe includes: a pair of right and left longitudinal members extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a front cross member extending in a vehicle width direction between the pair of right and left longitudinal members, and a rear cross member extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of right and left longitudinal members. The front cross member and the rear cross member are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined distance. Each of the pair of right and left longitudinal members has a protruding portion between the front cross member and the rear cross member; the protruding portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes: a rocker outer constituted by a high tensile steel material and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, the rocker outer including a first upper flange portion; a rocker inner constituted by a high tensile steel material and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, the rocker inner including a second upper flange portion; a front pillar inner extending in a vehicle up-down direction being sandwiched between the rocker outer and the rocker inner; and a bracket joined to the first upper flange portion with a weld nut being fixed to the bracket. The first upper flange portion and the second upper flange portion are bolted together such that a bolt is inserted, from inside in the vehicle width direction, into respective boles provided in the second upper flange portion, the front pillar inner, and the first upper flange portion.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure includes: a pair of rear side frames provided on right and left sides at a rear part of a vehicle body; side sills connected to front parts of the rear side frames and extending on the right and left sides of the vehicle body, respectively; and an on-board component, at least part of which is arranged side by side with the rear side frames in a vehicle width direction. Each side sill includes a weak part located ahead of the on-board component and having a lower strength than a strength of a region of the rear side frame arranged side by side with the on-board component.

Abstract: A wheel house lower member of a vehicle body has an upper surface portion and an outer side surface portion. The upper surface portion has an inner curved surface. The wheel house lower member defines a lower bending section on which an inner side ridge is formed between the upper surface portion and the outer side surface portion. The wheel house lower member has: a depression formed on the inner side ridge to induce deformation of the lower bent portion upon receipt of a frontal collision load; and an elongated hole formed through the outer side surface portion and extending substantially in parallel with the depression.

Abstract: A vehicle with improved body—closure impact performance may include a frame having an outer side and an inner side, the frame comprising a door opening, a door sill secured to the frame and extending along an edge of the door opening, the door sill extruded to comprise an elongate cavity; and a door secured to the frame and comprising an elongate protrusion, the door movable between an open position and a closed position, where the elongate cavity is positioned to receive the elongate protrusion when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A front vehicle-body structure of a vehicle comprises a dash panel, a pair of right-and-left hinge pillars, and a suspension tower, wherein the dash panel comprises a dash panel body which constitutes a partition wall positioned at a front side of a cabin portion and a dash cross member which is joined to a front face of a lower portion of the dash panel body and interconnects respective lower portions of the right-and-left hinge pillars in a vehicle width direction, and there are provided a pair of right-and-left heat-insulating inner lower portion, each of which connects the suspension tower and the dash cross member.

Abstract: A fixation leg for a vehicle interior panel includes an impact energy absorption region having one or more partial or complete perforations. Each one of the perforations may be formed by laser ablating material from the fixation leg at the impact energy absorption region. The impact energy absorption region is weakened due to the partial or complete perforations such that upon impact with the vehicle interior panel, the fixation leg can break and absorb some of the impact energy. In one embodiment, the fixation leg attaches a substrate of a vehicle instrument panel to a structural crossmember.

Abstract: An instrument panel beam is the instrument panel beam that is arranged in the width direction of an automobile, and includes: a large-diameter hollow tube having a hollow cylindrical shape; and a small-diameter hollow tube which is joined to the large-diameter hollow tube in an axial direction, has a diameter that is smaller than that of the large-diameter hollow tube, and has a hollow cylindrical shape. The small-diameter hollow tube includes two flat plates that extend in a longitudinal direction and two bends that are curved in a circumferential direction, and the flat plates and the bends are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Plural canister bodies supported by rocker members are disposed below a floor panel. The canister bodies are housed in a case. Lower couplers are disposed above the canister bodies. The lower couplers abut a cover member of the case. Upper couplers are disposed between the cover member and the floor panel.

Abstract: A vehicle skid panel having a main body configured for installation to a forward area of an underside of a vehicle. The main body has a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface includes a flat area, a plurality of first offset areas and a plurality of second offset areas. The plurality of first offset areas are offset from the flat area such that the plurality of first offset areas have respective surfaces that are vertically lower than the flat area and the plurality of second offset areas are vertically higher than the flat area.

Abstract: A modular payload bed wall extension system includes a pickup truck having a pickup bed and a perimeter wall including an upper edge with four corners, a tailgate, a first side wall, a second side wall and a back wall. Each of the first and second side walls has a side wall mount secured thereto. Each of the corners has a corner mount positioned thereon. A plurality of slats is provided and includes lateral slats and end slats. At least two lateral slats extend between the corner mounts on the first lateral wall. At least two lateral slats extend between the corner mounts on the second lateral wall. At least two end slats extend between the corner mounts on the back wall. A plurality of fasteners extends through the corner mounts and corresponding slats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air deflector configuration that can be fabricated into the construction of a new truck or trailer container or secured to the rear face of a flat rear box-like end of trucks and trailers as an attachment, with the aim of reducing aerodynamic resistance and correspondingly the fuel consumption of land vehicles used for the transportation of such containers.

Abstract: A deployable vehicle rear wing conforms closely to the styled surface of the vehicle body in a retracted, or stowed, position while adaptively changing its cross section in a deployed position so as to provide a highly efficient airfoil section, with an integrated Gurney flap. Additionally, the adaptive cross section changes and Gurney flap deployment is provided via a linkage that utilizes a drive mechanism of a main deployment system.

Abstract: A wall surface suction travel device includes a first travel unit, a second travel unit, a joint mechanism, and an elastic mechanism. The travel units are aligned along a travel direction and are each configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface. The joint mechanism couples the travel units together such that the travel units can pivot relative to each other on a pivot axis extending in a direction that is perpendicular to both a wall surface facing direction and the travel direction. The elastic mechanism includes a first end fixed to the first travel unit, a second end fixed to the second travel unit, and an elastic member configured to be elastically deformed when one of the travel units pivots relative to the other travel unit and a distance between the first end and the second end is shortened.

Abstract: A walking mud handling system may include a walking mud tank and a plurality of hydraulic walkers coupled to the walking mud tank. Each hydraulic walker may include a walking foot, a hydraulic lift, and a sliding actuator. The hydraulic lift may include a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the hydraulic cylinder extends the walking foot into contact with the ground. The sliding actuator may include one or more hydraulic cylinders coupled to the walking foot such that extension of the sliding actuator moves the walking foot laterally relative to the hydraulic lift.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bicycle seat includes a frame having a front end section, a medial section, and a rear end section. The front end section extends forward from the medial section, and the rear end section extends aft from the medial section. The bicycle seat also includes a first vent positioned in a first side portion of the rear end section, and a second vent positioned in a second side portion of the rear end section. The first vent defines a first passageway that extends through the first side portion of the rear end section. The second vent defines a second passageway that extends through the second side portion of the rear end section.

Abstract: A mobile device mount for vehicles, which is used for fastening on a handle stem of a bicycle, includes a mounting portion, a first holding structure, a second holding structure and a binding structure. The first holding structure is disposed on a surface of the mounting portion to form a holding area. The second holding structure is disposed on the other surface of the mounting portion to form another holding area and has a protruding portion for leaning against the handle stem. The binding structure is connected to the mounting portion and has a binding ring and a binding belt. The binding ring is located at a side of the mounting portion, and the binding belt extends from another side of the mounting portion. Thereby the protruding portion leans against the handle stem, and the binding belt surrounds the handle stem to fasten to the binding ring.

Abstract: A deflector assembly for protecting a driver of an open-topped vehicle includes a pair of rods, a connector, and a pair of couplers. The connector is coupled to a first end of each rod so that the connector extends between the rods. Each coupler is coupled to a second end of a respective rod. The coupler is configured to couple to an open-topped vehicle proximate to a respective front corner of the open-topped vehicle so that the rods extend upwardly from the open-topped vehicle. The rods are configured to sweep an object from a path in front of a driver of the open-topped vehicle to prevent contact between the object and the driver.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a body frame reinforcing structure includes a right and left pair of down frames supporting an engine in a body frame. The right and left down frames are coupled using the cross member. The cross member includes a plurality of mounted portions mounted to the right and left respective down frames.

Abstract: A front fork capable of reducing an unsprung weight of the arm-shaped front fork, optimizing rigidity, and improving appearance is provided. A front swing arm includes a left and right arm portions, and a bridge portion integrally connecting the left and right arm portions, a first lightening hole, a second lightening hole and a third lightening hole are provided in the arm portion, the first lightening hole, the second lightening hole and the third lightening hole are covered with a reflector provided to be exposed to an outer side surface of the arm portion from outside.

Abstract: A bicycle controller includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit controls a transmission device that changes a ratio of a rotational speed of a wheel of a bicycle to a rotational speed of a crank of the bicycle, and a motor that transmits torque to an upstream side of the transmission device in a transmission path of a manual driving force that is input to the crank. The electronic control unit switches between a first mode that drives the motor in accordance with the manual driving force and a second mode that allows the motor to be driven to assist walking of the bicycle. The electronic control unit controls the transmission device to change the ratio upon detection of the electronic control unit switching between the first mode and the second mode or the electronic control unit being in the second mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating vessel comprising a hull, at least one seat, and two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and connected directly or indirectly to the hull, wherein a drive unit, separately controllable in its drive output, and comprising a respective at least one propeller driven by a motor, in particular an electric motor, is assigned to each outrigger. A helm of the floating vessel is thereby connected to a proportional transducer, and a control signal from the proportional transducer is supplied to a control unit which directly or indirectly controls the motors in accordance with the control signal from the proportional transducer. Thus, a precisely controllable and yet easily disassemblable floating vessel is provided.

Abstract: A drain plug for a recreational boat includes a position sensor and an alarm to detect the operating condition of the drain plug and provide a signal indicating that the plug is in an open position. The drain plug includes a drain plug body and a cap. The cap is connected to the drain plug body in such a manner as to be inseparable from the drain plug body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for passively preventing a marine floating body from twisting during mooring by controlling tension in ropes connected to the marine floating body within a predetermined allowable limit. The apparatus includes: a floating main body connected to the ropes, fixed on the sea, and providing a space for marine work; winches disposed on the floating main body and retracting or releasing the ropes fixing the floating main body; fairleads disposed on portions of the floating main body and guiding the ropes to the winches through themselves; and braking units disposed on portions of the floating main body at a predetermined distance from the fairleads, with the ropes passing through the fairleads and themselves, and controlling a speed of the ropes that are retracted to the winches at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An electrically driven hydrofoil for fastening to a board in order to lift the board out of the water during travel operation, comprises at least one drive module, which as an autonomous unit is fastened to a portion of the hydrofoil that remains submerged in the water during travel operation, an electric battery, and an electrically operated propulsion device supplied with power by the battery. It is thus possible to equip a conventional hydrofoil and a corresponding hydrofoil board with an electric drive, without the need for modifications to the board or to the hydrofoil. The battery can be arranged in the drive module so that there will be no need to provide external electrical connection between the propulsion device and the battery. The drive module may thus form an autonomous unit that may be attached to the hydrofoil as required, but otherwise is separate from the hydrofoil.

Abstract: A retractable fin watercraft accessory that provides steering and tracking for a watercraft such as stand-up paddle boards. The retractable fin system gently retracts as it comes in contact with subsurface objects such as rocks, logs and such, allowing the watercraft to freely pass over the object. The system includes a sloped leading edge which can more easily slide past an obstacle. The retractable fin system simply attaches to the watercraft's existing fin mounting box and can be removed from the watercraft without altering the original state of the watercraft prior to being attached. No drilling, welding, gluing or other such custom fabrication is required. The system allows for quick interchangeability between the retractable fin and various rigid style fins, depending on the user's preferences.

Abstract: A self-propelled integrated ship for transporting and installing immersed tubes of an underwater tunnel comprises a first ship body and a second ship body which are parallel with each other, a connection structure is arranged between the first ship body and the second ship body; the first ship body, the second ship body and the connection structure are provided with hauling and hoisting devices, a loading space is formed between the first ship body and the second ship body and below the connection structure; a to-be-installed member is arranged in the loading space and is connected with the ship; and the first ship body and the second ship body are provided with propelling power devices and positioning devices. The loading space is provided in a lower part of the integrated ship, and a member to be transported is placed in the loading space and floated in the water, so that most of the weight of the member is shared by buoyancy. The member is transported to a designated site and installed precisely.

Abstract: A spill vacuum apparatus having a container having a cavity and a fluid inlet, the lower portion of the cavity including a fluid outlet closed by a check valve, the upper portion including a vacuum port and a fluid-level actuated release valve, the release valve cooperating with the upper portion to seal the cavity from the atmosphere until the release valve is actuated by a high fluid level reached within the lower portion by fluid volume, wherein coupling a vacuum source to the vacuum port depressurizes the cavity when the release and check valves are closed, and wherein when fluid is received in the lower portion through the inlet so as to reach the high fluid level, the release valve is actuated to unseal the cavity to the atmosphere, thereby releasing the weight of the fluid to actuate the check valve and release the fluid through the outlet.

Abstract: A portable transducer mount suitable for mounting a transducer on a vessel may include a mount shaft configured for mounting on the vessel. A main shaft may be extendable through the mount shaft. The main shaft may have a shaft leg. A shaft spring may connect the shaft leg to the main shaft. A leaf spring assembly may include at least one elongated, flexible leaf spring carried by the main shaft and the shaft leg of the mount shaft and spanning the shaft spring. A transducer foot assembly may be carried by the shaft leg of the main shaft. The transducer foot assembly may include a base foot plate extending from the shaft leg of the main shaft. A transducer cable conduit may extend between the base foot plate and the shaft leg of the main shaft. A conduit bore may extend through the transducer cable conduit for passage of a transducer cable from the shaft leg through the transducer foot assembly to the transducer.

Abstract: A method of controlling an alternator in a marine propulsion system includes receiving a battery voltage level of a battery charged by the alternator, receiving a throttle demand value, determining whether the throttle demand value exceeds a demand threshold, and determining whether the battery voltage level exceeds a threshold minimum battery voltage. If the throttle demand value exceeds the demand threshold and the battery voltage level exceeds the threshold minimum battery voltage, then the alternator is controlled to reduce the charge current output to the battery and reduce engine output power utilized by the alternator.

Abstract: A floor panel connection system for attaching a floor panel to an aircraft airframe is disclosed. The connection system includes a vertical load resisting coupling device and a shear load resisting coupling device to connect the floor panel to the airframe and resist forces applied to the panel. The vertical load resisting coupling device is configured to resist forces perpendicular to a top facial plane of the floor panel, without significantly resisting lateral forces. The shear load resisting coupling device is configured to resist forces parallel to the top facial plane of the floor panel, without significantly resisting vertical forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a laminated or forged material, the thickness of which is 14 to 100 mm. The materials according to the invention are particularly suitable for manufacturing airplane underwing elements.

Abstract: A main aircraft wing slat assembly comprising a slat and two elongate slat tracks. A drive arrangement drivingly engages the two slat tracks and effects parallel synchronous movement of the slat tracks between retracted and extended positions. The connection between the slat and one or both slat tracks is realized by an interconnection portion extending between at least part of the slat and at least part of the respective slat track. The interconnection portion is elastically deformable and constructed such that a first stiffness against deformation about a first axis, is at least ten times a second stiffness against deformation about a second axis, which extends perpendicularly to the first axis and between the first and second portions of the interconnection portion, and at least ten times a third stiffness against deformation about a third axis, which extends perpendicularly to the first and second axes.

Abstract: The propeller includes a hub supporting a plurality of elongate propeller elements in which a tip of a leading propeller element curves into contact with a trailing propeller element to form a closed structure with increased stiffness and reduced acoustic signature.

Abstract: Aircraft are configured to facilitate propeller blade pitch adjustability. According to one example, an aircraft can include a plurality of propellers, where each propeller includes plurality of blades. At least one pitch adjust mechanism may be associated with at least on propeller, where the pitch adjust mechanism is configured to adjust a pitch of the plurality of blades for at least one propeller in response to airflow from at least one other propeller influencing an airflow at the at least one propeller. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A side console for an aircraft cockpit includes a structure for mounting of an item of aircraft equipment and a complementary structure. The mounting structure and the complementary structure are formed of single-piece components articulated about an axis of articulation between a storage position in which the single-piece components are more or less folded against one another, and a position of installation in which the single-piece components extend respectively in substantially mutually perpendicular planes.

Abstract: A SCAS module includes one or more SCAS actuators wherein each SCAS actuator comprises a piston arranged for linear motion within a hydraulic chamber in response to a flow of hydraulic fluid metered by a valve. The piston comprises a flexible rod or quill for providing a linear output along the first axis, the flexible rod or quill being mounted internally within an annular portion of the piston so that a space is defined around the flexible rod or quill. The flexible rod or quill is capable of deforming into the surrounding space in order to accommodate movement of the flexible rod or quill.

Abstract: The Lopsided Payload Carriage Gimbal in al its embodiments allow Aerial Vehicles and Water-borne vehicles to carry payloads far from the vehicle Geometric Center without significant travel of the vehicle's overall Center of Gravity. Large travel of the CG limits vehicle's performance or renders it inoperable. The embodiments rely on the interaction of the payload and the counter balancing weight through the payload link 18, balancing link 10 main link 14 and battery pylon 8 to substantially reduce the torque generated by the payload in a lopsided position. The embodiments also allow the vehicle carrying the payload to change thrust direction agilely. Finally, the embodiment acts as a mechanical stabilization device for the payload as well. This invention is adaptable to all forms of hover-capable aerial vehicles as well as water-borne vehicles.

Abstract: An aircraft structure component for laminar flow, the aircraft structure component having an outer skin with an aerodynamic surface, wherein the aerodynamic surface has a leading edge portion and a downstream portion adjacently downstream from the leading edge portion, and wherein the downstream portion of the aerodynamic surface includes a paint layer that is not present in the leading edge portion, so that an edge line is formed between the leading edge portion and the downstream portion by the beginning paint layer. An object, to provide an aircraft structure component that allows for a reduced aerodynamic drag, is achieved in that the edge line has a ramp-shaped cross section, wherein the thickness of the paint layer increases from a starting point over a predetermined ramp length to a saturation point where the full thickness of the paint layer is reached.