Patents Issued in January 14, 2021
  • Publication number: 20210009162
    Abstract: A steering method for an autonomously steered vehicle having a hybrid steering system, including: identifying a malfunction during an autonomous driving procedure, wherein the hybrid steering system includes a hydraulic steering assistance system, an electromechanical steering assistance system and a control unit for monitoring and controlling the autonomous driving procedure of the vehicle, and switching the steering task by the control unit to a steering braking procedure, by which the vehicle is steered by braking at least one wheel, wherein due to the braking force that is acting on the scrub radius, a steering torque is produced that causes the wheels to turn. Also described is a related a servo-assisted steering assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Falk Hecker, Jens-Hauke Mueller, Peter Heimbrock, Juergen Steinberger
  • Publication number: 20210009163
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating motion forecast data for actors with respect to an autonomous vehicle and training a machine learned model for the same are disclosed. The computing system can include an object detection model and a graph neural network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges. The computing system can be configured to input sensor data into the object detection model; receive object detection data describing the location of the plurality of the actors relative to the autonomous vehicle as an output of the object detection model; input the object detection data into the graph neural network; iteratively update a plurality of node states respectively associated with the plurality of nodes; and receive, as an output of the graph neural network, the motion forecast data with respect to the plurality of actors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Raquel Urtasun, Renjie Liao, Sergio Casas, Cole Christian Gulino
  • Publication number: 20210009164
    Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a vehicle control device, and a remote operation terminal. The vehicle control device controls a host vehicle capable of traveling in each of an autonomous self-driving mode, a remote self-driving mode, and a manual driving mode. The remote operation terminal remotely operate the host vehicle. The vehicle control device acquires a nearby-vehicle driving mode representing a driving mode of a nearby vehicle that is a vehicle near the host vehicle. In a case in which the nearby-vehicle driving mode of the nearby vehicle is a remote self-driving mode and a driving mode of the host vehicle is the autonomous self-driving mode, the vehicle control device controls travel of the host vehicle in the autonomous self-driving mode so that a distance between the nearby vehicle and the host vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki ITO, Tsukasa NAKANISHI, Yuta MORIKAWA, Naoki YAMAMURO, Yuki TATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20210009165
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment control device includes a controller configured to cause equipment of any of a headlight, a wiper, and an air-conditioning device to continue a visual securing operation for securing visibility of a driver of a vehicle even after driving control of the vehicle is switched from automated driving control to manual driving control regardless of an operation mode of the equipment specified by an operation switch for setting an operation of the equipment when an operation mode executed by the equipment immediately before driving control of the vehicle is switched from automated driving control to manual driving control is an operation mode corresponding to the visual securing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sugimoto, Daigo Ishikawa, Kazuhiko Ueda
  • Publication number: 20210009166
    Abstract: A computing system can be configured to input data that describes sensor data into an object detection model and receive, as an output of the object detection model, object detection data describing features of the plurality of the actors relative to the autonomous vehicle. The computing system can generate an input sequence that describes the object detection data. The computing system can analyze the input sequence using an interaction model to produce, as an output of the interaction model, an attention embedding with respect to the plurality of actors. The computing system can be configured to input the attention embedding into a recurrent model and determine respective trajectories for the plurality of actors based on motion forecast data received as an output of the recurrent model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Lingyun Li, Bin Yang, Ming Liang, Wenyuan Zeng, Mengye Ren, Sean Segal, Raquel Urtasun
  • Publication number: 20210009167
    Abstract: A method for affine abstraction of intention models of vehicles is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Qiang Shen, Sze Zheng Yong
  • Publication number: 20210009168
    Abstract: A method for transporting goods in containers, wherein the wagon carries two layers of containers, characterized in that the bottom layer comprises containers without side walls. The goods carried in the bottom containers can be loaded and unloaded independently from the goods carried in the top containers. The bottom containers are used for transporting coils. The coils are loaded and unloaded by inserting a coil lifter arm through inner diameter of the coil. A wagon for transporting containers comprising bogies (1) and a platform (2) with side walls (3) arranged between said bogies. The height of the side wall (3) extending over the platform (2) in its lowest point does not exceed 60 cm. The wagon has a side wall (3) extending 55-60 cm above the platform (2). The side wall (3) comprises trapezoid reduced-height sections (4), wherein the side wall (3) extends 40-45 cm above the platform (2) in said reduced-height sections. The side wall (3) comprises a top reinforcing member (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Marcin WITCZAK
  • Publication number: 20210009169
    Abstract: A method of modification of a railcar which includes providing an existing railcar with a cold formed center sill; removing an upper portion of the railcar; Cutting and splicing the center sill; Forming an upper railcar body having top chord sections and a pair of end walls and side walls coupled to the top chord structure, wherein each sidewall includes a side sheet, a plurality of side stakes and side sill; Forming an underframe construction including the spliced center sill, bolsters configured to be above truck assemblies and coupled to the center sill and a plurality of lateral I-Beam cross bearers that extend from the center sill toward and stopping short of the inside of the side sheet, and wherein the cross bearers include vertical connection plates configures for coupling to side stakes which are positioned between the bolsters; and Coupling the upper body to the underframe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Cloyd Wirick, Greg P. Josephson, David F. Single, Kerry Sauter, Robert J. Roxby
  • Publication number: 20210009170
    Abstract: One object is to provide a door leaf frame capable of easy manufacturing, a door leaf, and a method of manufacturing the door leaf frame. A door leaf frame includes: two face plates disposed on opposite surface sides of a door leaf so as to be opposed to each other; two side plates each positioned on a lateral side of the door leaf and connected to the two face plates to form a U-shaped section; and two fastening members fastened to the two face plates. The face plates and the side plates are positioned relative to each other by projections provided on the side plates and holes provided in the face plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Takashi OKAZAKI, Shigeru NAOKI, Koji SATO, Kazuma SATO
  • Publication number: 20210009171
    Abstract: A tread strip for a vehicle is formed of at least two parts, an inner part and an outer part. The inner part is configured for attachment to the vehicle and/or to an outer part. The outer part is configured for attachment to the inner part and/or the vehicle. The outer part further includes an intermediate portion extending along a longitudinal axis between two attachment portions, the two attachment portions being configured for attachment to the inner part. The inner part has an intermediate portion extending along the longitudinal axis between two end portions. The end portions are configured for attachment of the inner part to the vehicle and/or for attachment to the outer part. The tread strip may be mounted to a vehicle by attaching the inner part and then attaching the outer part to the inner part and/or sealing the inner part with respect to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Ulrich AREND, Christoph THEIS
  • Publication number: 20210009172
    Abstract: A drainage device, in particular for a shaft window, contains a vertically movable valve part which has a valve head and an immovable valve part valve which has a drain which can be dosed by the valve head in a closed position. The vertically movable valve part is arranged on a counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: THOMAS WIMBERGER, HERBERT KAMMERLOHER
  • Publication number: 20210009173
    Abstract: A railcar backup cooling system may be added to an existing railcar (e.g., a boxcar) to provide supplemental or backup cooling to the railcar in the event that an HVAC failure or other circumstance occurs, which causes the interior temperature of the railcar to rise. The system includes a container of liquid or compressed gas mounted on the railcar, a valve controlling the flow of the liquid or gas from the container, and a controller configured to open the valve when the HVAC system fails or is otherwise unable to maintain the railcar at the desired temperature. When the valve is opened, the liquid and/or gas stored in the container may exit, expanding into a cool gas and thereby acting to cool the railcar environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Carter Ray Andrews
  • Publication number: 20210009174
    Abstract: An in-vehicle network system includes in-vehicle signal system devices, TOMS devices, other in-vehicle network sub-system devices and two independent sub-networks, wherein the in-vehicle signal system devices directly access to a first sub-network A and a second sub-network B, respectively; according to safety levels, the TOMS devices and the other in-vehicle network sub-system devices are classified into key sub-system devices with a high safety level and ordinary sub-system devices with a low safety level; each of the key sub-system devices accesses to the first sub-network A and the second sub-network B through two or more communication interfaces; and, the ordinary sub-system devices directly access to the second sub-network B and/or the first sub-network A. A communication method for the in-vehicle network system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Yanfen XU, Youlong ZHU, Dongchao XU
  • Publication number: 20210009175
    Abstract: The invention discloses a system and method for extracting and processing rail data. Disclosed are a first sensor measuring first sensor data, a local processing component preprocessing the first sensor data, a central server analyzing preprocessed data, a memory component storing preprocessed and/or analyzed data, and an interface communicating with the central server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Vlad LATA, Christian BRANDLHUBER, Thomas BÖHM
  • Publication number: 20210009176
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure includes a horizontal support structure, a vertical support structure, a handle assembly, and an axle assembly. In use, the collapsible support structure may be folded/unfolded between a deployed configuration, in which the collapsible support structure may be capable of rolling along a support surface to transport items, and a stowed/storage position, in which the collapsible support structure is collapsed in a compact geometry for storage. The collapsible support structure includes an axle assembly that enables removal of the wheels from the axle assembly for storage, as well as a handle assembly that can slide completely underneath the horizontal support structure for storage and when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph E. Panigot
  • Publication number: 20210009177
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-tiered sleeve pack assembly. The assembly includes a cart having rigid side structures for supporting a plurality of alternating sleeves and dividers. The sleeves have an opening on one side allowing access to products on the dividers. The car can include a plurality of wheels extending from a base portion. The assembly can also include a base tray and a top cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Scott J. Buss, Benjamin J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210009178
    Abstract: A wagon for transporting beach articles and elongated water sport boards has a bed with a peripheral frame with two cross tubes beneath a bottom wall. The frame is carried on front and rear wheel assemblies. Front and rear walls are mounted to the frame, and side walls are adjustably positioned with respect to the frame. Each side wall has two tubular extensible support members which telescope within the frame cross members. When a side wall is positioned outwardly, the extensible support members are positioned to receive a water sport board thereon, such that it extends through front and rear slots defined between the front and rear walls and the extended side wall. A latch is associated with each side wall and actuatable to alternatively secure or release the wall. The latch may be a clamp with an elastomeric plug expandable from an extensible support member withing a cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Curt Adam Kramer
  • Publication number: 20210009179
    Abstract: A modular roller device to facilitate horizontal displacement of objects and materials, including large, heavy, or bulky objects and materials comprising a frame constructed of at least one formed rod, a first rolling member rotatably mounted to a first support arm, and a second rolling member rotatably mounted to a second support arm, wherein the first rolling member may be arranged in a generally parallel orientation relative to the second rolling member. The frame may comprise at least one extending section, and the opposing first and second support arms may be coupled thereto. The at least one extending section may comprise a longitudinally extending section and/or a diagonally extending section. The modular roller device may further comprise at least one secondary extending section. The modularly roller devices can be further combined to a form a system to facilitate the horizontal displacement of objects and materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Alan G. VanNahmen
  • Publication number: 20210009180
    Abstract: The Pallet Loading Height Limiter is a very simple, and yet effective, non-powered, adjustable device for helping warehouse workers keep a shipping pallet load within safe and proper limits for height (and, consequentially, also weight). The device rolls on locking casters for easy use and storage. The device's frame has reinforcing brackets that minimize damage from passing forklifts, etc. The device's design makes it easy to repair if it is ever damaged. Because there is no globally-accepted standard for pallet sizes, this device may be made in various sizes (usually determined by country of origin of the pallet). That said, the North American pallet size (40? by 48?) is the standard used for this application. This device works equally well with stringer- or block-type pallets. Using this device should help minimize material-handling injuries to workers that handle loaded pallets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: 1SG Enterprises
    Inventor: Thomas Frantisekovich Kovach
  • Publication number: 20210009181
    Abstract: A heavy duty carriage includes a carriage body, a load receiving platform horizontally rotatably mounted on a top of the carriage body, and a plurality of caster bodies each horizontally rotatably supported by a caster shaft in a lower part of the carriage body. Each of the caster bodies has, in a lower part thereof, a front wheel rotatably supported by a front wheel shaft and rear wheels each rotatably supported by a rear wheel shaft. The front wheel and the rear wheels are positioned forward and rearward of an axial center of the caster shaft on a straight line in a horizontal direction. When the carriage body is placed on a floor surface and outer circumferences of the rear wheels contact the floor surface, an outer circumference of the front wheel does not contact the floor surface. By using four heavy duty carriages, the heavy object can be moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Mitsuo HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20210009182
    Abstract: Known vehicles, e.g. used for the sport of golf, which are configured combined for riding along and to be pushed with motorized support, exclusively comprise a steerable, rigid frame, causing the vehicle when positioned on the side of a slope to tilt parallel to the slope plane, consequently resulting in a disadvantageous, safety-relevant tilting moment. For improved driving safety, it should be possible to tilt the vehicle sideways. The vehicle according to the invention can be used in at least two operating modes. In the ride-along mode, at least a second and/or third vehicle component can be moved by the operator or an automatic, thus causing the vehicle to tilt sideways. This enables a carving effect and the tilt compensation as well as a straight-ahead drive at least in side slopes and inclines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Michael TEN HAAFT, Andreas TEN HAAFT
  • Publication number: 20210009183
    Abstract: A mobile anchor cart assembly includes a cart including a frame defining a front side and a rear side, the front side disposed opposite from the rear side, the frame defining a front foot and a rear foot, the front foot and the rear foot configured to rest upon a ground surface when the cart is in an anchored position, the front foot and the rear foot configured to clear the ground surface when the cart is in a mobile position; at least one tie-off point attached to the frame; at least one handle extending outward from the rear side of the frame, the at least one handle configured to selectively position the cart about and between the anchored position and the mobile position; and an axle assembly mounted on the front side; and a load defining a load center of gravity
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Publication number: 20210009184
    Abstract: A multifunctional motorized stroller device including a stroller body frame including a motor member, a braking member, a handle member, a canopy member, wheel frame member and a seating member. The motor member provides propulsion to the device. The braking member ceases movement of the device. The handle member having a push button start element to activate the motor and an emergency brake activator element for activating the braking element. The canopy member having at least one cup holder element, a universal serial bus (USB) charging element for charging electronic devices and a solar panel element for providing electricity to the device. The wheel frame member having a plurality of wheel elements, a battery element and at least one pair of fan elements for cooling the device. The seating member having a removable seat cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Sherice Givens
  • Publication number: 20210009185
    Abstract: An exemplary steering wheel cover is presented. The steering wheel cover is useful for providing a mental diversion for a driver when waiting in traffic or waiting to pick someone up at a hotel, store, airport, etc. The steering wheel cover is round. The steering wheel cover may be any size but should fit tightly around a steering wheel. The steering wheel cover is preferably made of a vinyl material but other materials are hereby contemplated including, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, etc. The steering wheel cover has one or more sensor/pad combinations that have a predetermined sound associated with each of them, such as a snare drum, tom drum, cymbal, etc. When any of the pad/sensor combinations is actuated the predetermined sound is heard over the speaker system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Lemyre
  • Publication number: 20210009186
    Abstract: A steering device includes a pressing plate provided in a section of the adjustment rod protruding from the outside surface of one support plate section as a locked member. The pressing plate has a circular plate body externally fitted onto the adjustment rod and a locking plate section as an extended arm section. A tension spring is bridged between a section shifted in the width direction from the plate body of the locking plate section and the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Suguru SUGISHITA
  • Publication number: 20210009187
    Abstract: A power steering system for a motor vehicle, having a steering column integrating an upper shaft and an intermediate shaft rotatably linked and movable in translation relative to one another, an upper tube and a lower tube rotatably linked and movable in translation relative to one another, the upper shaft being movable in rotation and linked in translation within the upper tube, and an assist module integrating an output shaft linked in rotation with the intermediate shaft via a torsion bar, a reducer having a worm screw driven by an assist motor and which meshes on a worm wheel linked to the output shaft; and an angle measuring device having an inductive sensor carried by an annular support having a central orifice dimensioned so as to let the upper tube pass, a lower target securely mounted around the output shaft and an upper target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventors: Roch MONNET, Laurent REY, Philippe CHAUVRAT, Raphaël VADON, Boris CATHERIN, Philippe VERCOUSTRE
  • Publication number: 20210009188
    Abstract: A power steering system for a motor vehicle, including a steering column integrating an upper shaft and an intermediate shaft connected in rotation and relatively movable in translation, an upper tube and a lower tube connected in rotation and relatively movable in translation, the upper shaft being movable in rotation and connected in translation in the upper tube, and an assist module integrating an output shaft connected in rotation to the intermediate shaft via a torsion bar, a reducer including a worm screw driven by an assist motor and which meshes on a tangent wheel connected to the output shaft; and an angle measuring device including an inductive sensor, a lower target mounted secured to the output shaft and an upper target secured to an upper lateral face of a core made of a plastic material of the tangent wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventors: Boris CATHERIN, Roch MONNET, Philippe VERCOUSTRE, Laurent REY, Raphaël VADON, Philippe CHAUVRAT
  • Publication number: 20210009189
    Abstract: A motor-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle has an outer casing which is held by a support unit that is attachable to a vehicle body. An actuator unit is received in the outer casing to adjust in the longitudinal direction. A steering spindle is coaxially and rotatably mounted in a casing tube in the actuator unit. An adjustment drive and an energy absorbing installation are disposed between the outer casing and the actuator unit. The adjustment drive has a spindle mechanism with a threaded spindle which is rotatably drivable by an electric servomotor engaged in a spindle nut. The energy absorbing installation has at least one energy absorbing element at least indirectly disposed between the spindle nut and the actuator unit. The spindle nut or the threaded spindle has at least one forming element which operatively engages with the energy absorbing element and is plastically deformable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicants: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Christoph MUNDING, Hieronymus SCHNITZER
  • Publication number: 20210009190
    Abstract: A dual-mode active rear-wheel steering device, including: a steering motor, a main shaft, an intermediate gear, a transmission gear, a planetary gear coupling mechanism and a mode switching assembly. An output end of the steering motor is provided with a first input gear. An end of the main shaft drives a first rear wheel to rotate by a two-stage gear transmission system and a first rear-wheel motion conversion mechanism, and the other end of the main shaft drives a second rear wheel to rotate by the planetary gear coupling mechanism and a second rear-wheel motion conversion mechanism. The intermediate gear, the transmission gear and a sun gear of the planetary gear coupling mechanism are provided on the main shaft. The intermediate gear meshes with the first input gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Junnian WANG, Tingxu YAN, Dedong GUO, Kai WANG
  • Publication number: 20210009191
    Abstract: A user interface actuator for a pilot-by-wire system comprises a rotary electric motor having an output shaft suitable to be connected to a rotating user interface, a first absolute angular sensor for detecting in direct drive the number of revolutions of the shaft and a second absolute angular sensor redundant with respect to the first absolute angular sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Luca DONETTI, Franco LAMBERTINO, Fortunato PEPE
  • Publication number: 20210009192
    Abstract: A connector portion includes a first system connector that holds a first power supply terminal and a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal that holds a second power supply terminal and a second system connector. An insertion/removal direction of the first system connector is the same as the insertion/removal direction of the second system connector. The first system connector and the second system connector are arranged close to each other such that the interval between the connectors is smaller than the width in a short length direction of both connectors. The first power supply terminal is arranged closer to the second system connector than the first signal terminals in a frontage of the first system connector. The second power supply terminal is arranged closer to the first system connector than the second signal terminal in a frontage of the second system connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Masashi Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20210009193
    Abstract: Provided is a steering system capable of enhancing traveling stability when a vehicle drives straight and improving small-turn performance. The steering system includes: a first steering device; a second steering device including a mechanical section configured to individually steer each of left and right wheels by driving a steering actuator and a control section configured to control the steering actuator; and a vehicle information detection section configured to detect a velocity of the vehicle and a steering angle. The control section includes a turning angle control module configured to control the steering actuator pursuant to a predetermined rule in accordance with the velocity of the vehicle and the steering angle so as to control turning angles of the left and right wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu OOBA, Norio ISHIHARA, Satoshi UTSUNOMIYA, Yusuke OHATA
  • Publication number: 20210009194
    Abstract: An electric steering apparatus may include: a column torque sensor configured to detect column torque; a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect vehicle speed of the vehicle; an autonomous driving control unit configured to determine a second command current in an autonomous driving mode; a driver steering intervention determination unit configured to determine whether a driver intervenes in steering; an MDPS logic unit configured to determine a first command current based on the column torque and the vehicle speed, when the driver's steering intervention occurs in the autonomous driving mode; and an output control unit configured to determine a final weight based on a steering angular velocity and the column torque, when the driver's steering intervention occurs in the autonomous driving mode, and determine a final command current by applying the determined final weight to the first and second command currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Tae Hong KIM
  • Publication number: 20210009195
    Abstract: An improved power steering assembly is provided. The power steering assembly includes an end-of-travel mechanism and a valve cartridge that is actuated by left and right actuator rings of the end-of-travel mechanism, the actuator rings extending partially around an output shaft. The actuator rings can be individually set for the desired end-of-travel relief to limit the maximum system pressure when the steering assembly approaches the desired axle stop setting. The valve cartridge provides an end-of-travel function and a pressure relief function and is in fluid communication with the left and right pressure chambers to recirculate hydraulic fluid in the event of a power off condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey TIPTON, Manjunath TERWAD, Jared PITZER
  • Publication number: 20210009196
    Abstract: A valve for hydraulic parallel work systems is provided. The valve includes a first pair of ports, a second pair of ports, a first connection, and a second connection. The first connection is between the first pair of ports when the valve is in a load reaction-enabling state. The first connection transmits a load reaction from a load at a steering actuator to a steering device of a hydrostatic steering circuit. The second connection is between the second pair of ports when the valve is in an electro-hydraulic steering enabling state. The second connection fluidly connects a fluid source to an electro-hydraulic steering circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Charles Bowden
  • Publication number: 20210009197
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire system comprises a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel; and a mechanical stop defining end-to-end travel limits of the steering shaft, the end-to-end travel limits comprising a first travel limit end of a first direction and a second travel limit end of a second direction opposite to the first direction. A controller rotates, in response to a signal related to first preset condition(s), the steering shaft toward the first direction until the steering shaft reaches the first travel limit end. And, the controller rotates, in response to a signal related to second preset condition(s), the steering shaft toward the second direction until the steering shaft reaches the second travel limit end. The system can prevent the rotation of the steering wheel using end-to-end travel limits of a mechanical stop of the steering shaft without a locking mechanism when the driver enters or exits the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Seong Joo KIM
  • Publication number: 20210009198
    Abstract: A steering control device in a seer-by-wire system calculates a current limit presentation command value so as to convey an output-limited state of a turning device to a driver, calculates a steering torque command value on a basis of a physical quantity corresponding to an output torque of the turning device, and calculates a basic reaction force torque command value being a basic value of a reaction force torque command value so that a detection value of a torque sensor follows a target value that is based on the steering torque command value. The control device controls a current flowing to a reaction-force-use rotary electric machine on a basis of the basic reaction force torque command value and the end presentation command value, and increases an absolute value of the current limit presentation command value when the turning device is in the output-limited state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: TAKASHI SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20210009199
    Abstract: Provided are a steering function-equipped hub unit that has a simple structure, high rigidity and a reduced size, a steering system, as well as a vehicle including the steering function-equipped hub unit. The steering function-equipped hub unit includes: a hub unit main body including a hub bearing supporting a wheel; a unit support member provided to a knuckle of a suspension device and rotatably supporting the hub unit main body about a turning axis extending in a vertical direction; and a steering actuator configured to rotationally drive the hub unit main body about the turning axis. The hub unit main body is supported by the unit support member through a preloaded rolling bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu OOBA, Satoshi UTSUNOMIYA, Norio ISHIHARA, Yusuke OHATA
  • Publication number: 20210009200
    Abstract: A method for managing a vehicle steering system of a vehicle having a steering assist system, including estimating a steering angle amplitude during a steering maneuver before rotating the steering wheel to the steering angle amplitude value associated with the steering maneuver. Using the estimated steering angle amplitude value to control activation of the steering assist system associated with the vehicle steering system. In one example, the estimated steering angle amplitude value adapts a torque assist signal of the steering assist system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter W.A. Zegelaar, Helmuth Bosch, Michael Schiebahn
  • Publication number: 20210009201
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating adapted tuning parameters for target slip estimation, the parameters being adapted to real-time road surface conditions. The method includes, receiving, from a road surface detection module, a road surface condition, Sn, from among N road surface conditions S, range of friction, mu, and a confidence level, Ci. The method receives sensor system data from a sensor system, and determines, as a function of Sn, range of mu, and Ci, initial estimator values including an estimated initial frictional force {circumflex over (?)}(0), an initial gain, P0, and an initial projected range of signal bounds, (Pu) and (Pl). The method tunes (i.e., adapts) the initial estimator values to generate therefrom adapted tuning parameters based on received inputs. The method outputs adapted tuning parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joonho Lee, Qingrong Zhao, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi
  • Publication number: 20210009202
    Abstract: A steering control device for use in a steer-by-wire system is provided. The steering control device controls a reaction force device and a turning device of a steer-by-wire system. The steering control device includes a steering wheel torque controller that calculates a basic reaction force torque command value being a basic value of a reaction force torque command value so that a detection value of the torque sensor follows a target value. The steering control device further includes an end controller that stops a control of the steering wheel torque controller when: an absolute value of angle of the reaction force device or the turning device is equal to or greater than a limit angle value; and a physical quantity corresponding to an output torque of the turning device and the detection value of the torque sensor are values corresponding to approach to the limit angle value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: TAKASHI SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20210009203
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for autonomously driving a vehicle. The method includes: recognizing a centerline of a lane on which a current vehicle is driving; acquiring a lateral distance between the current vehicle and the centerline of the lane, and a real-time speed and a real-time motion curvature of the current vehicle; calculating the lateral distance, the real-time speed, and the real-time motion curvature, based on a preset first spiral line equation, to acquire parameters of a reference spiral line; calculating the parameters, the real-time speed, and the real-time motion curvature, based on a preset second spiral line equation, to acquire a current spiral line; and determining an steering angle instruction of a steering wheel based on a first curvature of the current spiral line; and controlling the current vehicle for autonomous driving based on the steering angle instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Ke TANG, Jiayong HUANG, Xiapeng PENG, Wenchuang QIN, Qiyang SHAO
  • Publication number: 20210009204
    Abstract: A steering control device includes a distance calculation unit which calculates a distance between a front gaze point, which is on a straight line extending forward of a vehicle from a center of the vehicle, and a center line indicating the center of a lane where a vehicle is traveling, a steering angle detection unit which detects a steering angle of the vehicle, and a steering control unit which causes a motor, which assists steering of the vehicle, to assist the steering based on an angle formed by the lane and the straight line extending forward of the vehicle when the distance is larger than a predetermined distance, and causes the motor to assist the steering so as to fix the steering angle when the distance is the predetermined distance or smaller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Suzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro SATOH, Yuta FUJIMAKI, Ryota OKEYA
  • Publication number: 20210009205
    Abstract: A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a controller acquiring image data from the vehicle and identifying a plurality of trailers within in a specified area of the image data. The specified area is less than a total field of the image data and corresponds at least with left and right steering angle limits of the vehicle. The controller further receives a selection of a subject trailer of the plurality of trailers identified within the specified area, identifies a coupler of the subject trailer, and outputs a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler of the subject trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Mayer, Seyed Armin Raeis Hosseiny, Bo Bao, Luke Niewiadomski
  • Publication number: 20210009206
    Abstract: A subframe structure includes a subframe disposed below a vehicle body structure of a vehicle, and an extension frame extending forward from the subframe and configured to absorb an impact load from forward of a vehicle body. The subframe has a body part extending in a vehicle front-and-rear direction and a mount support part supporting a power train through a mount. The body part is fixed to the vehicle body structure through the mount support part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Masaaki Tanaka, Masaya Hiramatsu, Yuki Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20210009207
    Abstract: A tractor includes a supporting structure, a cab coupled to the supporting structure, and a rear axle oriented in a transverse direction and being mounted to the supporting structure. A first portion of the tractor on a cab side and a second portion of the tractor on a supporting structure side proximate to the rear axle delimits a wheel housing for a rear wheel. The wheel housing includes a gap at least partially covered by a cover at least in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: THOMAS KAHNERT
  • Publication number: 20210009208
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a service module may include a main body having an accommodation space in which an article is accommodated, a slam module installed on an upper portion of the main body, and a wire guide groove defined in the main body to guide an electric wire connected to the slam module. The slam module may has an upper end having a height lower than a height of a top surface of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chungin JUNG, Sunho YANG, Eulpyo HONG
  • Publication number: 20210009209
    Abstract: The aerodynamic skirt assembly for attachment to a trailer may comprise a side skirt fairing, a transition, and a vented skirt fairing. The transition may be located aft of the side skirt fairing and forward of the vented skirt fairing. The vented skirt fairing may be located aft of the transition. The vented skirt fairing may comprise at least one longitudinal vent configured to allow air to flow therethrough. The vented skirt fairing may extend outwardly of the side of the trailer frame to accommodate the wheels. One or more mounting brackets may be used to couple the elongated skirt panel, the transition, and the vented skirt fairing to one or more transverse structural support members. A rear exhaust fairing may be located aft of the vented skirt fairing and coupled to one or more transverse structural support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Richard P. Senatro
  • Publication number: 20210009210
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly for a vehicle capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position or any position there between. The active front deflector assembly has a cross member for attaching to an underbody of a vehicle. The frame member also includes a plurality of slip joint connections for connecting to the underbody of the vehicle. The cross member is a fixed link of an actuator link assembly that has an actuator, drive link, floating link and a blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. MATTHEWS, Braendon R. LINDBERGv, Yao WANG
  • Publication number: 20210009211
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed having a front wall, a tailgate, and a pair of sidewalls that extend between the front wall and the tailgate and an airflow assembly. The airflow assembly includes air inlets, air outlets, and a tubular duct. The air inlet is provided on an exterior surface of each of the pair of sidewalls. The air outlet is provided on an interior surface of each of the pair of sidewalls. At least two air ducts fluidly couple the air inlet and the air outlet on each of the pair of sidewalls. The tubular duct extends in the vehicle lateral direction to couple the air outlets on each of the pair of sidewalls such that air exiting the air outlets enters into the tubular duct and exits the tubular duct to create an air ramp flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott Louis Frederick