Abstract: Center land portions of a tire each include a circumferential narrow groove extending in a tire circumferential direction, and a first lateral groove opening to one edge portion of each of the center land portions at one end and connecting to the circumferential narrow groove at the other end, and a second lateral groove opening to the other edge portion of the center land portion at one end and connecting to the circumferential narrow groove at the other end. Further, the circumferential narrow groove has a zigzag shape formed by repeatedly connecting a first long portion, a first short portion, a second long portion, and a second short portion. Furthermore, the first lateral groove connects to the first long portion of the circumferential narrow groove having the zigzag shape, and the second lateral groove connects to the second long portion of the circumferential narrow groove having the zigzag shape.

Abstract: A tire has a tread portion provided with three or four circumferential grooves including a shoulder circumferential groove to form a shoulder land region and a middle land region. The middle land region is provided with a middle circumferential sipe and middle lateral sipes. The shoulder land region is provided with shoulder lateral grooves extending from the shoulder circumferential groove to a tread edge, and shoulder lateral sipes extending from the shoulder circumferential groove and terminated without reaching the tread edge.

Abstract: Electrical connector assemblies mountable on a tire of a wheel of a vehicle are described. An electrical connector assembly may include one or more electrical conductors, a respective electrical conductor extending from an inside surface of the tire to an outside surface of the tire. Tire assemblies including at least partially embedded electrical connector assemblies and wheel assemblies including such tire assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a spindle, a hub, and a rotary seal assembly. The spindle may have a spindle air passage. The hub may have a hub air passage and an annular hub chamber that may extend around an axis. The rotary seal assembly may fluidly connect the spindle air passage to an inlet of the annular hub chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting a change in location of at least one wheel of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having at least one central processing unit, one wheel unit which includes an electronic assembly of sensors and which is mounted on the wheel, and one bidirectional communications assembly. The method notably includes a first comparison step, during which a first evaluation pattern is compared with a first reference pattern to determine whether the location of the wheel has changed, the patterns being representative of the effective location of the wheel unit in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A tire high temperature forecasting system includes at least one tire that supports a vehicle, and at least one sensor mounted on the tire for measuring a temperature of the tire. An electronic memory capacity is in a unit mounted on the tire for storing tire identification information. A processor is in electronic communication with the sensor and the electronic memory capacity, in which the processor receives and correlates the measured temperature, a time of the temperature measurement, and the tire identification information. Transmission means transmit the measured temperature, a time of the temperature measurement, and the tire identification information to a remote processor. The remote processor executes a forecasting model, and the forecasting model generates a forecast estimate. If the forecast estimate includes a predicted high temperature that is greater than a predetermined high temperature threshold for the tire, an alert is generated by the forecasting model.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and system for real time prediction of tire remaining useful life using a tire digital twin. Herein, the digital twin of the tire monitors a plurality of tires while accounting for runtime as well as parking operation of tires. During runtime, tire goes through multiple operational changes, therefore, the system is configured to estimate the operational changes. The estimation is done in the form of index, which is compared with the manufacturers' recommended value. Similarly, while vehicle is parked, tire still goes through changes which play an important role in its overall health, like, long pending wheel rotation can lead to flat spot. Tire inflation can change owing to cool down effect as well as uncontrolled natural leakages. Further, these parameter indexes are clubbed together to calculate the health index of the tire, which is used to estimate the tire's current remaining useful life.

Abstract: A tire information acquisition device includes: a sensor unit including a sensor configured to acquire tire information; a sensor holder formed in a cylindrical shape holding the sensor unit, and composed of a non-metallic material having flexibility and air permeability; and a band having a band circumferential length adjustable by a fastening portion provided at one end and configured to reversibly fasten an other end, and the band is fastened to a rim in a state where the band is inserted into the sensor holder.

Abstract: An inflatable elastomeric inner tube having improved air retention properties. Such an inner tube may find use, for example, in a pneumatic tire of a bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or other vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a front side member, a tow hook, a bumper assembly and a tow hook cover. The tow hook has an attachment end and a hook end. The attachment end is fixedly attached to the front side member and the attachment end extending away from the hook end. The bumper assembly is connected to the front side member and has at least one fascia panel. The tow hook cover is removably attached to the at least one fascia panel. The tow hook cover has an upright wall portion that defines an opening. At least a portion of the hook end of the tow hook extends through the opening such that the attachment end of the tow hook is at least partially concealed by the tow hook cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a trailer anti-theft device, including an interposer having a solid square metal bar having a coupler interface, a tongue interface, and an interposer stop, the interposer may be adapted to couple to a trailer. Embodiments may also include a tongue adapter adapted to couple to a tongue of the trailer. Embodiments may also include a hitch pin having a hitch pin shaft that passes through an interposer aperture and an adapter aperture, the hitch pin prevents the interposer from sliding out of the tongue adapter. In some embodiments, the interposer may be detachably coupled to the tongue adapter and may be retained by the hitch pin in preparation to adapt to hitching the trailer to a tow vehicle for towing.

Abstract: A gooseneck trailer system with support structures. The trailer system can comprise a gooseneck removably connected to a trailer and a support structure connected to the gooseneck. The support structure can be configured to support the gooseneck when the gooseneck is disconnected from the trailer. In some embodiments, the support structure can comprise at least one support arm connected to a frame of the gooseneck which can be pivoted between a retracted position and at least one deployed position. The present disclosure can also include methods of using the gooseneck trailer system with a tractor such that the support structure abuts against the tractor, safely securing the gooseneck to the tractor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining and verifying operational states of fifth wheels. Certain methods for determining the operational state of the fifth wheel may include sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a magnet on a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle and determining an end position of the movable component based on the magnetic flux. The end position of the movable component is then compared to a threshold position and an operational state of the fifth wheel is determined based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to lock or unlock a gladhand coupler on a towed asset to prevent connection of a tractor air line to the gladhand is provided. The system prevents the tractor from properly operating the towed asset brakes and therefore prevents the unauthorized movement of the towed asset. The system has a locking mechanism that blocks the surface on the gladhand used for coupling with another gladhand coupler.

Abstract: A cable system for a truck trailer with connectors having a main power connection, a ground connection, and one, two, or more communication cable connections. Connectors include at least a power and ground connection for electrically connecting an individual trailer to the cable system. A master control circuit may be included in the trailer nosebox, and the master control circuit configured to send commands to slave control circuits mounted within the connectors. The slave control circuits in the connectors are configured to receive a control command sent by the master control circuit that may include an address, mode identifiers, or other indications of which connectors in the cable system should take action, and what actions should be taken.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a frame that includes a plurality of floatable members. Mounted to the frame is one or more power sources. Also mounted to the frame and connected to the power source are a plurality of propellers with each of the plurality of propellers having a thrust vector configured to be adjusted to provide agitation and propulsion. In addition, mounted to the frame are a plurality of ground engaging devices and one or more pumps.

Abstract: A suspension includes a coil spring, a shock absorber, a spring seat, and at least three strongly pressing parts. The coil spring elastically receives vertical movement of a wheel relative to a vehicle body. The shock absorber damps the vertical movement. The spring seat is provided in the shock absorber. The sprint seat supports an axial end of the coil spring. The coil spring is in direct or indirect contact with the spring seat over a predetermined distance from an end to a point of separation of the coil spring. The strongly pressing parts are provided in the spring seat. The strongly pressing parts apply contact pressures higher than contact pressure applied by other part, to the coil spring. The point of separation is disposed at a region that is between the strongly pressing parts and has the largest opening angle about an axial center of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A suspension system and associated control methods that reduce temperature related fluctuations in the internal pressures and stiffness of the suspension system. A manifold assembly is connected in fluid communication with a plurality of dampers via hydraulic circuits and a pump assembly via a pump hydraulic line. Onboard sensors generate real-time data regarding the vehicle. A suspension control unit, arranged in electronic communication with the aforementioned components, monitors the real-time data, sets a target stiffness and a target pressure, calculates an effective stiffness based on the real-time data, determines if the effective stiffness is above or below the target stiffness and sets a new target pressure accordingly by making stepwise decreases or increases until the new target pressure is reached.

Abstract: A system for minimizing data transmission latency between a sensor and a suspension controller of a vehicle is described. The system includes: a state determination module that determines a physical state of the vehicle; a plurality of data paths for transmitting a first signal from the sensor to the suspension controller; a data path configurator of the controller that selects a first data path of the plurality of data paths based on at least one characteristic of the first data path and the physical state and configures the first data path to transmit the first signal; and an actuation module that generates an actuation signal to control a damping characteristic of the suspension actuator based on at least the first signal.

Abstract: A suspension system including four dampers where each damper includes compression and rebound chambers. The suspension system has four hydraulic circuits, each including a cross-over hydraulic line that extends between dampers located at opposite corners of the vehicle (i.e., between the front left and back right dampers or between the front right and back left dampers). The suspension system further includes four electromechanical comfort valves that open and close four bridge hydraulic lines that extend between the cross-over hydraulic lines at each corner of the vehicle. Each cross-over hydraulic line is connected to a manifold assembly by a corresponding manifold hydraulic line. The manifold assembly includes four manifold valves that are connected to a pump assembly and two manifold comfort valves. All six comfort valves are electromechanical valves that can be actuated to control the roll and pitch of the vehicle during cornering, braking, and acceleration.

Abstract: A rocking arm structure includes an arm body, a first wheel assembly connected to the arm body, a second wheel assembly connected to the arm body, and a shaft assembly disposed between the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly. The arm body can rotate relative to the main body around the shaft assembly, and drive the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly to revolve in a same direction around the shaft assembly. The first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are both steering wheel assemblies or both directional wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A system for active roll control for a vehicle body is provided and includes a sensor operable to monitor a tilt of the body and a suspension system. The suspension system includes an active sway bar including a first bar portion, a second bar portion, and an active roll control motor disposed between the first bar portion and the second bar portion. The active roll control motor is operable to turn the first bar portion in relation to the second bar portion. The system further includes a computerized active roll control controller which is operative to monitor a driving mode including one of straight-line driving and rounding a curve on a road, monitor an output of the sensor, determine a desired roll moment based upon the driving mode and the output of the sensor, and control the active roll control motor based upon the desired roll moment.

Abstract: A vehicle strut assembly includes at least a strut member, a bearing assembly, a mounting bracket and a noise isolating member. The bearing assembly encircles an upper end portion of the strut member. The mounting bracket is configured to receive the bearing assembly with mounting bracket encircling the upper end portion of the strut member and further configured to attach to a portion of a vehicle body assembly of a vehicle. The noise isolating member is installed below the mounting bracket and along a surface of the bearing assembly reducing noises transmitted from the vehicle strut assembly to the portion of the vehicle body assembly.

Abstract: The present document provides a support device for spring and a vehicle having the same. The support device for spring includes a first support unit configured for being fixed to a vehicle body; a second support unit configured for supporting a damper spring; and a connection unit configured for detachably fixing the second support unit to different circumferential positions of the first support unit. If the second support unit is fixed to different circumferential positions of the first support unit, a spring support surface of the second support unit faces different directions.

Abstract: An internal heat exchanger for an air conditioning system of a vehicle having an intermediate portion and two end portions, each of the end portions includes a first opening for the passage of a first conditioning fluid inside the internal heat exchanger and a second opening for the passage of a second conditioning fluid inside the heat exchanger. The intermediate portion is hollow, defines an inner volume, and includes inner conduits housed inside the inner volume extending between the end portions. The first openings are fluidically connected via respective connecting conduits to each of the inner conduits and the second openings are fluidically connected to the inner volume via an individual conduit.

Abstract: An accumulator in combination with an internal heat exchanger in a shared housing, the accumulator including a cyclone for separation of the gas and liquid phase of a refrigerant, wherein the cyclone includes two separate, curved flow paths, one of which leads from an inlet on the cover side whose direction of flow is closer to the axial than the radial direction of the cyclone into the accumulator and radially outwards, and the other of which leads outwards from an end facing away from the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle air vent system includes a dashboard defining an air vent opening. An air register assembly is disposed within the air vent opening of the dashboard. The air register assembly includes a frame and a vane rotatably coupled to the frame. An imager is coupled to the dashboard. The imager captures data within a field of view. A controller is communicatively coupled to the imager and the air register assembly. The controller receives the data from the imager. The controller determines a position of an object within the field of view in response to the data.

Abstract: A vehicle climate system includes a blower and a controller. The controller is configured to, responsive to input of a particular user selected climate setting, operate the blower with an initial power having a predetermined value corresponding to the climate setting provided that cabin temperature is outside a predetermined range. The controller is also configured to operate the blower with an initial power having a value less than the predetermined value provided that the cabin temperature is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: Coolant flowing from a compressor passes through a heat exchanger and opening-degree adjustable type of expansion valves for heating, and an external heat exchanger. The coolant passing through the external heat exchanger is capable of passing through an expansion valve and a heat exchanger for cooling, and an expansion valve and a heat exchanger for cooling a battery. A grille shutter to change an introduction state of traveling air is provided in front of the external heat exchanger. When pressure of the coolant (particularly, pressure of the coolant at a timing after the coolant passes through the external heat exchanger) is a specified pressure or lower, the grille shutter is closed, whereby the heat-exchange performance of the external heat exchanger is lowered.

Abstract: The vehicle air conditioning device includes a compressor, a radiator, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an air conditioning controller, and a cabin is, air conditioned with power supplied from a battery. The air conditioning controller can perform air conditioning operation that causes a refrigerant from the compressor to radiate heat in the radiator, decompresses the refrigerant, causes the refrigerant to absorb heat in the outdoor heat exchanger so as to heat the cabin, and defrosting operation that causes the refrigerant from the compressor to radiate heat in the outdoor heat exchanger so as to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger, and determines whether it is possible to perform the defrosting operation on the basis of outside humidity.

Abstract: A method for preventing and handling in-car air pollution includes providing an out-car gas detector to detect a polluted gas outside a car and transmit an out-car gas detection data; providing an in-car gas detector to detect a polluted gas in an interior space of the car and transmit an in-car gas detection data; providing an in-car gas exchange system for controlling and determining whether to introduce a gas outside the car into the interior space, where the in-car gas exchange system includes a cleaning unit for filtering and purifying the polluted gas in the interior space and a control driving unit for receiving and comparing the out-car gas detection data with the in-car gas detection data; and filtering and exchanging the polluted gas in the interior space after the control driving unit compares the out-car gas detection data with the in-car gas detection data.

Abstract: A corner die-molding portion of a glass run includes an outer peripheral portion to cover an end flange portion of an outer panel of a door, a holding portion having one end portion connected to an inner surface of the outer peripheral portion, and a supporting portion provided between the holding portion and the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion. An inner space and its opening are provided between the outer peripheral portion and the holding portion such that, when the glass run is attached to a window frame, the end flange portion of the outer panel is inserted into the inner space from the opening, and then the supporting portion is brought into abutment against a tip end of the end flange portion of the outer panel. It is possible to suppress flexural deformation of the outer peripheral portion, thereby improving the glass run in external appearance.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the generation of an unusual sound resulting from vibration of a part of a sheet. A first sheet includes: a peripheral portion which is to surround a service hole of a door inner panel; and a central portion surrounded by the peripheral portion, the first sheet having, along a boundary between the central portion and the peripheral portion, a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes each of which differs in size from each of the plurality of first holes.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a ramp, a sliding door that when open allows the ramp to be deployed from the vehicle, and an anti-rattle device to prevent or reduce rattling of the ramp against the door or other components of the vehicle when the ramp is in a stowed position. The anti-rattle device includes an arm pivotable relative to the door and a roller rotatably coupled to the arm, spaced apart from the door, and configured to contact the ramp.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic light blocking device for a vehicle, wherein a light blocking slider protrudes in a sliding manner from the ceiling or roof of the vehicle in order to block sunlight shining into the interior of the vehicle. To this end, an automatic light blocking device for a vehicle comprises: a light blocking body provided on the ceiling or roof of the vehicle and having at least one sliding groove which is open in the direction in which light is to be blocked; a light blocking slider which is slidably inserted into and coupled to the sliding groove; and a driving unit for sliding the light blocking slider along the light blocking body by using power applied from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle removable roof system including a roof support structure removably attachable to a vehicle, the roof support structure including a plurality of vertically oriented supports and at least one horizontally oriented support. The at least one removable panel configured to engage with the roof support structure. The vehicle removable roof system formed of a light weight sandwich composite structure that affords a high gloss surface without resort to additional processing after production with improved moisture resistance and edges suitable for sealing the removable roof assembly to other vehicle components.

Abstract: An integrated bed optimization system comprises a dynamic frame which is integrated into the front and sides of a pickup truck bed. The frame can be raised and lowered to expand the bed's usable volume and to optimize cargo storage options. The frame comprises T-Track beams which permit the user to customize the bed by allowing the user to secure one or more attachments to the frame. The attachments can include tiedown points, storage racks, tonneau covers, camper shells, and other modular accessories.

Abstract: A truck that includes a bed section located rear of a cab section where the bed section is bounded on each side by opposing first and second upward-extending side walls, respectively. The truck includes a tonneau cover which has a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A latching assembly is attached to the first panel section that selectively secures and releases the first panel section with respect to the first and second upward-extending side walls of the truck. The latching assembly includes at least one adjustable pinch latch assembly. The pinch latch assembly includes a latch handle portion and a latch base located on the first panel section adjacent the latch handle portion.

Abstract: A dual transmission with input shafts, output shafts, a transmission case and two separate single transmissions arranged in the transmission case is described. Each single transmission is a two-stage spur gear transmission with three positions for gear centers. A first position is occupied by an input shaft and a second position by an output shaft. A third position is for a middle stationary axle fixed to the transmission case. The three positions define a triangular arrangement having a first side defined by a distance between the first position and the second position, a second side defined by a distance between the first position and the third position, and a third side defined by a distance between the second position and the third position. The second side and the third side form respective angles with the first side. At least one of these angles has a value ranging between 5° and 70°.

Abstract: An electric car provided with a battery compartment, said electric car comprising a car body (17), a chassis (19), a power drive system, a cab (16) and a control system, the power drive system comprising a battery compartment (8), the battery compartment (8) being fixed at a lower portion of the chassis (19), the battery compartment (8) being a rectangular cavity body wherein one end is a battery inlet/outlet (8.1) and the inner side of the other end is provided with a battery connection socket (14), the rectangular cavity body being internally provided with a battery automatic push-out/guide-in apparatus, the battery inlet/outlet (8.1) of the battery compartment (8) facing towards the front, the rear or the side of the electric car, the control system controlling the battery automatic push-out/guide-in apparatus inside the battery compartment (8) to move.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for controlling and guiding a closure element (4) for closing a motor vehicle cooling module, comprising a first control element (10a) for controlling an opening and a closing movement of the closure element (4), a second control element (10b) for controlling an opening and a closing movement of the closure element (4), a guide element (8), which is arranged directly between the first and the second control element (10a, 10b), for guiding the closure element (4) during an opening and a closing movement, wherein the device (2) is formed in multiple parts and is assembled from parts produced separately from one another.

Abstract: A transfer for a four wheel drive vehicle includes first and second distribution mechanisms. The first distribution mechanism includes a first clutch and is configured to distribute a portion of power from a power source to a second transmission mechanism through the first clutch. The second distribution mechanism includes a planetary gear set and a second clutch, and is configured to distribute a portion of power from the power source to a second transmission mechanism through the planetary gear set and the second clutch in order. The first and second clutches are configured to be controlled to a half-engaged state between engagement and disengagement. An input shaft of the first distribution mechanism and an input shaft of the planetary gear set are unitized.

Abstract: A vehicle may include rear ground traction members, front ground traction members, a rear drive system to drive the rear ground traction members, a continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members, a rear speed sensor to output rear speeds of the rear ground traction members, a front speed sensor to output front speeds of the front ground traction members, and a controller to select a chosen lead for a rear speed of the rear ground traction members based on evaluations of different tractive efficiencies for different leads for the rear speed. The controller may further output control signals to the continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members at the chosen lead.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of activating a display device in a moving object. The method of activating a display device in a moving object may include determining a driving mode in the moving object, determining whether or not to activate a display device based on the driving mode of the moving object, and displaying an image in the display device, when the display device is activated. Herein, a display device may be activated and an airbag may be deactivated when a driving mode is a first mode. Also, a display device may be deactivated and an airbag may be activated when a driving mode is a second mode.

Abstract: A three-dimensional augmented reality head-up display includes a display device functioning as a light source; and a freeform surface mirror for reflecting light from the light source onto a windshield of a vehicle. An image created by the light from the light source is focused on the ground in front of the vehicle as a virtual image of a three-dimensional perspective, through a reflection method in which the light from the light source is reflected onto the windshield by means of the freeform surface mirror.

Abstract: During a journey using a motor vehicle, a virtual environment is displayed by use of a display device and additionally a virtual representation of a route layout located in front of the motor vehicle is also displayed by use of the display device within the virtual environment. The display device may be used in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A normal information display quantity of a head-up display device is set as a first information display quantity, an information display quantity of the head-up display device after a control unit receives a detection signal of detection of installation of a mobile terminal on a terminal holder from a mobile terminal installation detection unit is set as a second information display quantity, in which the second information display quantity is set to be smaller than the first information display quantity, and at least a part of display information that is displayed in the first information display quantity but is not displayed in the second information display quantity is displayed on the mobile terminal.

Abstract: The display control device includes a controller that controls a first display and a second display to control displaying of first information and second information. The controller obtains gaze information indicating a driver's gaze, and the driver's gaze indicated by the gaze information is directed at neither the first display nor the second display. In the situation, if a second event further occurs while the first display is displaying the first information because of the occurrence of a first event, the controller changes the display position of the second information to display the second information on the first display. In the situation, if the first event further occurs while the second display is displaying the second information because of the occurrence of the second event, the controller changes the display position of the first information to display the first information on the second display.

Abstract: A vehicular display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display configured to display, as an image, a function for various pieces of vehicle operation information, a knob operatively coupled to the display and configured to selectively operate a corresponding function of the display according to left-right movement, and guide rails configured to provide a movement path for the knob and divide a plurality of functional areas interlocked with functions displayed on the display.

Abstract: A controller for vehicle air conditioner includes a base defining a mounting cavity; a knob assembly rotatably mounted to the base, wherein at least a portion of the knob assembly is located in the mounting cavity; and at least one bearing element arranged between the base and the knob assembly. Such a design reduces the friction between the base and the knob assembly and thus reduces the noise.