Abstract: A steering decoupling device includes an output clutch jaw, an input clutch jaw, a housing encompassing the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw, a thrust washer and a heavy-duty internal retaining ring for ensuring that the output clutch jaw is securely mounted within the housing, a disc spring residing within the housing configured to provide tension between the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw, an intermediate shaft that includes output clutch jaw, and a steering shaft that includes the input clutch jaw, the intermediate shaft and the steering shaft configured to translate relative to each other from a first position in which the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw are engaged to a second position in which the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw are disengaged.

Abstract: A vehicle control unit includes a controller configured to make a state transition to a normal control state via a start-up state after a power source system of a vehicle is started. The start-up state is a state where it is possible to execute a preparation process, required for making a state transition to the normal control state, by controlling an operation member so as to move automatically. The controller is configured to execute, in the start-up state: a forced-ending condition determination process of determining whether a forced-ending condition showing that the preparation process being executed is to be forcedly ended from start of execution of the preparation process is met; a forced-ending process of forcedly ending the preparation process being executed when the forced-ending condition is met; and a notification process of notifying the driver of forced ending of the preparation process.

Abstract: To provide a controller for rotary electric machine and an electric power steering apparatus which can set a control gain which is used for controlling the d-axis current command value based on the q-axis current deviation between the current command value of q-axis and the current detection value of q-axis, considering the response of the current of q-axis. A controller for rotary electric machine changes the current command value of d-axis, based on a value obtained by multiplying a proportional gain to a q-axis current deviation which is a deviation between the current command value of q-axis and the current detection value of q-axis; and changes the proportional gain in inverse proportion to the rotational angle speed.

Abstract: A steering control system that controls a steering device of a vehicle includes a storage unit, and a control unit configured to make a state transition to a normal control state via a start-up state after a power source system of the vehicle is started. In the start-up state, the control unit executes a correction information storing process of acquiring correction element information using a state variable obtained from the steering device and writing correction information obtained based on the correction element information into the storage unit. In the start-up state, the control unit is configured to execute an abnormal condition determination process of determining whether an abnormal condition indicating that the correction information is abnormal is met. The correction information storing process is re-executed when the abnormal condition is met. The abnormal condition determination process is executed at least either before or after the correction information storing process.

Abstract: A steering system includes a controller configured to execute: an input determination process to determine whether an external force is input to a vehicle based on longitudinal acceleration; a position identification process to identify an input tire that is one of a plurality of tires to which the external force is input based on air pressures of the tires when the external force is determined to be input to the vehicle; a load calculation process to (a) calculate deceleration of the vehicle or obtain information on the deceleration and (b) calculate a load received by the input tire due to the external force based on a difference between the longitudinal acceleration and the deceleration when the input tire is the tire of a steerable wheel; and an abnormality determination process to determine presence or absence of an abnormality of a steering rod based on the load and a steering angle.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering apparatus according to the present invention includes: a reaction force actuator control section that controls an output amount of a reaction force actuator; a steering actuator control section that controls a steering actuator in response to a manipulation of a steering operation input member, the steering actuator steering steered wheels via a steering unit; a deviation recognition section that recognizes a deviation between a manipulation amount of the steering operation input member and a steering amount of the steering unit; and a reaction force actuator output boost section that, when the deviation increases, increases the output amount of the reaction force actuator. Thus, the steering reaction force can be appropriately controlled in correspondence with a response delay in the steering amount of the steering unit with respect to the manipulation amount of the steering operation input member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a steering mechanism rotatably mounted around a steering axis, the steering angle of at least one of the wheels of the motor vehicle is changeable. A feedback actuator, and a control unit, and a feedback torque with respect to the steering axis can be applied to the steering mechanism by the feedback actuator. The control unit is configured to specify the feedback torque as a function of feedback data provided to the control unit. The feedback data are wheel sensor data of at least one wheel sensor of the motor vehicle respectively arranged in or on at least one of the wheels and/or roadway sensor data of at least one roadway sensor of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle gearbox assembly comprises a body having a housing portion having a cavity defined in the housing portion; a mating portion connected to the housing portion and being pivotably mountable an axle frame of a vehicle; and a mounting portion for having a steering link of the vehicle pivotably mounted to the mounting portion. An input shaft is rotationally supported by the housing portion and extends into the cavity at its one end and is operatively connectable to a drive axle of the vehicle at its other end. An output shaft is rotationally supported by the housing portion and extends into the cavity at its one end and is operatively connected to the input shaft at its other end. The output shaft is offset in height from the input shaft. A steerable track system for a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a steering assembly for a drive-by-wire steering system of a vehicle having an input means for inputting a steering command, a steering shaft with a first region and a second region longitudinally spaced apart from the first region, and a sensor system for detecting a steering angle and/or a steering torque on the steering shaft. The sensor system comprises a first angular-position sensor and a second angular-position sensor. The first angular-position sensor is assigned to the first region and the second angular position sensor is assigned to the second region, so that it is possible to determine, by means of a difference of a first angle signal of the first angular-position sensor and a second angle signal of the second angular-position sensor, the steering torque on the steering shaft on which the steering torque is acting.

Abstract: A reinforcing frame structure that bolts or otherwise couples in place of a battery assembly of a vehicle, such as an electrically powered vehicle, and provides sufficient longitudinal, transverse, and torsional rigidity to the vehicle when the battery assembly is removed from the vehicle. The reinforcing frame structure can be releasably attached to the vehicle after the battery assembly is removed. This allows the vehicle to be taken off a lift and moved while minimizing potential damage to the vehicle while the battery assembly is removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile underbody structure includes: a plurality of first frame parts; a second frame part; and an impact absorbing member, wherein: the second frame part has a first wall portion and a second wall; the impact absorbing member includes a first beam portion, a second beam portion, and a corrugated plate portion; the corrugated plate portion includes a first diagonal portion, a second diagonal portion, a first top portion, and a second top portion; and the corrugated plate portion is provided in at least respective regions, in the second frame part, to which the two adjacent first frame parts are connected.

Abstract: Front frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a suspension attachment structure, which can be fixed to a body cell of the motor vehicle defining a passenger compartment of said motor vehicle; and an absorption element adapted to absorb the energy associated with a front crash of the motor vehicle; the absorption element being distinct from the structure, being fixed to the latter and extending along a first direction. The structure comprises a first opening adapted to be passed through by a component of a steering system of the motor vehicle, a second opening having an elongated shape along a second direction transversal to the first direction; and at least one third opening opposite the second opening with respect to the first opening.

Abstract: Side structure (1) for a motor vehicle (3) including an inner and outer frame (11, 13) each forming a closed ring and having two openings corresponding to the front and rear doors (8, 10), wherein the inner and outer frames (11, 13) are each formed by hot stamping respectively an inner and an outer frame blank (111, 113), each being a single tailor welded blank made of steel and wherein the inner and outer frames (11,13) are assembled to form a hollow volume (7) between them.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle pillar and a unitized reinforcement member. The vehicle pillar includes an inner panel and an outer panel secured to the inner panel to form an internal cavity. The unitized reinforcement member is disposed within the internal cavity of the vehicle pillar and extends along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle pillar. The unitized reinforcement member includes an inner panel portion spaced apart from the inner panel, an outer panel portion coupled to an inner surface of the outer panel, and a connecting portion connecting the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cross car beam for a vehicle including a first main body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end. The first main body has a substantially u-shaped cross section following the longitudinal direction. The cross car beam is formed integrally by at least one fiber reinforced polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cross car beam for a vehicle, the cross car beam including a first main body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end. The first main body has a u-shaped cross section following the longitudinal direction. The cross car beam is formed integrally by at least one fiber reinforced polymer.

Abstract: A protector structure for an underfloor component includes an underfloor component that is a high-voltage component or a fuel tank disposed under a floor of a vehicle, a boarding and alighting step disposed further laterally outward with respect to the underfloor component, and a protection member disposed between the underfloor component and the boarding and alighting step. The protection member includes a contact wall that laterally faces the boarding and alighting step and that is inclined laterally inward as the contact wall extends downward.

Abstract: A vehicle panel includes an outer panel layer formed from a first material. The outer panel layer includes a first side, a second side, and a peripheral edge. A second panel joining surface is arranged inwardly of the peripheral edge. An inner panel layer formed from a second material that is distinct from the first material is arranged across the second side. The second panel includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a peripheral edge portion. A panel bonding layer is joined to the peripheral edge portion. The panel bonding layer is formed from a third material that is distinct from the second material. A bonding material is disposed between the second panel joining surface and the panel bonding layer creating a chemical bond between the panel bonding layer and the second panel joining surface.

Abstract: A retractable storage system for pickup trucks that includes at least one drawer, one or more wheels, a deck adapted to cover the cargo area of a pickup truck, at least one main rail; one or more auxiliary rails; one or more fixing brackets attached to the opposing first and second walls of the cargo area that are configured to provide support to the deck, in which the at least one drawer is suspended from the at least one main rail and the one or more auxiliary rails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces.

Abstract: A carrier machine includes a chassis, a plurality of tractive elements coupled to the chassis, a prime mover coupled to the chassis and configured to drive one or more of the plurality of tractive elements, and a carrier coupled to the chassis. The carrier defines a stowage area. A width and a depth of the carrier are adjustable to facilitate varying a size of the stowage area.

Abstract: The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory includes a body portion. The body portion is made substantially of aluminum composite material. The vehicle accessory further includes at least one connector for selectively attaching the body portion to a portion of an automobile. The body portion includes a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge is curved along at least a portion thereof. The front and rear edges are laterally opposed from each other. The rear edge extends substantially linearly from a first corner to a second corner. The first and second corners are formed at junctions between the front edge and the rear edge.

Abstract: Movable spoiler assembly for a road vehicle comprising: a movable spoiler configured to be movably attached to a body of the road vehicle and capable of being moved between a retracted position and an extracted position; and an actuation system configured to control the movable spoiler between the retracted position and the extracted position; the actuation system comprises at least two actuators to move the movable spoiler and at least two transmission elements to operatively couple each actuator to the movable spoiler; the two actuators comprise a first actuator configured to command at least the displacement of the movable spoiler between the retracted position and the extracted position, and a second actuator configured to command at least a tilt of the movable spoiler around the longitudinal axis, so as to vary an angle of incidence of the leading edge of the spoiler.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including a body mounted air brake stabilizing and steering a vehicle having autonomous driving capabilities or functions, and a method of using the same, wherein the air brake is power actuated.

Abstract: Shunt truck-dock safety systems are disclosed. An example shunt truck-dock safety system may include a shunt truck interlock element configured to selectively prevent and/or allow operation of at least one operable component of a shunt truck and/or a shunt truck controller configured to direct operation of the shunt truck interlock element based at least in part upon a dock condition.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for connecting a ground-contacting wheel assembly to a frame member of a track system assembly has a base defining a first interlocking member, a resilient body structured for being received at least partially within the base and having a second interlocking member connectable to the first interlocking member, and an axle assembly configured for rotatably connecting the ground-contacting wheel assembly to the frame member, the axle assembly including a third interlocking member connectable to the second interlocking member. The resilient body is at least partially wrappable around the peripheral surface of the axle assembly. Upon deformation of the resilient body, the axle assembly is pivotally movable relative to the frame member of the track system assembly about at least one of a longitudinal axis and a vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a (e.g., submerged or in air) surface by a non-flow-through pressure differential, the apparatus includes a frame forming a chamber; a seal (e.g., closed-cell foam) having a closed seal perimeter (e.g., a closed polygon, a quadrilateral, and the like) defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a non-flow-through seal with the surface; a suction pump structured and arranged to produce the (e.g., negative) pressure differential and cooperate with the seal to adhere the apparatus to the surface; and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

Abstract: A track shoe includes a base plate with a first linear edge perpendicular to a first axis extending along a movement direction. The base plate has a second edge spaced from the first edge and perpendicular to the first axis. A first and second side extend from the first edge to the second edge. One or both of the first or second side include: (a) first continuous curved edge extending from the first edge to the second edge, (b) plural first linear side edges interconnected with at least two of the linear side edges transversely oriented at non-perpendicular angles to the first and second edge; (c) a second curved edge and second linear side edges on opposite sides of the second curved edge, the second linear side edges extending from the first and second edges to the second curved edge; or (d) two or more curved edges without linear edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting heavy machinery, equipment or other heavy loads from one location to another, whereby the apparatus may be constructed as a walking machine including a plurality of lifting assemblies operative to lift the load above the supporting surface and then move the load relative to the supporting surface by transporting the load via rollers or tracks in the walking machines. In one example, the lifting assemblies are provided with separate longitudinal and lateral drive mechanisms independently operative for translating the load in either or both longitudinal and lateral directions.

Abstract: A robotic device (300) for inspecting structures, comprising: a body (302) extending in a longitudinal direction of the robotic device (300), the body (302) having a front end (304), a rear end (306), and opposing sides (312), (314) extending between the front end (304) and the rear end (306); a plurality of legs (316) arranged on each of the opposed sides (312), (314) of the body (302), each leg (316) comprising one or more joints; and a plurality of carriages (315), each carriage (315) connecting a leg (316) to the body (302) and being configured to allow each leg (316) to translate in a longitudinal direction relative to the sides of the body, and wherein each of the carriages (315) is configured to move independently of each of the other carriages such that a leg separation may be varied, the leg separation being the distance between any two adjacent legs on one side of the body.

Abstract: An umnanned vehicle with a separable functional module includes a functional module, a chassis for supporting the functional module, and a vehicle head mounted on the chassis, a locking mechanism connected to the functional module is disposed on the chassis or the vehicle head, and the functional module is combined with or separated from the chassis or the vehicle head through locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An adapter for a bike mount including a coupling plate, a first adapter section coupled to the coupling plate, and a second adapter section coupled to the coupling plate. The first adapter section is configured to receive a first bike axle. The second adapter section is configured to receive a second bike axle different than the first bike axle.

Abstract: A bike repair stand has a support rod assembly including a plurality of supporting legs selectively fold up and spread apart and an extension rod assembly including first and second connection structures and first, second, and third extension rods. The first connection structure is mounted to the upright pole. The first extension rod is rotatably connected to the first connection structure. The second connection structure is mounted to the first extension rod. The second extension rod is movably connected to the second connection structure. The third extension rod is mounted to the second connection structure. The extension rod assembly further includes first, second, and third carriers. The first carrier is mounted to the second connection structure. The second carrier is mounted to the second extension rod. The third carrier is mounted to a second end of the third extension rod.

Abstract: An automated bicycle lighting system comprising light modules that contain sensors and a processor which enable the color and/or flash state of the emitted light to be changed depending upon the physical orientation of the modules is provided. The sensors and processor also allow the operating state of the light modules to be adjusted depending upon whether movement of the light modules is sensed. The modules are used in combination with pedals configured to removably receive the modules and/or with an auxiliary mount that provides for mounting the modules to other components of a bicycle, such as, for example, handlebars, seat-posts, frame tubes, helmets and/or a rider's clothing.

Abstract: A screen is attached to the saddle riding vehicle to face forward with respect to the saddle-riding vehicle, and permits passage of incoming air while preventing passage of foreign objects. The screen includes: a plurality of vertical fins extending in a vertical direction and arranged next to one another in a vehicle widthwise direction; and a lower fin connecting lower ends of the vertical fins and inclined downward towards a front. A first vertical fin located in an outermost position has a lower portion extending in an inwardly inclined manner in the vehicle widthwise direction towards a lower end thereof, and a front end portion extending in a downwardly inclined manner towards an outer end of the lower fin in the vehicle widthwise direction. The lower end of the first vertical fin and the outer end of the lower fin are connected by a connecting part.

Abstract: An electric bicycle includes a drive unit, a control unit for controlling or regulating the electric bicycle, and a communications unit for transmitting and/or receiving data, wherein the communications unit has a first radio interface for connection to a radio mast. It is proposed that the communications unit have a second radio interface for connection to a radio mast.

Abstract: Various electric balance vehicles are described. In some embodiments, the vehicle has first and second housings with platforms to support a user's feet. The first and second housings can be rotatable relative to each other. The vehicle can have first and second wheel assemblies. A support member can extend within tapered portions of the first and second housings. In some embodiments, one of the first and second housings can rotate relative to the support member and the other of the housings can be rotationally fixed relative to the support member. The vehicle can balance and provide locomotion to the user. The vehicle can be light, compact, and/or have a low center of gravity.

Abstract: A method for assembling a motorcycle of a family of motorcycles, including selecting the motorcycle of the family of motorcycles to be assembled; in response to selecting the first motorcycle: selecting a first suspension package from a group of suspension packages; attaching the first suspension package to the core assembly; selecting a first ergonomic package from a group of ergonomic packages; and attaching the first ergonomic package to the core assembly; and in response to selecting the second motorcycle: selecting a second suspension package from the group of suspension packages; attaching the second suspension package to the core assembly; selecting a second ergonomic package from the group of ergonomic packages; and attaching the second ergonomic package to the core assembly, the first motorcycle being different from the second motorcycle.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame including a motor case located between a front frame and a pivot frame; and an electric motor including a motor driving shaft that outputs driving force by which a rear wheel is driven. The motor case includes: a motor accommodating portion accommodating the electric motor; a front fixing portion fixed to the vehicle body frame; an upper-rear fixing portion fixed to the vehicle body frame; and a lower-rear fixing portion fixed to the vehicle body frame. In a side view of the vehicle, the motor driving shaft is located in a region surrounded by a virtual triangle defined by connecting the front fixing portion, the upper-rear fixing portion, and the lower-rear fixing portion.

Abstract: A crown assembly including at least one crown fluid chamber having a first volume, and a fork side opening for fluidly coupling the at least one crown fluid chamber with at least one fluid spring chamber of a fork leg to provide an additional amount of available fluid volume to the at least one fluid spring chamber.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle is drivable via a drive wheel on the basis of rider muscle power introduced into a crank device and of a drive force of an electric drive motor provided at the two-wheeled vehicle. The method includes: detecting torque data related to the drive wheel drive force; determining the presence of a rider drive force demand for the provision of a drive force by the drive motor; determining the presence of a drive condition for the provision of the drive force; controlling the electric drive motor for the provision of the drive force after determining the presence of the rider drive force demand for the provision of a drive force by the drive motor and on determining the presence of the drive condition for the provision of the drive force by the drive motor. A control device is furthermore provided that is configured to perform the method.

Abstract: In an embodiment a driving device for an electric bicycle includes a motor unit configured to drive the electric bicycle, a drive and a gear stage, wherein the drive is configured to drive the gear stage, wherein the gear stage is configured to drive the electric bicycle, the gear stage being coupled to the drive, on the one hand, and configured to output a torque for driving the electric bicycle, on the other hand, and wherein the gear stage is designed as a strain wave gear and the drive and the strain wave gear are arrangeable coaxially with respect to an axis of rotation of a pedal crank of the electric bicycle.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame including a head pipe inside which a steering shaft is located and a front frame extending rearward from the head pipe; a battery case supported by the vehicle body frame; and a motor case located behind the battery case and accommodating an electric motor that generates driving force by which a wheel is driven. The front frame includes at least one lower-rear supporting portion supporting a bottom surface of the battery case and at least one motor fixing portion adjacent to the lower-rear supporting portion and fixed to the motor case.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; an electric motor including a motor driving shaft that outputs driving force by which a rear wheel is driven; a speed reducer that reduces the speed of the driving force of the motor driving shaft; an output shaft to which the driving force is transmitted from the speed reducer; an endless loop through which the driving force is transmitted from the output shaft to the rear wheel; and a motor case accommodating the electric motor and the output shaft. The motor driving shaft is located in front of and under the output shaft.

Abstract: A lift and method for lifting equipment modules, and for providing for sideways loading equipment modules, or cargo containers, onto a mounting surface of a sea vessel, such as a ship or submarine. The lift comprises a frame for supporting the equipment modules or cargo containers, and includes a number of conveying beams for conveying the equipment module or cargo container in a sideways direction in relation to the frame, and means for lifting said conveying beams in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A surfboard includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is defined by epoxy impregnated fiber reinforcement fabric configured to cover a rocker and rails and wherein the first layer extends onto a deck at a middle portion of the surfboard and tapers toward a tip and tail so that the first layer does not extend onto the deck at the tip and the tail. The second layer is defined by epoxy impregnated fiber reinforcement fabric configured to cover the deck and wherein the second layer extends to cover the rails at the middle portion of the surfboard and tapers toward the tip and tail so that the second layer covers less than half of the rails at the tip and the tail.

Abstract: Disclosed is an offshore energy generation system (OEGS) that eliminates greenhouse gas emissions during operation, mitigating earthquake and tsunami impacts, and nuclear meltdown safety. The OEGS comprises a floating facility configured for dynamic positioning to a target site via a system that is communicably coupled to the floating facility. The floating facility is coupled to seawater collection system; steam generation system; electric power generation system that uses at least one of: steam, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion or hydrogen fuel cells for generating electric power; ammonia, freshwater, nitrogen and hydrogen generation systems, cooling water system, electric power, freshwater, and ammonia export systems, multiple offshore cranes, living quarters and helideck; automation, control and safety system for controlling one or more components. The OEGS is effective, affordable and a reliable solution for climate change as it delivers clean energy in the form of electricity, ammonia and/or freshwater.

Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat includes an enclosure mounted to a gimbal for rotation about a gimbal axis and configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure, and a flywheel assembly including a flywheel and flywheel shaft, with the flywheel assembly rotatably mounted inside the enclosure for rotation about a flywheel axis. The gyroscopic roll stabilizer also includes a motor operative to rotate the flywheel assembly and disposed inside the enclosure. A motor cooling circuit is configured to transfer heat away from the motor. The motor cooling circuit has a closed fluid pathway for recirculating cooling fluid therein. The fluid pathway includes a fluid channel jointly defined by the motor and the enclosure and having the cooling fluid therein. The gyroscopic roll stabilizer is configured to transfer heat away from the motor to the cooling fluid. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for lighting a surface, for example a deck of a boat, spa, swim spa, pool, watercraft or vehicle, using backlighting such that decorative or other desired patterns of light may be created by forming cuts, outlines, thin sections, or voids in an overlay that is applied to the lighted surface, allowing light to pass through or around portions of the overlay material. In an exemplary use of the system and method of the invention, the surface may be the surface of a boat or spa. The surface may comprise transparent or translucent materials, allowing light from a first side of the decking, or light that is generated within the decking, to pass through the decking and to emanate from a second decking side, where the light may be blocked, partially blocked, or allowed to pass through the overlay material in any desired pattern or shape.