Patents Issued in April 16, 2024
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Patent number: 11958337Abstract: A cooling and battery cooling mode is performed to release the heat from the refrigerant in a heat releasing unit and an outdoor heat exchanger and to absorb the heat into the refrigerant in a heat absorbing unit and a refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger, and a heating and battery cooling mode is performed to release the heat from the refrigerant in the heat releasing unit and to absorb the heat into the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger and the in-vehicle device heat exchanger. In a case where the cooling and battery cooling mode is performed, when a temperature of the heat absorbing unit is lower than a target value of the temperature of the heat absorbing unit even though the flowing of the refrigerant into the heat absorbing unit is blocked, the operation mode is moved to the heating and battery cooling mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: SANDEN CORPORATIONInventor: Tetsuya Ishizeki
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Patent number: 11958338Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a passenger cabin; a steering assembly including a steering wheel mounted on a steering column assembly; and a ventilation system having a first air outlet for discharging a first jet of air, and a second air outlet for discharging a second jet of air. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are located on the steering column and the second jet of air intersects and deflects the first jet of air.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Roy Alan Harris, Adam Pinkstone, Tomasz Edward Pendleton, Roy Edward Poulton
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Patent number: 11958339Abstract: Concealed air vent apparatus in a vehicle and a method thereof is provided. The apparatus includes an air vent casing, at least one air directing flap, at least one air diffusing flap, at least one closing flap, an air directing flap actuator, an air diffusing flap actuator and a closing flap actuator. The air diffusing flap actuator is adapted to move air diffusing flap to a diffused position in which a plurality of air diffusing portions of air diffusing flap is adapted to facilitate uniform distribution of air to an occupant compartment. The closing flap actuator is adapted to move closing flap between an open position in which closing flap is adapted to allow air flow to the occupant compartment, and a closed position in which closing flap is adapted to restrict air flow to the occupant compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITEDInventors: Ritesh Kakade, Prashant Pandey, Srinath Jayan
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Patent number: 11958340Abstract: An air box and methods are provided for communicating an airstream through an air filter to an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The air box generally transports air received by way of air inlet ports that mate with aerodynamic elements of the vehicle. The air is received through a conduit to an air intake duct of the engine. The air box an enclosure that is formed in a substantially rigid/solid form. A substantially transparent inspection region is disposed on a surface of the enclosure so that the air filter may be viewed and potentially accessed if desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: AEM Induction SystemInventor: Steve Williams
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Patent number: 11958341Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioning apparatus includes a photocatalytic module in which light is radiated on a photocatalytic filter to sterilize the photocatalytic filter. In particular, vehicular air-conditioning apparatus incudes: a duct to allow conditioned air to flow therethrough; the photocatalytic filter mounted in the duct and coated with a photocatalytic material to remove harmful substances in reaction to light energy; and a rotation unit rotatably mounted in the duct. In particular, the rotation unit is provided with a light source to radiate light toward the photocatalytic filter. When the rotation unit is rotated, a position of the light source is changed in a rotational direction of the rotation unit such that the light is radiated on the photocatalytic filter over an increased range. Thus, a filter sterilization effect is improved over the entire area of the photocatalytic filter with reduced number of light sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Jae Seung Lee, Gee Young Shin, Dae Hee Lee, Dong Ho Kwon, Seung Sik Han, Myung Hoe Kim
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Patent number: 11958342Abstract: A system that secures an upper door of a UTV or other vehicle to the vehicle and enables the ready removal and storage of the upper door from the vehicle employs magnets. A first set of magnets is carried by the upper door. A second set of magnets, which is attracted to the first set of magnets, is carried directly or indirectly by the vehicle, such as by a filler panel secured to the vehicle. Methods of deploying and securing an upper door in place and at least partially removing the upper door are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: St. Anthony, LLCInventors: Dan B. Thomas, Eric B. Nelson, Marc J. Stephenson, Cole P. Tomadakis
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Patent number: 11958343Abstract: Vehicle roof arrangement with a movable roof element held by a frame for selectively closing a roof opening. The roof element may have a first strand-like seal profile and a second strand-like seal profile, which is formed separately from the first seal profile. The first seal profile is configured for sealing with respect to the movable roof element and can be fastened to the vehicle roof, and the second seal profile can be fastened to the frame by a plug connection and is configured for sealing between the frame and the vehicle roof. The plug connection may have a plug-in region of the frame, into which plug-in region a projection of the second seal profile may be plugged.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventors: Samuel Schuster, Stefan Schäufler, Andreas Josef Zunzer
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Patent number: 11958344Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a vehicle body structure defining a door opening, a first door movably connected to the vehicle body structure, and a second door movably connected to the vehicle body structure. The first door is configured to move between closed and open positions. The first door is configured to move in a first direction from the closed position to the open position. The second door is configured to move between closed and open positions. The second door is configured to move in a second direction from the closed position to the open position. The second direction being different from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Ronald B. Morrow, Jr., David Kovie, Robert Russell
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Patent number: 11958345Abstract: Techniques for an augmented media experience in a vehicle cable include a first display surface positioned on a ceiling of the vehicle cabin, a second display surface positioned on the ceiling of the vehicle cabin, a memory storing a media application and a processor coupled to the memory. The first display surface is movable relative to the second display surface. The processor, when executing the media application performs the steps of deploying the first display surface to a deployed position where the first display surface is positioned between a first glass panel in a ceiling of the vehicle cabin and an interior of the vehicle cabin and displaying media content in the vehicle cabin using the first display surface and the second display surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Riley Winton, Gorm Jorgensen, Christopher Ludwig, Christopher Trestain
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Patent number: 11958346Abstract: A tonneau cover for a vehicle has a topside and an underside. The tonneau cover also includes a rail system attached to the underside. The tonneau cover also includes a ramp system. The ramp system is slidably engaged with the rail system and is configured to slide out from the underside along the rail system such that a rear end of the ramp system engages a ground surface to create a rampway between the topside and the ground surface. The ramp system can be used to load large cargo onto the topside of the tonneau cover. The ramp system is also removable from the rail system and attachable to an end of a truck bed of the vehicle such that the ramp system can be used to load cargo into the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott Louis Frederick
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Patent number: 11958347Abstract: The invention relates to an electric vehicle (10) with an electric motor (18) wherein the electric motor (18) comprises (a) a first electric motor module (38.1) that features a first rotor (42.1) with a first rotor shaft (40.1) and whose rotor shaft (40.1) has a first shaft coupling structure (46a), and (b) at least a second electric motor module (38.2) that features a second rotor (42.2) with a second rotor shaft (40.2) and whose second rotor shaft (40.2) has a second shaft coupling structure (46b), and (c) a rotational bearing (68) by means of which the first rotor shaft (40.1) is mounted, wherein (d) the first rotor shaft (40.1) and the second rotor shaft (40.2) are positively coupled with one another by means of the shaft coupling structures (46). According to the invention, the shaft coupling structures (46) are at least partially surrounded by the rotational bearing (68).Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: FLET GMBHInventors: Wolfgang Meyer, Jochen Grote
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Patent number: 11958348Abstract: Disclosed is a drive unit for a drive axle of a vehicle having a first and second electric machines, a differential and a transmission with first and a second transmission input shafts, a transmission output shaft, at least a first planetary gearset. A first shifting unit has three shift positions. In a first shift position, a second element is connected to a rotationally fixed component. In a second shift position two of the three elements of the first planetary gearset are connected rotationally fixed to one another. A second shifting unit has exactly three shift positions. In a first shift position a first transmission input shaft and a second transmission input shaft are connected rotationally fixed to one another. In a second shift position the second transmission input shaft is connected at least indirectly to the second element of the first planetary gearset.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Niclas Raeder
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Patent number: 11958349Abstract: A structure of an electric or hybrid vehicle includes a floor, a battery container secured beneath the floor, and a compressed foam plate arranged between the battery container and the floor.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: RENAULT s.a.s., NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Sofiane Amaanan, Charles Zhang
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Patent number: 11958350Abstract: An electric vehicle battery pack with a reinforced cover to better support vehicle cabin loads such as seat submerge loads, seat pitch loads, and the like. The cover has a number of reinforcing members affixed thereto and positioned over cross members of the battery pack frame. Loads imposed by the cabin are thus transferred to the reinforcing members and then to the rigid cross members. In this manner, battery packs of embodiments of the disclosure better support cabin loads applied thereto, improving their strength and better protecting more delicate components within the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Ajay Korada, Vignesh Sekar, Randy R. Frank, Piyush Khater
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Patent number: 11958351Abstract: A locking method and an unlocking method are provided. The locking method is used to mount a battery to a fixing seat of an electric vehicle by a locking device. The locking device includes: a lock base including a lock body, a surface of the lock body being provided with a lock groove recessed towards the interior of the lock body, the lock body being internally provided with a lock tongue groove and a lock tongue movably mounted in the lock tongue groove, and the lock tongue groove being in connection with the lock groove; and a lock shaft including a shaft rod configured to be inserted into the lock groove of the lock base to perform unlocking and locking.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Jianping Zhang
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Patent number: 11958352Abstract: A retrofit mining haul truck includes a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell/battery-based powerplant in place of a carbon fuel-based powerplant. The retrofit mining haul truck includes a frame, a tray coupled to the frame, and a deck coupled to the frame forward of at least a portion of the tray. A battery system is mounted to the deck of the retrofit mining haul truck. A hydrogen storage system (HSS) is installed in an engine bay volume of the retrofit mining haul truck. The engine bay was configured to contain a combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine) prior to retrofitting the retrofit mining haul truck. At least a portion of a fuel cell system is installed in a wheel pocket of the retrofit mining haul truck. The wheel pocket was configured to contain a diesel tank prior to retrofitting the retrofit mining haul truck.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: First Mode Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. Sweere, Spencer M. Anunsen, Larissa Y. Kunz, Harlan Thomas Kuo, Alexis R. HUmann, David T. Gerhardt, Krunal Desai, Peter Illsley, Clara Sekowski, Sarah Balles
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Patent number: 11958353Abstract: A controllable differential system for a vehicle includes a differential that may be disengaged or engaged, and may further be locked when engaged. A differential lock switch has three positions for sending commands to an actuator for disengaging or engaging the differential and for sending commands to a controller for unlocking and locking the differential. The vehicle includes a motor, a transmission continuously connected to a rear drivetrain, and the differential mounted in a front drivetrain. The vehicle may be driven in rear-wheel drive mode when the differential is disengaged or in four-wheel drive mode when the differential is engaged. The vehicle may enforce a vehicle speed limitation or an engine speed limitation when the differential is locked while a manual override control is not activated. The vehicle may implement an anti-lock braking system that may be disabled when the differential is locked.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Walid Ben Attouch, Francois-Charles Dumas, Patrick Leroux
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Patent number: 11958354Abstract: A foldable pedal apparatus of an autonomous vehicle and a method for controlling an operation thereof, includes an accelerator pedal assembly generating an acceleration-related signal and a brake pedal assembly generating a brake-related signal during a driver's operation, in which in an autonomous driving mode, an accelerator pedal assembly and a brake pedal assembly move forward and are fixed to a position as they are combined with a front inclined surface of a footrest panel, and in a manual driving mode, they move and are fixed to a position where a driver can comfortably operate them, so that in case of switchover from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode, the switchover to the manual driving mode becomes possible only in a state where all safety conditions for directivity of a driver's seat and positions of an accelerator pedal assembly and a brake pedal assembly are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventor: Eun Sik Kim
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Patent number: 11958355Abstract: An accelerator pedal system includes a pedal lever, a lock mechanism, an actuator, and an ECU. The pedal lever operates according to a step-on operation. The lock mechanism can restrict an operation of the pedal lever. The actuator switches between a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is restricted by the lock mechanism and an unlocked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is not restricted. The ECU includes a lock operation determination unit and an actuator control unit. The lock operation determination unit unlocks the pedal lever when an approaching object from behind is detected during a travel of a vehicle in the locked state.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Soichi Kinouchi, Yuusuke Yoshida, Takuto Kita, Hideyuki Mori, Shinji Komatsu
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Patent number: 11958356Abstract: A method includes receiving criteria data regarding a first control requirement frame for a first jurisdiction, a second control requirement frame for a second jurisdiction, and a third control requirement frame for a third jurisdiction. The criteria data for each control requirement frame includes at least: i. criteria data for an intoxicant concentration limit data subframe; ii. criteria data for a calibration requirement data subframe; and iii. criteria data for a reporting subframe. The method further includes storing the criteria data in a stringency database; sorting the first, second and third control requirement frames based on the relative stringency of criteria data. receiving a request for a compliance device according to the requirements of the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction; accessing the sorted control frames of the first and second jurisdictions to determine an operational control frame based on the sorted control frames; and providing the operation control frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Consumer Safety Technology, LLCInventors: Gretchen T. Vahle, Melissa Cole Ray, Amanda Renee Mallinger
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Patent number: 11958357Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the speed of a vehicle, the method comprising: determining a speed limit; determining an offset value based on (i) the speed limit, and (ii) a speed map, the speed map comprising a plurality of entries, each entry associating one of the offset values with a respective speed limit; and setting the speed of the vehicle according to the speed limit and the determined offset value.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INCInventor: John-Michael McNew
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Patent number: 11958358Abstract: Configuration, in which images output to a display unit are switched and displayed in accordance with the behavior of a driver, such as movements of the head of the driver, is achieved. Driver information indicating the behavior of the driver of a moving apparatus and images captured by a plurality of cameras that images a situation around the moving apparatus from different viewpoints are input. The images output to the display unit are switched in accordance with the driver information. The plurality of cameras is, for example, a plurality of rear cameras installed in the rear of the moving apparatus. For example, a direction of the face or line-of-sight of the driver is detected. An image in a direction corresponding to the detected direction of the face or line-of-sight of the driver is selected as an output image, and displayed on the display unit. Alternatively, an image in a direction indicated by a gesture of the driver is selected, and displayed on the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventors: Eiji Oba, Mitsuharu Ohki, Shigeyuki Baba, Yoshikuni Nomura
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Patent number: 11958359Abstract: The disclosure provides a display device, a display control method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The display device of an embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and includes: a display part; and a display controller displaying operation information related to downhill road travel control, which controls a speed of the vehicle traveling downhill to a constant speed, on the display part. The downhill road travel control switches from a standby state to an active state when an execution condition, including that input of an accelerator operation and a brake operation is stopped, is satisfied. The display controller displays by changing at least a part of a display mode of the operation information when the downhill road travel control is in the standby state and the input of the accelerator operation or the brake operation is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hirokazu Aoyama
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Patent number: 11958360Abstract: A display control device includes a processor. The processor is configured to: determine content to be superimposed and displayed over an object on a first display unit fixed to a moving body or a second display unit worn on a human body, the object being a real image seen through the first display unit or the second display unit; select either the first display unit or the second display unit to display the content based on a predetermined condition; and superimpose and display the content over the object on the first display unit or the second display unit, the first display unit or the second display unit being selected to display the content.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomohiro Inada, Hitoshi Muraki
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Patent number: 11958361Abstract: A military vehicle includes an engine, an energy storage system, an accessory drive coupled to the engine and including an air compressor and a first motor, a second motor coupled to an axle, and a clutch positioned between the engine and the second motor. The clutch is spring-biased into engagement with the engine and pneumatically disengaged by an air supply selectively provided thereto based on operation of the air compressor. In an engine mode, (i) the clutch does not receive the air supply such that the engine is coupled to the second motor and (ii) the engine drives (a) the accessory drive and (b) the axle through the second motor. In the electric mode, (i) the first motor drives the air compressor to compress air to facilitate supplying the air supply to the clutch to disengage the clutch and decouple the engine from the second motor and (ii) the second motor drives the axle.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLCInventors: Chad Smith, Dave Marek, Neil Dekarske, Mike Bolton, Ryan Crabtree, Joseph Dehaan, Rachell Harsh, Michael Koenigs, Shawn Naglik, Mitchel Nordahl, Evan Schertz, Mikel Ullman, Jessica Szymanski, Bradon Zeitler, Deepak Shukla, Ed Trinklein, Tim Voight, Mike Yanacek, Matt Mathison, Nader Nasr
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Patent number: 11958362Abstract: Apparatus and method of powering an outlet in a bed of an all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle can include an engine coupled to an electric generator. The method can include activating a generator mode of the engine, generating power by utilizing the electric generator of the all-terrain vehicle coupled to the engine, supplying the power to an inverter, that can convert the power to AC power, and supplying the AC power to the outlet in the bed of the all-terrain vehicle. A controller can discontinue power to at least one accessory when power is supplied to the outlet. The electric generator can be mounted to an air conditioning compressor mount structure of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kevin C. Stockmeier
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Patent number: 11958363Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second electric machines constrained to rotate in unison and configured to power a common axle. A controller is programmed to, in response to activation of the vehicle, select one of the first and second speed sensors as a representative speed sensor, and, in response to the electric machines being in speed control, command speeds to the first and second electric machines based on a difference between a target speed of the electric machines and a measured speed of the representative speed sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dev Saberwal, Christopher Golecki
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Patent number: 11958364Abstract: A torque security system for a vehicle is provided. The system receives a signal from a sensor coupled to a motor shaft of an electric motor and determines an acceleration of the electric motor, based on the signal from the sensor that indicates an amount of rotation of the motor shaft. The system determines an internal torque between the motor shaft and an input gear coupled to the motor shaft, based on the acceleration of the electric motor and an inertia of the electric motor and a gearbox. The powertrain of the vehicle comprises the gearbox and the electric motor, and the input gear couples the electric motor to the gearbox. The system determines whether the internal torque exceeds a threshold torque, and in response to determining that the internal torque exceeds the threshold torque, the system reduces power output to the electric motor. The system also diagnoses the health of the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Kang Wang, Younes Sangsefidi, Chia-Chou Yeh, Brian Harries
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Patent number: 11958365Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for dual-motor control on an electric vehicle based on adaptive dynamic programming. First, total torque required is calculated based on obtained data information of the electric vehicle under various driving conditions, and offline training is conducted on an execution network and an evaluation network. Then total torque is dynamically distributed for two motors of the electric vehicle under various driving conditions to obtain an efficiency MAP database. Afterwards, iteration and online learning are conducted on the execution network and the evaluation network based on data information of the electric vehicle under different driving conditions that is obtained in real time, so as to find an optimal control law for the electric vehicle under a real-time driving condition. In this way, the dual-motor control on the electric vehicle is optimized.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: JIANGXI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Hailin Hu, Fu Feng, Chen Chen, Yue Zhang, Wen Li, Heng Shi
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Patent number: 11958366Abstract: A device operates an electrical energy store for supplying components of an electrically operable motor vehicle, wherein operating limits are defined in each case for one or more characteristic variables of the energy store. A control unit prevents the operating limits from being exceeded during normal operation of the energy store. The device has an interface for receiving a user-side request message from an apparatus, the request message including change information about an intended shift in the operating limit of at least one of the characteristic variables.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jan Philipp Schmidt
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Patent number: 11958367Abstract: A charging station (10) is provided for electrical DC charging of an electric vehicle with a charging power of at least 150 kW. The charging station (10) has a charging cable (11) with a charging plug (12), via which an electric vehicle to be charged is able to be coupled to the charging station (10) for the purpose of electrical DC charging. A charging interface (13) for electrical AC charging is integrated into the charging station (10). An electric vehicle to be charged can be coupled to the charging interface via a charging cable of the electric vehicle to be charged.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Lukas Lindel, Mark Köhler
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Patent number: 11958368Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a sub-frame of an electric vehicle with a wireless charging pad from being pushed back includes: a push bracket member having one side portion coupled to a front end module provided in front of a sub-frame of the electric vehicle and extending to be disposed between the sub-frame and a wireless charging pad mounted below the sub-frame. Upon a forward vehicle collision, the apparatus can induce deformation of the sub-frame equipped with the wireless charging pad to prevent the sub-frame from being pushed backward.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Jong-Hun Choi, Seung-Kyu Kang
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Patent number: 11958369Abstract: A method for preparing a transmission of energy to a vehicle by an inductive charging system, which has a base plate arranged on a primary side of the charging system and a secondary side arranged in or on the vehicle. A first coil is provided in the base plate and a second coil is provided on the secondary side in a vehicle plate. The method includes energizing the second coil provided on the secondary side from a vehicle-based power source and diagnosing the functionality of components arranged on the secondary side of the inductive charging system by evaluating the energization carried out on the secondary side of the inductive charging system. Also disclosed is a device for preparing a transmission of energy to a vehicle by an inductive charging system.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbHInventors: Urs Kalt, Andrees Beekmans, Bernhard Michel
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Patent number: 11958370Abstract: A wireless power transmitter includes a first inductive element featuring a planar coil occupying a first plane and having first and second terminals, a first capacitive element connected to the first terminal, an inverter configured to provide an oscillating voltage signal to the first inductive element, through the first capacitive element, such that the first inductive element generates an oscillating magnetic field for transmitting power in response to the oscillating voltage signal, and a layer of magnetic material, disposed over the planar coil in a second plane parallel to the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler, Andrew J. Campanella
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Patent number: 11958371Abstract: An electric vehicle charging coupler having a handle and an electric vehicle charging apparatus including the same. The electric vehicle charging coupler includes a coupler body having one side on which a charging port to be mounted to a charging port of an electric vehicle is formed to perform charging, a cable inlet part which is formed in an upper portion of the coupler body and into which a charging cable is inserted, and a handle formed to extend from the other side of the coupler body to be held by a hand and provided separately from the cable inlet part. Therefore, the electric vehicle can be easily charged by easily handling the thick and heavy charging cable.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Dae Young Coretech Co., LtdInventor: Tae Ho Jeong
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Patent number: 11958372Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric vehicle charger that may include power electronics, one or more controllers, and one or more cable/connector plugs. The disclosed bi-charger may operate bi-directionally. Power components may be arranged in a charger enclosure in a configuration providing the optimum air flow over a heat sink(s) that will allow the most heat to be moved out of the charger enclosure with the least effort. The disclosed charger may use a combination of forced and natural convection to effectively cool the system. Power stages may be mounted in the enclosure and a control tray may be mounted above the power stages. The disclosed charger may use a three-power stage architecture. The disclosed charger also uses a configuration and method of mounting and positioning the power components within the enclosure that results in a smaller and more power dense piece of equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Fermata Energy LLCInventors: Glenn Skutt, Brian Maddox, Mike Barron
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Patent number: 11958373Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and computer systems are disclosed herein as implemented by a controller operatively coupled to a network of electric vehicles. The methods and systems include the controller (i) receiving a notification that an electric vehicle is stranded without sufficient power to operate; (ii) receiving information regarding the stranded electric vehicle; (iii) detecting one or more other electric vehicles in a vicinity of the stranded electric vehicle; (iv) receiving information regarding the detected one or more other electric vehicles; and/or (v) determining, based upon the received information, which of the detected one or more other electric vehicles to send a power source request. Alternatively, the notification may indicate that an electric vehicle has a low state of charge (SOC), or is otherwise has a battery in need of being recharged to facilitate the electric vehicle traveling to a destination.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance CompanyInventor: Joseph R. Brannan
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Patent number: 11958374Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is provided with an integrated arc fault detection circuit interruption (AFCI) device to supply electricity to an electric vehicle (EV) being a load. The EVSE comprises a coupler and an AFCI device including: a controller including a processor and a memory, circuitry and computer-readable firmware code stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to: detect an arcing level of arcing between the coupler and a charge port of the EV or any other series or parallel arcing within the EVSE, compare the arcing level to a threshold level to determine a hazardous nature of arching, and analyze the arcing level to determine not only if it is currently hazardous but if it is likely to become hazardous in a near term and recommend repair or replacement of the coupler and the charge port before damage occurs.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: William A. King, Jr., Elton C. Johnson, Harry Price Haas, Matthew Leidy
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Patent number: 11958375Abstract: A method for handling surplus or deficit of energy in local energy systems (30) is presented. The method comprising; determining an accumulator status based on data pertaining to an accumulator (20) of a moveable device (10); determining energy status of each of a plurality of local energy systems (30) based on data pertaining to the respective local energy system 30; scoring, based on the determined accumulator status and the determined energy statuses, each of the local energy systems (30); determining, based on the respective scores of each of the plurality of local energy systems (30), a local energy system (30), among the plurality of local energy systems (30), to which the moveable device (10) is to be directed. Also a server (40) configured to handling surplus or deficit of energy in local energy systems is presented.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: E.ON SVERIGE ABInventors: Bengt Lindoff, Jacob Skogstrom, Per Rosen
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Patent number: 11958376Abstract: The present invention describes a method using temperature data to protect battery health during bidirectional charging in conjunction with monetization activities. The method includes receiving temperature data and determining anticipated energy needs of a building. The temperature data includes at least the temperature of one or more electric vehicle batteries or information required to determine the temperature of the one or more electric vehicle batteries while the anticipated energy needs are relative to ambient air temperature. The method includes determining an amount of discharge of the one or more electric vehicle batteries required to offset the anticipated needs of the building by a predetermined amount and determining based on the temperature data whether discharging the one or more electric vehicle batteries would be harmful to the health of the one or more electric vehicle batteries.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: FERMATA ENERGY LLCInventors: David Lee Slutzky, John Parsons Wheeler
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Patent number: 11958377Abstract: A vehicle diagnosis system, an apparatus therefor, and a method therefore are provided. The vehicle diagnosis system includes a wireless charging station that transmits a message including information related to a supportable service type and information related to a vendor of a supportable vehicle and a vehicle that identifies the message and connect a diagnosis session for diagnosing and reprogramming the vehicle. The diagnosis session is performed when a connection for a wireless charging session of the vehicle is established.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, YURA CORPORATION CO., LTD.Inventors: In Sun Oh, Kwang Hae Ye, Ji Heon Kwon, Joon Hyuk Eom, Jae Hwan Na, Yong Ho Kim
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Patent number: 11958378Abstract: A movable battery replacing platform includes a travel-driving portion used for driving the movable battery replacing platform to move on the ground; a lifting portion mounted on the travel-driving portion, for lifting a battery during the replacement of the battery; and a battery mounting portion mounted on the top of the lifting portion, for placing a battery to be replaced or a replaced battery. The battery mounting porting is provided with a battery replacing device. The device can use an unlocking device to unlock a battery locked on the bottom of an electric vehicle, automatically aligning an unlocking point of a battery locking mechanism and realizing automatic unlocking in the movement. The angle of an upper board relative to the battery unlocking position can be adjusted by a movement actuating device, so that the unlocking point of the battery can automatically fit where the movable battery replacing platform remains still.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUPInventors: Jianping Zhang, Chunhua Huang, Junqiao Zhou, Minghou Zhu, Xiaodong Li, Rui Zou, Shiyong Di
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Patent number: 11958379Abstract: Disclosed is an unlocking device, battery replacing platform and movable battery replacing platform. The unlocking device comprises: a guide rail; a movable seat mounted on the guide rail; an unlocking ejector rod vertically mounted on the movable seat; and a driving member to drive the movable seat to move horizontally along a plane of the guide rail, the driving member is a driving push rod; the movable seat mounted on the guide rail includes a fixing cylinder fixed vertically mounted direct on the movable seat, and the unlocking ejector rod is movably mounted inside of the fixing cylinder, and a second spring is provided in the fixing cylinder, the second spring is configured to apply an upward thrust to the unlocking ejector rod. The unlocking ejector rod can be controlled to move on the predetermined rail, and the battery locking mechanism on the electric vehicle can be automatically unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUPInventors: Jianping Zhang, Chunhua Huang, Junqiao Zhou, Minghou Zhu, Xiaodong Li, Rui Zou, Shiyong Di
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Patent number: 11958380Abstract: Dynamic allocation of power modules for charging electric vehicles is described herein. The charging system includes multiple dispensers that each include one or more power modules that can supply power to any one of the dispensers at a time. A dispenser includes a first power bus that is switchably connected to one or more local power modules and switchably connected to one or more power modules located remotely in another dispenser. The one or more local power modules are switchably connected to a second power bus in the other dispenser. The dispenser includes a control unit that is to cause the local power modules and the remote power modules to switchably connect and disconnect from the first power bus to dynamically allocate the power modules between the dispenser and the other dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ChargePoint, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Quattrini, Jr., Peter Vaughan, David Baxter, Carl F. Hagenmaier, Jr., Patrick Kien Tran, Craig T. Matsuno, Gary A. Eldridge, Pasquale Romano
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Patent number: 11958381Abstract: An electrified vehicle capable of additionally mounting a swappable battery and a power source management method for the same are provided. A method of power source management of an electrified vehicle is provided, comprising connecting a swappable battery unit to a connector in an electrified vehicle comprising a first battery fixedly arranged with a main battery unit, a first battery management system configured to control the first battery, and a DC converter having a first end and a second end, the swappable battery unit comprises a second battery, and a second battery management system configured to control the second battery. The method further comprises determining, using a vehicle control unit, a target integrated voltage to be supplied to a power electric unit, and transmitting, using the vehicle control unit, a voltage command corresponding to a target output voltage to the DC converter, according to a determined target integrated voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventor: Jung Hyun Lee
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Patent number: 11958382Abstract: Provided is a battery charging system, comprising (a) at least one charging circuit to charge at least one rechargeable battery cell; and (b) a heating device to provide heat that is transported through a heat spreader element, implemented fully outside the battery cell, to heat up the battery cell to a desired temperature Tc before or during battery charging. The system may further comprise (c) a cooling device in thermal contact with the heat spreader element configured to enable transporting internal heat of the battery cell through the heat spreader element to the cooling device when the battery cell is discharged. Charging the battery at Tc enables completion of the charging of the battery in less than 15 minutes, typically less than 10 minutes, and more typically less than 5 minutes without adversely impacting the battery structure and performance. Also provided is a battery module or pack working with such a system.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Honeycomb Battery CompanyInventors: Aruna Zhamu, Yu-Sheng Su, Bor Z. Jang
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Patent number: 11958383Abstract: A regenerative braking control system for a vehicle can include one or more user interface elements located in a cabin of the vehicle. The user interface element(s) can correspond to a plurality of regenerative braking settings. Each of the regenerative braking setting(s) can correspond to a different amount of regenerative braking torque to apply to the wheel(s) of the vehicle. The system can include a processor operatively connected to the user interface element(s). The processor can be configured to detect a condition, the condition being at least one of a weight of the vehicle, a center of gravity of the vehicle, a weight of a trailer operatively connected to the vehicle, and a center of gravity of a trailer operatively connected to the vehicle. The processor can be configured to cause the amount of regenerative braking torque for the regenerative braking setting(s) to be adjusted based on the condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Takehito Yokoo
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Patent number: 11958384Abstract: The control device includes a vehicle required braking force acquisition unit that acquires a vehicle required braking force that is a required value of the braking force applied to the vehicle, and a roll control unit that controls the rolling motion of the vehicle by adjusting a distribution ratio of the braking force with respect to a target wheel including at least one of a rear wheel on an inside during turning and a front wheel on an outside during turning of the vehicle when the braking force is applied to the vehicle according to the vehicle required braking force under a situation where the vehicle is turning.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yusaku Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11958385Abstract: A seat includes a seat body and a sensor configured to acquired information on an occupant seated on the seat body. The seat includes a coating as a location marker that marks a location of the sensor to render the location visually recognizable from outside the seat body.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Ryuichiro Hirose, Hiroyuki Numajiri, Satoshi Fujita, Takako Miyoshi, Munetaka Kowa, Atsushi Kusano, Yoshikazu Ito, Yousuke Higashi, Satoshi Suzuki, Ryosuke Sato, Kento Uetake, Yasuharu Otsuka, Satoru Kaneda
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Patent number: 11958386Abstract: A power supply mechanism for a long-stroke seat has a wire harness accommodation box having at least one accommodation space and at least one opening; a drag chain bent and accommodated in the accommodation space, where a first end of the drag chain is relatively fixed to the wire harness accommodation box, and a second end of the drag chain passes through the opening and is slidably disposed in a slideway of a lower slide rail of the seat; a wire harness threaded in the drag chain, where a first end of the wire harness passes through a first end of a wire harness channel and the opening to be connected to a power supply, and a second end of the drag chain passes through a second end of the wire harness channel to be connected to an upper slide rail of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Yanfeng Adent Seating Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hui Zhang, Yong Long, Jingjing Shi, Qiuwei Zhang, Dingyu Wang