Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having at least one sound sensor for detecting acoustic signals generated outside the vehicle includes the steps of detecting an acoustic signal by means of the sensor, classifying the detected acoustic signal as a warning signal if the detected signal has defined features, determining the speed of the vehicle, determining the steering angle of the vehicle, defining an action to be carried out by the motor vehicle in response to the detected warning signal, and carrying out the defined action if the speed of the motor vehicle undershoots a defined threshold value and the steering angle of the vehicle exceeds a defined threshold value. The defined action may be a steering and/or braking maneuver by the vehicle, and/or may be alerting a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas generating compositions for use in safety devices for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to said compositions based on guanidine nitrate used in pedestrian protection devices. The composition substantially comprises 75 to 98% by weight of guanidine nitrate as fuel and 2 to 25% by weight of a burn accelerator selected from the group of the transition metal compounds, the metal nitrates, metal chlorates, metal perchlorates, ammonium perchlorate and mixtures thereof, wherein the transition metal compounds are selected from the compounds of the transition metals Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Zr and Mo and wherein the gas generating composition exhibits a burn rate of from 3 to 17 mm/s at 20 MPa.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes two hinge joints to swingably connect a front gate to the vehicle body. Each hinge joint includes a body-side hinge lower part and a gate-side hinge upper part that includes an upper part portion swingably arranged on another upper part portion, with the upper part portions being detachably secured by a locking member. Pivot struts swingably connect the hinge lower and upper parts to one another, with one pivot strut including a strut portion arranged on an upper part portion and movable translatorily in relation to another strut portion. To raise the front gate for protection, an actuator is activated to thereby release the locking member and pivot one upper part portion relative to the other one upper part portion, thereby translatorily moving one strut portion relative to the other strut portion, and with the one upper part portion pivoting relative to the other pivot strut.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply system is provided for an electric vehicle. The vehicle power supply system has a first relay and a second relay, which are two-contact movable relays that connect/disconnect a high voltage circuit. The first relay has a first movable contact that is arranged to move with respect to a first fixed contact in a first direction when connecting/disconnecting. The second relay has a second movable contact is arranged to move with respect to a second fixed contact in a second direction when connecting/disconnecting. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. One of the first and second relays is oriented such that its movable contact separates from its fixed contact in a direction in which the greatest acceleration input is applied at the time of a collision.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection automotive hinge includes a release assembly which includes a clip supported at one of the first and second opposing ends of a slot in one of first and second members, and a stop pin supported by the other of the first and second members. The stop pin is captured in the clip in the normally closed position and the normally opened position. An actuator is configured to engage the second member and to force the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The stop pin is configured to break the clip in response to this force permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position and the stop pin to move to the end of the slot opposite the clip.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pedestrian protection system that includes a first sensor that generates a first signal indicating a hazard condition in front of a vehicle. The pedestrian protection system may also include an external airbag system that deploys an external airbag outside of the vehicle. In operation, a processor receives the first signal from the first sensor, processes the first signal to detect the hazard condition, and activates the external airbag system in response to the detected hazard condition to protect at least one of a pedestrian and the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electrical device in which a high-voltage part is disposed within a case, and a fuel tank. The high-voltage part is disposed near a first side end of the case in a vehicle width direction. The fuel tank has a first end portion in the vehicle width direction and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. When a collision load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the fuel tank from the outside in a vehicle front-rear direction, the fuel tank is configured to be horizontally rotated about the first end portion of the fuel tank, and the second end portion of the fuel tank is configured to contact the second side end of the electrical device.

Abstract: An airbag unit is provided that can be easily installed and removed. The airbag unit includes an airbag that covers, upon being unfolded, at least a part of a hood or a windshield outside a vehicle, a gas generator that ejects gas into the airbag, a cover bottom member that accommodates therein the airbag yet to be expanded and the gas generator, a cover lid member that covers the cover bottom member in which the airbag is accommodated, and a bracket removably supported by the body of the vehicle, and removably supporting the cover bottom member and the cover lid member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery pack that is mountable in a vehicle. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, and a battery case that accommodates the battery modules. The battery case includes a first frame, a second frame provided across the battery modules from the first frame, and a connection portion that connects the first frame and the second frame. The second frame is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction from the first frame toward the second frame.

Abstract: A position determination method in a vehicle, which uses signals from a pressure-based collision sensor. In addition, an associated electronic control module and an associated use.

Abstract: An aircraft seat device includes at least one backrest, at least one seat component coupled to the backrest, and a backrest impact safety device, which is designed to rigidly connect the backrest and the seat component in a locking position in at least one normal operating state and which is designed to at least partially reduce impact forces on the backrest at least in the event of crash by at least partially decoupling the backrest from the seat component in at least one further operating state. The backrest is designed to be locked in a locking position again after the partial decoupling.

Abstract: In a state in which a high-frequency signal at a first detection frequency f1 is input to an LCR resonance circuit 20, upon detecting that a voltage signal S1 is greater than or equal to an upper-limit threshold value Vth11 or less than or equal to a first lower-limit threshold value Vth12, a high-frequency signal at a second detection frequency f2 is input to the LCR resonance circuit 20. Then, in a state in which the high-frequency signal at the second detection frequency f2 is input, the proximity of a human body or water to a sensor electrode 22 is detected by detecting that the voltage signal has reached less than or equal to a second lower-limit threshold value Vth21.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a hinge mechanism supporting a hood and an airbag configured to deploy close to or into the exterior of the motor vehicle for protecting pedestrians. The hinge mechanism is operably for positioning the hood in a normal closed position to close off an engine compartment and a normal open position providing access to the engine compartment for servicing work. The hinge mechanism has a breakable connecting element for connecting a first part and a second part of the hinge mechanism. In the event of an accident the connecting element is broken, so that a rear end area of the hood is movable from the normal closed position into an accident position which is partly open in the area of the front windscreen. The second part is supported by a mechanism such that the hood is movable relative to the body.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising an airbag mounted in a fender region laterally adjacent a hood and forward of a vehicle side door which deploys from the fender region when activated to protect a pedestrian from impacting at least a portion of the frontal area of a vehicle structure.

Abstract: An exemplary door lock transition method includes transitioning a door lock of a vehicle from a deactivated state to an activated state based on a door lock schedule that includes a deactivated period where the door lock is scheduled to be in the deactivated state, and an activated period where the door lock is scheduled to be in the activated state. An exemplary door lock transition assembly includes, a door lock of a vehicle, and a control system configured to transition the door lock from a deactivated state to an activated state based on a door lock schedule.

Abstract: An airbag unit is provided that can be quickly unfolded, and also retrofitted to an existing vehicle body. The airbag unit includes an airbag that covers, upon being unfolded, at least a part of a hood or a windshield outside a vehicle, a gas generator that ejects gas into the airbag, a cover bottom member that accommodates therein the airbag yet to be expanded and the gas generator, a cover lid member including a cover lid plate that covers the cover bottom member in which the airbag is accommodated, and a cowl cover attached to the cover lid plate between the hood and the windshield.

Abstract: A method and a device assist a parking maneuver. The parking maneuver is implemented at least partly in automated manner on the basis of predetermined set speed values for the motion of the vehicle. Implementing the parking maneuver includes defining at least one virtual curb, and modifying at least one set speed value during the implementation of the parking maneuver on the basis of this virtual curb.

Abstract: A method for disconnecting at least one ignition output stage for a squib of a pyrotechnic protection device for a vehicle. The method includes a step of setting an activation signal at an activation level when an amperage of the trigger current for the ignition output stage exceeds a predefined current threshold value, a step of determining a period of time during which the activation signal is set at the activation level, and also a step of supplying a switch signal for disconnecting the ignition output stage, as a function of a comparison of the period of time with a predefined minimum current flow duration.

Abstract: A method for determining positional data for use in the operation of a vehicle system (3) of a motor vehicle (2), wherein image data of at least one surveillance camera (9, 10, 11) recording at least a portion of the surroundings of the motor vehicle (2) and/or the motor vehicle (2), provided externally to the motor vehicle (2) for determining the positional data of at least one recorded object (13) are evaluated and made at least partially available to the vehicle system (3).

Abstract: An electronic latch assembly for a closure device of a motor vehicle, having an actuator group operable for actuation of the closure device and an electric motor controllable to drive the actuator group (6). The electronic latch assembly has a backup energy source, and a control unit controlling the electric motor and the backup energy source to provide a backup supply voltage (Vsc) during an emergency operating condition. The control unit is configured to enter an emergency mode to cause disabling of actuation of the closure device, upon detecting the occurrence of the emergency operating condition, and to maintain disabled the actuation of the closure device, during the emergency operating condition.

Abstract: An easily portable safety harness and head support system for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes clips that attach to the headrest posts of the existing vehicle seat and the brackets on the seat back. A head support portion including a neck cushion and two side cushions is included and front harness straps with a release secure the child or toddler. The vehicle seat belt fits between the doubled strap harnesses that extend from the headrest posts to the bottom of the seat back, preventing the child or toddler from being ejected from the vehicle in the case of a collision or the like. The head support portion with the neck cushion and side supports prevents neck injuries.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper cover, a bumper reinforcement beam spaced apart from the bumper cover, and a low speed bumper energy absorber that extends along a front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam between the bumper cover and the bumper reinforcement beam. The low speed bumper energy absorber includes a body portion extending along the front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam, wherein at least a portion of the body portion is space apart from the bumper cover, and one or more air deflectors extending between the body portion and the bumper cover, wherein the one or more air deflectors substantially isolate a portion of the bumper assembly from air leakage through the bumper assembly.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper cover including one or more air deflectors extending inward from the bumper cover, a bumper reinforcement beam positioned rearward of the bumper cover, and a low speed bumper energy absorber that extends along a front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam between the bumper cover and the bumper reinforcement beam. The one or more air deflectors extend from the bumper cover toward the low speed bumper energy absorber at an oblique angle relative to a front face of the low speed bumper energy absorber to substantially isolate a portion of the bumper assembly from air leakage through the bumper assembly.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper cover, a bumper reinforcement beam spaced apart from the bumper cover, a low speed bumper energy absorber that extends along a front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam between the bumper cover and the bumper reinforcement beam, and a low force energy absorber positioned below the low speed bumper energy absorber. The low force energy absorber includes a body portion extending along the front surface of the bumper reinforcement beam and one or more air deflectors extending from an upper surface of the body portion between the low speed bumper energy absorber and the bumper cover. The one or more air deflectors are configured to substantially isolate a portion of the bumper assembly from air leakage through the bumper assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a cyclist protection apparatus for a vehicle that includes a front section that protrudes forward from a boarding section. The cyclist protection apparatus includes a cyclist airbag device that includes airbags, and is configured to be disposed in a front-end area of the front section. The cyclist airbag device is configured to deploy the airbags adjacently in a front-rear direction on an upper surface of the front section.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for attaching a hood to a body of a vehicle includes a body-side bracket fixedly attached to the body and a hood-side bracket fixedly attached to the hood. A pivot mechanism is configured to place the hinge assembly in: a stowed position, in which the hood is adjacent the body; an access position, in which the hood rotates toward a rear of the vehicle; and an active position, in which the hood rotates toward a front of the vehicle. The hinge assembly also includes an actuator that configured to move the pivot mechanism to, or toward, the active position. A pin is attached to the body-side bracket and an upstop link is attached to the hood-side bracket. The upstop link defines a slot. The pin becomes engaged with the slot when the pivot mechanism is in the active position.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering an occupant of the vehicle to a destination autonomously as well as providing information about the vehicle and the vehicle's environment for display to the occupant.

Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus includes a camera for acquiring a vehicle front view image or a surroundings-of-vehicle image; and a processor for providing a height control signal for a suspension for adjusting an expected impacted portion according to collision between a driver's vehicle and an object detected in the vehicle front view image or the surroundings-of-vehicle image.

Abstract: A device for administering a fluid product, such as an industrial or a medical compound. The device includes a reservoir (18) in which a plunger (15) is axially movable, and an axially movable rod (16) on which a ferromagnetic rod connector (12) is attached. The ferromagnetic rod connector (12) is adapted for sliding cooperation within the reservoir (18). And, a detachable mechanical connection is provided between the plunger (15) and the ferromagnetic rod connector (12). A ferromagnetic plunger connector (13) is attached to the plunger and a magnet (11), arranged for magnetic cooperation with the ferromagnetic connectors (12, 13), to provide a mechanical connection between the ferromagnetic connectors.

Abstract: A gas pressure actuator includes a launcher, a gas generator that is disposed at a first axial end of the launcher, a rocket part placed inside the launcher, an end pad and a sealing gasket respectively disposed at a second axial end of the launcher, and a gasket holder supporting the gasket. The rocket part includes a first portion disposed at a location corresponding to the first axial end and a second portion that has a diameter less than that of the first portion and that ranges from the first portion toward the second axial end. The end pad includes a position determination part that determines positioning of the rocket part and restricts the rocket part from being displaced in a direction away from the first axial end. The gasket holder may be pressed by the first portion when the rocket part protrudes from the launcher and plastically deformed.

Abstract: A passenger protection device includes an airbag case to be provided in an arm rest of a vehicle seat, and an airbag; wherein the airbag case has a passenger-side wall that is a cover that can rotate upward around its upper end; the device comprises support members that lie flat on a passenger-side surface of the cover and can assume an upright orientation; and if the vehicle collides at one side, the airbag is inflated and deployed outside the airbag case through the opening made in a passenger-side of the arm rest and pushes the cover, thereby rotating the cover upward, the support members may stand on the airbag case, supporting the cover rotated upward from back in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, door, glass dome, and dynamic pillars. The body defines a cabin and has first and second static pillars. The door that accesses the cabin, is secured to the body, and is disposed between the first and second static pillars. The glass dome is secured to the body over the entirety of the cabin. The dynamic pillars are extendable in an upward direction and are secured to the body proximate to an outer perimeter of the glass dome.

Abstract: A system for controlling a battery to extend a driving mileage is provided. The system supplies a high voltage required to drive a motor by connecting a plurality of batteries in series by turning off a battery switching unit during engaged of an accelerator and balances voltage between the plurality of batteries. A voltage deviation is managed by connecting the plurality of batteries in parallel by turning on the battery switching unit when the accelerator is disengaged. The system includes a plurality of battery modules and a battery switching unit configured to connect the plurality of battery modules in parallel when an accelerator is disengaged and connect the plurality of battery modules in series when the accelerator is engaged. A motor driving unit is configured to receive an output by the battery switching unit when the accelerator is engaged.

Abstract: A hood panel is provided. The hood panel includes a plurality of first layers formed of a reinforced fiber and a resin and a plurality of second layers including a complex portion formed of a reinforced fiber and a resin and a resin portion formed of a resin. The first layer and the second layers form a multilayer structure. A reinforced area is formed by the first layers and the complex portions of the second layers and a shock absorption area is formed by the first layers and the resin portions of the second layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an advantageous external side airbag system (1), comprising at least one airbag (3, 3a-3c) with at least one dedicated inflator (5a-5c). The external airbag system is characterized in that at least one airbag has in a folded state an elongated shape that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and is configured to be integrated in a side structure (19) of a vehicle, and in particular between a rocker panel (21) and a sill cover (31) of a vehicle.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection airbag device includes an airbag case, a pair of inflators and an airbag. The airbag case is disposed at a lower face side of a hood rear end portion with a length direction thereof extending along a vehicle width direction. A vehicle width direction middle region of the airbag case, when viewed in a vertical cross-section extending in a vehicle front-and-rear direction, has a cross-sectional height in a vehicle up-and-down direction smaller than a cross-sectional height in the vehicle up-and-down direction of a general portion of the airbag case located at outer ends in the vehicle width direction of the middle region. The inflators are accommodated at both of vehicle width direction ends of the middle region. The airbag in the airbag case inflates from pressure of gas generated by the inflators, and deploys rearward through a gap between the hood rear end portion and a windshield.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle occupant protection device, the device including (1) a rear detection section that detects an object approaching obliquely from a rear of an occupant's vehicle, (2) a signal output section that outputs an actuation signal, and (3) a seatbelt device that includes a mechanism to, in cases in which the object has been detected by the rear detection section, increase restraint force on an occupant by taking up webbing after being input with the actuation signal.

Abstract: A method of mounting to an A-arm suspension system a wheel spindle configured for use with a multi-link suspension system may involve the steps of: Removing at least one suspension link mount on the wheel spindle; mounting a ball joint bracket to the wheel spindle, the ball joint bracket being configured to mount to the A-arm suspension system, the removing and mounting steps producing a modified wheel spindle; and mounting the modified wheel spindle to the A-arm suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pedestrian protection device having a car hood that can be opened on at least one edge facing the windscreen when a collision of a person against the vehicle is recognized. The device also includes at least one airbag, which in the triggered state, extends across a region of a windscreen pillar and a region of the windscreen adjacent to this.

Abstract: A battery module is mounted in the rear of a vehicle body and attached to at least one rear side frame extending rearward in the vehicle body such that the rear side module protrudes rearward beyond the battery module. One or a plurality of slope members is provided at the rear of the battery module. Each of the slope members forms a frontward rising inclined surface that protrudes above the rear side frame at the rear of the battery module.

Abstract: The vehicle pedal device includes a pedal bracket fixed to a dash panel, a pedal, a lever bracket fixed to the dash panel, fixing means fixing the pedal bracket and the lever bracket with a predetermined holding force for fixed state, a rotating lever, a reinforcement for instrument panel, a lever rotator which is fixed to the reinforcement for instrument panel, and bracket deforming means fixed to the reinforcement for instrument panel. The bracket deforming means contacts with the pedal bracket to deform the pedal bracket downward when the pedal bracket moves rearward together with the dash panel. The rotating lever comprises a press portion which can press the fixing means or the pedal bracket downward with a force exceeding the holding force for fixed state when the rotating lever is rotated by the lever rotator.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a pedal device including a pedal and a bracket is configured to mount the pedal device on a dash panel with the dash panel sandwiched by and between the bracket and a master cylinder device. The mounting structure includes: a plurality of fastening rods for fastening the bracket to the master cylinder device; and a plurality of collars interposed between the dash panel and the bracket for spacing the dash panel and the bracket apart from each other, the fastening rods extending through the collars. The collars include a pair of collars, and one of the pair of collars has an extending portion extending along the dash panel in a direction away from the other of the pair of collars and functions as a reinforcing member for reducing deformation of the dash panel caused when the pedal is stepped on.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a structural rail for a vehicle includes a main body and a front portion. The main body has an upper wall, a lower wall, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall spaced from the inner sidewall. The front portion has a rear end adjacent to the second end of the main body and a front end spaced from the rear end. The main body has a first bend between the first end and second end so that a portion of the main body is angled outwardly and an included angle of less than 180 degrees is provided in the outer sidewall. The rail also includes a second bend between the first bend and the front end, and the second bend further angles at least part of the front portion outwardly relative to the outwardly angled portion of the main body.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a vehicular pop-up hood device includes a cylinder, a piston rod that can protrude from a front end of the cylinder, a gas generator to urge the piston rod, the gas generator provided at a side of a rear end of the cylinder, and a bracket to attach the cylinder to a vehicle body. The bracket includes a top portion engaged with the front end of the cylinder, and an overhanging portion for attachment to the vehicle body, the overhanging portion overhanging from the cylinder in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: A front end structure is provided for a vehicle that includes a bracket for attaching front crash sensors to the vehicle. The front end structure includes an engine compartment and a hood connected to the engine compartment by a hood latch and a pair of hinges. The bracket is connected to the hood latch and the front crash sensors to maintain palpability with the vehicle through the hood in a collision.

Abstract: An actuator includes a housing section that houses a driving source and is mountable on a first mounting region and a deploying section that is mountable on a second mounting region and deployable with a driving force of the driving source. The housing section includes a case of metal and a securing member supporting the driving source and secured to the case inside the case. A mounting hole is formed through the case and securing member for receiving a pivot member connected to the first mounting region. A fixing hole is formed through the case and the securing member at a different position from the mounting hole for receiving a fixing member that fixes the securing member to the case. An inner circumferential plane of the mounting hole of the case is in contact with the pivot member on the region disposed towards a deploying direction of the deploying section.

Abstract: A front section of a motor vehicle includes a bumper shell, a bumper cross member and a shock sensor arranged at various locations inside a central intermediate space between the bumper shell and the bumper cross member. The bumper shell extends beyond the ends of the bumper cross member in the direction transverse to the vehicle. Extensions are attached to the ends of the bumper cross member, and the shock sensor is also distributed in various locations in peripheral intermediate spaces between the extensions and the bumper shell.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for a fuel pump in a motor vehicle includes a hooded cover having a first face and a second face in addition to distal and proximate stud bolts, and a base fastener. The hooded cover defines a plurality of apertures operatively configured to receive a corresponding fastener. The distal stud bolt may be operatively configured to affix a distal end of the hooded cover to a cam carrier. The proximate stud bolt may be operatively configured to affix a middle region of the hooded cover to the cam carrier while the base fastener may be operatively configured to affix a lower portion of the hooded cover to the cam carrier. The proximate stud bolt includes an outer diameter feature which is operatively configured to engage with a plunger region of the pump assembly when the proximate cover assembly is subjected to a load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling opening and closing of a vehicle door are provided. The apparatus includes a driving unit that opens and closes a door a controller that operates the driving unit. Additionally, an acoustic wave processing unit receives and analyzes an acoustic wave signal generated by force exerted onto the door to generate a control signal for opening or closing of the door. The controller receives the control signal to thus operate the driving unit. Further, the acoustic wave processing unit includes an acoustic wave sensor disposed inside of the door and receives the acoustic wave signal, and an MCU that analyzes a signal output from the acoustic wave sensor to generate the control signal.

Abstract: A vehicular emergency alert device mounted on a vehicle (100) and configured to issue an emergency alert signal to notify an emergency service center outside the vehicle of a location of the vehicle in the event of a collision of the vehicle includes: a collision detecting unit (11) that detects the collision of the vehicle (100) to output a collision detection signal; an emergency alert unit (13) that issues an emergency alert signal in response to the collision detection signal and relays the collision detection signal to the vehicle; and one or more modules (12) each of which performs a predetermined operation in response to the collision detection signal relayed by the emergency alert unit (13).