Controlling Lateral Vehicle Attitude (e.g., Antiroll, Antisway) Patents (Class 280/5.506)
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Patent number: 8521362Abstract: Stabilizer control devices, methods, and programs obtain information indicating lateral acceleration operating on the vehicle and obtain information indicating a curve section existing in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs control roll stiffness by a stabilizer mounted on the vehicle based on the obtained lateral acceleration information by setting a lateral acceleration threshold at a first value in the curve section and a second value in a section other than the curve section respectively, the first value being smaller than the second value. The devices, methods, and programs control the roll stiffness when the lateral acceleration is equal to or larger than the lateral acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Miyajima, Seiji Hidaka, Hirofumi Nitta
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Patent number: 8485539Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system includes a fixed housing having a canister and end caps forming an enclosure. A rod moves axially relative to the housing. Abutment members on the rod are separated by a spring and confront or telescope into end stops in the housing, depending upon a rotated position of the end stops relative to the abutment members.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Christopher F. Bidlake, Dennis M. Mark
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Patent number: 8439372Abstract: A device for the protection of a rolling stabilization system for motor vehicles, having at least two stabilization devices includes at least one first hydraulically triggerable safety valve for locking at least the first stabilization device.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbHInventors: Stephan Pölzl, Andreas Zell
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Patent number: 8382125Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Richard Larry Sunsdahl, Aaron David Deckard, Marcus Johannes Tullemans, Richard E. Eck, Jason Carl Plugge, Alan A. Meyer, Laurie Jean Rengel, Geoffrey G. White, Thomas Samuel Parks McCoubrey, Brian Michael Safranski
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Patent number: 8380395Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including a road wheel speed detecting section, a vehicle body speed detecting section, a slip ratio calculating section configured to calculate slip ratios which are ratios of respective road wheel speeds with respect to vehicle body speed, an anti-skid brake control section configured to control wheel cylinder fluid pressures for respective wheel cylinders such that the slip ratios fall within a predetermined range, a wheel cylinder fluid pressure acquiring section, damping force variable shock absorbers which are disposed between the respective road wheels and the vehicle body and constructed to variably adjust respective damping force characteristics thereof, and a damping force variable shock absorber control section configured to set the damping force characteristics in accordance with the acquired wheel cylinder fluid pressures.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Kashiwamura, Hiroyuki Shimizu
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Patent number: 8346433Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Jianbo Lu, Keith Mattson, Joe Meyers
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Patent number: 8322728Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension control apparatus requiring a reduced number of sensors. A pitch rate estimating unit 21 calculates a pitch rate used for creating a control instruction value, with use of a wheel-speed time-rate-of change obtained based on wheel speeds vcFL and vcFR detected by wheel speed sensors 7FL and 7FR, and an estimated forward/backward acceleration aes calculated by a forward/backward acceleration estimating unit 20.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryusuke Hirao, Takahide Kobayashi, Nobushige Wakamatsu
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Patent number: 8272650Abstract: A low-end adjusting mechanism for vehicle suspensions useful for compensating rolling and pitching motions and for leveling purposes, in which a vehicle spring (1) having a longitudinal axis is mounted between two spring seats or receptacles (2, 3), and at least one spring seat can be adjusted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spring by rod shaped coupling elements which are mounted at both ends in an articulated or pivotable manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: asturia Automotive Systems AGInventors: Wolfgang Freund, Daniel Lezock, Andreas Kissler, Juergen Schulze
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Patent number: 8251375Abstract: A body leaning control system includes a support mechanism arranged to support a pair of wheels to be movable up and down relative to a vehicle body, a resistance applying mechanism arranged to apply to the support mechanism a resistance to up-and-down motions of the pair of wheels, a lean amount acquiring device arranged to detect a lean amount of the vehicle body, and a controller arranged, based on detection results received from the lean amount acquiring device, to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body exceeds a first angle, and to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a second resistance smaller than the first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is at the first angle or less. This system can conveniently inhibit the vehicle body from leaning in excess of the first angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuo Hara, Yasuhiro Oomura
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Patent number: 8219262Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic level control system equalizer of a motor vehicle equipped with a battery and a generator supplying the battery, as well as a compressor driven by an electric motor and associated with the level control system equalizer, the electric motor of the compressor being only supplied with electric current by the vehicle battery and/or generator in certain conditions. The power requirements of the level control system equalizer can be pre-evaluated for a change of level and/or a filling of the pressure tank to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alexander Stiller
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Patent number: 8219282Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Jianbo Lu, Keith Mattson, Joe Meyers
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Patent number: 8209087Abstract: A suspension device has in- and out-configurations for use with a vehicle, including means for damping and/or spring action, the damping and/or spring action being controllable, wherein the controllability of the damping and/or spring action includes a locked or substantially locked state in the out-configuration. A method of using the suspension device with a vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: BAE Systems Hagglunds AktiebolagInventors: Henrik Hägglund, Assar Christensen
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Patent number: 8190327Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the suspension of the body shell of a motor vehicle. The inventive device comprises a calculator (CSS) which can calculate a control value (ER) for an actuator (M) of a shock absorber (AM) of the suspension (S) as a function of at least one modal body shell speed calculated from a modal body shell acceleration. The invention is characterized by a sensor (CAP-DEB) for sensing wheel (A,B, C, D) travel in relation to the body shell, which is connected to a first means (CAL) for calculating the modal body shell acceleration from the travel measurement (DEB) provided by the sensor (CAP-DEB).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Francois Poilbout
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Publication number: 20120119454Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle including at least one fluid operated ram having a cylinder and a main piston mounted therein for reciprocating movement, control means for controlling an equilibrium position of the piston in the ram in response to lateral acceleration of the vehicle in order to counter the effects of body roll of the vehicle, and wherein the ram includes shock absorbing means for permitting rapid movement of the piston from the equilibrium position when operating fluid in the ram is subjected to transient increases in pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Phillip Di Maria
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Patent number: 8167318Abstract: A hydraulic anti-roll system for a vehicle includes a first hydraulic actuator, a second hydraulic actuator, an anti-roll control module, and an anti-roll bypass valve. The first hydraulic actuator is adapted to be connected between the suspension and frame of the vehicle on one side and the second hydraulic actuator is adapted to be connected between the suspension and frame of the vehicle on its other side. The anti-roll control module is connected between the fluid lines of the first and second hydraulic actuators. The anti-roll control module stiffens the compression of the first hydraulic actuator relative to the expansion of the second hydraulic actuator, and stiffens the compression of the second hydraulic actuator relative to the expansion of the first hydraulic actuator. The anti-roll bypass valve is adapted to activate and deactivate the stiffening of the anti-roll control module.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: MSI Defense Solutions, LLCInventors: Jeffrey S. Ryan, Todd J. Holbert, David J. Holden, Jeff L. Peterson, Seth D. Chavka
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Patent number: 8170749Abstract: A target roll angle of the vehicle is computed based on an actual lateral acceleration at the centroid of the vehicle, and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle at the centroid is corrected by use of lateral acceleration correction amounts based on a yaw rate of the vehicle, whereby the lateral accelerations of the vehicle at the front wheel position and the rear wheel position are computed. Subsequently, target anti-roll moments at the front wheel position and the rear wheel position are computed based on the target roll angle and the accelerations of the vehicle at the front wheel position and the rear wheel position, and active stabilizer apparatuses of the front and rear wheels are controlled based on these target anti-roll moments.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuichi Mizuta
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Patent number: 8165749Abstract: A control system for an adjustable damping force damper of a suspension apparatus of a vehicle, includes a lateral acceleration detecting unit detecting a lateral acceleration of the vehicle at a gravity point thereof, a yaw rate detecting unit detecting a yaw rate of the vehicle and a control unit controlling a damping force of the damper. The control unit calculates a first target damping force based on an output of the lateral acceleration detecting unit, calculates a second target damping force based on a lateral acceleration at an axel position which is estimated by an output of the yaw rate detecting unit, compares an absolute value of the first target damping force with that of the second target damping force and sets a target controlling value of the damping force in accordance with the first or second target damping force which has a larger absolute value.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Masaki Izawa, Takafumi Kato
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Patent number: 8140221Abstract: A motor vehicle has a vehicle body and a chassis that has at least one wheel suspension device for two opposing wheel. An adjusting device is assigned to each of the wheels. The adjusting devices are coupled to one another by a stabilizer. At least two stabilizer bearings are provided for rotatable support of the stabilizer, and at least one coupling device is provided on the vehicle body for variable torque support of the stabilizer. Accordingly, a reliable level lifting function is provided, based on a sturdy configuration that is both space-saving and weight-saving. The coupling device for torque support of the stabilizer on the vehicle body may have a switchable blocking device and/or at least one spring mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Becker, Matthias Dietz, Achim Schulz, Thorsten Koch, Thomas Hunn
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Patent number: 8123240Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame that pivots relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis. A torque exerted on a steering assembly in a first direction causes the frame to pivot relative to the pivotable frame member in a second, opposite direction at least when the speed of the vehicle is above a first threshold speed, to steer the vehicle in the second direction. An actuator urges the frame toward an upright position when the frame is in a leaning position and a speed of the vehicle is below a second threshold speed. A method is also described, in which a torque is exerted on the frame in the direction opposite the steering torque when the speed above the first threshold speed. The torque exerted by the actuator is opposite the leaning angle when the speed of travel is below the second threshold speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventor: Daniel Mercier
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Patent number: 8121758Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes a control system (18) that is used to control a vehicle system. The control system determines an axle torque, and longitudinal forces at each tire in response to the axle torque. Lateral forces at each tire are determined in response to the longitudinal forces. The control system of the vehicle is determined in response to the longitudinal and lateral forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Jianbo Lu
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Patent number: 8118314Abstract: The invention relates to a switchable stabilizer device for the axle of a motor vehicle. Herein, the actuating device comprises a roll stabilizer and an actuatorically switchable coupling device (6) with two clutch devices (7, 8) and a locking sleeve (9). According to the present invention, the stabilizer device is characterized by a shifting device for shifting the locking sleeve (9) by means of mechanical power transmission. Herein, the shifting device has a servo-electric transmission drive element (4). The present invention provides a robust and compact switchable roll stabilizer, which can be produced cost-efficiently. At the same time, the present invention allows for the actuatoric support of the opening movement as well as the locking movement of the stabilizer coupling with very short shifting times. The switchable stabilizer according to the present invention is suitable for motor vehicles, for example, which are employed off-road as well as on the road.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Metin Ersoy, Jens Vortmeyer, Bernd Grannemann
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Patent number: 8109522Abstract: A stabilizer bar system that includes a first stabilizer bar, a second stabilizer bar and a clutch having a clutch housing and a plurality of coupling members housed in the clutch housing. The first stabilizer bar is received in the clutch housing for rotation relative to the clutch housing about a rotational axis. The second stabilizer bar is fixedly coupled to the clutch housing. The coupling members are configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the first stabilizer bar to the clutch housing such that the clutch housing is employed to transmit torque between the first and second stabilizer bars.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
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Patent number: 8108104Abstract: A rollover stability control system for a vehicle may include an object information device. An active suspension or an active steering system may be coupled to a wheel of the vehicle. The rollover system may include a lateral support system. A controller determines that an obstacle is an imminent tripping obstacle and raises or steers the wheel, to prevent the wheel from colliding with the obstacle, or deploys the lateral support system in response to a rollover notification signal and the determination. A rollover stability control system for a vehicle may include a chassis and a driving surface wheel. A wheel assembly is coupled to the chassis inward from the driving surface wheel relative to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The wheel assembly contacts the driving surface when a roll angle of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Davor Hrovat, Eric Tseng, Michael Fodor
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Patent number: 8090492Abstract: The apparatus comprises a measured signal detector 11, a vehicle parameter obtainer 12, a sideslip angle temporary estimator 13, a sideslip angle differential corresponding value computer 14 and a sideslip angle real estimator 15. A sideslip angle temporary estimate value is computed from one or plural vehicle parameters including at least the mass. A sideslip angle differential corresponding value is computed from a measured signal and the vehicle parameters including no mass. A sideslip angle is derived from the sideslip angle temporary estimate value and the sideslip angle differential corresponding value. A sideslip can be detected without a steering angle detection mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Agriculture and TechnologyInventors: Masao Nagai, Yohei Michitsuji, Pongsathorn Raksincharoensak
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Patent number: 8070169Abstract: An actuator for an active roll control system that connects a stabilizer bar with a lower arm may include a screw housing having a space, a power transmitter slidably mounted in an upper interior circumference of the screw housing, and having an upper end portion connected to one end of the stabilizer bar and a lower end portion slidably movable in the space wherein the lower end portion of the power transmitter includes a screw groove and a screw thread is formed at an interior circumference of an inlet portion, a lead screw being inserted in the screw groove of the power transmitter and threaded to the screw thread of the inlet portion and having a screw rotation shaft integrally connected to a lower end thereof, and a drive motor mounted at a lower portion of the screw housing and having a rotation shaft connected to the screw rotation shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sung Jun Kim, Hae Ryong Choi, Sang Ho Lee
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Patent number: 8065056Abstract: A vehicle roll control system, comprising a front torsion bar(22), attached to the front hydraulic actuator (34) and a rear torsion bar (24) attached to the rear hydraulic actuator (34?). A pressure control valve (99) is fluidly connected between a pressure source (80) and a reservoir (81). A directional valve (82) is fluidly connected between the pressure control valve (99) and the hydraulic actuators (34,34?). A pressure relief valve (83,84) fluidly connects the directional valve to the pressure source (80) or the reservoir (81) and is actuated to create pressure differential between first fluid chambers (58,58?) of the hydraulic actuators (34,34?)and/or to create pressure differential between second fluid chambers (60,60?) of the hydraulic actuators (34,34?).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.Inventors: Philippe Germain, Christophe Cardon, Bruno Perree, Frederic Sauvage
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Patent number: 8036791Abstract: A suspension ECU 13 calculates a target characteristic changing coefficient a_new for changing a target characteristic, which is represented by a quadratic function, by use of the maximum actual roll angle ?_max generated in a vehicle body during the current turning state and a turning pitch angle ?_fy_max which is a fraction of an actual pitch angle ? generated as a result of turning, and changes the target characteristic by use of the coefficient a_new. Subsequently, the suspension ECU 13 calculates the difference ?? between the actual pitch angle ? and a target pitch angle ?h corresponding to the actual roll angle ? on the basis of the changed target characteristic, and calculates a total demanded damping force F to be cooperatively generated by the shock absorbers so as to reduce the difference ?? to zero.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichi Mizuta, Motohiko Honma, Wataru Tanaka
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Patent number: 8024086Abstract: For determination of a relative movement of a chassis and a body of a wheeled vehicle, which is movably joined to the chassis, three linear accelerations of the wheeled vehicle, which extend perpendicular to each other, respectively, as well as at least two rotational speeds of one respective rotational movement or a component of a rotational movement about a coordinate axis of the wheeled vehicle are measured (in measuring device 1), the at least two coordinate axes running perpendicular to each other, respectively. A momentary position of the relative movement is determined (in evaluation unit 9) using the three linear accelerations and the at least two rotational rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Jens Fiedler, Andreas Mayer, Thomas Schweiger, Martin Stratesteffen
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Patent number: 8005591Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the suspension of the body shell of a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the device comprises: a means for measuring the travel speed (VDEB) of a front wheel in relation to the body shell, a means (51, 52) for detecting an impact when the travel speed exceeds a determined threshold, a means for determining a corrected lateral acceleration of the vehicle, a means for inhibiting the impact detected when the corrected lateral acceleration is greater than or equal to a determined lateral acceleration inhibition threshold in terms of absolute value, and a means (53, 54) for calculating a set value (ERP) for the actuator of the shock absorber of the rear wheel located on the same side as the above-mentioned front wheel when an impact is detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Peugeot Citrogen Automobiles SAInventor: Francois Poilbout
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Patent number: 8005592Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes a control system (18) that is used to control a vehicle system. The control system determines a wheel normal loading in response to heave motion wheel loading, attitude-based wheel loading, and vertical motion induced wheel loading. The various wheel loadings may be indirectly determined from the sensors of the various dynamic control system outputs.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Jianbo Lu
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Publication number: 20110101630Abstract: A method of reducing peak stress and distributing stress experienced in bends of anti-roll bars that involves configuring the shape of the bends so that they do not have uniform radii of curvature. Generally the shapes of the bends have greater radii of curvature at central portions than other portions of the bends. Also the shapes of the bends may be symmetrical or non-symmetrical. According to one embodiment the shapes of the bends include a combination of curved and straight portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Tadashi Sakai, Shinichi Nishizawa, Akitoshi Hamamoto
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Patent number: 7926821Abstract: A chassis arrangement includes a stabilizer having a single-piece center part with opposite ends, a first stabilizer arm connected to one of the opposite ends of the center part, and a second stabilizer arm connected to the other one of the opposite ends of the center part. A stabilizer support assembly having two support units supports the center part in relation to a vehicle body. Operatively connected to the center part are at least two brake units for influencing a twistability of the center part, with one of the brake units being arranged between one of the support units and an adjacent one of the first and second stabilizer arms, and the other one of the brake units being arranged between the other one of the support units and an adjacent one of the first and second stabilizer arms.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventor: Armin Zuber
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Patent number: 7909339Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
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Patent number: 7887064Abstract: In a system in which an actuator force to be generated by an actuator is controlled based on a component sum that is a sum of a vibration damping component as the actuator force to be generated in a vibration damping control and a posture control component that is the actuator force to be generated in a body-posture control, a control in which the posture control component is limited so as to be not larger than a limit value is executable. The system ensures the actuator force that should be generated in the vibration damping control by limiting the posture control component, in a situation in which there is a limit in the actuator force that can be generated. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of a damping force can be generated, so that riding comfort of the vehicle and the like is prevented from being deteriorated.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hirofumi Inoue
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Patent number: 7887071Abstract: An active, divided stabilizer for a motor vehicle having an incorporated pivot motor is provided. The pivot motor is used for pivot regulation and includes at least one displacement drive having a motor and transmission, and a housing. At least one housing part is connected to an associated stabilizer part for torque transmission. The housing part has an axially oriented, central indentation, into which the stabilizer part extends. The connection for torque transmission between the housing part and the stabilizer part is located therein. A sensor for detecting the torsion angle of the stabilizer part is attached to the housing part, with a corresponding encoder is fixed on the stabilizer part, or vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Grieshaber, Reinhard Simkovics, Michael Spielmann
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Patent number: 7871082Abstract: Anti-roll system especially for a vehicle, comprising system control means, a tank (4) and a pump (3) for a hydraulic fluid, and two or more stabilizers, each stabilizer comprising an actuator (5, 6) which is arranged to control the relevant stabilizer's moment in dependency of the hydraulic pressure at the actuator's terminals. Each actuator has either one or both of its terminals (A, B) connected to a first terminal (I) of a pressure control module (8) which has a second terminal (II) connected to the tank's inlet side and a third terminal (III) to the pump's outlet side. The control means and each control module are arranged to supply a fluid pressure at its first terminal under control of said control means. The pressure control modules (8) may comprise a series connection of two pressure control valves (1, 2) e.g. pressure relief or limitation valves. As an alternative the pressure control modules (8) comprise a three-way pressure control valve (9), e.g. a three-way pressure reduction valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-natuurwetenschaffelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Jozef Zuurbier, Albertus Clemens Maria Van Der Knaap
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Publication number: 20110006492Abstract: A device for the protection of a rolling stabilization system for motor vehicles, having at least two stabilization devices includes at least one first hydraulically triggerable safety valve for locking at least the first stabilization device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbHInventors: Andreas Zell, Stephan Pölzl
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Patent number: 7862052Abstract: A roll control system comprising a front torsion bar; a front first hydraulic actuator attached to the front torsion bar; a rear torsion bar; a rear first hydraulic actuator attached to the rear torsion bar; and control means connected to the hydraulic actuators and controlling the operation thereof on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition; wherein each hydraulic actuator comprises a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber; wherein the control means comprises a source of fluid pressure, a fluid reservoir, a pressure control valve fluidly connected between the pressure source and the reservoir, two pressure relief valves each having two positions to selectively fluidly connect the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators either to the pressure source or to the fluid reservoir, and a directional valve fluidly connected between the pressure relief valves and the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators; wherein the pressure relief valves and the directional valve are positioned on detection ofType: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.Inventor: Philippe Germain
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Patent number: 7845660Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-roll/pitch system for use in a vehicle, in which a first mass, for instance a cabin, is suspended to a second mass, for instance a chassis, by means of a bearing arm, which is pivotally connected to the second mass around a pivot axis, via spring means. The anti-roll/pitch system comprises means to adjust a point of application of a spring force acting on the bearing arm, so as to adjust a moment exerted by said spring force on said bearing arm to counteract a load exerted on the bearing arm by the first mass. The spring force is exerted on the bearing arm through a flexible, elongated member, such as a string or cable, which takes up little space when adjusting the point of application. The invention furthermore relates to a built-in unit and a vehicle, equipped with an anti-roll/pitch system according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Albertus Clemens Maria van der Knaap
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Patent number: 7837202Abstract: A stabilizer control device for a vehicle includes a first and second stabilizer bars, a housing fixed to an end portion of the second stabilizer bar so as to arrange an end portion of the first stabilizer bar adjacent to the end portion of the second stabilizer bar, a rotational torque reducing mechanism having an input portion fixed to the first stabilizer bar and the housing and reducing a relative rotational torque between the housing and the first stabilizer bar and outputting, a hollow member including the first stabilizer bar so as to rotatably support the first stabilizer bar within the housing and fixed with an output portion of the rotational torque reducing mechanism so as to rotatably support the output portion within the housing, and a clutch mechanism arranged between the hollow member and the housing for engaging and disengaging therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akiya Taneda, Ken Ogue, Toshiyuki Sakai
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Patent number: 7832738Abstract: A method for operating active stabilizers in a motor vehicle includes an on-road mode and an off-road mode. In the on-road mode a stabilizer is activated and deactivated in dependence on operating parameters of the motor vehicle, in particular the travel speed and/or the lateral acceleration and/or a level sensor system, wherein in the activated state rolling motions of the vehicle are reduced by introducing torque into the stabilizer or stabilizers that counteracts the rolling motion. In the off-road mode, the stabilizer is deactivated up to a given travel speed or, in case of an alternate jouncing of the wheels, a control of the stabilizer is performed such that a downward force of the rebounding wheel is increased. Wheel slip may be used as a parameter when controlling the stabilizers. A motor vehicle having active stabilizers is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Patricio van Cayzeele
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Patent number: 7832739Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
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Patent number: 7813853Abstract: A damping force control apparatus for a vehicle includes adjustable-damping-force shock absorbers. When the vehicle turns, an electronic controller calculates an actual roll angle of the vehicle body in accordance with sprung accelerations detected by sprung acceleration sensors. The electronic controller also calculates a target roll angle of the vehicle body in accordance with a lateral acceleration detected by a lateral acceleration sensor. The target roll angle is set such that it increases with the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle during turning and is uniquely determined by the lateral acceleration. The electronic controller sets target damping forces of the shock absorbers such that the actual roll angle coincides with the target roll angle, and controls the damping forces of the shock absorbers in accordance with the set target damping forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichi Tomida
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Patent number: 7798508Abstract: An active stabilizer bar system includes an impeller slidably encased in a housing which separates the housing into a sealed first cavity and a second cavity. On forced application of fluid through at least one of the ports, the impeller is axially moved along the housing which rotates at least one rotor with respect to the housing to vary the forces applied by the stabilizer bar on the vehicle suspension.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Edward Frederick Wettlaufer, Jr.
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Patent number: 7789398Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle suspension for a vehicle, the vehicle including a vehicle body and at least two forward and two rearward wheel assemblies, the vehicle suspension including front and rear resilient vehicle support means between the vehicle body and the wheel assemblies for resiliently supporting the vehicle above the wheel assemblies, the hydraulic system including: at least two front (11, 12) and two rear (13, 14) wheel rams respectively located between the wheel assemblies and the vehicle body, each ram (11 to 14) including at least a compression chamber (45 to 48) and a rebound chamber (49 to 52); wherein the compression chamber (45, 46) and rebound chamber (49, 50) of each said front wheel ram (11, 12) is in fluid communication with the rebound chamber (47, 48) and compression chamber (51, 52) respectively of a diagonally opposed said rear wheel ram (13, 14) to respectively provide two fluid circuits, each fluid circuit providing a front and back compression volume therein, the front comprType: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Kinetic Pty., Ltd.Inventors: Raymond Andrew Munday, Richard Monk
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Patent number: 7788006Abstract: In a rollover stability method for a vehicle in a situation which is critical with respect to the driving dynamics, a critical rollover situation is detected by analyzing a control variable and the stabilization intervention is activated or de-activated as a function of the control variable. The regulation intervention is maintained even in driving situations featuring relatively low transverse acceleration if the control variable or a characteristic property of the stability algorithm is calculated as a function of the steering angle and/or the longitudinal vehicle velocity.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Matthew Nimmo, Matthias Hey, Christopher Dzumaryk, Flavio Nardi, Andris Samsons
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Patent number: 7766344Abstract: An adjuster device includes (a) a shaft held by a vehicle body; (b) an arm extending from the shaft in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the shaft; (c) an actuator causing one of rotation of the shaft and axial movement of the shaft in the axial direction; and (d) a motion converter converting the one of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft, into the other of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft. The arm is connected at a distal end portion thereof to one of at least one suspension arm, so as to enable the rotation of the shaft to cause change in a vertical distance between a wheel and the vehicle body. The shaft is connected to one of the at least one suspension arm or to an axle carrier, so as to enable the axial movement of the shaft to cause change in an alignment of the wheel. Also disclosed is an adjusting system including the adjuster device.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shuuichi Buma
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Patent number: 7762562Abstract: A vehicle attitude control apparatus has suspensions Sfl, Srl, Sfr, and Srr that suspend each of front-left, rear-left, front-right and rear-right wheels Wfl, Wrl, Wfr, and Wrr; electric motors 21, 22, 23 and 24 that independently drive each of four wheels; lateral acceleration sensor 31; and controller 32. The controller 32 calculates the roll angle and roll direction of a vehicle body BD by using the detected lateral acceleration. Further, the controller 32 increases or decreases the driving torques generated by the electric motors 21 to 24 by a driving torque changing amount in accordance with the calculated roll angle and roll direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mizuho Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7748720Abstract: A roll control system comprising a front torsion bar; a front first hydraulic actuator; a front second hydraulic actuator; a rear torsion bar; a rear first hydraulic actuator; a rear second hydraulic actuator; and control means connected to the hydraulic actuators and controlling the operation thereof on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition; wherein each hydraulic actuator comprises a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber; wherein the control means comprises a source of fluid pressure, a fluid reservoir, a pressure control valve fluidly connected between the pressure source and the reservoir, and at least three pressure relief valves each having two positions to fluidly connect the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators either to the pressure source or to the fluid reservoir; wherein the pressure relief valves are positioned on detection of the predetermined vehicle condition to apply a fluid pressure to the first fluid chamber of the first front hydraulic actuator and to the second fluiType: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Philippe Germain
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Patent number: 7735846Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit (100) comprises a source (180) of fluid pressure having a fluid inlet (201) and a fluid outlet (202); a fluid reservoir (181) fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the pressure source; an attenuation means (111) having a fluid inlet (203) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pressure source, and a fluid outlet (204); a pressure control valve (199) fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the attenuation means and to the fluid reservoir or the fluid inlet of the pressure source; and one or more valves (82-84) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the attenuation means.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Philippe Germain