Steering Element Responsive (e.g., Steering Angle, Steering Rate) Patents (Class 280/5.51)
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Patent number: 10464601Abstract: Automatic tilting vehicle is provided that includes left and right front wheels supported by knuckles, a rear wheel steered by a steering actuator, a vehicle tilting device, and a control unit. The control unit calculates a target tilt angle of the vehicle and a target steered angle of the rear wheel based on a steering angle and a vehicle speed, controls the vehicle tilting device so that a tilt angle of the vehicle becomes the target tilt angle, and controls the steering actuator so that a steered angle of the rear wheel becomes the target steered angle. When the vehicle is turning and decelerating, a steered angle of the rear wheel is controlled not to be the target steered angle but to zero, and a tilt angle of the vehicle is reduced by a gyro moment of the rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Junrou Yamamoto, Toshihide Yano, Yukihide Kimura, Taku Nagasawa
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Patent number: 10144281Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a vehicle is provided wherein a determination of “base neutral” is made when a difference between a command hydraulic pressure and an actual hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic clutch is within a predetermined minute value range, and when the difference is out of the minute value range, a determination of “base raising” is made if the command hydraulic pressure is larger than the actual hydraulic pressure, and a determination of “base lowering” is made if the command hydraulic pressure is smaller than the actual hydraulic pressure. The determination of “sub raising” is made when an inclination of command torque subjected to low-pass filter processing is positive for a predetermined time or more, and the determination of “sub lowering” is made when the inclination is negative for the predetermined time or more, whereby a rising or dropping tendency of the command torque is determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuma Yoshida, Noriyasu Hakuta
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Patent number: 9889878Abstract: A method of tuning a calibration table for an electric power steering system includes connecting the electric power steering system to an actuator machine, and communicating a control input from a vehicle simulator to the actuator machine. Input forces and steering angles are applied to the electric power steering system with the actuator machine, based on the control input. The electric power steering system is controlled with a steering controller, to apply a steering setting, i.e., and assistive torque. The steering controller uses the calibration table to define the steering setting, based on the applied input forces and steering angles. A steering torque in the electric power steering system generated in response to the applied steering setting is sensed, and communicated to the vehicle controller, thereby establishing a closed loop, feedback system. The calibration table may then be re-defined based on the sensed steering response for the applied input forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Theodore P. Konieczny, Scott P. Sherman, Aaron Ronald, Nathan M. Picot
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Patent number: 9566979Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a vehicle behavior control system. The vehicle behavior control system includes a steering angle obtaining module, a steering angular velocity obtaining module, a vehicle speed obtaining module, a standard yaw rate calculation module, a limit yaw rate setting module and a behavior stabilization control module. The behavior stabilization control module executes a behavior stabilization control so as to stabilize a behavior of the vehicle by giving a braking force to a turning outer wheel of the vehicle based on a target braking force. The behavior stabilization control module sets a control intervention threshold based on the limit yaw rate and the steering angular velocity, and determines that the behavior stabilization control is to be started in case the standard yaw rate exceeds the control intervention threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: AUTOLIV NISSIN BRAKE SYSTEMS JAPAN CO., LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Nishigaki, Nobuyuki Nomura, Natsuko Hamamoto, Kenji Takayama
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Patent number: 9533541Abstract: An active suspension apparatus for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pump configured to control movement of a fluid, an actuator connected with a coil spring, which is connected with a wheel of the vehicle, and configured to receive the fluid from the pump and to compensate for a displacement of the coil spring, a fluid path configured to connect the pump with the actuator, and a valve configured to control a flow of the fluid in the fluid path, wherein, when the actuator is controlled to receive the fluid from the pump, the valve is configured to prevent the fluid from flowing from the actuator to the pump by a pressure of the fluid accommodated in the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Tae Ju Kim
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Patent number: 9522587Abstract: An active suspension apparatus for a vehicle including: a pump that adjusts a movement of a fluid; and an actuator in which the fluid is supplied to a coil spring and which compensates for displacement of the coil spring, wherein the actuator includes first, second, third, and fourth actuators that are disposed at a left front wheel, a left rear wheel, a right front wheel, and a right rear wheel of the vehicle, respectively, and the pump is capable of simultaneously supplying the fluid to the first and second actuators or to the third and fourth actuators based on driving of a motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Gil Joon Cho
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Patent number: 9493145Abstract: A method of automatically preventing or reducing aquaplaning during the driving operation of a motor vehicle on a route provides that: a) a camera-based road sign recognition of a road sign on a section of the route determines whether the road sign indicates a risk of aquaplaning on the section of the route, b) at least one sensor device detects whether there is a wet road condition on the section of the route, and c) a driving assistance function for preventing or reducing aquaplaning is carried out if the road sign recognition determines that the road sign indicates the risk of aquaplaning and the sensor device detects the wet road condition on the section of the route.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH, Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Wilfried Mehr, Matthias Strauss, Alfred Eckert
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Patent number: 9421843Abstract: An active suspension apparatus for a vehicle includes a pump configured to adjust movements of a fluid and actuators configured to receive the fluid from the pump and to compensate displacements of coil springs connected to wheels of the vehicle, in which the pump supplies the fluid contained in a cylinder to one of the actuators of left wheels of the vehicle and the actuators of right wheels of the vehicle based on the driving of a motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Tae Ju Kim, Seong Ho Choi
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Patent number: 9168806Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment apparatus includes: vehicle height adjustment units respectively provided to correspond to wheels of a vehicle body, and adjusting a vehicle height in response to the supply and discharge of a working fluid; a pressure tank storing the working fluid; a compressor pressure-feeding the working fluid; opening and closing valves interposed between the vehicle height adjustment units and the pressure tank; a vehicle height acquisition unit acquiring a vehicle height value of the wheel; and a control unit controlling the vehicle height adjustment unit to adjust a vehicle height, and controlling the compressor, wherein when a vehicle height adjustment speed, calculated from the vehicle height value, is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the control unit drives the compressor to pressure-feed the working fluid to the vehicle height adjustment units.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yusuke Kondo, Takanori Suzuki, Atsuto Ogino
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Publication number: 20150091261Abstract: A system for varying an eyelet-to-eyelet distance of a vehicle. The system includes top and bottom mounting components defining the eyelet-to-eyelet distance, the top mounting component being operatively connected to a frame of the vehicle, and the bottom mounting component being operatively connected to a supporting component of the vehicle. The system also includes a telescopic component disposed about a housing of at least one of the top and bottom components, the telescopic component being displaceable with respect to said housing in response to a given input of a driver of the vehicle, for varying a distance between the top and mounting components, and thus varying the eyelet-to-eyelet distance of the vehicle. Also described is a vehicle including such a system, and a method of operating associated thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Martin Lamoureux, Nicolas Rousseau, Patrick Tellier
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Patent number: 8954233Abstract: A vehicle body drifting suppression device including a steering torque detection unit which detects a steering torque of a vehicle, wherein a vehicle body drifting suppression is performed according to a vehicle body drifting suppression control-amount, and the vehicle body drifting suppression control-amount is adjusted according to a temporal sustention status of the steering torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Nakamura, Norio Yamazaki, Shigenori Takimoto, Yoshimichi Kawamoto
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Publication number: 20150028550Abstract: Wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a wheel, at least one lower suspension link and an upper attachment joint, both being able to be attached to the vehicle, the wheel being able to rotate at 360° to steer the vehicle around a pivot line positioned by said at least one lower suspension link and said upper attachment joint once attached to the vehicle, a projection of the pivot line onto a vertical projection plane comprising a vertical axis passing through a contact point between the wheel and ground defining a caster angle with said vertical axis. The caster angle can be adjusted within a predetermined range, whatever the orientation of the projection plane. A distance between the upper attachment point and the contact point between the wheel and ground in relation to the adjusted caster angle can be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: John Victor Gano
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Patent number: 8855856Abstract: A system for providing vehicle roll control that controls the friction-force of dampers provided at the wheels of the vehicle. The system includes a lateral acceleration sensor for determining the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for determining the steering angle of the vehicle and a speed sensor for determining the speed of the vehicle. The system calculates a current control signal for one or more of the dampers based on the lateral acceleration and/or the steering angle, and uses one or both of the current control signals to control the friction-force of the inside, outside or both of the dampers.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jihan Ryu, Chandra S. Namuduri
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Patent number: 8839891Abstract: A method includes operating a wheeled vehicle including an articulated suspension system; and articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. A wheeled vehicle having an articulated suspension system includes a skid steering controller capable of articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. The skid steering controller may be implemented in software and may, but does not necessarily, include three stages for applying a differential torque, varying the traction of at least one wheel, and finely adjusting the wheel's suspension to approach a critical damped response of the vehicle turning rate with respect to its commanded rate, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Joseph H. Kaloust, Wendell H. Chun
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Patent number: 8838308Abstract: A two wheeled vehicle includes a main body, a first wheel that is coupled to the main body, and a second wheel that is coupled to the main body. The vehicle also includes a motor that is supported by the main body and that drives at least one of the first and second wheels in rotation relative to the main body. Moreover, the vehicle includes a controller assembly including a controller and a controller housing. The controller is operable to control the motor to thereby control driving rotation of the at least one of the first and second wheels. The controller is housed within the controller housing, and the controller housing is coupled to the main body. The controller and the motor are in severable but operable communication when the controller housing is coupled to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: BOXX Corp.Inventor: Eric Vaughn Meyers
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Patent number: 8807574Abstract: A spring shock absorber unit for adjusting the elevation of a vehicle, including an oscillation absorber, a support spring to absorb shocks impacting the vehicle, an upper spring seat at which the support spring is supported, an adjustment device for adjusting the height of the upper spring seat with an actuator and an adjustment mechanism configured to convert the rotary motion generated by the actuator into a translational motion of the upper spring seat, an axial bearing for supporting the spring shock absorber unit, particularly the upper spring seat and/or a piston rod at a body of a vehicle, optimal utilization of the space available shall be possible in spite of a plurality of functional elements. The adjustment mechanism can additionally serve the function of an axial bearing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Matthias Kohlhauser, Hansjörg Pöhler
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Patent number: 8781684Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle that includes: a single front wheel; two rear wheels; a passenger cabin; an electronic steering control unit; and a steering input device configured to send an electronic signal to the electronic steering control unit corresponding to an input received at the steering input device associated with turning the three-wheeled vehicle; wherein the electronic steering control unit is configured to counter-steer the front wheel in response to receiving the electronic signal, wherein the counter-steering of the front wheel initiates a leaning of the passenger cabin a direction of turning of the three-wheeled vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Alpha Motors Company LimitedInventor: Ian A. Bruce
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Patent number: 8762004Abstract: A pulse active steering control system and method for use in a motor vehicle for improving vehicle stability by reducing a likelihood for rollover and/or skidding sends pulses to the steerable wheels whenever a rollover coefficient and/or the difference between the estimated and actual yaw rate is outside a predetermined range. The pulses are asymmetrical in the form of a smooth curve with a gradually increasing rapid rising edge and a slower falling edge and provide steering input that, along with the driver steering input, returns the rollover coefficient and/or yaw rate to the predetermined range to reduce the likelihood of rollover and/or skidding.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventors: Amir Khajepour, Che-Jen Christoph Kuo, John Joseph McPhee
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Patent number: 8700269Abstract: A steerable agricultural implement configured to be coupled to a tractor by a multi-point hitch system that restrains side-to-side articulation between the tractor and the implement. The agricultural implement includes a steering controller that receives a positional attribute from a steering system of the tractor and controls a degree of pivot of a wheel assembly of the agricultural implement based on the positional attribute of the tractor steering system. The wheel assembly is configured with a steering actuator that is operable to pivot a portion of the wheel assembly without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, abutment stops to define maximum degrees of pivot of the portion of the wheel assembly and relieve the steering actuator without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, and a quick release free-wheel mechanism to enable a disconnected or “free wheel” operation of the wheel assembly independent of the steering actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Verne Hubalek
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Patent number: 8670905Abstract: A vehicle stability control method is to be performed by a vehicle stability control system of a motor vehicle, and includes the steps of: detecting an actual yaw rate, and obtaining a plurality of detection values by detecting a vehicle speed and a steering wheel angle, and at least one operation status selected from a lateral acceleration status, a load status and a steering wheel angular speed status; obtaining a plurality of intermediate weight values, from which a steering characteristic value is determined, based on the obtained detection values; obtaining a target yaw rate based on the vehicle speed, the steering wheel angle and the steering characteristic value; and controlling steering of road wheels according to difference between the target and actual yaw rates.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing CenterInventors: Jin-Yan Hsu, Bo-Ruei Chen, Tsung-Hsien Hu
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Patent number: 8666598Abstract: A method of controlling a yawing movement of an aircraft running along the ground, the aircraft comprising at least one first landing gear with a steerable bottom part bearing wheels. The method comprises the steps of (1) on the basis of a yaw rate setpoint {dot over (?)}c, determining a wheel-steering prepositioning angle ?p; and (2) using closed-loop control which as its input has the yaw rate setpoint and which generates a command to steer the bottom part in order to steer it through a steering angle ?c equal to the sum of this prepositioning angle ?p and of an angle ?z which is determined taking account of an error between the yaw rate setpoint {dot over (?)}c and the measured yaw rate {dot over (?)}m when the steerable bottom part is steered by the steering angle ?c.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-DowtyInventors: David Lemay, David Frank, Michel Basset, Yann Chamaillard
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Patent number: 8532876Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus includes an actuator to vary a steering gear ratio of a vehicle wheel steer angle of a steerable wheel to a steering wheel angle. A controller controls the actuator to produce an actuator torque in a steering direction at a start of a driver's steering operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Igarashi, Tomoaki Oida
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Publication number: 20130200578Abstract: A spring shock absorber unit for adjusting the elevation of a vehicle, including an oscillation absorber, a support spring to absorb shocks impacting the vehicle, an upper spring seat at which the support spring is supported, an adjustment device for adjusting the height of the upper spring seat with an actuator and an adjustment mechanism configured to convert the rotary motion generated by the actuator into a translational motion of the upper spring seat, an axial bearing for supporting the spring shock absorber unit, particularly the upper spring seat and/or a piston rod at a body of a vehicle, optimal utilization of the space available shall be possible in spite of a plurality of functional elements. The adjustment mechanism can additionally serve the function of an axial bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO. KGInventors: Matthias Kohlhauser, Hansjörg Pöhler
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Patent number: 8474842Abstract: There are provided left and right arm mechanisms that connect an arm attachment portion as a part of a vehicle body to vehicle wheel attachment portions attached with front wheels via a front arm and a rear arm disposed in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and having plural links; and servo motors that independently drive the left and right arm mechanisms so that each link angle corresponding to a turning angle is determined. The setting position of the imaginary kingpin axis may be changed. Each link angle changes within a range of maintaining a correlation in which the turning angle increases in accordance with an increase in the steering operation amount when controlling the servo motors so as to obtain the turning angle corresponding to the steering operation amount of a steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Shibuya
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Patent number: 8473160Abstract: A steering operation force detection device for a steering wheel including a steering wheel rim having a right-side rim section and a left-side rim section. The device includes load cells that detect six component forces of the steering operation force acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section consisting of forces in three axial directions and moments about three axes. The device includes a steering angle detection sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel, and an inertial force component correcting unit that derives an inertial force component acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section due to rotation of the steering wheel, based on an amount of displacement of the steering angle detected by the steering angle detection sensor, and that corrects the component force detected by the load cells to eliminate an effect of the derived inertial force component.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Kuramori
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Patent number: 8457842Abstract: A power steering system for a motor vehicle includes a rack and pinion assembly in which the teeth of the pinion are engaged with the teeth of the rack. The power steering system further includes magnets (e.g., permanent magnets or electromagnets) connected to the rack, as well as magnets (e.g., permanent magnets or electromagnets) connected to a rack tube. A varying maglev (i.e., magnetic levitation) force obtained by controlling current flowing through at least some of the magnets (e.g., by varying duty cycle of pulse-width-modulation through an electronic control unit) provides steering assistance for the motor vehicle employing the power steering system. A power steering system includes first and second steering elements, magnets connected to the steering elements, and a controller configured to obtain speed information and steering position information and to control the activation of the magnets in response to the speed information and steering position information.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Girish Suchir Kulkarni, Akshay Balkrishna Agarkar
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Patent number: 8392068Abstract: A vehicle behavior control device (S) determines, by using a vehicle velocity (V), a transmission function (K(s)) which is determined based on a specification of the vehicle, receives as an input a wheel turning speed (?) obtained by differentiating a wheel turning angle (?) of left and right front wheels (FW1, FW2) with respect to time, and outputs a target yaw moment (My). The device (S) also calculates, by using the determined target yaw moment (My), a left-wheel-side forward/backward force (FxCL) imparted to a left wheel side (left front wheel FW1 and left rear wheel RW1) of a vehicle (10) and a right-wheel-side forward/backward force (FxCR) imparted to a right wheel side (right front wheel FW2 and right rear wheel RW2) of the vehicle (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ippei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8346434Abstract: When a vehicle is turning, it is determined whether an inside turning wheel has sufficient grip force. If the inside wheel has sufficient grip force, left and right forces orthogonally input to the vehicle body are calculated based on longitudinal and lateral tire forces, and are checked if there is a difference in the left and right forces. If there is such a left-right force difference and the vehicle is not undergoing a braking operation, the turning angle of the inside wheel is corrected using a left-right independent steering device that independently controls the turning angles of left and right wheels, so that the difference becomes zero. Thus, the difference in left and right forces laterally input to the vehicle body is reduced to minimize a jack-up force. This improves the driving stability and achieves a good roll feel by means of a jack-down force, thereby achieving improved driving feel.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Tsukasaki, Masaru Kogure
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Patent number: 8315765Abstract: In a method for reducing the rollover risk in vehicles, at least one state variable which characterizes the transverse dynamics of the vehicle is ascertained and is used as the basis for an intervention into the steering system and the braking system which stabilizes the vehicle. A multivariable control is carried out in which two control loops are superimposed, the first control loop being based on control of the yaw rate and the second control loop being based on control of the transverse acceleration. The steering system as well as the braking system may be adjusted via the first and second control loops.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Manfred Gerdes, Frank Niewels, Sylvia Futterer, Peter Ziegler
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Patent number: 8308174Abstract: A steering device for adjusting a wheel steering angle of a wheel of a motor vehicle is disclosed, which steering device has just one central wheel guide member for changing the wheel steering angle of the wheel and not a plurality of wheel guide members. The length of the wheel guide member can be adjusted, wherein a change in length of the central wheel guide member brings about a change in the wheel steering angle of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Continental Teves AG & oHGInventors: Norman Muth, Steffen Linkenbach, Johann Jungbecker
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Patent number: 8256780Abstract: A steering device includes left and right arm mechanisms each including a front arm and a rear arm whose one ends are rotatably connected to a wheel-mounting portion at wheel-side connecting points and whose other ends are rotatably connected at body-side connecting points. The front arm and rear arm of the arm mechanisms each include a plurality of links, and adjacent links are rotatably connected to each other at an intermediate connecting point. An arm driving device drives the arm mechanisms independently from each other such that the angles of individual links around the connecting points are uniquely determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Shibuya
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Patent number: 8235398Abstract: A method of operating a leaning vehicle is described. The method includes: determining a steering torque exerted on a steering assembly; determining a speed of travel of the vehicle; determining a leaning angle of a frame of the vehicle with respect to a reference angle; and exerting a leaning torque on the frame relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis in a first direction using an actuator in response to a steering torque exerted on the steering assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction when a speed of travel of the vehicle is above a threshold speed, thereby causing the vehicle to turn in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventor: Daniel Mercier
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Publication number: 20120119453Abstract: A method of operating a leaning vehicle is described. The method includes: determining a steering torque exerted on a steering assembly; determining a speed of travel of the vehicle; determining a leaning angle of a frame of the vehicle with respect to a reference angle; and exerting a leaning torque on the frame relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis in a first direction using an actuator in response to a steering torque exerted on the steering assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction when a speed of travel of the vehicle is above a threshold speed, thereby causing the vehicle to turn in the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Daniel MERCIER
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Publication number: 20120112424Abstract: Disclosed is an improved snowmobile ski suspension including a pair of airspring biasing mechanisms whose air volumes are interconnected by a cross linking conduit that incorporates an open and closed switch. In an alternative embodiment a simpler configuration is provided for which does not include the use of an open or closed switch manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Harold J. Cronquist, Troy L. Leiphart, Gerard John Karpik
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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: 8050818Abstract: A roll stiffness control apparatus of a vehicle, which includes a controller that estimates a remaining capacity of front wheels to generate a lateral force and a remaining capacity of rear wheels to generate a lateral force, and that sets a roll stiffness distribution ratio between the front wheels and the rear wheels so as to reduce a difference between the remaining capacity of the front wheels to generate a lateral force and the remaining capacity of the rear wheels to generate a lateral force.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuichi Mizuta
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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: 7962262Abstract: A first computing section stores a plurality of types of variable transmission ratio characteristics prescribed in correspondence with different modes in the form of maps. With reference to one of the maps corresponding to a selected one of the modes, the first computing section computes a first command angle by which the variable transmission ratio characteristics prescribed by the map are brought about. In this manner, variable gear ratio control is carried out. After a subsequent mode has been selected, the first computing section does not switch the maps which are referred to in the variable gear ratio control if the steering wheel turning angle ?s is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value ?.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Jtekt CorporationInventor: Yukihiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7954827Abstract: A steering controller for an electric power steering device 110 includes a base signal computing part 51 for computing a base signal DT in accordance with at least the steering torque; a damper compensation signal computing part 52 for computing a damper compensation signal in accordance with an angular velocity of an electric motor 4 or a speed of steering wheel turn; and an inertia compensation signal computing part 53 for compensating inertia and viscosity in the steering unit. The electric motor is driven by a target signal IM1 obtained by compensating the base signal with a damper compensation signal and an inertia compensation signal, to provide a steering auxiliary force. The target signal of the auxiliary torque is compensated so that a difference between a reference self-aligning torque of front wheel in a front wheel steering vehicle and a self-aligning torque of front wheel in an all-wheel steering vehicle is provided to a driver as a responsive feeling from the steering torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kouhei Maruyama, Yasuhiro Terada, Yutaka Horiuchi, Nobuo Sugitani, Takashi Yanagi
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Publication number: 20110121524Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle that allows the amount of roll to be reduced is provided. The saddle riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a handle, and a suspension mechanism. The suspension mechanism is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body and supports a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right skis. The suspension mechanism includes a pair of left and right arm members and a pair of left and right air shock absorbers. The pair of left and right arm members supports the pair of front wheels or the pair of skis in a vertically movable manner. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers is coupled to the pair of arm members. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers each includes a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a first gas chamber, and a second gas chamber. The cylinder stores gas. The piston is stored in the cylinder and has a front surface and a back surface. The piston rod is coupled to the back surface of the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takamasa KAMIOKA, Kotaro OGURA
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Patent number: 7896360Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer system including: (a) a stabilizer bar (28) including (a-1) a torsion bar portion (90), and (a-2) an arm portion (92) that extends from the torsion bar portion in a direction not parallel to the torsion bar portion; (b) an actuator (32) configured to rotate the stabilizer bar about an axis of the torsion bar portion; and (c) a link rod (34) interconnecting the suspension arm (78) and one of opposite ends of the arm portion that is remote from the torsion bar portion. The stabilizer bar generates a stabilizing force which is dependent on a reaction that is generated as a result of torsion of the torsion bar portion, and which forces the wheel (12) and the body in a selected one of a direction toward each other and a direction away from each other. The actuator allows the stabilizer bar to generate the stabilizing force whose magnitude is changeable by operation of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shuuichi Buma
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Publication number: 20100264609Abstract: An arrangement of a roll stabilization system equipped with a split lateral stabilizer and an arrangement of a steering system on a double track motor vehicle is provided. A gear of the roll stabilization system is arranged essentially coaxially between two halves of the lateral stabilizer rotatable with respect to one another, and a motor for introducing a stabilization torque is arranged at the side of this gear and the lateral stabilizer. The steering system has, in addition to a steering gear, with which steering arms can be moved essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, a motor, which is arranged at the side of the steering gear and a movement axis defined by the movable steering arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang SCHMIDT, Stephan Ertlmaier
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Patent number: 7802800Abstract: A vehicle with lean control has a frame with a steering assembly. An arm assembly is connected to the frame. A pair of first and second shock absorbers is mounted between the frame and the arm assembly on opposite sides of the frame. Each shock absorber has a fluid-filled chamber and floating piston. A load sensor is mounted to the steering assembly for detecting changes of pressure on the steering assembly. The load sensor has a housing, a pressure sensing area disposed in the housing, and provides an electrical signal in response to the pressure sensing area. The load sensor detects pressure applied to the top plate of the housing. An electronic control unit is coupled to the electrical contact of the load sensor. A motor and pump assembly is responsive to the electronic control unit for transferring fluid between the chambers of the first and second shock absorbers.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Inventor: Thomas W. Melcher
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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: 7747359Abstract: A vehicle includes a semi-active suspension including suspension dampers controllably adjustable in accordance with electronic stability control commands and ride and handling commands. Vehicle steering response states, turning direction states and vehicle dynamics states are binary coded in respective state variables and suspension control calibrations are binary coded in calibration words. Integrity and security of state variables and calibration words are ensured in efficient binary digit resource allocation schemes.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Steven D. Palazzolo, Mark A. Seifert
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Patent number: 7715963Abstract: In a stabilizer control apparatus for controlling a torsional rigidity of a stabilizer of a vehicle, an actual lateral acceleration and a calculated lateral acceleration are obtained. Then, influence amount caused by the calculated lateral acceleration is set to be greater than influence amount caused by the actual lateral acceleration, when the vehicle is moving straight, whereas the influence amount caused by the actual lateral acceleration is set to be increased, with the turning operation of the vehicle being increased, to actively control the rolling motion of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Shingo Urababa, Shuuichi Buma
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Patent number: 7706941Abstract: A method and system for coordinating a vehicle stability control system with a suspension damper control sub-system includes a plurality of dampers, each of which are controlled directly by the suspension damper control sub-system. A plurality of sensors sense a plurality of vehicle parameters. A supervisory controller generates vehicle damper commands based on the plurality of vehicle parameters for each of the dampers. A damper controller in electrical communication with the supervisory controller receives the vehicle damper commands and generates sub-system damper commands based on a portion of the plurality of vehicle parameters for each of the dampers. The damper controller also determines if any of the vehicle damper commands for any one of the dampers has authority over the corresponding sub-system damper command.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Loren E. Majersik, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Steven D. Palazzolo, Mark A. Seifert