Longitudinal Vehicle Disposition (e.g., Antidive, Antipitch, Antisquat) Patents (Class 280/5.513)
  • Patent number: 11919524
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided including an electronic power steering system, an electronic throttle control system, and a stability control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Tim P. Norstad, Louis J. Brady, Brian R. Gillingham, Stephen L. Nelson, Jason R. Fields
  • Patent number: 11872860
    Abstract: A damper control apparatus for controlling a front damper at a front wheel and a rear damper at a rear wheel. The damper control apparatus includes: a preview sensor configured to detect a road surface state in front of a vehicle; a steering angle sensor configured to detect a steering angle of the vehicle; and a controller configured to control the front and rear dampers based on a detected value of the preview sensor. In response to the steering angle sensor detecting a steering angle that exceeds a predetermined steering angle threshold, the controller is configured to reduce control of the rear damper that is based on the detected value of the preview sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Konada, Takashi Yanagi, Ryosuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11565566
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to one aspect includes: a vehicle height adjusting member that adjusts height of a seat of a saddle-type vehicle, using hydraulic pressure; an oil supplying portion that supplies oil to the vehicle height adjusting member, using a motor; and a control section that estimates a load applied to the vehicle height adjusting member, from a current supplied to the motor and a stroke correspondence quantity of the vehicle height adjusting member, and controls the oil supplying portion based on the load to adjust the height of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kineo Tomura, Yosuke Wada, Satoru Muto
  • Patent number: 11565692
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method/device to improve braking performance on a wheeled vehicle comprising at least one driving axle, the wheeled vehicle further comprising a collision warning system and an emergency braking system and an air suspension system, the air suspension system comprising at least one air suspension module associated with the at least one driving axle and the air suspension system being configured to control the air pressure in the at least one air suspension module associated with the at least one driving axle, the collision warning system being configured to monitor the environment of the wheeled vehicle, and to determine if and when the emergency braking system may need to be actuated, so that when the collision warning system determines the emergency braking system may need to be actuated, the method being implemented by the collision warning system and comprising one step implemented before eventually actuating the emergency braking system, said step comprising actuating the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Raphaël Ribero, Thierry Beaudiquez
  • Patent number: 11279196
    Abstract: A damping force control device 10 comprises vary damping shock absorbers, a detector, and a controller. Each of the shock absorbers sets damping coefficient from a minimum value to a maximum value in order to adjust damping force. The detector detects vertical vibration state quantity relating to vibration of the sprung mass. The controller performs an ordinary control for setting the damping coefficient based on the vertical vibration state quantity and according to a predetermined control law suitable for an assumption that all of the wheels touch ground. The controller performs, when at least one of the wheels is an ungrounded wheel which does not touch the ground and each of the other wheels is a grounded wheel which touches the ground, a specific control for setting the damping coefficient of the shock absorber corresponding to the grounded wheel to a first specific value greater than the minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohtaroh Okimura, Masaaki Tabata, Yoshinori Takamura, Ryo Masutani
  • Patent number: 11097832
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a dual piston actuator and valves. The dual piston actuator includes a primary actuator and a protection actuator. The primary and protection actuators move to increase and decrease a pitch of propellers of an aircraft with respect to a supply of first and second mediums. The valves include a first check valve, a second check valve, and a third valve. The third valve operates between a first mode and a protection mode. The second medium is directed to the primary and protection actuators through the first and second check valves by the third valve when the third valve is operating in a protection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy Maver
  • Patent number: 11052717
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system capable of adjusting a vehicle height in a short time. The suspension system includes a front wheel-side suspension and a rear wheel-side suspension each provided between a vehicle body and an axle and configured to adjust a vehicle height according to supply and discharge of hydraulic fluid, a pressurization device configured to pressurize the hydraulic fluid, and a first tank and a second tank configured to store therein the hydraulic fluid pressurized by the pressurization device. When the suspension system lowers the vehicle height by each of the front wheel-side suspension and the rear wheel-side suspension, any one of the front wheel-side suspension and the rear wheel-side suspension discharges the hydraulic fluid to the first tank, and the other of the front wheel-side suspension and the rear wheel-side suspension discharges the hydraulic fluid into the second tank by the pressurization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10759249
    Abstract: A vehicle-height control system including a tank, a compressor, an actuator, and a valve between the tank and the compressor. The valve is closed to a state of a pressure medium supplier to the compressor-pressure supply state when a tank pressure has reached a threshold in a tank-pressure supply state in which the tank pressure is supplied to the actuator. In the compressor-pressure supply state, the tank pressure is kept at the threshold, and a pressure in the actuator is greater than the tank pressure. The threshold makes it difficult for a pressure differential in the valve to become greater than a valve-opening pressure differential, making it difficult for the valve to be opened in the compressor-pressure supply state. This system enables good supply of a pressure medium from the compressor to the actuator, avoiding a longer time for vehicle height control and achieving a shorter compressor operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Ohashi, Jun Tokumitsu, Ryo Kanda, Shogo Tanaka, Masaaki Oishi
  • Patent number: 10160447
    Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting a current operating speed of a vehicle are disclosed. A position of the vehicle relative to an abrupt road change in front of the vehicle and a current operating speed are determined. Information regarding a profile of the abrupt road change is detected. Based on the determined position and current operating speed, a brake torque output is adjusted to reduce the current operating speed. Based on the profile, suspension parameters associated with the vehicle are dynamically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Miguel A. Bahena
  • Patent number: 9039021
    Abstract: A control arrangement for a hydropneumatic suspension system and a hydropneumatic suspension system are provided. The control arrangement has a pressure supply connection, a return connection, a piston chamber connection adapted to be connected to the piston chamber of a suspension cylinder of the hydropneumatic suspension system, an annular chamber connection adapted to be connected to the annular chamber of the suspension cylinder, and at least one controllable valve arrangement comprising a plurality of switch positions via which the pressure supply connection and the return connection are connectable to the piston chamber connection and the annular chamber connection. The annular chamber connection is in flow connection with the return connection via a pressure-limiting line having a hydraulically controllable pressure-limiting element. The pressure-limiting element has a control input adapted to be acted upon via a control line by a control pressure which is limitable to a predefinable pressure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FSP Fluid Systems Partners Holding AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Bauer
  • Publication number: 20150061242
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 8950757
    Abstract: A device for the compensation of body movements in a motor vehicle, having an arrangement of four first piston-cylinder units which are assigned to in each case one wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein a compensation unit is provided which has a fifth piston-cylinder unit and a sixth piston-cylinder unit, wherein the pistons of the fifth piston-cylinder unit and of the sixth piston-cylinder unit are connected to one another via a coupling element, wherein at least a first number of the first piston-cylinder units and the fifth piston-cylinder unit are in fluid communication with one another and at least a second number of the first piston-cylinder units and the sixth piston-cylinder unit are in fluid communication with one another, and the compensation unit has means for compensating body movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Eisenbarth
  • Publication number: 20150035241
    Abstract: A driven wheel suspension system for a vehicle (100) having a chassis (12) suspended from a driven wheel (10) is disclosed. The suspension system includes a suspension mechanism including a driven wheel carrier member (11) rotatably connected to the driven wheel (10). The suspension mechanism is configured to isolate the movement of the driven wheel 10 from the movement of the chassis (12). The driven wheel (10) is movable a distance relative to the chassis (12) which defines a suspension travel. The driven wheel suspension system further includes a drive train including a looped power transmission element configured to transmit power between the driven wheel (10) and a power source mounted on the chassis (12). An idler member (31) is rotatably mounted on an idler carrier member (20) that is movable relative to both the chassis (12) and driven wheel earner member (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Hugh McLeay
  • Publication number: 20150021865
    Abstract: A low cost leaning vehicle stability and self-righting system that primarily uses gravity to return a leaning vehicle position to its original stable upright position. The system accomplishes this by increasing the leaning vehicle's Center of Gravity (CG) above the resting upright position—thus increasing the CG energy state—the more the vehicle leans. The system stores energy—a combination of additional and recovered energy normally lost when the vehicle leans—primarily in the form of gravitational potential energy to automatically return the vehicle from a leaning position to the upright stable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: James Lin
  • Patent number: 8925657
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
  • Patent number: 8910975
    Abstract: Embodiments of a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a locking assembly. The locking assembly inhibits tipping of a frame of the vehicle when tipping of the frame is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz, Gerald Fought
  • Patent number: 8833774
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20140167370
    Abstract: A device for the compensation of body movements in a motor vehicle, having an arrangement of four first piston-cylinder units which are assigned to in each case one wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein a compensation unit is provided which has a fifth piston-cylinder unit and a sixth piston-cylinder unit, wherein the pistons of the fifth piston-cylinder unit and of the sixth piston-cylinder unit are connected to one another via a coupling element, wherein at least a first number of the first piston-cylinder units and the fifth piston-cylinder unit are in fluid communication with one another and at least a second number of the first piston-cylinder units and the sixth piston-cylinder unit are in fluid communication with one another, and the compensation unit has means for compensating body movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Eisenbarth
  • Publication number: 20130334778
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 8550481
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear suspension equipped with at least one shock absorber including a by-pass passage for bringing about a damping effect that is different in different portions of the stroke of the plunger of the shock absorber. The shock absorber and the by-pass passage are configured in such a way that the shock absorber produces a maximum damping effect in a final stretch of the stroke of the plunger in the direction of lengthening of the shock absorber, said final stretch of stroke being pre-arranged so as to correspond to the final part of the maximum possible lift of said rear suspension during braking of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Emiliano Agnoletto, Valerio Castelli
  • Patent number: 8534679
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that movement of the frame relative to the rear castor causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr., Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 8473157
    Abstract: A method for controlling four semi-active suspensions of a vehicle comprising the steps of: determining, for each semi-active suspension, a first and a second signal representative of the acceleration and speed of the sprung mass; determining, for a pair of semi-active suspensions arranged on one side of the vehicle a third and a four signal representative of the acceleration and pitch speed; calculating for each semi-active suspension, a first damping coefficient as a function of the difference between the first and second signal squared; calculating for each semi-active suspension, a second damping coefficient as a function of the difference between the third and the four signal squared; for each semi-active suspension, comparing the first and the second damping coefficient for determining the higher coefficient; applying to each force generator device, an electronic control signal indicative of the respective high damping coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A., Politecnico di Milano
    Inventors: Sergio M. Savaresi, Cristiano Spelta, Diego Delvecchio, Gabriele Bonaccorso, Fabio Ghirardo, Sebastiano Campo
  • Patent number: 8459662
    Abstract: A mowing apparatus having a center of gravity having a frame member, at least one front ground engaging wheel rotatably connected proximate the front end of the frame member and at least two rear ground engaging wheels rotatably connected proximate the back end of the frame member so as to substantially prevent the mowing apparatus from rolling over as it traverses along an inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 8453768
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
  • Patent number: 8392068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ippei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8342540
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes left and right suspensions connected to a frame. The left and right suspensions are moving in predetermined directions. A vehicle implement is pivotally connected to one of a front portion and a rear portion of the frame by at least one arm. The vehicle implement is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The second position is vertically higher than the first position. At least one suspension limiter is operatively connected to the at least one arm. When the vehicle implement is in the first and second positions, the left and right suspensions are free to move in the predetermined directions. When the vehicle implement is in a position intermediate the first and second positions, the at least one suspension limiter restricts movement of the left and right suspensions in at least one of the predetermined directions. A suspension limiter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 8322728
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryusuke Hirao, Takahide Kobayashi, Nobushige Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8090492
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
    Inventors: Masao Nagai, Yohei Michitsuji, Pongsathorn Raksincharoensak
  • Publication number: 20110272900
    Abstract: A central multidirectional transmission system is disclosed which includes a chassis having a central base and a central multidirectional mechanism, a rear suspension assembly, and a front suspension assembly. The rear suspension assembly, the front suspension assembly, and one or more mechanical and structural components are mounted to the central base. The rear suspension assembly serves as a base for a rear suspension and a telescoping mechanism and is attached in a pivotal manner to the central base. The front suspension assembly is also mounted to the central base in a manner which permits the front suspension assembly to rotate at differing vertical and horizontal angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Lares
  • Publication number: 20110241299
    Abstract: A suspension control apparatus selectively performs at least one of: compression-stroke control performed when a wheel load is increased, for setting a damping-force characteristic of at least one of damping-force variable dampers, which is provided on a side of at least one wheel whose wheel load is to be increased among a plurality of wheels, to a hard side in an early stage of a compression stroke and switching the damping-force characteristic to a soft side in a latter stage of the compression stroke; extension-stroke control performed when the wheel load is increased, for setting the damping-force characteristic to the soft side in an early stage of an extension stroke and switching the damping-force characteristic to the hard side in a latter stage of the extension stroke; compression-stroke control performed when the wheel load is reduced, for setting the damping-force characteristic of at least one of the damping-force variable dampers, which is provided on a side of at least one wheel whose wheel loa
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Naofumi HARADA, Yoichi KUMEMURA, Tatsuya GANKAI
  • Patent number: 8005596
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Keith Mattson, Joe Meyers
  • Patent number: 7899594
    Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a controller (26) that determines whether or not a potential load change has occurred in a load change detector (59). A load change detector (59) may be coupled to various sensors to determine whether or not a change in load has occurred. If a change in load has occurred an adaptively determined roll condition parameter such as a roll acceleration coefficient, a roll rate parameter or a roll gradient may be reset. If a potential load change has not occurred, then a newly determined value for an adaptive roll condition may be included in a revised adaptive roll condition average. A safety device (44) may be controlled in response to the revised adaptive roll condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: David Messih, Jianbo Lu
  • Patent number: 7887064
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7789398
    Abstract: 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 compr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Kinetic Pty., Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Andrew Munday, Richard Monk
  • Patent number: 7783402
    Abstract: A vehicle stability control system uses a physical quantity corresponding to a driver accelerator input to control engine power produced by an engine and to controllably drive an engine load device for regulating the engine power to produce a desired drive force. The vehicle stability control system includes a vibration detector and a corrector. The vibration detector determines a vibration that occurs during running of the vehicle to disturb the stability of the vehicle. The corrector drives the engine load device to suppress the vibration in response to the vibration determined by the vibration detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Sawada, Toshiki Matsumoto, Takehito Fujiii, Tsutomu Tashiro
  • Patent number: 7706941
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren E. Majersik, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Steven D. Palazzolo, Mark A. Seifert
  • Patent number: 7686309
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a suspension system for a vehicle includes at least one first pair of wheel rams (11, 12) at a first end of the vehicle and at least one second pair of wheel rams (13, 14) at a second end of the vehicle, each rams including a compression chamber (45-48) and a rebound chamber (49-52); and the system includes first and second diagonal circuits with respect to said vehicle. The hydraulic system includes at least one first and second modal resilience devices (81, 82). These devices each including at least one resilient means (107-110), at least one moveable member (105-106) and at least first and second (89, 90 and 91, 92) system modal chambers. Motion of the moveable member of each modal resilience device due to roll or pitch motion of the vehicle is controlled by the respective at least one resilient means to thereby provide respective roll or pitch resilience in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kinetic Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Andrew Munday, James Lind Taylor, Richard Monk
  • Patent number: 7543825
    Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle is provided with an in-wheel motor in each of a front wheel and a rear wheel and has approximately the same roll center heights of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The relation between a change in a kingpin offset and a change in a wheel stroke for at least any one of the front wheel and the rear wheel of the four-wheel vehicle is determined based on at least any one of braking force distribution and driving force distribution between the front wheel and the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichiji Yamada
  • Patent number: 7469175
    Abstract: Method and device for calculating chassis height of a vehicle that has at least three air-suspended wheel axles (2, 3, 4). The device includes a control unit and two level sensors (9, 10). The control unit detects the chassis height at the front axle (2) via a first level sensor (9) and at the forward rear axle (3) via a second level sensor (10), and the control unit calculates the chassis height at the rearmost wheel axle (4). An object of the disclosure is to protect the rear axle installation with as few level sensors as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Per-Olov Brandt, Bengt Terborn
  • Patent number: 7377522
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle (50c) having a body (52c) and a plurality of wheel support assemblies (56c, 58c) includes a tie structure (60c) interposed between the body and the wheel support assemblies. A first interconnection system (68c) interconnects the tie structure to the wheel support assemblies, and the second interconnection system (302) interconnects the tie structure and the body. The second interconnection system includes a plurality of link structures (304, 320) pivotally connected at one end to the tie structure, and pivotally connected at the opposite end to the body. Such link structures are oriented relative to the tie structure to extend towards a common point along a longitudinal axis (33B) of the tie structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: William L. MacIsaac
  • Patent number: 7314220
    Abstract: A variable stiffness suspension system is provided for a wheelchair. The wheelchair has a frame and at least one wheel coupled to the frame for generally vertical movement relative to the frame. At least one sensor is provided for sensing an operating condition of the wheelchair. A controller is operatively coupled to the sensor. A controllable damper having a variable stiffness is coupled to the controller, the wheel and to the frame. The controllable damper is responsive to the controller and provides a force capable of being varied in a continuous manner. The force is resistive to movement of the wheel. The controllable damper is preferably a commercially available magneto-rheological damper or a variable orifice fluid damper. The controllable damper may be either a linear damper or a rotary brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Turturiello, Michael J. Rozaieski
  • Publication number: 20070024022
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system having under powered acceleration a squat response that begins in the realm of anti squat and passes through a point of lessened anti squat at a further point in the travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 7114729
    Abstract: An anti-lift characteristic of a rear suspension of a vehicle is enhanced by including a carrier at which a rear wheel is rotatably mounted; a trailing arm longitudinally aligned with respect to a vehicle body, ends of the trailing arm being respectively connected to the carrier and the vehicle body; and a connecting unit connecting the vehicle body and a body-side end of the trailing arm, and varying a vertical position of the body-side end according to a running state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byong Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 6968266
    Abstract: A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, is provided including a controller 24. The controller 24 is electrically coupled to a radar system and a navigation system. The detection system 28 detects an object and generates an object profile. The navigation system 34 generates a navigation signal. The controller 24 in response to the object profile and the navigation signal, generates a predicted future path profile and inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22 in response to the predicted future path profile. An additional feature of the invention is that the controller 24 may also be electrically coupled to a yaw rate sensor 30. The yaw rate sensor 30 senses the yaw rate of the vehicle 22 and generates a yaw rate signal. The controller 24 in response to the yaw rate signal inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Farid Ahmed-Zaid, Gerald H Engelman, Paul Robert Haney
  • Patent number: 6876909
    Abstract: An ECU of an ECS apparatus has a determination block for determining whether the TPS signal rises to be greater than a first reference value and for determining whether the TPS signal declines to be less than a second reference value; and a damper control block, which adjusts a damping force of the front damper according to the determination result. The damper control block sets the front damper into a hard rebound mode when the determination block determines that the TPS signal rises to be greater than the first reference value, and then the damper control block sets the front damper into a hard compression mode when the determination block determines that the TPS signal declines to become less than the second reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Wanil Kim
  • Patent number: 6779621
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing a balancing transporter under riderless conditions. The balancing transporter is characterized by a center of mass, and has two laterally disposed wheels and a region of contact with an underlying surface. In accordance with the method, the absence of a user aboard the transporter is first detected. Then a desired transporter pitch is determined such as to establish a condition of stasis wherein the center of mass is disposed directly above the region of contact between the balancing transporter and the underlying surface. Finally, a torque is applied to the laterally disposed wheels so as to maintain the transporter at the desired transporter pitch. The torque may include coadded terms where the terms are, respectively, proportional to a pitch error, a pitch rate, a wheel rate, and an integral representing the wheel rotation that was required to bring the transporter to the condition of stasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, J. Douglas Field, John B. Morrell
  • Patent number: 6749035
    Abstract: A hitch control system for a work vehicle combines a front suspension position signal, a hitch load signal and a hitch position signal to generate a valve command signal that controls hitch position so as to alleviate pitching and maximize front wheel ground contact time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Bundy
  • Patent number: 6543564
    Abstract: A transportation vehicle for transporting an individual over ground having a surface that may be irregular. The vehicle has a support platform for supporting the subject and the support platform is coupled to a ground-contacting module at a pivot. While the ground-contacting module may be statically stable, balance of the support platform with respect to the ground-contacting module is maintained by motion of the ground-contacting module in response to leaning of the support platform. A motorized drive coupled to the ground-contacting module causes locomotion of the vehicle and the subject therewith over the surface, while a control loop, in which the motorized drive is included, dynamically enhances stability in the fore-aft plane by operation of the motorized drive in connection with the ground-contacting module. In the event of failure of the control loop, the pivot connection of the support platform to the ground-contacting module may be locked, thereby ensuring stability of the static assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Douglas Field, Richard Kurt Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6418363
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having at least one fluid-pressurized height adjusting member having first and second separable components. Apparatus includes an integrated vehicle ride height system control system. The control system includes an electronic output drive signal circuit and input signal interpretation circuit to electronically interface with at least one position sensor. The position sensor provides output signals related to extent of separation of said first and second separable components of the fluid pressurized height adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Helder Cochofel, David Shank, John Washeleski
  • Patent number: 6336648
    Abstract: An electronically controlled anti-dive suspension apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a suspension system, a sensor, an electronics module, and an actuator. The sensor mounted to the vehicle senses deceleration of the vehicle due to a braking action and produces an input representative thereof. The electronics module mounted to the vehicle and connected to the sensor receives and processes the input from the sensor and produces an output corresponding to a desired predetermined response to the deceleration of the vehicle. The actuator mounted to the vehicle and coupled to the suspension system receives the output from the electronics module and in response thereto causes the suspension system to reduce its amount of contraction and thereby prevent any resulting dive of the front end of the vehicle downward toward the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: David D. Bohn