Fail-safe System Patents (Class 701/76)
  • Patent number: 12158354
    Abstract: A system comprises a computer including a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions such that the processor is programmed to receive sensor data including wheel speed measurements, suspension displacement measurements, and tire leak detection data from a vehicle, estimate a rough road measurement based on a deviation of a wheel speed with respect to an average wheel speed and or based on suspension displacement sensor signals and generate temporal spatial map data indicative of a location and a roughness severity metric of a roadway portion based on the rough road measurement and tire leak detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Arreaza, Amin Abdossalami, Joseph K. Moore, Donald K. Grimm, Fan Bai, Harnit Kaur Anand, Jinzhu Chen
  • Patent number: 12054129
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle brake system including a brake booster and an electronic traction control device, which is used as a fallback level in a malfunction of the brake booster. The position of an accelerator pedal is ascertained when a malfunction of the brake booster is detected, and under the precondition that the accelerator pedal is released, a predefined initial pressure is built up in a pressure chamber of a master brake cylinder of the vehicle brake system with the aid of the traction control device so that a deceleration of the vehicle is induced. A control unit which is designed to carry out the method, and a vehicle having a vehicle brake system and a control unit, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Jochen Wagner, Florian Haag, Martin Marquart
  • Patent number: 11964648
    Abstract: In some implementations, the system may include a plurality of wheel speed sensors, each of the plurality of wheel speed sensors being configured to monitor the speed of a respective wheel of a vehicle. In addition, the system may include a central electronic control unit. The system may include a plurality of controlling devices, each of the plurality of controlling devices being communicatively coupled to at least one wheel speed sensor of the plurality of wheel speed sensors. Moreover, the system may include a central electronic control unit communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of controlling devices via a network connection and configured to process data received from each of the controlling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
    Inventors: Martin Bornemann, Lee Henry Bauer, Christian Schäfer
  • Patent number: 11958463
    Abstract: For operation of a hydraulic power vehicle braking system for autonomous driving, a brake pressure is generated using a second power brake pressure generator if, after a predefined first time span, no brake pressure or insufficient brake pressure has been generated using a first power brake pressure generator. The generation of the brake pressure using the second power brake pressure generator is aborted if, within a second time span, which is longer than the first time span, no error message is present from the first power brake pressure generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Bruex
  • Patent number: 11899076
    Abstract: A computer including a hardware interface wherein the hardware interface includes a first resistor with a first first resistor pin and a second first resistor pin, a second resistor with a first second resistor pin and a second second resistor pin, a transistor, a comparator; the first first resistor pin being coupled on the one hand to the first hardware interface pin and on the other hand to a first transistor pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Yannick Leroy, Jacques Rocher
  • Patent number: 11891033
    Abstract: A method for determining a clearance of an electromechanical brake involves the following steps: Activating a clearance determination cycle for the brake, moving an electromechanical brake actuator by a drive motor into a first end position, moving the electromechanical brake actuator via the drive motor toward a second end position, continuously determining a rotor position and/or a motor current of the drive motor during the movement of the brake actuator toward the second end position, determining a contact position at which the brake pad comes into contact with the brake disc, on the basis of the rotor position and/or of the motor current, and determining a clearance and/or a degree of pad wear on the basis of the determined contact position. A suitable electomechanical brake and a respective control unit carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventors: Peter Beier, Arne Reiners
  • Patent number: 11726005
    Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for automatically controlling braking of a vehicle during testing. In an exemplary embodiments, a testing assembly is provided that includes a roll test machine and a tester system. The roll test machine includes a flat surface, a plurality of rollers, and one or more optical controllers. The plurality of rollers are configured to engage a vehicle on the flat surface for testing of the vehicle. The one or more optical encoders are configured to generate wheel speed and brake force data for the vehicle during testing of the vehicle. The tester system includes a processor configured to at least facilitate generating instructions for brake pressure to be applied via a braking system of the vehicle during the testing of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A Conlin, Jason J Opolka
  • Patent number: 11685351
    Abstract: A local control unit for a brake system is described. The control unit serves to actuate an electromechanical brake of the brake system of a wheel and according to one exemplary embodiment has a first connection for a main power supply and a second connection for a generator which is coupled to the wheel and which provides a standby power supply for the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andreas Kiep, Johannes Huchzermeier
  • Patent number: 11634111
    Abstract: A brake system for a motor vehicle, having a first hydraulic brake device configured to brake wheels on a first axle of the motor vehicle, a first control unit configured to control the braking operation of the wheels on the first axle; and a second hydraulic brake device configured to brake the wheels on a second axle of the motor vehicle, and a second control unit configured to control the braking operation of the wheels on the second axle. The first control unit is coupled with the second control unit via a communication channel. The first control unit and the second control unit are each configured to receive data that are relevant for the control of the braking operation, the first control unit furthermore being configured to transmit a data signal on the basis of the received data via the communication channel to the second control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Mahnkopf, Volker Mehl
  • Patent number: 11524693
    Abstract: A vehicle control system has a first communication network, a first operation component, a first vehicle control unit connected to the communication network and to the first operation component, wherein the first vehicle control unit is configured to control a first data connection between the first operation component and the first vehicle control unit by a first signal to the first operation component, and a second vehicle control unit connected to the first operation component, wherein the second vehicle control unit is configured to control a second data connection between the first operation component and the second vehicle control unit by a second signal to the first operation component. The first data connection and the second data connection can be controlled so that at least one of the first data connection and the second data connection is enabled or disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Huba Nemeth, Falk Hecker, Tamas Rapp
  • Patent number: 11485344
    Abstract: The ABS diagnostic tool is an electrical apparatus. The ABS diagnostic tool is configured for use with a vehicle. The vehicle further comprises an anti-skid braking system (ABS). The ABS forms the brake system of the vehicle. The ABS diagnostic tool is an interface device that electrically connects to the ABS. The ABS diagnostic tool provides electrical access to key elements of the ABS that allows for the use of electric tools, such as a multi-meter, in diagnosing maintenance issues associated with the ABS. The ABS diagnostic tool comprises a breakout circuit and the vehicle. The breakout circuit plugs into the ABS. The interface presented by the breakout circuits presents a plurality of terminal sets which are electrically accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Dawson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10606229
    Abstract: An electronic control unit for vehicle capable of receiving a program by communication expands the received program in a volatile memory and executes the expanded program. As an example of this program, there is a program for changing a communication environment for communicating with another unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Abe, Koji Yuasa, Toshihisa Arai
  • Patent number: 10286902
    Abstract: Provided are a driving assistance device and a driving assistance method using the same, which are capable of guiding safe parking-in or parking-out by increasing engine torque and applying the increased engine torque to an engine control unit when there is no movement of a vehicle during automatic parking-in control or automatic parking-out control of the vehicle at preset engine torque and brake pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jae Suk Kim, Kwan Sun You
  • Patent number: 9162656
    Abstract: A roll control system (16) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to actively detect if one of the plurality of the driven wheels (12) is lifted. The system generates a pressure request to determine if the wheel has lifted. By comparing the change in wheel speed of a driven wheel to a change in wheel speed threshold the wheel lift status can be determined. The wheel speed change threshold may be dependent upon various vehicle operating conditions such as powertrain torque, braking torque and/or longitudinal force on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Glenn Mattson, Todd Allen Brown, Joseph Carr Meyers, Michael Edward Brewer
  • Patent number: 9020744
    Abstract: A method of controlling a three-wheeled vehicle comprises: determining a state of a load sensor associated with a portion of vehicle; selecting a first start mass when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state; selecting a second start mass when the load sensor is in a loaded state; determining at least one vehicle parameter during operation of the vehicle; determining a calculated mass based at least in part on the at least one vehicle parameter; determining an effective mass based at least in part on the calculated mass and a selected one of the first and second start masses; defining an output of an electronic stability system of the vehicle based at least in part on the effective mass; and controlling a stability of the vehicle using the output of the electronic stability system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8996255
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for controlling an actuatable restraint (14, 16) in a vehicle (12). An sensor (24) is mounted in the vehicle (12) and outputs an electrical signal having a characteristic indicative of a vehicle event. A discrimination circuit (42) is coupled to the sensor (24) and determines if a predetermined event occurred. A safing circuit (50) is coupled to the sensor (24) signal and sequestered from the discrimination circuit (42) for determining if the predetermined event occurred. An actuation device is actuates the restraint when both the discrimination circuit (42) and the safing circuit (50) determine the predetermined event occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Munch
  • Patent number: 8948994
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft braking system having brakes with electromechanical braking actuators (103) adapted to press selectively against associated stacks of disks in order to generate a braking torque on associated wheels of the aircraft; at least one control module (130) receiving braking setpoints and responding by generating a braking command (121); and at least one power module (120) responding to the braking command by delivering AC power to the motors of actuators connected to the power module so that the motors develop a braking force corresponding to the braking setpoints. According to the invention, the control module includes a digital processor stage (131) and an analog processor unit (135).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventor: David Frank
  • Patent number: 8903574
    Abstract: In a system and method for communicating data in a locomotive consist or other vehicle consist (comprising at least first and second linked vehicles), a first electronic component in the first vehicle of the vehicle consist is monitored to determine if the component is in (or enters) a failure state. In the failure state, the first electronic component is unable to perform a designated function. Upon determining the failure state, data is transmitted from the first vehicle to a second electronic component on the second vehicle, over a communication channel linking the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The second electronic component is operated based on the transmitted data, with the second electronic component performing the designated function that the first electronic component is unable to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Eugene A. Smith, Nick David Nagrodsky, William Cherrick Schoonmaker, Todd William Goodermuth
  • Patent number: 8880305
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle control apparatus. The vehicle control apparatus includes: an automatic return type select switch that receives an operation for selecting an operating condition of an automatic transmission and outputs a selection signal corresponding to the received selection operation; a switch controller that switches the operating condition of the automatic transmission in accordance with the selection signal output by the select switch; an emergency determining unit that determines whether or not the select switch has been operated consecutively at least a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period while the vehicle travels, and outputs an emergency operation signal when determining that the select switch has been operated consecutively; and a brake control unit and an electric parking brake control unit that apply braking to the vehicle on the basis of an operation by a driver and the emergency operation signal output by the emergency determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Inoue, Takahiro Kinoshita, Noriaki Tatematsu, Hironaga Ito
  • Patent number: 8874346
    Abstract: A brake system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The brake system may have an anti-lock braking subsystem configured to calculate a maximum allowable brake command. The brake system may have a stability control subsystem configured to generate a desired differential brake command. The brake system may have a brake command adjustment subsystem. The brake command adjustment subsystem may be configured to calculate an ideal solution of a left brake command and a right brake command to satisfy a combination of the desired differential brake command and a desired total brake command. When the ideal solution is valid, the brake command adjustment subsystem may output the ideal solution as an actual brake command. When the ideal solution is invalid, the brake command adjustment subsystem may calculate a non-ideal solution of the left brake command and the right brake command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Kontz, Brad Allen Edler, Jeffrey Lee Kuehn
  • Patent number: 8825299
    Abstract: A main control device generates a first signal and a second signal, which is substantially equivalent to the first signal, in accordance with the input signal, a sub-control device includes a comparison-judgment-processing unit that compares the first signal with the second signal, and judges that an abnormality occurs when a state, in which a deviation between the both signals is greater than equal to a predetermined value, is continued in a time being equal to a first predetermined time, and a limitation unit is configured in such a way that the limitation unit adds a predetermined limitation to the output of the main control device in accordance with a result for which the comparison-judgment-processing unit judges that the abnormality occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Iwamoto, Yuji Takatsuka
  • Patent number: 8813898
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes determining a current pitch angle of the motor vehicle, and limiting the pitch angle to a specified boundary pitch angle by an intervention using an intervention component of the motor vehicle causing the longitudinal acceleration of the motor vehicle to be influenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus Wagner
  • Patent number: 8810189
    Abstract: Example embodiments disclose a drive system including a machine including a plurality of phases and configured to generate power based on a plurality of phase currents, each respectively associated with the plurality of phases and a direct current (DC) bus, operatively connected to the machine. The DC bus includes a high-side line, a low-side line, and an inverter including a plurality of switching systems, operatively connected between the high-side line and the low-side line, the plurality of switching systems, each configured to output a respective one of the plurality of phase currents. The drive system also includes a controller, operatively connected to the DC bus and the machine, the controller configured to determine if a failure exists in the drive system based on the plurality of phase currents and a DC bus voltage, the DC bus voltage being a voltage across the high-side line and the low-side line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brij N. Singh, Chris J. Tremel, Alan K. Gilman
  • Patent number: 8798849
    Abstract: A method and device for dual-channel transmission of safety-relevant sensor signals. In the method, two sensor signals to be monitored are generated parallel to one another by two sensors and the generated sensor signals are transmitted to a common evaluation unit via two separate, input-side transmission channels. Within the evaluation unit, the permissibility of the transmitted sensor signals is checked using prescribed calculation specifications that correspond to one another and an evaluation unit output signal representing permissibility or impermissibility is generated for each sensor signal. The individual processing steps of the two calculation specifications are decoupled by the evaluation unit for the two sensor signals and performed diversified within the evaluation unit. The generated output signals are output via two separate, output-side transmission channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Eggert, Heinz Langbauer
  • Patent number: 8774990
    Abstract: A method for demanding safety reactions for a rail vehicle having a plurality of appliances each able to demand a safety reaction when required, namely a braking process or a traction inhibit or both for the rail vehicle, includes: a) identification of a state in which one of the safety reactions should be carried out by one of the appliances, b) demanding the safety reaction by the appliance through a data bus, and c) feeding back information to the demanding appliance that the safety reaction has been carried out or intervening in a safety loop to initiate the desired safety reaction, if the safety reaction is not carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Burg, Norbert Werkmeister
  • Patent number: 8768552
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system and method designed to maximize the contributions from a regenerative braking system, yet still provide adequate safety measures that address potential regenerative braking failure. According to one embodiment, the method determines both a requested deceleration from the driver and an actual deceleration experienced by the vehicle, and uses the difference between these two values to calculate a deceleration error that can be integrated over time and compared to an error threshold. If the integrated or accumulated deceleration error surpasses the error threshold, then the method may reduce or disable the regenerative braking system until it can confirm that it is operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric E. Krueger, Michael C. Roberts, Kevin S. Kidston, Paul A. Kilmurray
  • Patent number: 8718894
    Abstract: A communication system having at least one first and a second communication unit. The first communication unit has a counter memory unit which stores a counter value, and is designed such that the occurrence of a first communication event prompts the counter value in the counter memory unit to be changed in a defined first manner. At least the occurrence of a defined reference event is followed by the counter value in the counter memory unit being changed in a defined second manner. In the course of a second defined communication event, the first communication unit transmits the current counter value in the counter memory unit to the second communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jörn Schriefer, Jürgen Scherschmidt, Thomas Peichl
  • Patent number: 8706377
    Abstract: A controller system in which a plurality different main functions are integrated includes a plurality of microcontrollers. Each of the microcontrollers is associated with one of the main functions. At least one monitoring unit is implemented for the plurality of the main functions, for example a brake monitor and a comfort monitor. When the at least one monitoring unit detects a defect of a main function in the controller, only the defective main function is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Lothar Weichenberger, Franz Obesser
  • Patent number: 8666627
    Abstract: An electromechanical braking system includes first and second electromechanical actuator controllers (EMACs) that each independently generate a complete set of drive control signals for an associated set of electromechanical actuators (EMAs). The drive control signals are generated in accordance with an antiskid algorithm to impart antiskid control to the braking of wheels associated with the EMAs. Drive signals for some of the EMAs from the set of EMAs are output by drivers of the first EMAC and drive signals for the other EMAs from the set of EMAs are output by drivers of the second EMAC. Drive control signals from one of the EMACs are used to control output the drive signals for all the EMAs from the set of EMAs, regardless of the EMAC in which the associated drivers are present. The drive control signals from the other of the EMACs are used as a backup set of drive control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Bill May
  • Patent number: 8645010
    Abstract: In a system and method for communicating data in a locomotive consist or other vehicle consist (comprising at least first and second linked vehicles), a first electronic component in the first vehicle of the vehicle consist is monitored to determine if the component is in (or enters) a failure state. In the failure state, the first electronic component is unable to perform a designated function. Upon determining the failure state, data is transmitted from the first vehicle to a second electronic component on the second vehicle, over a communication channel linking the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The second electronic component is operated based on the transmitted data, with the second electronic component performing the designated function that the first electronic component is unable to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Eugene A. Smith, Nick David Nagrodsky, William Cherrick Schoonmaker, Todd William Goodermuth
  • Publication number: 20140032076
    Abstract: The method of maintaining optimal braking and skid protection for a two-wheeled vehicle wheel with a wheel speed sensor failure involves providing pulsed braking pressure to the affected wheel with the wheel speed sensor failure. If an incipient or initial skid on another wheel with a functioning wheel speed sensor has occurred, the pulsed braking pressure to the affected wheel is limited to the brake pressure command that caused the last incipient or initial skid on the other wheel, scaled by a factor for safety. Otherwise the pulsed braking pressure to the affected wheel is limited to be no greater than the greatest commanded brake pressure to the other wheel. The pulsed braking pressure is also limited to be less than the brake pressure commanded to the affected wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventor: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8639428
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake system and an associated method with a failsafe energy supply, have a first to fourth brake module with at least one control unit and brake actuation unit. In order to supply the modules with electrical energy, the control unit and the brake actuation unit are each connected to at least one main energy supply unit via independently fed lines. In order to supply additional electrical energy to the modules, a first emergency energy supply unit is connected to the control unit and brake actuation unit of the first and fourth brake module and a second emergency energy supply unit is connected to those of the second and third brake module, respectively via additional independently fed lines, wherein the selection of the energy supply unit is made via switches actuated at least partially separately from one another via at least one central control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Jörgen Holzwarth
  • Patent number: 8634990
    Abstract: An electric braking system is provided for a road vehicle that includes at least one wheel connected for rotation to at least one rotary electric machine. At least one electronic wheel control module controls an electric machine of a corresponding wheel, The electric braking system includes: a central unit (3) for ensuring management of a vehicle displacement, the central unit controlling the at least one electronic wheel control module (23); a braking control available to a driver, the braking control being connected mechanically to at least: a first sensor (C1) outputting a vehicle braking control signal having a given amplitude representing a total braking force desired for the vehicle, and a second sensor (C2) outputting a vehicle braking control signal having a given amplitude representing the total braking force desired for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Gerard Bourqui, Fabrice Cudre-Mauroux, Jean-Louis Linda
  • Patent number: 8620548
    Abstract: Secure failure diagnosis of a brake switch is enabled with a simple configuration. Inconsistency detection is performed for output signals from two brake switches 6a and 6b provided such that an operation condition of a brake pedal 1 may be detected (S102), and when inconsistency is detected, after a certain time has passed from the relevant detection point, inconsistency detection is newly performed for output signals from the two brake switches 6a and 6b (S108), and when inconsistency is detected again, a determination counter performs count of a predetermined incremental value, those operation being periodically repeated (S110), and when a count value reaches a predetermined value ? after the determination counter performs the count, the two brake switches 6a and 6b are determined to be failed (S114 and S118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Shibasaki, Tetsuya Shinguchi, Takayuki Wakai, Masaaki Maeno
  • Patent number: 8600609
    Abstract: A method for operating a longitudinal driver assist system of an automobile, in particular an ACC system, wherein environmental data of the automobile are evaluated with respect to travel in a longitudinal convoy with at least three automobiles which include the automobile and at least two additional automobiles, which are driving immediately behind one another and each have an active longitudinal driver assist system. A convoy value is formed, and at least one operating parameter of the driver assist system is adapted depending on the convoy value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Manfred Holzmann, Carmen Staudte
  • Patent number: 8577588
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8577534
    Abstract: A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Dorenkamp, Volker Brichzin, Ulrich Schirm, Maria-Eugenia Garcia Bordes
  • Patent number: 8532902
    Abstract: In a method for controlling at least one electromechanical parking brake unit in a vehicle, the current vehicle speed is detected by a speed sensor system in the form of a speed measuring signal, and a deceleration measuring signal displaying the current vehicle deceleration is detected by at least one acceleration sensor system. In the event of a defective speed signal or a failure of the speed sensor system, the electromechanical parking brake system is operated in an emergency operation mode wherein, at the beginning of a braking, a dynamic braking function is provided by the electromechanical parking brake unit. Advantageously, the current vehicle deceleration is determined from the deceleration measuring signal and compared with a pre-determined minimum deceleration value, and if the determined current vehicle deceleration falls short of the pre-determined value in the emergency operation mode, a static brake function is provided by the electromechanical parking brake unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Bentner, Alexander Kalbeck
  • Patent number: 8521389
    Abstract: Methods and valve arrangements for controlling the flow of pressurized air from a tractor to a trailer reservoir and to a trailer spring brake chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, pressurized air from a tractor is supplied from a tractor to the trailer reservoir and to the trailer spring brake in different filling modes based on a user input. In another exemplary embodiment, pressurized service air is used to charge or partially charge the trailer reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Travis G Ramler, Richard J. Conklin
  • Patent number: 8494699
    Abstract: System for electrical braking of a road vehicle of which at least one wheel is linked in rotation to at least one rotary electric machine, at least one wheel drive electronic module 23 driving the electric machine or machines of one and the same wheel, comprising a central unit 3 ensuring the management of the movement of the vehicle, the said central unit controlling the wheel drive electronic module or modules 23, comprising a braking control at the disposal of a driver, the said control being linked mechanically at least to three sensors C1, C2, C3 delivering a control signal for braking the vehicle having a given amplitude representative of the total braking force desired for the vehicle, the said sensors C1, C2, C3 being distributed into a first group C1 and a second group C2, C3, in which the sensor (sensors) C1 of the first group delivers (deliver) its (their) control signal to the said central unit 3 and the sensor (sensors) of the second group C2, C3 delivers (deliver) its (their) control signal to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Gérald Bourqui, Fabrice Cudre-Mauroux, Jean-Louis Linda
  • Publication number: 20130184957
    Abstract: A method for controlling a brake system, which has pressure medium-activated wheel brakes and is at least partially electronic, and which is in a vehicle that includes at least two axles, including generating brake pressures for the wheel brakes on an axle in a pressure-controlled manner, and electronically regulating the brake pressures for the pressure medium-actuated wheel brakes on at least one further axle in terms of a brake pressure regulation for adjusting an actual brake pressure to a desired brake pressure. A related braking system device is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Herges, Peter Frank, Falk Hecker
  • Patent number: 8489302
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically stable braking are disclosed. A first electromechanical brake actuator controller may be placed in communication with a second electromechanical brake actuator controller, wherein each of the first electromechanical brake actuator controller and second electromechanical brake actuator controller are in communication with electromechanical brake actuators that are associated with the same wheel. The first electromechanical brake actuator controller and second electromechanical brake actuator controllers may then communicate electromechanical brake actuator status information and take corrective measures in accordance with the status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8457852
    Abstract: A device and method for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping are described, which includes a device for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping in an automatic brake operation, the device including the following features of a unit for providing an engine speed signal that corresponds to the speed of the motor vehicle engine, and a brake interruption unit, which is developed to interrupt the brake operation if the engine speed signal assumes a value that lies below a predetermined threshold value, the threshold value being greater than an engine stop threshold value that indicates a minimum speed of the motor vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Stabrey
  • Patent number: 8457856
    Abstract: A method estimates parameters for a self-energized brake mechanism having a moving part, a brake pad, a brake disc, a caliper, and a wedge profile. The method includes the following acts: applying the same actuator force to the brake mechanism and simultaneously to a dynamical model of the brake mechanism; calculating deviations based on measured state variables of the brake mechanism and simulated state variables of the dynamical model; and producing the estimated parameters by online minimization. A device is provided for executing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Levente Balogh, Huba Nemeth
  • Patent number: 8287409
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and a first regulator valve (12) and a second regulator valve (13) that regulate the line pressure (Pl). An output pressure (Psf) of the fail-safe valve (19) is supplied to the first and second regulator valves (12 and 13) in a feedback manner as a drive pulley (21) side hydraulic pressure to thereby regulate the line pressure (Pl).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Toshihiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8260516
    Abstract: A mechanism for determining whether a malfunctioning sensor has returned to a normal or acceptable operating range. The mechanism includes controllers and methods that perform a “good check” on the sensor to determine whether the sensor has returned to normal or acceptable operation after a malfunction has been detected. When a previously-malfunctioning sensor passes the “good check,” warning lights (or tell-tale) indicators are shut off and systems that relied upon information from the malfunctioning sensor return to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Bechtler, Ravi Bhadange, Nachiket Patil, Takeshi Tokonaga, Stefan Mallmann, Michael Schwab, Dietmar Stapel, Willy Klier, Joerg Eesmann
  • Patent number: 8260535
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8249789
    Abstract: Methods and valve arrangements for controlling the flow of pressurized air from a tractor to a trailer reservoir and to a trailer spring brake chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, pressurized air from a tractor is supplied from a tractor to the trailer reservoir and to the trailer spring brake in different filling modes based on a user input. In another exemplary embodiment, pressurized service air is used to charge or partially charge the trailer reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bedix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Travis G. Ramler, Richard Conklin
  • Patent number: 8249790
    Abstract: It is predicted whether a spin amount is tending to diverge and a vehicle is tending to become unstable, or the spin amount is tending to converge and the vehicle is tending to become stable. When the convergent tendency is predicted, a correction to reduce the spin amount is performed. As a result, the performance of a braking force control can be made difficult when the spin amount is tending to converge. Thus, it is possible to prevent an anti-spin control from being performed when there is actually no need to perform the anti-spin control, such as when the vehicle posture is correcting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: 8246120
    Abstract: A fully electrically controlled electric braking system is provided for a road vehicle fitted with wheels (1). Each of the wheels is connected for rotation to at least one rotary electric machine (2) specific thereto, with at least one electronic wheel control module (23) controlling the electric machine(s) (2) of that wheel. Each electronic wheel control module (23) makes it possible to impart selectively to a corresponding wheel a control torque of determined amplitude and sign, in such a way that the corresponding wheel imparts to the vehicle a drive force or a braking force in accordance with the control torque. The system includes a central unit (3) for managing vehicle displacement, the central unit (3) controlling all the electronic wheel control modules (23). The central unit (3) has a vehicle braking mode activated by a vehicle braking control signal having a given amplitude representing a total desired braking force for the fully electrically controlled wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Gerard Bourqui, Fabrice Coudre-Mauroux, Daniel Laurent, Jean-Louis Linda