公开(公告)号：US07711464B2

公开(公告)日：2010-05-04

申请号：US12020102

申请日：2008-01-25

Applicant: Timothy W. Kaufmann

Inventor： Timothy W. Kaufmann

IPC: B62D6/00

CPC classification number: B62D1/286 ,  B60T2201/08 ,  B60T2201/082 ,  B60T2201/087 ,  B62D15/025 ,  B62D15/029

Abstract: A system for steering a vehicle including: an actuator disposed in a vehicle to apply torque to a steerable wheel; a driver input device receptive to driver commands for directing the vehicle; and a sensor for determining an intent of a driver and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system also includes: a lane keeping system for detecting a location of the vehicle relative to a lane marker and generating a lane position signal indicative thereof; a controller in operable communication with the actuator, the driver input device, the first sensor, and the lane keeping system. The controller provides a command to the actuator responsive to the intent of the driver, the lane position, and a desired lane position. The controller executes a lane keeping algorithm consisting of a single control loop based on at least one of the lane position and the lane position deviation.

Abstract translation: 一种用于转向车辆的系统，包括：致动器，设置在车辆中以向可转向车轮施加扭矩; 可接受用于引导车辆的驾驶员命令的驾驶员输入装置; 以及用于确定驾驶员意图并产生指示其的信号的传感器。 该系统还包括：车道保持系统，用于检测车辆相对于车道标记的位置并产生指示车道位置信号; 与致动器，驱动器输入装置，第一传感器和车道保持系统可操作地通信的控制器。 控制器响应于驾驶员的意图，车道位置和期望的车道位置向致动器提供命令。 控制器基于车道位置和车道位置偏差中的至少一个执行由单个控制回路组成的车道保持算法。

公开(公告)号：US07510213B2

公开(公告)日：2009-03-31

申请号：US11430372

申请日：2006-05-09

Applicant: Marvin V. Manwaring ,  Richard K. Riefe ,  Ravi Ravindra ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Ratko Menjak ,  Albert C. Huber

Inventor： Marvin V. Manwaring ,  Richard K. Riefe ,  Ravi Ravindra ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Ratko Menjak ,  Albert C. Huber

IPC: B60D1/11

CPC classification number: F16F7/123 ,  B62D1/195

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column is moveable along a path for collapsing movement relative to a vehicle in response to an impact situation. The steering column assembly also includes an energy absorber for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The energy absorber includes an anvil fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path. The energy absorber also includes a strap drawable over the anvil and substantially fixedly disposed relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The steering column assembly also includes a second strap fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The steering column assembly also includes at least one quick release bolt engaged with the strap to selectively release the strap relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The at least one quick release bolt engages both of the strap and the second strap.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种用于车辆的转向柱组件。 转向柱组件包括可操作以可调节地支撑车辆中的方向盘的转向柱。 响应于冲击情况，转向柱可沿路径移动以相对于车辆的塌缩运动。 转向柱组件还包括能量吸收器，用于耗散与转向柱沿着路径的塌陷运动相关联的能量。 能量吸收器包括相对于转向柱和路径中的一个固定地设置的砧座。 能量吸收器还包括可在砧座上拉伸并且相对于转向柱和路径中的另一个基本上固定设置的带。 转向柱组件还包括相对于转向柱和路径中的一个固定地设置的第二条，用于耗散与转向柱沿着路径的塌陷运动相关联的能量。 所述转向柱组件还包括与所述带接合的至少一个快速释放螺栓，以相对于所述转向柱和所述路径中的另一个选择性地释放所述带。 所述至少一个快速释放螺栓接合所述带和所述第二带。

公开(公告)号：US07510038B2

公开(公告)日：2009-03-31

申请号：US10865208

申请日：2004-06-10

Applicant: Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Charmaine M. Wittig

Inventor： Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Charmaine M. Wittig

IPC: B62D1/24

CPC classification number: B62D1/286 ,  B60T2201/08 ,  B60T2201/082 ,  B60T2201/087 ,  B62D15/025 ,  B62D15/029

Abstract: A system for steering a vehicle including: an actuator disposed in a vehicle to apply torque to a steerable wheel; a driver input device receptive to driver commands for directing the vehicle; and a sensor for determining an intent of a driver and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system also includes: a lane keeping system for detecting a location of the vehicle relative to a lane marker and generating a lane position signal indicative thereof; a controller in operable communication with the actuator, the driver input device, the first sensor, and the lane keeping system. The controller provides a command to the actuator responsive to the intent of the driver, the lane position, and a desired lane position. The controller executes a lane keeping algorithm consisting of a single control loop based on at least one of the lane position and the lane position deviation.

Abstract translation: 一种用于转向车辆的系统，包括：致动器，设置在车辆中以向可转向车轮施加扭矩; 可接受用于引导车辆的驾驶员命令的驾驶员输入装置; 以及用于确定驾驶员意图并产生指示其的信号的传感器。 该系统还包括：车道保持系统，用于检测车辆相对于车道标记的位置并产生指示车道位置信号; 与致动器，驱动器输入装置，第一传感器和车道保持系统可操作地通信的控制器。 控制器响应于驾驶员的意图，车道位置和期望的车道位置向致动器提供命令。 控制器基于车道位置和车道位置偏差中的至少一个执行由单个控制回路组成的车道保持算法。

公开(公告)号：US07404369B2

公开(公告)日：2008-07-29

申请号：US11349652

申请日：2006-02-08

Applicant: Steven L. Tracht ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Stephen V. Gillman ,  Joseph G. D'Ambrosio ,  Barbara J. Czerny

Inventor： Steven L. Tracht ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Stephen V. Gillman ,  Joseph G. D'Ambrosio ,  Barbara J. Czerny

IPC: B63H25/02

CPC classification number: B63H25/42 ,  B63B39/061 ,  B63H25/02 ,  B63H25/04

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wireless control system including: a directional control system responsive to a directional command signal for steering a watercraft, the directional control system including a rudder position sensor to measure and transmit a rudder position signal, and a helm control system responsive to a helm command signal for receiving a directional input to a helm control unit from an operator, the helm control system including a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal to a master control unit in operable communication with the helm control system and the directional control system; the master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the helm position signal; and wherein the helm control unit wirelessly communicates with the helm control system.

Abstract translation: 一种船舶无人驾驶控制系统，包括：响应于用于转向船舶的方向指令信号的方向控制系统，所述方向控制系统包括用于测量和传送方向舵位置信号的舵位置传感器，以及响应于该方向舵位置信号的舵控制系统 用于从操作者接收到舵控制单元的定向输入的舵指令信号，所述舵控制系统包括舵位置传感器，用于产生并向主控制单元发送舵位置信号，以与舵控制系统可操作地通信;以及 方向控制系统; 主控制单元包括用于响应于舵位置信号产生方向指令信号的位置控制处理; 并且其中所述舵控制单元与所述舵控制系统无线地通信。

公开(公告)号：US07380828B2

公开(公告)日：2008-06-03

申请号：US11076222

申请日：2005-03-09

Applicant: Ratko Menjak ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Stephen V. Gillman ,  Brian J. Magnus ,  Michael J. Cole ,  Damir Menjak

Inventor： Ratko Menjak ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Stephen V. Gillman ,  Brian J. Magnus ,  Michael J. Cole ,  Damir Menjak

IPC: B62D1/16

CPC classification number: B62D1/16 ,  B60K2350/928 ,  B62D1/02 ,  B62D1/04

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member having an aperture extending along an axis. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft rotatably disposed at least partially in the aperture. The steering shaft includes a steering wheel engaging end axially spaced from the aperture. The steering column assembly also includes a supporting member for supporting a vehicle accessory. The supporting member is cantilevered from the steering column member and cooperates with the steering column member to define a groove substantially surrounding the steering wheel engaging end.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种用于车辆的转向柱组件和用于制造转向柱组件的方法。 转向柱组件包括具有沿轴线延伸的孔的转向柱构件。 转向柱组件还包括至少部分地可旋转地设置在孔中的转向轴。 转向轴包括与该轴向轴向间隔开的方向盘啮合端。 转向柱组件还包括用于支撑车辆附件的支撑构件。 支撑构件从转向柱构件悬臂，并与转向柱构件配合，以限定基本上围绕方向盘啮合端的槽。

公开(公告)号：US20140046547A1

公开(公告)日：2014-02-13

申请号：US13570336

申请日：2012-08-09

Applicant: Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Scott A. Millsap ,  Farhad Bolourchi

Inventor： Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Scott A. Millsap ,  Farhad Bolourchi

IPC: B62D6/08

CPC classification number: B62D1/28 ,  B62D15/025 ,  G01S19/14 ,  G05D1/0278

Abstract: A steering system providing an assist torque to a handwheel is provided, and includes a proportional gain module and a torque command module. The proportional gain module determines a proportional gain value. The proportional gain value is scheduled as a function of a lateral position error and at least one of the following: a near field heading angle, a far field heading angle, a curvature of the lane, and a lateral position of the vehicle. The torque command module determines the torque assist based on the proportional gain value.

Abstract translation: 提供了向手轮提供辅助转矩的转向系统，并且包括比例增益模块和转矩指令模块。 比例增益模块确定比例增益值。 比例增益值被调度为横向位置误差的函数，并且以下中的至少一个：近场方向角，远场方位角，车道的曲率以及车辆的横向位置。 转矩指令模块根据比例增益值确定转矩辅助。

公开(公告)号：US20130158771A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-20

申请号：US13688717

申请日：2012-11-29

Applicant: Timothy W. Kaufmann

Inventor： Timothy W. Kaufmann

IPC: B62D6/00

CPC classification number: B62D6/00 ,  B60W30/12 ,  B60W40/08 ,  B60W2050/0052 ,  B60W2510/202

Abstract: A control system to determine a hands on wheel (HOW) condition is provided. The control system includes a sensor that monitors an amount of applied torque exerted upon a hand wheel, and a control module for monitoring the sensor. The control module includes a notch filter to attenuate a normal column mode frequency from the amount of applied torque to produce a filtered torque signal. The normal column mode frequency represents a range of vibrational modes of the hand wheel based on a hands off wheel condition. The control module includes a state detector to receive the filtered torque signal from the notch filter. The state detector determines if the HOW condition exists based on if the filtered torque signal exceeds an ON threshold torque value.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于确定手轮（HOW）状况的控制系统。 控制系统包括监测施加在手轮上的施加扭矩量的传感器，以及用于监控传感器的控制模块。 控制模块包括陷波滤波器，用于从施加的转矩量衰减正常列模式频率，以产生滤波的转矩信号。 正常列模式频率表示基于手轮状态的手轮的振动模式的范围。 控制模块包括状态检测器，用于从陷波滤波器接收滤波的扭矩信号。 状态检测器基于滤波的扭矩信号是否超过ON阈值转矩值来确定是否存在HOW条件。

公开(公告)号：US07885730B2

公开(公告)日：2011-02-08

申请号：US11972230

申请日：2008-01-10

Applicant: Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Farhad Bolourchi

Inventor： Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Farhad Bolourchi

IPC: G05D1/00

CPC classification number: B62D1/286 ,  B60K28/066 ,  B60W10/18 ,  B60W10/20 ,  B60W30/12 ,  B60W30/143 ,  B60W30/18172 ,  B60W50/12 ,  B60W50/14 ,  B60W2040/0818 ,  B60W2040/0827 ,  B60W2050/0071 ,  B60W2710/18 ,  B60W2710/20 ,  B62D15/025

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for lane change detection and handling of lane keeping torque during an un-signaled lane change. Disclosed herein is an exemplary embodiment for a method including calculating a distance between a center of a vehicle and a center of a lane, determining a discontinuity in the calculation of the distance between the center of the vehicle and the center of a lane and disabling torque corrections to compensate for the discontinuity until the vehicle is near the center (position based) of the new lane and a certain time has elapsed (time based) from the detection of the discontinuity. Hysterisis or smoothly changing torque controls are offered to work with the Time and Position based lane change handling method.

Abstract translation: 用于车道变换检测的系统，方法和计算机程序产品，以及未通知车道变更期间车道保持力矩的处理。 本文公开了一种用于包括计算车辆中心和车道中心之间的距离的方法的示例性实施例，确定车辆中心与车道中心之间的距离的计算中的不连续性以及禁用扭矩 校正以补偿不连续性，直到车辆靠近新车道的中心（基于位置）并且从检测不连续性已经过去了一定时间（基于时间）。 提供Hysterisis或平滑变化的扭矩控制，以使用基于时间和位置的车道变更处理方法。

公开(公告)号：US07793752B2

公开(公告)日：2010-09-14

申请号：US11810572

申请日：2007-06-06

Applicant: Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Joel E. Birsching

Inventor： Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Joel E. Birsching

IPC: B62D5/06

CPC classification number: B62D5/0835 ,  B62D5/06

Abstract: A method of determining a direction of a power boost applied to a power cylinder of a variable effort power steering system includes measuring a pressure of a hydraulic fluid between a pump and a control valve. A first position of the hand wheel is detected and initialized when the pressure is within a pre-defined equilibrium pressure range. A second position of the hand wheel is detected in response to rotational movement of the hand wheel. The first position and the second position of the hand wheel are measured in cumulative degrees rotated left or right of a on-center orientation of the hand wheel. The second position is subtracted from the first position to obtain a differential value representing the direction of the power boost. A negative differential value represents a first direction and a positive differential value represents a second direction of the power boost.

Abstract translation: 确定施加到可变力动力转向系统的动力缸的功率提升的方向的方法包括测量泵和控制阀之间的液压流体的压力。 当压力在预定的平衡压力范围内时，检测并初始化手轮的第一位置。 响应于手轮的旋转运动来检测手轮的第二位置。 手轮的第一位置和第二位置以手轮的中心方向左右旋转的累积度来测量。 从第一位置减去第二位置，以获得表示功率提升方向的差分值。 负微分值表示第一方向，正差分值表示功率提升的第二方向。

公开(公告)号：US20090014227A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-15

申请号：US12170902

申请日：2008-07-10

Applicant: Farhad Bolourchi ,  Steven L. Tracht ,  Scott Millsap ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Jon D. Demerly

Inventor： Farhad Bolourchi ,  Steven L. Tracht ,  Scott Millsap ,  Timothy W. Kaufmann ,  Jon D. Demerly

IPC: B60S9/00

CPC classification number: B62D15/026 ,  B62D15/025

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assisting the parking of a vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle position relative to an obstacle. When the relative position meets a first set of criteria, a first torque pulse is delivered to the steering wheel in the first direction to cue an operator of the vehicle to turn the steering wheel in the first direction. When the relative position meets a second set of criteria, a second torque pulse is delivered to the steering wheel in the second direction, opposite to the first direction to cue the operator to turn the steering wheel in the second direction. A system for assisting the parking of a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种辅助车辆停放的方法。 该方法包括确定相对于障碍物的车辆位置。 当相对位置满足第一组标准时，第一扭矩脉冲沿第一方向传递到方向盘以提示车辆的操作者以使方向盘沿第一方向转动。 当相对位置满足第二组标准时，第二扭矩脉冲在与第一方向相反的第二方向上传递到方向盘，以提示操作者在第二方向转动方向盘。 还公开了一种用于协助车辆停放的系统。