Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Todd Nelson Clark

Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam

Jialiang Le

Manoharprasad K Rao

Swadad A Carremm

Eric Layton Stratten

Jason Shomsky

Jianbo Lu

Hassen Hammoud

Yeruva Satya Reddy

Otto Hofmann

Gilberto Burgio

Roland Schaefer

Shweta M Farmer

Rachelle Tustanowski

David James Tippy

Matt Alan Niesluchowski

Mohsen Lakehal-Ayat

Saeed David Barbat

James Chih Cheng

Robert H Thompson

Stacey H Raines

David James Bauch

Edward Joseph Abramoski

Krishnakanth E Aekbote

Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi

John W Jensen

Mark Larry

Robert J Miller

William Moore Sherwood

Ryan John Craig

Roy Joseph Scott

Erich Kemnitz

Howard E Churchwell, Ii

Kirk David Arthurs

Paul Kevin Kula

Joseph Dierker, Jr

Se Kyoon Shin

Jeff Steven Vinton

Cliff Chou

Robert A Chanko

Lauren M Newton

Bill Pappas

Kathleen M Schulz

Richard D Cupka, Jr

Christopher Tulik

James A Anderson

Stephan Biggs

Shweta B Farmer

Mohsen Lakehal-ayat

Anne Dirkes

A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor, a headlamp, and a controller configured to adjust an aim of the headlamp based on a signal from the sensor. The controller is configured to account for a zero drift of the sensor. A method is also disclosed.

Headlamp leveling system and method

A method for developing restraint device deployment timings includes selecting a first restraint device as a reference device, determining a deployment time range for the first restraint device, selecting a second restraint device, and determining a deployment time range for the second restraint device relative to the deployment time range of the first restraint device.

Restraint device deployment calibration

A coupling system includes a glovebox panel having inner and outer surfaces and a keyhole slot disposed therethrough having an enlarged portion leading to a narrowed portion. A ramped flange is disposed on the outer surface of the glovebox panel. A damper mechanism includes an abutment plate with a post and head member. The head member is received through an enlarged portion of the keyhole slot when the damper mechanism is in a pre-load position. The abutment plate engages the ramped flange to progressively drive the head member into engagement with the inner surface of the glovebox panel as the damper mechanism moves from the pre-load position to a seated position.

Retention feature for snap-in attachments

An apparatus includes a closed body having a varied configuration between a first location and at least a second location. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the closed body at the first location. When forces with substantially equal magnitudes are respectively applied to the closed body at different locations between the first and second locations, the closed body respectively translates the forces to substantially equal pressure differentials at the first location.

Collision sensing apparatus

A method of controlling a vehicle includes providing a vehicle having a brake system configured to operate according to a nominal mode in which applied braking pressure is based on a driver braking request, a first active braking mode in which applied braking pressure is based on maximum ABS braking pressure and decreased in response to a driver brake pedal release, and a second active braking mode in which applied braking pressure is based on maximum braking pressure. In response to a detected collision, the system is controlled according to the first active braking mode. In response to the first active braking mode being active and no driver braking request being anticipated, the system is controlled according to the second active braking mode. In response to the first or second active braking modes being active and a termination criterion being satisfied, the system is controlled according to the nominal mode.

Method and device for autonomous braking of a vehicle following collision

A configurable vehicle cluster is described which extends down below a top of the steering column to provide a display of information. The display can display information to the driver through or around the steering wheel and the recess in the vehicle cluster through which the steering wheel column extends. An instrument cluster is positioned adjacent the steering assembly and includes a display having an edge that is non-linear and may at least partly wrap around the steering column to increase the viewing area of the cluster. The display may extend around the steering column behind the steering wheel. The vehicle cluster can be mounted lower in a vehicle while providing adequate viewing area and conserving space in the vehicle cabin.

Vehicle instrument cluster

An outer bumper and an inner bumper have disposed therebetween a plastic bolster. At least one inflator is communicatively coupled to a controller and arranged to inflate the plastic bolster. The bolster is formed of a plastic having sufficient rigidity to fold. In one example, the bolster includes accordion folds in an undeployed state.

Inflatable bolster in a vehicle bumper

A method for controlling a vehicle braking system includes commanding vehicle brakes to provide braking torque based on a driver braking request in response to a detected collision and an anticipated application of a driver-actuated brake pedal after the collision. The method additionally includes activating the vehicle brakes in the absence of application of the brake pedal in response to a subsequent application and release of the brake pedal while a motion sensor reading exceeds a predefined threshold.

The present invention relates to an electronic mechanical protector system for vehicle door latches during crash conditions, vehicle door equipped with such a system, and methods for operating the system.

Electro-mechanical protector for vehicle latches during crash conditions and method for operating the same

A vehicle comprises an acceleration sensing module and a crash direction-computing module. The acceleration-sensing module is configured for generating acceleration information resulting from a vehicle collision event. The acceleration information includes a first direction acceleration value and a second direction acceleration value. The crash direction-computing module is coupled to the acceleration-sensing module for receiving the acceleration information therefrom and is configured for determining impact direction information resulting from the vehicle collision event. Generating the impact direction information includes deriving a first direction delta velocity value from the first direction acceleration value, deriving a second direction delta velocity value from the second direction acceleration value, determining a first delta velocity threshold value based on a delta velocity threshold angle and the first direction delta velocity value, and determining an impact zone based on the first delta velocity threshold value and the second direction delta velocity value.

Method and system for determining a primary direction of force resulting from a vehicle collision

A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.

Pressure-based crash detection system incorporated in side rail

A method of controlling a vehicle braking system, includes: (i) detecting whether a collision has occurred; (ii) detecting whether a predetermined condition follows the collision; (iii) determining whether a driver has applied the brakes; and (iv) when a driver has not applied the brakes, autonomously initiating braking.

A mounting system for a control module in a vehicle comprises a housing with a flange formed with an opening adapted to receive a fastener for securing the housing to the vehicle. A crack initiator causes a crack to occur in the flange or the housing and thus reduces bending of the housing during a side impact collision causing lateral forces. Preferably, an attachment bolt extends through the opening into the vehicle and the flange forms a C-shape around the opening to allow lateral forces during the side impact collision to force the attachment bolt to slide out of the opening. Preferably, electronic components in the module include an event data recorder for recording data about the vehicle collision and relaying the data after the collision, a communications system for calling for assistance and a controller for cutting off the vehicle fuel supply.

Mounting system for an electronic control module housing in a vehicle

A method for vehicle spinout detection is described. The method includes monitoring a set of conditions. If the conditions meet a set of criteria, the method calculates a lateral factor, employing one or more past values of the lateral factor. The lateral factor indicates the vehicle's lateral velocity. Then, a spinout factor is computed based on the calculated lateral factor. The spinout factor indicates the difference between the direction of vehicle travel and the direction the vehicle is heading. If the spinout factor is above a predefined threshold value, the method generates a warning signal. A system for vehicle spinout detection is also described.

System and method for vehicle spinout detection

An impact sensor system for a vehicle that includes a frame member having a cavity and a chamber arranged within the cavity. The chamber includes two ends with different cross-sectional areas. The impact sensor system further includes a sensor coupled to the chamber that generates a signal indicative of a pressure change within the chamber caused by an impact to the frame member.

Vehicle impact sensing system

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Dearborn, MI, United States of America

Todd Nelson Clark