Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft on November 30th, 2023

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW) has recently filed several patents related to various aspects of vehicle technology. These patents cover areas such as battery cell design, data provenance in data processing chains, map data determination, and internal combustion engine design.

In terms of battery cell design, BMW has developed a battery cell with multiple electrode units housed together. Each electrode unit has a protective film consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer has a higher melting point compared to the inner layer, providing enhanced protection for the electrode unit.

In the field of data processing, BMW has focused on ensuring transparency of data provenance in a data processing chain. The patent application describes methods, systems, and devices for maintaining transparency and traceability of data throughout the processing chain. Each processing component is assigned a globally unique data identifier, and result data, including the identifier and information about the source data, is transmitted to a data manager.

BMW has also developed a device for determining map data for a specific route portion. This device acquires two sets of observations during separate trips along the route portion and calculates a measure of similarity for each possible pair of observations. Based on the measure of similarity, the device determines one-to-one associations between observations from the two sets, allowing for accurate determination of map data for the route portion.

In the field of internal combustion engine design, BMW has developed an engine design that includes a combustion chamber, an injector, a pre-chamber, and two spark plugs. The pre-chamber, injector, and second spark plug are arranged in a specific order in a plane perpendicular to the cylinder's axial direction, optimizing the combustion process.

Notable patent applications from BMW include a system for detecting a bypass lane at a junction with a traffic light system and adjusting automated longitudinal guidance functions of a vehicle based on this detection. Another application focuses on a vehicle control system that automatically controls the speed of a vehicle based on the distance to a signaling unit ahead. Additionally, BMW has filed patents for a vehicle guidance system that can automatically control the vehicle's movement in relation to a preceding vehicle and an intersection, and a system that determines when a vehicle is starting to drive off and decides whether to continue with automated longitudinal guidance based on certain conditions.

Patent applications for Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft on November 30th, 2023

Arrangement with a Wheel and a Planar Cover Element for a Vehicle, Cover Element, Wheel, and Vehicle (18029706)

Main Inventor

Mike SEIDEL

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an arrangement that includes a wheel and a sheet-shaped cover element.

• The wheel has a rim, a hub, and multiple spokes, with free spaces between the spokes.
• The cover element partially covers the free spaces and has a slight step on the inner edge, extending along the edge.
• The cover element and the rim are designed to create a gap in the region of the step.
• When a flow enters the gap, it undergoes at least two-fold deflection as it passes through from the vehicle interior to the exterior or vice versa.

Abstract

An arrangement has a wheel and a sheet-shaped cover element. The wheel has a rim, a hub and a plurality of spokes, wherein the wheel has a free space between at least every two spokes spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The free space being at least partly covered by the cover element and, on its inner edge, having a slight step on an outer side of the rim, which step extends at least in some portions along the edge. The cover element and the rim are formed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that a gap resulting in the region of the step from the arrangement of the cover element relative to the rim, following entry of a flow into the gap until exit from the gap, causes an at least two-fold deflection of the flow passing through the gap from the vehicle interior to the vehicle exterior or from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior.

Cover Element Suitable for Attachment to a Vehicle Wheel (18031934)

Main Inventor

Stella CLARKE

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a cover element for a vehicle wheel that is designed to cover gaps between wheel spokes.

• The cover element is attached to a vehicle wheel with a hub, a wheel rim, and wheel spokes.
• It is specifically designed to cover gaps between adjacent wheel spokes in the circumferential direction.
• The outer surface of the cover element is equipped with a bistable display element, such as an e-paper display, or is made entirely of such elements.
• The display device of the cover element can be controlled electronically through a control unit.
• The purpose of the cover element is to provide a visually appealing and customizable design for vehicle wheels.

Abstract

A cover element is suitable for attachment to a vehicle wheel having a hub, a wheel rim provided with a rim well for accommodating a tire, and wheel spokes which connect the hub to the wheel rim. The cover element is designed to cover at least one gap between two wheel spokes that adjoin one another in the circumferential direction. The outer surface of the cover element, at least in regions, is provided with at least one bistable display element, such as an e-paper display element having a display device, or is formed by at least one such element, wherein the display device can be supplied with electrical control signals via a control unit.

Vehicle Control System and Method for Operating a Driving Function in the Event of a Change in Configuration (18031184)

Main Inventor

Bartono ADIPRASITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle control system that can automatically control the speed of a vehicle. 

• The system can detect when the user of the vehicle changes a setting related to the speed control at a specific time or position.
• It can also determine if there is a signaling unit (such as a traffic light) ahead of the vehicle that needs to be considered during the speed control.
• If there is a signaling unit ahead, the system will only apply the user's speed control change after passing that signaling unit.

Abstract

A vehicle control system provides a driving function for the automated longitudinal control of a vehicle. The vehicle control system is configured to detect that the user of the vehicle causes a change in the configuration of a property of the driving function at a configuration time or in a configuration position of the vehicle. The vehicle control system is additionally configured to ascertain that a first signaling unit lying ahead in the direction of travel of the vehicle is already taken into account during the automated longitudinal control of the vehicle at the configuration time or in the configuration position, and to take into account the change in the configuration during the automated longitudinal control of the vehicle only in a signaling unit that follows the first signaling unit.

Vehicle Guidance System and Method for Operating a Driving Function Depending on the Expected Stopping Duration (18031199)

Main Inventor

Bartono ADIPRASITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle guidance system that can automatically control the speed and stopping of a vehicle based on the surrounding environment and traffic signals.

• The system can detect a signaling unit located ahead of the vehicle on the road.
• It can determine the expected duration of the vehicle's stop at the signaling unit and the type of signaling unit.
• Based on this information, the system can automatically delay the vehicle's movement at the signaling unit.

Abstract

A vehicle guidance system provides a driving function for automated longitudinal guidance of a vehicle. The vehicle guidance system is configured to detect, based on surroundings data, a first signaling unit, which is arranged ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel on a roadway on which the vehicle is travelling. The vehicle guidance system is also configured to determine stop information in relation to an expected stopping duration of the vehicle at the first signaling unit and/or in relation to the type of the first signaling unit, and to effect an automated delay of the vehicle at the first signaling unit depending on the stop information.

Vehicle Guidance System and Method for Operating a Driving Function Following a Driving-off Process (18031194)

Main Inventor

Bartono ADIPRASITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle guidance system that can automatically control the longitudinal movement of a vehicle.

• The system can determine when the vehicle is starting to drive off from a specific location.
• It can use surrounding data to identify a second location further ahead on the road.
• The system checks if certain conditions for the driving-off process are met.
• Depending on the conditions, the system decides whether to continue with automated longitudinal guidance towards the second location.

Abstract

A vehicle guidance system provides a driving function for automated longitudinal guidance of a vehicle. The vehicle guidance system is configured to determine that the vehicle is carrying out a driving-off process at a first signaling unit. Furthermore, the vehicle guidance system is configured to detect, on the basis of surroundings data, a second signaling unit subsequent to the first signaling unit, which second signaling unit is arranged ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel on a roadway on which the vehicle is travelling. The vehicle guidance system is also configured to check whether or not one or more driving-off process conditions in relation to the driving-off process are met, and depending thereon, the second signaling unit is configured to consider, during automated longitudinal guidance of the vehicle, whether or not the one or more driving-off process conditions are met.

Vehicle Control System and Method for Operating a Driving Function According to a Preceding Vehicle (18031182)

Main Inventor

Bartono ADIPRASITO

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle control system that can automatically control a vehicle's movement in relation to a preceding vehicle and an intersection.

• The system uses environmental data to determine if the preceding vehicle is crossing an intersection with a signaling unit.
• Even if the system is uncertain about the status of the signaling unit, it can still control the vehicle to follow the preceding vehicle across the intersection.

Abstract

A vehicle control system provides a driving function for the automated longitudinal control of a vehicle. The vehicle control system is configured to ascertain, based on environmental data related to a preceding vehicle driving in front of the vehicle in question, that the preceding vehicle is crossing an intersection associated with a signaling unit. The vehicle control system is additionally configured to automatedly control, in reaction to the ascertainment, the vehicle across the intersection behind the preceding vehicle even if the vehicle control system has been unable to unequivocally ascertain the status of the signaling unit in respect of the vehicle being allowed to cross the intersection.

Vehicle Control System and Method for Outputting Information Related to a Signaling Unit (18031181)

Main Inventor

Bartono ADIPRASITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle control system that can automatically control the speed of a vehicle. 

• The system can detect a signaling unit ahead of the vehicle on the road.
• It can determine the distance between the vehicle and the signaling unit.
• Based on this distance, the system can decide whether to provide information related to the signaling unit to the driver or not.

Abstract

A vehicle control system provides a driving function for the automated longitudinal control of a vehicle. The vehicle control system is configured to detect, based on environmental data, a first signaling unit that lies ahead of the vehicle in the direction of travel on a roadway on which the vehicle travels. The vehicle control system is additionally configured to ascertain distance information related to a distance in time and/or in units of the vehicle from the first signaling unit. The vehicle control system is also configured to initiate or prevent, according to the distance-related information, the output of information related to the first signaling unit.

Vehicle Guidance System and Method for Operating a Driving Function in Different Modes (18031180)

Main Inventor

Bartono ADIPRASITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle guidance system that can automatically control the longitudinal movement of a vehicle.

• The system collects data from a signaling unit located ahead of the vehicle.
• It can operate in automatic mode or manual mode depending on the data from the signaling unit.
• In automatic mode, the system takes into account the information from the signaling unit without user confirmation.
• In manual mode, the system only considers the signaling unit after the user confirms it.

Abstract

A vehicle guidance system provides a driving function for automated longitudinal guidance of a vehicle. The vehicle guidance system is designed to determine data relating to a first signaling unit located ahead in the travel direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle guidance system is designed to operate the driving function in an automatic mode or in a manual mode at the first signaling unit depending upon the data relating to the first signaling unit, and in the automated longitudinal guidance of the vehicle the first signaling unit is taken into account automatically in the automatic mode, and in the manual mode only after confirmation by a user.

Device and Method for Detecting a Bypass Lane (18250902)

Main Inventor

Wolfgang HEMPEL

Brief explanation

- The patent application is about systems, methods, and devices that detect a bypass lane at a junction with a traffic light system and control automated longitudinal guidance functions of a motor vehicle based on this detection.

- The invention utilizes driving data of a motor vehicle at the junction to determine the possible driving trajectory of vehicles at the junction and arrangement information that reflects the arrangement of the traffic light system relative to the possible driving trajectory. - Based on the arrangement information, the bypass lane of the junction is detected. - The automated longitudinal guidance functions of the motor vehicle are then adjusted based on the detection of the bypass lane.

Abstract

The invention relates to systems, methods and devices that detect a bypass lane at a junction with at least one traffic light system and control automated longitudinal guidance functions of a motor vehicle based thereon. The driving data of a motor vehicle at the junction is utilized to determine a possible driving trajectory of vehicles at the junction and arrangement information reflecting an arrangement of the traffic light system relative to the possible driving trajectory. The bypass lane of the junction is detected based on the arrangement information, the automated longitudinal guidance functions of the motor vehicle are adjusted based on the bypass lane detection.

Device and Method for Controlling a Driving Function for the Automated Longitudinal Guidance And/or Lateral Guidance of a Vehicle (18034228)

Main Inventor

Benedict DINGFELDER

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device that controls the automated longitudinal and/or lateral guidance of a vehicle. 

• The device collects data on different driving situations where the automated guidance was limited.
• It identifies frequently limited driving situations and locations.
• The device then adjusts the driving function to either not operate or operate with reduced automation in those situations and locations.

Abstract

A device for controlling a driving function for the automated longitudinal guidance and/or lateral guidance of a vehicle is configured to determine driving situation data for different driving situations during the operation of the driving function in at least one vehicle, in which driving situations the automated longitudinal guidance and/or lateral guidance of the vehicle effected by the driving function was limited. The device is also configured to identify, based on the driving situation data for the different driving situations, a first type of driving situations for which and/or a first location at which the automated longitudinal guidance and/or lateral guidance of the vehicle effected by the driving function was frequently limited. Furthermore, the device is configured to cause the driving function not to be operated or to be operated only with a reduced degree of automation in a driving situation of the first type and/or at the first location.

Internal Combustion Engine Comprising at Least One Cylinder Equipped With a Pre-chamber, an Injector and Two Spark Plugs, and Method for Operating Same (18032730)

Main Inventor

Juergen NEUMANN

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an internal combustion engine design that includes a combustion chamber, an injector, a pre-chamber, and two spark plugs.

• The combustion chamber is where fuel and air are mixed and burned.
• The injector is used to inject fuel into the combustion chamber.
• The pre-chamber is separate from the combustion chamber, except for a passage opening that connects them.
• A first spark plug is located in the pre-chamber to produce an ignition spark.
• A second spark plug is located in the combustion chamber, outside of the pre-chamber, to produce another ignition spark.
• The pre-chamber, injector, and second spark plug are arranged in a specific order in a plane perpendicular to the cylinder's axial direction.

Abstract

An internal combustion engine may include a combustion chamber which is delimited by a cylinder; an injector with which fuel can be injected into the combustion chamber, whereby a mixture comprising fuel and air can be generated in the combustion chamber; a pre-chamber, which is fluidically separate from the combustion chamber with the exception of a passage opening and which is fluidically connected to the combustion chamber via the passage opening; a first spark plug with which an ignition spark can be produced in the pre-chamber; and a second spark plug with which an ignition spark can be produced in the combustion chamber and outside of the pre-chamber, wherein the pre-chamber, the injector, and the second spark plug are arranged, in this order, in a direction extending in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylinder.

Device and Method for Determining Map Data on the Basis of Observations (18034285)

Main Inventor

Wolfgang HEMPEL

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device that determines map data for a specific route portion.

• The device acquires two sets of observations during two separate trips along the route portion.
• It calculates a measure of similarity for each possible pair of observations from the two sets.
• Based on the measure of similarity, it determines one-to-one associations between observations from the two sets.
• Using these associations, the device determines the map data for the route portion.

Abstract

A device for determining map data with respect to a route portion, configured to acquire a first set of first observations during a first trip along the route portion and a second set of second observations during a second trip along the route portion, determine values of a measure of similarity for different possible observation pairs each consisting of one first observation and one second observation, determine, on the basis of the values of the measure of similarity for different possible observation pairs, an overall association with one or more one-to-one associations between, in each case, one first observation from the first set and one second observation from the second set. The device is also configured to determine the map data with respect to the route portion on the basis of the overall association.

Method for Ensuring Transparency of Data Provenance in a Data Processing Chain (18034121)

Main Inventor

Adnan BEKAN

Brief explanation

The patent application describes methods, systems, and devices for ensuring transparency of data provenance in a data processing chain.

• Data processing chain consists of multiple processing components that process source data to generate result data.
• Each processing component is assigned a globally unique data identifier.
• Result data, including the identifier and information about the source data, is transmitted to a data manager when a processing component processes the source data.
• The goal is to maintain transparency and traceability of data provenance throughout the processing chain.

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for ensuring transparency of data provenance in a data processing chain are provided. A data processing chain includes a plurality of processing components. Each of the plurality of processing components is configured to process source data to generate result data. A globally unique data identifier is assigned to each of the processing components. In response to a processing component processing source data, result data is transmitted to a data manager. The result data includes information about a globally unique identifier assigned to the processing component and information about the source data.

Battery Cell Having a Plurality of Electrode Units in a Common Battery Cell Housing (18030791)

Main Inventor

Sonia DANDL

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a battery cell with multiple electrode units housed together.

Each electrode unit has a protective film consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is located on the electrode unit, while the outer layer is placed on top of the inner layer. The outer layer has a higher melting point compared to the inner layer.

• Battery cell with multiple electrode units in a common housing
• Each electrode unit has a protective film with an inner and outer layer
• Inner layer is positioned on the electrode unit
• Outer layer is placed on top of the inner layer
• Outer layer has a higher melting point than the inner layer

Abstract

A battery cell has a plurality of electrode units in a common battery cell housing. Each of the electrode units includes a protective film having an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer is arranged on the electrode unit and the outer layer is arranged on the inner layer. The outer layer has a higher melting point than the inner layer.