Ford Global Technologies, LLC patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Patent applications for Ford Global Technologies, LLC on November 30th, 2023

SUBFRAME ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE (17824989)

Main Inventor

Cliff Standifer

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a subframe attachment system for a vehicle.

• The system includes a front brace, a rear brace assembly, and tethers.
• The front brace is mounted to the longitudinal rails of the vehicle's main frame and has front mounting apertures accessible from the cargo bed.
• The rear brace assembly is mounted to the main frame and has rear mounting apertures accessible from the cargo bed.
• The tethers have one end rotatably coupled to the rear brace assembly and the other end mounted to the longitudinal rails.
• The system provides a secure attachment for the subframe of the vehicle, allowing for easy access and mounting from the cargo bed.

Abstract

A subframe attachment system for a vehicle includes a front brace, a rear brace assembly, and tethers. The front brace extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and is configured to be mounted to a pair of longitudinal rails of a main frame of the vehicle. The front brace includes front mounting apertures configured to be accessible from the cargo bed. The rear brace assembly is spaced apart from the front brace and extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear brace assembly is configured to be mounted to the main frame and includes rear mounting apertures configured to be accessible from the cargo bed. The tethers include a first end rotatably coupled to the rear brace assembly and a second end configured to be mounted to respective longitudinal rails of the pair of longitudinal rails.

ARB DISCONNECT SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED ROLL GRADIENT AND UNDERSTEER CHARACTERISTICS (18249183)

Main Inventor

Erik OTTEN

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system.

- The assembly includes a lower control arm, an upper control arm, a damper, and a drop link. - The lower control arm is connected to the vehicle chassis through two bushing assemblies that pivot along an axis parallel to the vehicle's centerline. - The upper control arm is also connected to the chassis. - The damper is connected to the lower control arm and helps dampen the pivoting motion of the control arms relative to the chassis. - The drop link connects the lower control arm to an anti-roll bar, which has a disconnect assembly. - The disconnect assembly translates roll motion into a force exerted on the lower control arm in a direction parallel to the axis.

Abstract

A suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system may include a lower control arm, an upper control arm, a damper, and a drop link. The lower control arm may be operably coupled to a chassis of a vehicle via a first bushing assembly and a second bushing assembly. The first and second bushing assemblies may each pivot about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The upper control arm may be operably coupled to the chassis. The damper may be operably coupled to the lower control arm to dampen pivoting motion of the upper and lower control arms relative to the chassis. The drop link may operably couple the lower control arm and an anti-roll bar that includes a disconnect assembly to translate a roll motion into a force exerted on the lower control arm in a direction substantially parallel to the axis.

TONNEAU COVER INCLUDING MOVEABLE PANELS (17828207)

Main Inventor

Stuart C. Salter

Brief explanation

The patent application is about a motor vehicle with a tonneau cover that has moveable panels.

• The motor vehicle has a cargo area and a tonneau cover.
• The tonneau cover consists of a first side panel, a second side panel, and a central panel.
• In the first configuration, the tonneau cover covers the top of the cargo area.
• In the second configuration, parts of the first and second side panels are raised compared to the first configuration.

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a tonneau cover with moveable panels. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a cargo area; and a tonneau cover including a first side panel, a second side panel, and a central panel between the first and second side panels, wherein the tonneau cover is configurable in a first configuration in which the central, first side, and second side panels provide a cover for a top of the cargo area, and wherein the tonneau cover is configurable in a second configuration in which portions of the first side panel and the second side panel are raised relative to the first configuration.

VEHICLE FRAME CROSS MEMBERS WITH BUCKLING AVOIDANCE FEATURES (18365043)

Main Inventor

Yalla Mussa Abushawashi

Brief explanation

The patent application describes vehicle frames with buckling avoidance features.

• The invention includes a cross member that connects two side rails of a vehicle frame.
• A battery is attached to the cross member and one of the side rails.
• A bracket is also attached to the cross member and the other side rail at two different locations.
• The purpose of these features is to prevent buckling and improve the structural integrity of the vehicle frame.
• This innovation aims to enhance the safety and performance of vehicles.

Abstract

Vehicle frames with buckling avoidance features are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a cross member extending between a first side rail and a second side rail, a battery coupled to the cross member and the second side rail, and a bracket opposite to the battery, the bracket coupled to the first side rail and the cross member at a first location and a second location.

VEHICLE HAVING DEPLOYABLE SLIDING WORK DESK (17826462)

Main Inventor

Stuart C. Salter

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle with a unique feature for the passenger door. Here are the key points:

• The vehicle has a cabin with an interior and a passenger door.
• Inside the cabin, there is an interior panel and a track located in the passenger door.
• The innovation is a desk that is housed in a slot within the interior panel.
• The desk is designed to slide along the slot in the interior panel and the track in the passenger door.
• It can be moved between a stowed position, where it is hidden within the interior panel, and a use position, where it extends outward from the interior panel.
• The purpose of this innovation is to provide a convenient and space-saving desk option for passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract

A vehicle includes a body defining a cabin having an interior and a passenger door, an interior panel located in the interior, a track located in the passenger door within the interior, and a desk operably housed in a slot in the interior panel and slidably coupled to the slot in the interior panel and the track to move between a stowed position within the interior panel and a use position extending outward from the interior panel.

VEHICLE CARGO BED SYSTEMS INCLUDING A STAIR ASSEMBLY, A LOAD STOP, OR BOTH (18188610)

Main Inventor

William Charles Brick

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a cargo bed system with a movable stair assembly for a vehicle structure. 

• The stair assembly can be moved between a stowed position and a staircase position.
• It includes first and second support arm assemblies and first and second steps.
• The first and second steps are designed to pivot together.

Abstract

A cargo bed system includes a stair assembly that is movable between a stowed position and a staircase position relative to a vehicle structure. The stair assembly includes first and second support arm assemblies and first and a second steps. The first and second steps are configured to pivot together.

System, Method, and Computer Program Product for Identification of Intention and Prediction for Parallel Parking Vehicles (17828137)

Main Inventor

Randall Schur

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a system, method, and computer program product for identifying the intention and predicting the parallel parking behavior of autonomous vehicles.

- The method involves obtaining sensor data from the vehicle's surroundings. - Based on this sensor data, the system identifies static objects in the environment, an open parallel parking location, and a vehicle that meets the conditions for parallel parking. - A polygon is generated that extends beyond the side and rear of the vehicle, encompassing the open parking location. - The movement of the autonomous vehicle is then controlled based on a prediction that it intends to parallel park in the identified open parking location. - This prediction is made by determining the amount of the open parking location that is contained within the generated polygon.

Abstract

Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for identification of intention and prediction for parallel parking vehicles. For example, the method includes: obtaining sensor data associated with an environment surrounding an autonomous vehicle; identifying, based on the sensor data, a plurality of static objects in the environment, an open parallel parking location between the plurality of static objects, and a vehicle in the environment that satisfies a parallel parking condition; generating a polygon that extends beyond a side and a rear of the vehicle that satisfies the parallel parking condition; and controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle based on a prediction that the vehicle is intending to parallel park in the open parking location, the prediction that the vehicle is intending to parallel park in the open parking location being determined based on an amount of the open parallel parking location that is contained within the polygon.

VEHICLE MAP DATA MANAGEMENT (17826259)

Main Inventor

Yuming Niu

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a computer system that can analyze lane boundaries.

- The computer system includes a processor and memory to store instructions. - The system receives a set of points that indicate a lane boundary. - It selects a first subset of points from the set, excluding the first point. - Based on this subset, the system determines a path for the lane boundary. - If the first point is found to be a certain distance away from the path, it is added to the subset. - The purpose of this innovation is to accurately identify and track lane boundaries for various applications such as autonomous vehicles or lane departure warning systems.

Abstract

A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive a set of points indicating a lane boundary; select a first subset of the points, wherein the set of points includes a first point that is not in the first subset; determine a path of the lane boundary based on the first subset of the points; and, upon determining that the first point is greater than a threshold distance from the path, add the first point to the first subset.

BODY STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE HAVING REINFORCEMENT ASSEMBLY (17825124)

Main Inventor

Joseph Prescott Hickey

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a body structure for a vehicle that includes various components to enhance its strength and stability. 

• The body structure includes a roof side rail assembly, a vehicle pillar, a pillar reinforcement bracket, and an intermediate reinforcement bracket.
• The roof side rail assembly consists of an attachment plate and a rail that extends along the length of the vehicle.
• The vehicle pillar extends downward from the attachment plate.
• The pillar reinforcement bracket is secured to the rail and partially located within the vehicle pillar.
• The pillar reinforcement bracket has a lower portion.
• The intermediate reinforcement bracket is placed within and secured to the vehicle pillar.
• The intermediate reinforcement bracket includes a connecting wall that is attached to the lower portion of the pillar reinforcement bracket.
• The connecting wall runs parallel to the surface of the attachment plate where the rail is secured.

Overall, this body structure design aims to provide additional reinforcement and strength to the vehicle's roof side rail assembly and vehicle pillar, improving the overall safety and stability of the vehicle.

Abstract

A body structure for a vehicle includes a roof side rail assembly, a vehicle pillar, a pillar reinforcement bracket and an intermediate reinforcement bracket. The roof side rail assembly includes an attachment plate and a rail secured to the attachment plate and configured to extend along a length of the vehicle. The vehicle pillar extends downward from the attachment plate. The pillar reinforcement bracket is secured to the rail and at least partially disposed within the vehicle pillar. The pillar reinforcement bracket includes a lower portion. The intermediate reinforcement bracket is disposed within and secured to the vehicle pillar. The intermediate reinforcement bracket also includes a connecting wall that is secured to the lower portion of the pillar reinforcement bracket. The connecting wall extends parallel to a surface of the attachment plate where the rail is secured to the attachment plate.

Method for Forming Vehicle Component (18304931)

Main Inventor

Constantin Chiriac

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a method for forming a vehicle component using a blank made of 36MnB5.

- The blank is heated in a furnace to an austenitization temperature, which changes its microstructure from austenite to martensite. - The blank is then stamped with a die assembly to form the vehicle component. - If the temperature of the vehicle component is at or below 130°C, it is removed from the die assembly. - The vehicle component has a yield strength equal to or greater than 1400 MPa. - The blank is retained within the die assembly for a quench time of between five and eleven seconds after stamping. - The surface of the die assembly is thermo-stabilized to a predetermined temperature. - A pressure of approximately 10 N/mm is applied to the blank during the stamping process.

Abstract

A method for forming a vehicle component is provided. The method may include heating a blank of 36MnB5 in a furnace to an austenitization temperature, stamping the blank with a die assembly to form a vehicle component and change a microstructure of the blank from austenite to martensite, and responsive to a temperature of the vehicle component being at or below 130° C., removing the vehicle component from the die assembly such that the vehicle component has a yield strength equal to or greater than 1400 MPa. The blank may be retained within the die assembly for a quench time of between five and eleven seconds following the stamping. The method may further include thermo-stabilizing a surface of the die assembly to a predetermined temperature. The stamping may further include applying a pressure of approximately 10 N/mmto the blank.

Systems and Methods for Use of a Vehicle to Conduct a Site Survey Operation (17804485)

Main Inventor

Stuart Salter

Brief explanation

- The patent application is about systems and methods for using a vehicle to conduct a site survey.

- The method involves receiving navigation guidance to move the vehicle along a pre-defined path on a property for a site survey operation. - The site survey operation includes a staking procedure performed by a robotic arm attached to the vehicle, an image capture procedure using a camera in the vehicle, and a subterranean scanning procedure for detecting buried objects. - In the staking procedure, a stake with a barcode label is inserted at a first location on the property. - A barcode scanner is used to read the barcode label and obtain information associated with an object at the first location.

Abstract

The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for use of a vehicle to conduct a site survey. An example method can include receiving navigation guidance to move a vehicle along a pre-defined path on a property for executing a site survey operation of the property. The site survey operation can include a staking procedure performed by a robotic arm attached to the vehicle, an image capture procedure performed by use of a camera in the vehicle, and/or a subterranean scanning procedure for detecting a buried object. In an example implementation, the staking procedure can include inserting at a first location on the property, a stake having affixed thereon, a barcode label. A barcode scanner can be used to read the barcode label for obtaining information associated with an object present at the first location.

OFF-BEAT LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS (17828712)

Main Inventor

Himanshu VERMA

Brief explanation

The patent application is about a system that recommends unique and less popular destinations for vehicles.

• The system uses a server to identify off-beat locations for vehicles to visit.
• Each off-beat location is assigned a popularity score, indicating how crowded it is.
• The server filters these off-beat locations based on a minimum popularity score threshold.
• The server then recommends the off-beat locations that meet the threshold to the vehicle.
• The goal is to provide recommendations for destinations that are less crowded and more unique.

Abstract

Recommendation of off-beat locations as destinations for vehicles is provided. Off-beat locations for a location of a vehicle are identified by a server. Each off-beat location is associated with a corresponding popularity score, the popularity score indicating a relative level of occupancy of the off-beat location. The off-beat locations are filtered by the server based on at least one threshold level of popularity score. The off-beat locations are recommended from the server to the vehicle as those that meet the at least one threshold level of popularity score.

PATH GEOMETRY BASED ON VEHICLE SENSING (17825255)

Main Inventor

Adil Nizam Siddiqui

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a system that uses vehicle sensor data to predict upcoming route conditions and identify potential obstacles that may affect vehicle travel. 

• The system analyzes the sensor data to identify passibility-limiting features on the route.
• It then interpolates the characteristics of these features based on the sensor data.
• The system compares the identified features with previously identified features in the vicinity of the vehicle's current location.
• It also compares the interpolated characteristics with previously interpolated characteristics associated with the features.
• If the characteristics deviate significantly from the previously interpolated ones, the system alerts the user through the vehicle.
• The alert is triggered if the interpolated characteristics or the previously interpolated characteristics indicate that the vehicle may have difficulty passing the feature, based on predefined vehicle parameters.

Abstract

A system receives vehicle sensor data indicating upcoming route characteristics as a vehicle travels a route. The system identifies one or more passibility-limiting features from the vehicle sensor data and, based on the sensor data, interpolates at least one characteristics of at least one feature that would affect vehicle travel. The system determines if the feature has been previously identified by comparison to previously identified features associated with locations within a proximity of a present location of the vehicle. Further, the system determines if the at least one characteristic has more than a predefined deviance from one or more previously interpolated characteristics associated with the feature and alert the user via the vehicle if at least one of the previously interpolated characteristics or the at least one characteristic indicates that the vehicle may have difficulty passing the feature based on predefined parameters of the vehicle.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS DURING CHARGE OF A BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (17804504)

Main Inventor

Jeffrey Yizho Hu

Brief explanation

- This patent application is about systems and methods for charging an electric vehicle.

- The method described in the application determines recommendations for a user of a user device. - The method takes into account the user's consumption of content on a first application on the user device. - The content being consumed is available on the electric vehicle. - The method also determines the charge state of the electric vehicle. - Based on the charge state, the method determines if the length of time to charge the vehicle satisfies a timing requirement associated with the content. - If the timing requirement is satisfied, the method locates a charge station where the electric vehicle can be charged while the content is being played. - Finally, the method presents a recommendation to the user to charge the vehicle at the identified charging station.

Abstract

The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods related to charging an electric vehicle. A method for determining recommendations for a user of a user device includes determining that the user is consuming content on a first application on the user device, the content available on the electric vehicle, determining a charge state of the electric vehicle, determining, based on the charge state of the electric vehicle that a length of time to charge the electric vehicle satisfies a timing requirement associated with the content, locating a charge station where the electric vehicle can be charged while the vehicle plays the content, and presenting a recommendation to charge the vehicle at the charging station.

SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE ROUTE OPTIMIZATION USING VISIBILITY CONDITION (17751939)

Main Inventor

Stuart C. SALTER

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle that has a controller programmed to perform certain functions related to driving assistance features. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:

• The vehicle's controller receives a destination from the user.
• It plans multiple routes to the destination.
• The controller obtains visibility condition data for at least a part of each route.
• Based on the visibility condition data, the controller anticipates when a driving assistance feature may need to be activated in a section of one of the routes.
• Once the vehicle arrives at that section, the controller activates the driving assistance feature.
• Importantly, the driving assistance feature is activated while the vehicle is still being manually driven by the user.

In summary, the patent application describes a system in which a vehicle's controller uses visibility condition data to anticipate and activate driving assistance features in specific sections of a route, while the vehicle is still being manually driven by the user.

Abstract

A vehicle includes a controller programmed to responsive to receiving a destination, plan a plurality of routes to the destination, obtain visibility condition data for at least a part of each of the routes, anticipate an activation of a driving assistance feature in a section of at least one of the routes using the visibility condition data, and responsive to arriving at the section, activate the driving assistance feature while the vehicle is being manually driven by a user.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TIMELY MOVING OF A PACKAGE INSIDE A DELIVERY VEHICLE (17804481)

Main Inventor

Yifan Chen

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes systems and methods for efficiently moving packages in a delivery vehicle before reaching the final destination.

- A computer system is used to identify a target spot ahead of the delivery destination. - An automated package moving apparatus in the vehicle is instructed to move the package from one location to another in the cargo area. - The movement of the package is initiated before or at the time the vehicle reaches the target spot on the delivery route. - The computer system determines the amount of time required for the package moving apparatus to complete the movement. - The goal is to ensure timely delivery by optimizing the package placement within the vehicle.

Abstract

Example embodiments described herein are directed to systems and methods related to moving a package in a delivery vehicle in a timely manner prior to the vehicle reaching a destination for the package. In an example embodiment, a computer identifies a target spot located ahead of the delivery destination. The computer then conveys an instruction to an automated package moving apparatus in the vehicle to initiate a movement of the package from a first location in a cargo area of the vehicle to a second location in the cargo area before or at a time of arrival of the vehicle at the target spot on the delivery route. The process of identifying the target spot on the delivery route can involve determining an amount of time to be allocated for the automated package moving apparatus to move the first package from the first location to the second location in the cargo area.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING PEDESTRIANS WITH CROSSWALKING OR JAYWALKING INTENT (18321120)

Main Inventor

Friederike Schneemann

Brief explanation

- This patent application describes systems, methods, and computer program products for detecting and using the intentions of living actors in an environment.

- The system uses perception data obtained from a computing device to analyze the environment and detect crosswalks, mobile systems, and living actors traveling on foot. - The system can infer the intention of a first living actor to cross the road when a mobile system is yielding at a crosswalk near the actor. - The system can also infer the intention of a second living actor to jaywalk based on their movements in relation to a parked mobile system nearby. - This technology aims to improve safety and efficiency in environments with both pedestrians and mobile systems.

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer program products for detecting and using intentions of living actors in an environment. The methods comprise: obtaining, by a computing device, perception data associated with the environment; analyzing, by the computing device, the perception data to detect any crosswalks, mobile systems and living actors that are traveling on foot in the environment; and inferring, by the computing device, an existence of (a) a first living actor who likely has a crosswalking intent when one of the mobile systems is yielding at a respective crosswalk of the crosswalks proximate to the first living actor and/or (b) a second living actor who likely has a jaywalking intent based on movements of the second living actor in relation to a nearby one of the mobile systems that is parked.

TRACTION BATTERY PACKS WITH MIXED MATERIAL TRAY STRUCTURES (17825181)

Main Inventor

Derek Langley

Brief explanation

- The patent application is about designs for traction battery packs used in electric vehicles.

- The battery pack includes an outer enclosure assembly that can hold multiple battery arrays and other internal components. - The outer enclosure assembly is designed to be space efficient. - The enclosure assembly includes a tray made of a combination of different materials, known as a "hybrid" structure. - The tray consists of a first subassembly made of one material and a second subassembly made of a different material. - The first subassembly is a tub, while the second subassembly is a heat exchanger plate. - The second subassembly is secured to the first subassembly using central and perimeter joint strategies. - This design allows for a compact and efficient use of space within the battery pack.

Abstract

Exemplary traction battery pack designs are disclosed for use in electrified vehicles. An exemplary traction battery pack may include an outer enclosure assembly that may house one or more battery arrays and/or other battery internal components. The outer enclosure assembly may include a tray having a mixed material or “hybrid” structure that provides a space efficient design. The tray may include a first subassembly made of a first material and a second subassembly made of a second, different material. The first subassembly may include a tub, and the second subassembly may include a heat exchanger plate. Central and perimeter joint strategies may be employed for securing the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly to provide the space efficient design.

Coverless Interchangeable AC Power Outlets (18140003)

Main Inventor

Ailen Flores Becerril

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a coverless AC power outlet designed for use in vehicles.

• The outlet has a faceplate that can be moved to cover or expose the power terminals for receiving an AC power plug.
• The internal terminals of the outlet are packaged in a cylinder that can be easily swapped out to accommodate different plug styles used in different regions of the world.
• A ring of light surrounding the faceplate indicates the status of the activated or nonactivated terminals.

Abstract

A coverless AC power outlet for use in a vehicle interior has a pivotable faceplate that covers or exposes power terminals for receiving prongs of an AC power plug. Internal terminals of the outlet are packaged in a cylinder which is interchangeable between a plurality of plug styles used in different regions of the world. Surrounding the faceplate, a ring of light indicates status of activated or nonactivated terminals.