APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED on November 30th, 2023

APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED has recently filed several patents related to electrical connectors, communications cables, computer-based methods for determining drivable areas, super-resolution techniques, radar devices, vertical microstrip-to-waveguide transitions, connectors for fluid circuits, and methods for mapping physical environments.

Summary: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED has filed patents for various innovative technologies. These include electrical connectors designed to mate with counter-connectors, communications cables consisting of multiple strands, computer-based methods for determining drivable areas in front of vehicles, super-resolution techniques using electromagnetic sensors, radar devices with shifted phase centers, vertical microstrip-to-waveguide transitions, connectors for fluid circuits with secure and conforming connections, and methods for mapping physical environments using occupancy grids and sensors.

Notable Applications:

• Electrical connector designed to mate with a counter-connector, with insulative sleeve for safety.
• Electrical connector assembly with terminal, retainer, spring, and contact insert.
• Communications cable with electrically insulative and conductive strands.
• Computer-based method for determining drivable areas in front of a vehicle using sensors and data processing.
• Super-resolution techniques based on iterative multiple-source angle-of-arrival estimation.
• Radar device with antenna signals routed through a common signal port and virtual antenna arrays.
• Vertical microstrip-to-waveguide transition with reduced manufacturing costs and wide bandwidth support.
• Connector for fluid circuits with secure and conforming connections, including a coding system for multiple connectors.
• Method for mapping physical environments using occupancy grids and sensor measurements.

Overall, APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED has been actively innovating in various fields, ranging from electrical connectors to radar devices and mapping techniques. These patents demonstrate their commitment to developing advanced technologies for a wide range of applications.

Patent applications for APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED on November 30th, 2023

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MAPPING A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT USING AN OCCUPANCY GRID (18230820)

Main Inventor

Pawel MARKIEWICZ

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method for mapping a physical environment using an occupancy grid and a sensor.

• The method involves measuring the potential position of an object using a sensor.
• A segment representing a distribution interval of probable values is identified based on the measured potential position.
• The segment extends in only one dimension of the sensor's coordinate system and intersects with a subset of potentially occupied cells in the occupancy grid.
• The method evaluates the probability of occupancy for each potentially occupied cell by analyzing the features of the segment portion that falls within the cell.
• The probability of occupancy for each potentially occupied cell is determined using a probability density function.

Abstract

An illustrative example method of mapping a physical environment using an occupancy grid containing a set of cells associated with respective occupancy probabilities includes measuring a potential position of an object, using a sensor and identifying a segment representing a distribution interval of probable values associated with respective probability values relating to the measured potential position. The segment extends according to only one of two dimensions of the coordinate system of the sensor and penetrates a subset of potentially occupied cells. The method includes evaluating a probability of occupancy of each potentially occupied cell by determining the features of a segment portion included in the potentially occupied cell, and determining the probability of occupancy of the potentially occupied cell as a function of the determined segment portion using the probability density function.

PLUG CONNECTOR DEVICE AND PLUG CODING SYSTEM (18200772)

Main Inventor

Falk RADEMACHER

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a connector for connecting a hose to a device in a fluid circuit. The connector has a plug that can be inserted into a socket on the device, creating a secure and conforming connection. The plug has a seal and a fastener to ensure a tight fit with the socket. 

• Connector for connecting a hose to a device in a fluid circuit
• Connector body with a plug and a channel for fluid flow
• Collar at the proximal end of the plug
• Plug designed to fit securely into the device socket
• Plug has an elongated body with a seal and a fastener
• Coding system for connecting multiple connectors and device sockets in a fluid circuit.

Abstract

The specification provides a connector for connection between a hose and a device in a fluid line of a fluid circuit, the device comprising a socket for coupling with the connector. The connector comprises a connector body having a device connector plug () and comprises a channel formed axially through the connector body between a distal end opening and a proximal end opening, the channel defining a fluid pathway. The connector further comprises a collar () arranged at a proximal end of the plug. The plug is configured to be receivable in a socket of the device, the device interface and socket formed for conformity and for secure coupling, the plug comprising an elongated body portion extending from the collar to a distal end of the connector. The plug comprising a seal () and a fastener () for engaging with the socket. Also provided is a connector and socket pair coding system for providing a coded connection between one or more connectors () and one or more device sockets () in a fluid circuit.

Vertical Microstrip-to-Waveguide Transition (17804061)

Main Inventor

Syed An Nazmus Saqueb

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes techniques and systems for a vertical microstrip-to-waveguide transition.

- The system includes a radar system with a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MIMIC) and a printed circuit board (PCB). - The PCB has a microstrip and a grounding pattern on its first surface. - The microstrip connects to the MIMIC, while the grounding pattern is made of conductive material. - The system also includes a transition channel positioned over the grounding pattern, which has a vertical taper between a bottom surface and a top surface. - The transition channel forms a dielectric-filled portion using the grounding pattern and its interior surface. - This vertical transition allows for reduced manufacturing costs and supports a wide bandwidth. - It can tolerate an air gap at the transition-to-waveguide interface.

Abstract

This document describes techniques and systems for a vertical microstrip-to-waveguide transition. A radar system may include a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MIMIC) to generate electromagnetic signals and a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a first surface, a microstrip, and a grounding pattern. The microstrip can be located on the first surface and operatively connect to the MIMIC. The grounding pattern is located on the first surface and made of conductive material. The radar system also includes a transition channel positioned over the grounding pattern, which includes a vertical taper between a bottom surface and a top surface. The transition channel defines a dielectric-filled portion formed by the grounding pattern and its interior surface. The described vertical transition can reduce manufacturing costs and support a wide bandwidth by tolerating an air gap at the transition-to-waveguide interface.

Radar Device (18450133)

Main Inventor

Dennis Vollbracht

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a method for operating a radar device in automotive applications.

• The method involves routing antenna signals between a radar circuit and an antenna device.
• The antenna signals are routed through a common signal port of the radar circuit.
• The method includes transducing the antenna signals into radiation fields with different phase centers.
• The phase center of the second radiation field is shifted with respect to the phase center of the first radiation field.
• The method further involves constructing virtual antenna arrays using the phase centers of the radiation fields.
• The first phase center is used as the position for the first antenna, and the second phase center is used as the position for the second antenna.

Abstract

A method for operating an angle resolving radar device for automotive applications comprises: routing at least a first and second antenna signal between a radar circuit and an antenna device, wherein the first and second antenna signals are routed via a common signal port of the radar circuit; transducing between the first antenna signal and a first radiation field, the first radiation field having a first phase center, and between the second antenna signal and a second radiation field, the second radiation field having a second phase center, wherein a location of the second phase center is shifted with respect to a location of the first phase center; constructing at least one angle resolving virtual antenna array using the location of the first phase center as a first antenna position and the location of the second phase center of the second radiation field as a second antenna position.

Super-Resolution Based on Iterative Multiple-Source Angle-of-Arrival Estimation (17929602)

Main Inventor

Xiuzhang Cai

Brief explanation

The patent application describes techniques and systems for super-resolution based on iterative multiple-source angle-of-arrival estimation using an electromagnetic sensor.

• The beam vectors received by the sensor may contain information about multiple objects, but if the objects are close together, they may initially appear as a single object in a Doppler-range bin.
• By performing iterative operations on the angles derived from the beam vectors, the angles can be refined and converge towards their actual values.
• The iterative operations involve calculations using the unknown values of the angles.
• The noise in the system is approximated as random Gaussian noise with zero mean.
• The phase ambiguity associated with sparse channel arrays is eliminated.
• The calculations required for this technique have reduced computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
• This innovation can result in safer and more reliable tracking systems.

Abstract

This document describes techniques and systems for super-resolution based on iterative multiple-source angle-of-arrival estimation. Beam vectors received by an electromagnetic sensor may include information about multiple objects, but if the objects are close, the objects may initially appear as a single object in a Doppler-range bin. Performing iterative operations on a first angle derived from the beam vector and a subsequent second angle, associated with a second object, derived from the first angle, the first angle and the second angle may be refined and converge toward their actual respective values. The iterative operations include performing calculations involving only the first angle value and the second angle value as unknowns. Noise has been approximated to be random Gaussian noise with zero mean. Additionally, phase ambiguity, associated with sparse channel arrays has been eliminated. The calculations may require less computational complexity and maintain accuracy resulting in safer and reliable tracking systems.

Method for Determining a Drivable Area (18366529)

Main Inventor

Adam Mats John Lilja

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a computer-based method for determining a drivable area in front of a vehicle.

• The method involves monitoring a specific area in front of the vehicle using multiple sensors.
• The monitored area is divided into smaller sections using a computer system.
• Each section is then classified as either a drivable area, non-drivable area, or an unknown area.
• The classification is based on data received from the sensors, which is processed and fused together by the computer system.

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed at a computer implemented method for determining a drivable area in front of a host vehicle. According to the method, a region of interest is monitored in front of the host vehicle by at least two sensors of a detection system of the host vehicle. The region of interest is divided into a plurality of areas via a computer system of the host vehicle, and each area of the plurality of areas is classified as drivable area, non-drivable area or unknown area via the computer system based on fused data received by the at least two sensors.

COMMUNICATIONS CABLES FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES (18447653)

Main Inventor

Guido Woeste

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a communications cable that consists of multiple strands.

• The cable includes a first strand that is electrically insulative.
• There is a second strand that is electrically conductive and is positioned next to the first strand.
• A third strand, also electrically conductive, is placed opposite to the second strand and adjacent to the first strand.
• Additionally, there may be one or more extra electrically insulative strands positioned next to the first strand.

Abstract

A communications cable includes a bundle of strands. The bundle of strands includes an electrically insulative first strand, an electrically conductive second strand disposed adjacent to the first strand, an electrically conductive third strand disposed adjacent to the first strand and opposite the second strand, and one or more additional electrically insulative strands disposed adjacent to the first strand.

HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL WITH COMPLIANT CONTACT INSERT (17752518)

Main Inventor

Patrick J. Reedy

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an electrical connector with a terminal, retainer, spring, and contact insert.

• The electrical connector includes a terminal and a U-shaped retainer.
• A resilient spring is placed between the terminal and the retainer.
• A separate contact insert is positioned between the spring and the terminal.
• The contact insert has an array of paired negative and positive protrusions.
• The spring applies a normal connection force to the protrusions, creating electrical contact points.
• A planar mating terminal can be inserted into the gap between the spring and contact insert to establish a connection.
• The patent also covers an electrical connector assembly and a method of manufacturing it.

Abstract

An electrical connector includes a generally planar terminal and a U-shaped retainer. The electrical connector also includes a resilient spring disposed intermediate the terminal and the retainer. A contact insert distinct from the resilient spring is disposed intermediate the spring and the terminal. The contact insert defines an array of paired negative and positive protrusions. The spring is configured to exert a normal connection force on the array of paired negative and positive protrusions and form electrical contact points between the terminal and a planar mating terminal inserted into a gap between the spring and the contact insert through the array of paired negative and positive protrusions. An electrical connector assembly and a method of manufacturing such an electrical connector assembly are also provided.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CONNECTOR (18201842)

Main Inventor

Pawel LESNIAK

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electrical connector that is designed to mate with another connector. It includes electrical contacts for making a connection with an electrical conductor and the counter-connector. The connector also has an insulative sleeve that prevents human fingers from touching the electrical contacts.

• Electrical connector designed to mate with a counter-connector
• Includes electrical contacts for making a connection with an electrical conductor
• Electrical contacts also establish an electrical contact with the counter-connector
• Insulative sleeve prevents human fingers from touching the electrical contacts

Abstract

An electrical connector includes a connector housing configured for mating with a corresponding counter-connector. Further, the electrical connector has an electrical contacting means arranged in the connector housing and configured for electrically contacting with the electrical conductor. The electrical contacting means is further configured for establishing an electrical contact with the counter-connector. Moreover, the electrical connector includes an insulative sleeve attachable to the electrical contacting means. The insulative sleeve is shaped to prevent a finger of a human from touching the electrical contacting means.