A physical quantity sensor includes: a movable body; a support that supports the movable body via a coupler; a substrate that is disposed so as to overlap the movable body in a plan view and is provided with a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode thereon along a first direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the coupler; a third fixed electrode that does not overlap the movable body in the plan view, is electrically connected with any one of the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode, and is provided on the substrate; and a first dummy electrode that is disposed next to the third fixed electrode in the plan view, is at the same potential as the movable body, and is provided on the substrate.

A method for detecting damage to an outer shell of a vehicle. The vehicle is of a specific type with specific vehicle data. Damage can be classified into at least two groups. Damage of a first group has a greater severity of the damage than damage of a second group. An acceleration of the vehicle is ascertained and/or a rotation rate of the vehicle is ascertained. Damage of the first group is ascertained if the acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value of the acceleration and/or if the rotation rate of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value of the rotation rate. The acceleration and/or the rotation rate are compared to acceleration values and/or rotation rate values learned for the specific vehicle type. Damage of the second group is ascertained if damage is detected as a function of the comparison to the learned values.

Powered wheel assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating such assemblies are provided.

An AWD-vehicle control device includes a transfer clutch that adjusts a driving force, a detector that detects a steering angle of a steering wheel, a detector that detects an accelerator pedal opening, a detector that detects a vehicle speed, a detector that detects an engine revolution speed, a detector that detects a turbine revolution speed of a torque converter, and a transfer clutch controller that adjusts hydraulic pressure supplied to the transfer clutch and controls a coupling force of the transfer clutch. If a predetermined period has passed from the accelerator pedal opening becoming less than a predetermined opening, the vehicle speed is within a predetermined range, a deviation between the engine and turbine revolution speeds is less than a predetermined speed, and the steering angle is equal to a first predetermined angle or greater, the transfer clutch controller controls the hydraulic pressure to reduce the coupling force.

A system and method automatically adjusts a driver's steering experience based upon driving conditions, including turns and terrain. In accordance with one embodiment, the steering wheel essentially bends into the turn and advances towards the driver, thereby providing a more natural and enjoyable driving experience. The system comprises one or more sensors disposed within the vehicle to measure g-forces. A processor in the vehicle, receiving the signals from the sensors, sends control signals to the steering wheel in response to the signals received. An electromechanical system physically moves the steering wheel relative to a driver of the vehicle in response to the control signals received from the processor. Other embodiments cause one or more seats in the vehicle to moves in response to turns, acceleration and/or deceleration (braking).

A method and a system for controlling a vehicle (100) with four-wheel drive are provided. The method includes: acquiring a vehicle condition information parameter by a vehicle condition information collector; obtaining a radius of turning circle to be reduced from a driver by a turning circle receiver (40); obtaining a controlling yaw moment corresponding to the radius of turning circle to be reduced according to the vehicle condition information parameter and the radius of turning circle to be reduced by a turning circle controller (11); and distributing the controlling yaw moment to four wheels (90) of the vehicle (100) according to an intensity level of the radius of turning circle to be reduced and the vehicle condition information parameter by the turning circle controller (11), such that the vehicle (100) turns circle.

In a method for ascertaining a triggering event for an airbag in a vehicle, an imminent collision is ascertained with the aid of a surroundings sensor, an error signal being generated if no signal is established in a collision sensor within a defined time window.

Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. In particular, a towing cable and methods for utilizing the same in a towing scenario are described. The towing cable is described to facilitate the transfer of power between vehicles as well as data between vehicles. The data transferred between the vehicles involved in the towing include sensor information of the towed vehicle as well as control signals.

A through-the-road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introducing hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A vehicle includes a three-axis accelerometer attached to a door and in communication with a processor. A speaker is in communication with the processor. Operation of the door toward a closed position is measured by the accelerometer to define a corresponding door acceleration. The processor determines a corresponding door-operating event based on the corresponding door acceleration and the speaker delivers a corresponding audio signal in response to the corresponding door-operating event.