A sensor is mounted to or embedded in a wheel hub. The sensor node includes a power source and a sensing device that detects and monitors at least one parameter associated with the wheel hub. The sensor node also includes a communication module that communicates via wireless communication signals and a processing device in communication with the sensing device and the communication module. The processing device collects data from the sensing devices, processes the data, and based on that processing, communicates information relating to the wheel hub to a remote server or network. A mesh network of multiple sensor nodes can be applied to multiple different wheel hubs on a vehicle and communicate with a central processing device. The processing device can thus monitor performance and/or operation of each wheel hub.

An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes features that allows the AV to comply with applicable regulations and statutes for performing safe driving operation. Example embodiments relate to an autonomous vehicle having a trailer coupled to a rear thereof. An example method includes continuously predicting a trailer trajectory that is distinct from a planned trajectory of the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes determining that the predicted trailer trajectory is within a minimum avoidance distance away from a stationary vehicle located on a roadway on which the autonomous vehicle is located. The method further includes modifying the planned trajectory of the autonomous vehicle such that the predicted trailer trajectory satisfies the minimum avoidance distance. The method further includes causing the autonomous vehicle to navigate along the modified trajectory based on transmitting instructions to one or more subsystems of the autonomous vehicle.

An image processing method for harmonizing images acquired by a first camera and a second camera connected to a vehicle and arranged in such a way as their fields of view cover a same road space at different times as the vehicle travels along a travel direction is disclosed. The method includes: acquiring by a selected camera, a first image at a first time; selecting a first region of interest bounding a road portion from the first image; sampling the first region of interest; acquiring by the other camera, a second image in such a way that the road portion is included in a second region of interest; sampling the second region of interest; and determining one or more correction parameters for harmonizing images acquired by the first and second cameras, based on a comparison between the image content of the first and second regions of interest.

Systems, methods, and a device which produces and stores electrical energy from primarily the forward movement of a vehicle is disclosed. This device has a variety of potential applications, such as use with a semitrailer and various types of electric vehicles. It also includes a number of features, such as functioning as a cryptocurrency mining rig that uses excess electricity generated, that add to its usefulness.

A lane keeping assist apparatus of a vehicle with a trailer, a system having the same, and a method thereof include a processor to request an advancing vehicle to control partial braking over the trailer of the advancing vehicle based on a lane departure amount of the advancing vehicle when the advancing vehicle departs from a lane.

A trailer vehicle unit for a towing vehicle, the trailer vehicle unit having a coupling configured to couple to the towing vehicle and an electrical energy dissipating system at least partly disposed in a fluid medium conduit for receiving fluid medium, the electrical energy dissipating system being configured to receive electric energy and to dissipate received electric energy by utilizing a flow of fluid medium, wherein the trailer vehicle unit further comprises a slave control unit having a processing circuitry configured to receive a signal from the towing vehicle indicative of a request for dissipating energy the electrical energy dissipating system.

A self-powered towable vehicle has an energy interconnection and distribution unit configured for electrical communication with a power source and an onboard computer of a primary vehicle. A wheel member of the self-powered towable vehicle is selectively movable between an unpowered mode and a powered mode. In the unpowered mode, the wheel member is free rotating. In the powered mode, the wheel member is driven. The energy interconnection and distribution unit is also configured to coordinate movement between the primary vehicle and the self-powered towable vehicle while the primary vehicle is moving. The self-powered towable vehicle is configured to move at a same speed as the primary vehicle when the wheel member of the self-powered towable vehicle is in the powered mode.

A transportable fold-out at least partial enclosure includes in one aspect of the invention a stationary platform having a major surface defining a stationary plane, a plurality of side edges, a front edge and a back edge. A primary platform has a major surface defining a primary plane, an inside edge, an outside edge, a front edge, a back edge, the inside edge being joined to the stationary platform, the primary platform having a folded position in which the primary plane and stationary plane are oblique or orthogonal, and the primary platform having an extended position where the primary platform is unfolded from the stationary platform. An end wall assembly has at least two segments, each segment having a major surface defining a segment plane, side edges, a top edge and a bottom edge, the side edges of the segments being joined to each other, the bottom edges of each segment being joined to one of the stationary platform and the primary platform. The end wall assembly has an extended position in which the segment planes are at an angle to form a wall to both the stationary plane and the primary plane, and the end wall assembly having a folded position. At least one actuating mechanism is joined to at least one of the segments and the stationary platform or the primary platform to which said at least one of the segments is joined, said at least one actuating mechanism configured to provide a force to urge said at least one of the segments to the extended position.

The technology relates to articulated autonomous vehicles that can potentially jackknife. To avoid or mitigate such hazardous conditions, the current state of the vehicle is evaluated against the vehicle's planned trajectory, for instance as it drives along a freeway or surface streets. When the evaluation indicates a likelihood of jackknifing, an automated braking approach is implemented using elective braking to stabilize the vehicle. The braking approach can depend on whether the situation involves tractor jackknifing or trailer jackknifing, and one or more different braking mechanisms can be employed for a selective modulation of the braking profile to address actual jackknifing or to prevent the vehicle from entering a jackknifing situation.

A trailer for towing a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a self propelled tandem wheel assembly. The frame includes an undercarriage chassis, and the self propelled tandem wheel assembly is positioned under the undercarriage chassis. The self propelled tandem wheel assembly includes a rear wheel assembly and a front wheel assembly, and the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are equally positioned to support the undercarriage chassis.