Abstract: Automotive chassis design in view of car weight reduction is a challenging task due to the many performance targets that must be satisfied, in particular in terms of vehicle safety. In this paper a methodology for automotive chassis design in involving optimization techniques is presented. In particular, topology, topometry and size optimizations are coupled with fem analyses and adopted in cascade for reaching an optimum chassis configuration. The methodology is applied to the design process of a rear-central engine high performance vehicle chassis. The objective of the optimization process is the chassis weight reduction, yet in fulfilment of structural performance constraints as required by Ferrari standards. The results demonstrate the general applicability of the methodology presented for obtaining the general trusses layout and thicknesses distribution of the structure. The numerical model at this stage shows a significant weight reduction when compared to the chassis of the Ferrari F458 Italia.

Abstract: A drawer slide having first and second rails interconnected by a center rail. The center rail includes a spool configured to provide half-speed travel of the center rail relative to the travel of the first rail. The drawer slide is configured for use with a drawer assembly having a drawer and a chassis. The drawer assembly further includes a radius limiter secured to the center rail. The radius limiter travels at half-speed relative to the drawer. The radius limiter also automatically rotates relative to the travel of the drawer. The chassis includes sides including threaded backing plates, and mounting brackets. The mounting brackets include tri-lobed holes for receipt of a reciprocally shaped washer and a fastener for mounting the brackets to the chassis sides.

Abstract: Traditionally, automotive suspension designs with passive components have been a compromise between the three conflicting demands of road holding, load carrying, and passenger comfort. Linear electromagnetic motor-based active suspension has superior controllability and bandwidth, provides shock load isolation between the vehicle chassis and wheel, and, therefore, has great potential. It also has the ability to recover energy that is dissipated in the shock absorber in the passive systems and results in a much more energy-efficient suspension system. This paper describes the issues pertinent to the design of a high force density tubular permanent-magnet (PM) motor for active suspension in terms of performance optimization, the use of a solid stator core for low-cost production and its impact on thrust force, and the assessment of demagnetization risk.

Abstract: A fiber panel system includes a chassis and at least blades configured to mount to the chassis. Each blade is moveable relative to the chassis between a retracted (closed) position and at least one extended position. Cable slack is managed at the front and/or rear of each chassis to facilitate movement of the blades without pulling or bending the cables beyond a maximum bend limit. Each blade may be locked into one or more positions relative to the chassis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing absorbent articles, and in particular, methods for making pre-fastened refastenable pant diapers. Aspects of the methods according to the present disclosure relate to the fabrication of refastenable pant diapers wherein discrete chassis are advanced in a machine direction such that the lateral axis is parallel with the machine direction. First side panels are then refastenably connected with the first waist region, and second side panels are permanently connected the second waist regions of the discrete chassis. The chassis are connected with discrete lengths of side panel material and/or connection zone material. The chassis are then folded, and the first and second side panels are subsequently bonded together. The article is then subjected to knife cut at or adjacent the bonded regions to create discrete, pre-fastened refastenable pant diapers.

Abstract: Multi-chassis fabric-backplane enterprise servers include a plurality of chassis managed collectively to form one or more provisioned servers. A central client coordinates gathering of provisioning and management information from the chassis, and arranges for distribution of control information to the chassis. One of the chassis may perform as a host or proxy with respect to information and control communication between the client and the chassis. Server provisioning and management information and commands move throughout the chassis via an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. Alternatively, the client may establish individual communication with a subset of the chassis, and directly communicate with chassis in the subset. Server provisioning and management information includes events generated when module status changes, such as when a module is inserted and becomes available, and when a module fails and is no longer available. Each chassis includes a switch fabric enabling communication between chassis modules.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes a chassis, a plurality of LED light sources, and a reflection member. The chassis includes a bottom plate and side plates, and has an opening on a front surface side. The LED light sources are arranged in a matrix on a front surface of the bottom plate of the chassis. The reflection member includes a plurality of through holes through which the respective LED light sources are passed and side wall portions having inclined surfaces on the sides thereof. The side wall portions provided in the end portion of the bottom plate of the chassis has a height greater than a height of the side wall portions provided in the middle portion of the bottom plate, and surround each of the LED light sources. The inclined surfaces lead light from the light sources toward the opening side of the chassis.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for utilizing an energy chassis device designed to sense, collect, store and distribute energy from where it is available using devices that harvest or convert energy to locations requiring energy such as but not limited to HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) systems. The systems, methods and devices can also be used with a next generation geothermal heat exchanger that achieves higher energy harvesting efficiency and provides greater functionality than current geothermal exchangers.

Abstract: A robot surveillance system includes a robot chassis, a drive subsystem for the chassis, a dock on the chassis, and a payout device associated with the chassis. A flying module is configured to be received in the dock and includes at least one rotor powered by a motor and a body portion including an imager. A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module for allowing the flying module to climb out of the dock when powered to gain elevation for surveillance and imaging via the imager and for retracting the flying module to land on the robot and reside in the chassis dock after surveillance.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.

Abstract: An electronic chassis distributes fluids to adjacent chassis and electronic modules housed within the chassis. Provision is made for the detection, containment, and removal of liquid spilled within the chassis. The fluids may be used as coolants, and provision is made for heat exchanger modules to be included within the chassis. Provision is further made to include fluid sensors and actuators, allowing for monitoring and control of fluid distribution by a controller.

Abstract: A fiber distribution system having a rack mounted chassis and a fiber distribution rack to mount in the chassis The system includes one or more splitter modules which are designed to be mounted in the fiber distribution rack The splitter modules have a compact design and contain a plurality of fiber splitters The system also includes a plurality of spools, which are located on opposite sides on the rack mounted chassis, and used to support the routing of fibers The spools are configured to equally share the fiber load coupled to a fiber distribution rack between a pair of spools The fiber distribution system also contains a cable guide tray for supporting the fiber cables and the system includes a plurality of radius limiters to minimize cable bends

Abstract: Heat dissipating electronic components and circuitry in a communication chassis are cooled by moving air at least through a midplane, between two groups of channels that are laterally oriented relative to one another. In an illustrative embodiment, channels of one group are oriented vertically while channels of another group are oriented horizontally. Each channel, regardless of whether it is vertical or horizontal, is defined by space in the chassis between adjacent circuit boards. Circuit boards on one side of the midplane are electrically connected to circuit boards on the other side of the midplane by orthogonal connectors on the midplane. The midplane additionally has openings that enable movement of air between vertically-oriented channels and horizontally-oriented channels. Circuit boards of the two orientations are cooled by increasing air pressure in vertically-oriented channels or by decreasing air pressure in horizontally-oriented channels or both, depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: Techniques relating to an interaction device including a touch-sensitive surface and a chassis and making it possible to generate haptic, sound and visual interaction effects. The sound and haptic effects are generated by common structural and electronic means arranged so that the touch-sensitive surface and the chassis behave like a loudspeaker. The techniques also relate to generating interaction effects. The techniques also relate to a visualization device and apply to computers, televisions, telephones, and touch-sensitive tablets, for example. It preferably applies to visualization devices that have a screen with a large diagonal.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal composite, the composite comprising a metal material and a resin curing layer provided along the metal material, and being obtained by using heat and pressure to mold a preform. The preform includes a sheet-shaped base material containing a thermosetting resin, and a metal material arranged or layered so as to contact the sheet-shaped base material. The method for producing a metal composite comprises a first step for heating the sheet-shaped base material and semi-curing the thermosetting resin while the metal material in the preform arranged inside a mold is heated to a temperature exceeding 180oC, and a second step for molding the preform heated in the first step into a composite using pressure, wherein the thermosetting resin is at least one type selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, phenol resins, benzoxazine resins, and unsaturated polyester resins.

Abstract: An integrated fiber cable management system comprises a fitting having a body with a collet through which a cable passes. A lock nut is threaded on a first end of the body to hold the body in relation to a chassis. A sealing nut is threaded on a second end of the body to tighten the collet on the cable to hold the cable in place in relation to the chassis. A flexible protector extends from the sealing nut to control the bend of the cable between the chassis and a fiber cable cassette. The flexible protector restricts the bend of the cable and thus extends the life of the cable.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.

Abstract: A mathematical model is developed to predict the energy consumption of a heavy vehicle. It includes the important factors of heavy-vehicle energy consumption, namely engine and drivetrain performances, losses due to accessories, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, road gradients, and driver behaviour. Novel low-cost testing methods were developed to determine engine and drivetrain characteristics. A simple drive cycle was used to validate the model. The model is able to predict the fuel use for a 37 t tractor–semitrailer vehicle over a 4 km drive cycle within 1 per cent. This paper demonstrates that accurate and reliable vehicle benchmarking and model parameter measurement can be achieved without expensive equipment overheads, e.g. engine and chassis dynamometers.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.

Abstract: The utility model belongs to the technical field of carton-shaping equipment, in particular to a full-automatic carton-shaping machine. A material-holding seat is arranged on one side of a chassis, a vacuum material suction and transfer mechanism which can transfer cut carton sheets to the material-holding seat is arranged on the other side of the chassis, an internal shaping die and a sheet-clamping mechanism are arranged over the material-holding seat, secondary edge-folding mechanisms are arranged on the front and the rear sides of the material-holding seat, a front edge-folding mechanism, a rear edge-folding mechanism, a left edge-folding and binding mechanism and a right edge-folding and binding mechanism are arranged under the material-holding seat, the whole machine is driven by a vacuumizer, a cooler and a motor, and a PLC microcomputer receives manual control signals and signals transmitted by each signal contact and programmably controls continuous carton folding and shaping actions. The utility model has the advantages of high automation degree, high production speed, high efficiency, low cost, energy saving, environment-friendliness, unified produced product standard and good product quality, and is applicable to automatically shaping various specifications of cartons.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A pick-up truck comprises a chassis, a rear axle attached to the chassis, a passenger cabin, a cargo bed, a trailer hitching structure, and a first image capturing device. The passenger cabin is attached to the chassis forward of the rear axle. The cargo bed is attached to the chassis over the rear axle. The trailer hitching structure is attached to the chassis at a position rearward of the vehicle occupant structure and has a trailer engaging portion accessible within the cargo bed. The first image capturing device is attached to the passenger cabin. The first image capturing device is mounted in a manner allowing the first image capturing device to capture an image of the trailer engaging portion of the trailer hitching structure.

Abstract: The utility model relates to a multiple-degree-of-freedom robot which comprises a chassis, a hoisting mechanism, a horizontal rotary mechanism, a mechanical arm and a clamping mechanism, wherein, the chassis acts on the ground and can freely move along the horizontal direction relative to the ground; the hoisting mechanism is connected on the chassis and can stretch along the height direction relative to the ground; the horizontal rotary mechanism is connected on the hoisting mechanism and can rotate in a horizontal plane relative to the ground; the mechanical arm is connected on the horizontal rotary mechanism and can stretch along the horizontal direction relative to the ground; the clamping mechanism is arranged on the mechanical arm and can rotate in a vertical plane relative to the ground; and the clamping mechanism further comprises a jack catch for clamping an object. The robot can go straight and turn on the ground freely, clamp the object arranged at certain height and place the object at a designated position; and the robot can be simply controlled.

Abstract: Weight reduction and high mechanics performance are one of the challenges of the automotive industries future. A particular and interesting field is the application of carbon fibres in combination with structural foams. These allow to realize creative shapes for the car body but also strength and tough elements for the chassis, according to the necessity to combine style with design and engineering aspects. Nowadays, the problem of carbon fibre technology is the cost of production and the recyclability, so the major applications are in the racing field. One interesting application is the body of the prototype called IDRA, a low consumption vehicle which participated in the European Shell Eco-marathon. The chassis is a structural frame made with structural foam, the body is a part of the chassis and it is made of carbon fibre. The result is a well made car body integrated with all the sub-systems: steering, brakes, wheels, cockpit, electric wiring, controls, fuel cell, electric motor and transmission. The different design and production steps, from the concept phase and structural analysis made by means of finite element techniques to the production and the assembling of the monocoque, are discussed.

Abstract: This paper deals with the static structural analysis of an articulated urban bus chassis, carried out with the Finite Elements Method. The purpose of this work is to simulate and forecast the structural response of the chassis, in terms of stress, strain and displacement, under several loading and constraining conditions, which aim at reflecting the actual duty cycle of the bus. A thorough interaction with the customer company allowed the authors to adequately define the loading scheme and to constrain the structure properly. Sensitivity analyses about FEM parameters have been run, in order to achieve an adequate trade off between computational time and results accuracy. Obtained results have been double checked by employing both solid (3D) and shell (2D) elements for each simulation. Eventually, the customer has been notified of critical issues and the related suggested improvements.

Abstract: A shuttle (20) is provided for a warehouse having a runway for the shuttle and a plurality of shelves extending along and adjacent to the runway The shuttle (20) includes a chassis (28) made up of first and second chassis portions (30,32) and an article - carrying area (38) between the chassis portions (30,32) A pair of first running wheels (34) are provided on the first chassis portion (30) to travel along the runway A pair of second running wheels (36) are provided on the chassis (28) spaced from said first running wheels (34) to travel along the runway A pair of extendable arms (40) is mounted to the chassis (28) in order to transfer an article between one of said shelves and the article - carrying area (38) The arms (40) are extendable to transfer an article to or from one of the shelves and are retractable to transfer an article to or from the article - carrying area (38) A connector assembly (42) connects the first and second chassis portions (30,32) One of the arms (40a) is mounted to the first chassis portion (30) and the other of said arms (40b) is mounted to the second chassis portion (32) The connector assembly (42) is able to vary the spacing between the first and second chassis portions (30,32) thereby varying the spacing between the arms (40a, 40b) to engage articles of different widths

Abstract: The invention provides a function icon display method for application programs. The method comprises the following steps of: step 102, counting the user utilization frequency of the application programs; step 104, changing chassis colors of function icons corresponding to the application programs according to the counted utilization frequency of the application programs; and step 106, updating and displaying the function icons of which the chassis colors are changed. The invention also provides a function icon display device for the application programs and a mobile terminal. The technical scheme can change the chassis colors of the function icons of the application programs so as to differentiate commonly used application programs from uncommonly used application programs of a user, for example, the chassis colors of the function icons of the commonly used application programs can be changed into warm colors so that the user is convenient to search; therefore, the user has a pleasant use experience.