James K Cheng

US Patent:

6721642, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Feb 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/368899

Inventors:

Chi-Chin Wu - West Bloomfield MI
James Chih Cheng - Troy MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G06G 748

US Classification:

701 45, 703 8, 703 6, 280735, 340438

Abstract:

A method of generating a calibration crash sensor pulse using the combination of a generated high frequency band of response (HFB) from a non-destructive impact test and a generated low frequency band (LFB) of response from computer aided engineering analysis.

US Patent:

7585023, Sep 8, 2009

Filed:

Feb 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/276326

Inventors:

Dan Tang - Ann Arbor MI, US
James Cheng - Troy MI, US
Stephen T. Kozak - Northville MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60N 2/427
B60N 2/42
B60R 21/13
B60R 21/00

US Classification:

29721612, 280756, 296 681

Abstract:

A support structure comprises a first portion for sliding attachment to a seat having a front, a back, and two sides, and a second portion connected to the first portion at a substantially right angle. The first portion has a hollow cross-sectional shape with an asymmetrical material distribution through the plane of the cross section, the material distribution placing more of the material comprising the first portion toward the sides of the vehicle seat. The support structure is adapted for attachment to the seat and is adapted to be activated to extend in a substantially vertical direction upwardly from the seat. The first portion has an arc shape along its length so that when the support structure is activated the second portion is supported by the first portion at a desirable angle for bracing against an impact force direction that is typical of vehicle rollover.

US Patent:

7607508, Oct 27, 2009

Filed:

Nov 2, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/904279

Inventors:

David Zhao - Northville MI, US
Leonard A. Shaner - New Baltimore MI, US
James C. Cheng - Troy MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/00

US Classification:

180268, 2808011, 280806, 280807

Abstract:

A safety restraint system () for a vehicle () includes a seat belt buckle () and a retractor () mounted approximately at or below a pelvic level of a vehicle occupant (). A seat belt () extends over a side pelvic portion () of vehicle occupant () and directly prevents outward lateral displacement of the side pelvic portion () during a side collision event.

US Patent:

7836749, Nov 23, 2010

Filed:

Dec 1, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/565855

Inventors:

Weigang Chen - Canton MI, US
Baohua Xiao - Canton MI, US
James Cheng - Troy MI, US
Krishnakanth Aekbote - Farmington Hills MI, US
Michael Stiyer - Grosse Pointe Farms MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01M 7/08

US Classification:

73 1204, 738653

Abstract:

A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

US Patent:

8109535, Feb 7, 2012

Filed:

Dec 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/905046

Inventors:

Saeed D Barbat - Farmington Hills MI, US
James C Cheng - Troy MI, US
Raj Jayachandran - Canton MI, US
Senthilkumar Mahadevan - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B62D 21/15

US Classification:

280790, 180311, 29620302

Abstract:

According to one embodiment, the invention provides for a light truck including a frame with opposing longitudinal frame rails running along each side of the vehicle. The frame rails include at least a leading portion with vertical placement lowered and selected to substantially align with a passenger car energy management structure. In this embodiment, the vertical placement of the leading portion of the light truck frame rails is selected to direct impact energy to a passenger car longitudinal energy management structure, improving vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a front longitudinal impact with a passenger car. The present invention also provides embodiments which increase the impact energy absorption capacity of a light truck by providing geometric softening of the frame rails and material softening of the frame rails.

US Patent:

8196447, Jun 12, 2012

Filed:

Sep 9, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/878120

Inventors:

Weigang Chen - Canton MI, US
Baohua Xiao - Canton MI, US
James Cheng - Troy MI, US
Krishnakanth Aekbote - Farmington Hills MI, US
Michael Stiyer - Grosse Pointe Farms MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01M 7/08

US Classification:

73 1204, 738653

Abstract:

A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

US Patent:

8246091, Aug 21, 2012

Filed:

Aug 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/206571

Inventors:

Mangala M. Jayasuriya - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
James Chih Cheng - Troy MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 19/26

US Classification:

293133, 293132, 180274, 188371

Abstract:

An energy-absorbing front end structure for a motor vehicle includes a pair of frame rails, struts (crushable members) made movable relative to the frame rails along a longitudinal axis, a bumper beam supported by the struts, and a spring resisting rearward movement of each strut relative to the frame rail. An inertia-activated locking device inhibits rearward movement of the strut when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal deceleration above a threshold level so that the strut may absorb crash energy in a high-speed collision. If the vehicle is involved in a lower energy collision, such as with a pedestrian, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle is below the threshold level and the strut remains in an unlocked condition in which it is able to move rearward against the spring to lessen the crash energy transmitted to the pedestrian.

US Patent:

8267445, Sep 18, 2012

Filed:

Feb 6, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/366678

Inventors:

Mangala M. Jayasuriya - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
James Chih Cheng - Troy MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 19/26

US Classification:

293133, 293132, 29618709, 180274, 188371

Abstract:

An energy-absorbing front end structure for a motor vehicle includes a pair of frame rails, struts (crushable members) made movable relative to the frame rails along a longitudinal axis, a bumper beam supported by the struts, and a spring resisting rearward movement of each strut relative to the frame rail. An inertia-activated locking device inhibits rearward movement of the strut when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal deceleration above a threshold level so that the strut may absorb crash energy in a high-speed collision. If the vehicle is involved in a lower energy collision, such as with a pedestrian, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle is below the threshold level and the strut remains in an unlocked condition in which it is able to move rearward against the spring to lessen the crash energy transmitted to the pedestrian.