Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having at least one rearwardly situated armrest and having at least one functional unit. In order to enable an existing structural space to be utilized optimally, and at the same time optimize the center console with regard to its storage space, the functional unit is mounted to be linearly movable between a rearward rest position, in which the functional unit is arranged at least predominantly under the armrest, and at least one forward functional position, in which the functional unit is at least predominantly forwardly offset in relation to the armrest.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for guiding an individual to an electrical power outlet in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller in a vehicle includes determining that an individual is seeking an electrical power outlet provided on the vehicle, selecting a first electrical power outlet from a plurality of electrical power outlets provided on the vehicle, and providing location information of the first electrical power outlet. The location information may be provided in various forms such as in the form of an audio signal (a beeping sound produced by a beeper, for example), a visual indication (a light source illuminating the electrical power outlet, for example) an audible instruction (navigation assistance provided via a speaker, for example), a graphical indication (navigation assistance via a personal device), and/or a text message (navigation assistance via a personal device).

Abstract: An energy facility, such as a charge station operable for charging electrified vehicles, includes a controller. The controller selects from a group of energy management solutions which achieve favorable energy management activities with a same price of operation of the energy facility, an energy management solution resulting in favorable energy management results soonest. The controller controls the energy facility according to the selected energy management solution.

Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having a storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console and which has a longitudinally extending side wall that laterally delimits a storage space of the storage trough. In order to optimize an ability of the center console to store articles, the center console has a holding unit which is arranged in the storage space of the storage trough and on the side wall and by use of which at least one article can be temporarily clamped between the holding unit and the side wall.

Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having at least one storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console. In order to provide a center console that is of simplified construction and is optimized in terms of its characteristics, the center console has at least one functional unit which is connected to an elevated rearward end portion of the storage trough and which, proceeding from the rearward end portion, extends forwardly in an overhanging manner at least over a part of a length of the storage trough.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods to address surfaces of a vehicle that are uncomfortable to the touch. An example method executed by a processor includes determining a surface temperature of a component of the vehicle, determining that the surface temperature exceeds a threshold surface temperature, and issuing a notification based on the surface temperature of the component exceeding the threshold surface temperature. Determining the surface temperature of the component can involve operations such as measuring the surface temperature, estimating the surface temperature, and/or predicting the surface temperature. Measuring the surface temperature can involve obtaining a temperature measurement from a thermal sensor. Estimating the surface temperature can involve operations such as evaluating a thermal image of at least a portion of the component, evaluating an ambient temperature, and/or evaluating sunlight exposure.

Abstract: A center console for a vehicle has a storage trough, which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console, and a storage container, which is insertable into the storage trough and which has an upper entrance opening. In order to provide a center console and front seat assembly for a vehicle that are individually configurable in terms of their characteristics, the storage container has a roller shutter for closing the entrance opening.

Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having a storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console. In order to provide a center console that can be easily configured by a user as required, the center console has at least two different electrical functional units which each individually are selectively arrangeable at least partially in a storage space of the storage trough.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle pillar elongated along an axis. The assembly includes seatbelt retractor and a webbing retractably extendable from the retractor. The seatbelt retractor is lockable from an unlocked position in which the webbing is extendable from and retractable into the retractor to a locked position in which the retractor restricts extension of the webbing from the retractor. A seatbelt guide is supported by the pillar. The seatbelt retractor is below the seatbelt guide. The webbing extends upwardly from the seatbelt retractor around the seatbelt guide. A releasable connection connects the seatbelt guide to the pillar when the seatbelt retractor is in the unlocked position and releases the seatbelt guide relative to the pillar when force on the webbing exceeds a threshold when the seatbelt retractor is in the locked position. An energy absorber is between the vehicle pillar and the seatbelt guide.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for controlling electrical power outlets in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller includes detecting a transitioning of a vehicle to a drive mode and further includes disconnecting, based on the transitioning, electrical power supplied to a first electrical power outlet in the vehicle. The transitioning of the vehicle to the drive mode may be detected based on a transition of a drive selector of the vehicle from a park position to a drive position. In another example method, the processor, detects the vehicle in motion and disconnects electrical power supplied to a second electrical power outlet in the vehicle. The first electrical power outlet and/or the second electrical power outlet are accessible from outside the vehicle, and may, for example, be located outside a cabin area of the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for detecting that the vehicle is in a reverse mode, receiving a road surface topology, determining a feature of interest is within a collected image and outside a displayed field of view (FOV) for a rear-facing camera due to the road surface topology, adjusting the displayed FOV for the rear-facing camera to place the feature of interest within the displayed FOV. Receiving a reverse mode indication may be over a controller area network (CAN) bus in the vehicle. Receiving a road surface topology includes receiving an estimate of the road surface topology via at least one of monocular depth estimation, photogrammetric range imaging using structure from motion (SFM), multi-view stereo, imaging radar, lidar and a sensor system on the vehicle.

Abstract: A structural assembly includes a fastener and an additively manufactured component. The additively manufactured component includes a base, a void defined in the base, and a support disposed across the void. The fastener is secured to the base within the void, and the support is captured within a distal end portion of the fastener.

Abstract: A component inspection system and method generate a 3D model based on a point cloud and images of an automotive component captured by an imaging system. It is determined whether an anomaly is present based on artificial intelligence driven training and learning. Upon anomaly detection, a type of anomaly is identified and classified. From the 3D model, a type of the automotive component can be identified. The identification of the automotive component and the anomaly detection involve a controller subject to artificial intelligence driven training and learning. The controller determines presence of anomaly and a location of anomaly if any.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a bumper. The vehicle frame includes a frame-rail end. The frame-rail end has a vehicle-forward end and a bore at the vehicle-forward end. The vehicle includes a resettable energy absorber supporting the bumper at the vehicle-forward end of the frame-rail end. The resettable energy absorber is moveable with the bumper relative to the frame-rail end between an extended position and a compressed position. The resettable energy absorber extends into the bore of the frame-rail end from the extended position to the compressed position.

Abstract: A gear forming tool includes an outer sleeve having an outer sleeve aperture and an inner sleeve having an inner sleeve aperture in fluid communication with the outer sleeve aperture, a tool holder disposed within the outer sleeve, and a 3D printed gear cutting tool with a plurality of tool cutting edges and a plurality of capillaries attached to the tool holder. The tool holder has a plurality of fluid channels configured to be in fluid communication with the inner sleeve aperture and the plurality of capillaries of the 3D printed gear cutting tool such that cutting fluid flows through the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve, the plurality of fluid channels of the tool holder, and the plurality of capillaries to the plurality of tool cutting edges.

Abstract: System and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a boosted engine are described. In one example, a spark plug may be adjusted between two operating states to reduce a possibility of pre-ignition and spark plug fouling. A first operating state may be conducive to operating the engine at light loads. The first operating state may be conducive to operating the engine at higher loads.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to power driven wheels, an accelerator pedal, and friction brakes. A vehicle controller is programmed to, with the vehicle being in a one-pedal driving mode: in response to a braking torque capacity of the powertrain exceeding a target braking torque that is based on a position of the accelerator pedal, command a torque, that is equal to the target braking torque, from the powertrain such that the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain without application of the friction brakes, and, in response to the braking torque capacity of the powertrain being less than the target braking torque, command torques from the powertrain and the friction brakes such that the target braking torque is satisfied and the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain and the friction brakes.

Abstract: A vehicle computer can be programmed to detect, in a vehicle, one of a plurality of variations, based on data received from one or more vehicle sensors or a vehicle interface, to transmit, to a remote computer, variation data including the detected variation and a version of software in the vehicle computer, wherein the variation data identifies the detected variation and the version of the software, to receive, from the remote computer, a response including that a software update is identified based on the detected variation, and upon identifying the software update, to download and install the software update in the vehicle computer.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for electric motorized wheel assemblies. An example wheel assembly for use with an electric vehicle disclosed herein includes an electric motor, a suspension assembly, and a frame mounting interface to attach the wheel assembly to a frame of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline disconnect clutch of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline disconnect clutch is de-stroked in a particular way so that the driveline disconnect clutch may be de-stroked more consistently. The de-stroking process may be followed by boosting and stroking the driveline disconnect clutch so as to preposition the driveline disconnect clutch or holding the clutch at an offset below stroke pressure to minimize drag.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine are described. In one example, an electric heater and a passive NOx absorber or other emissions control device are positioned in a passage downstream of a combustor so as to process emissions from the combustor before an engine is started.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive sensor data indicating an obstacle, formulate a first control barrier function for a vehicle based on the sensor data, formulate a second control barrier function for a trailer hitched to the vehicle based on the sensor data, determine a control input based on the first and second control barrier functions, and actuate a component of the vehicle according to the control input.

Abstract: A method of forming a part includes locating an insert at an angle within a mold cavity, sending a quantity of molten resin through the mold cavity to form a first melt front, and sending another quantity of molten resin through the mold cavity to form a second melt front such that the first melt front meets the second melt front at a weld line and each front flows along opposite sides of the insert. The mold cavity can define opposed internal surfaces and the insert can be disposed at an angle between the internal surfaces at the weld line. Also, one end of the insert can be fixedly located to one of the opposed internal surfaces and another end of the insert can float within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle door system includes, among other things, a vehicle body and a slidable door that is slidable back and forth relative to the vehicle body between an open position and a closed position. The system further includes an alignment bracket assembly having a door-mounted portion and a body-mounted portion. The door-mounted portion and the body-mounted portion are wedged against one another when the slidable door is in the closed position to restrict movement of the slidable door relative to the vehicle body when the slidable door is in the closed position.

Abstract: Position enhancement for vehicle positioning is provided. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) messages are received from a roadside unit (RSU) to an onboard unit (OBU) of a vehicle via a transceiver of the vehicle, the V2X messages indicating a location of the RSU. Image sensors of the vehicle are utilized to capture sensor data of the RSU. A current position of the vehicle is updated to a corrected current position of the vehicle based the RSU as shown in the sensor data and the location of the RSU indicated in the V2X messages.

Abstract: A tool for driving a threaded fastener includes a driver head, a motor, and an injector. The driver head includes a spindle rotatable about an axis. A distal end of the spindle defines a plurality of drive surfaces configured to engage mating drive surfaces on the fastener to rotate the fastener about the axis. The driver head defines a fluid passage having an outlet proximate to the distal end of the spindle. The motor is drivingly coupled to the spindle to rotate the spindle about the axis. The injector is coupled to an inlet of the fluid passage and configured to feed a liquid insulator through the fluid passage.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle pillar elongated along an axis. The assembly includes seatbelt retractor and a webbing retractably extendable from the retractor. The seatbelt retractor is lockable from an unlocked position in which the webbing is extendable from and retractable into the retractor to a locked position in which the retractor restricts extension of the webbing from the retractor. The assembly includes a frame supported by the pillar and defining a slot elongated along the axis of the pillar. The slot has a terminal upper end. The assembly includes a seatbelt guide slideably engaged with the slot. The seatbelt retractor is below the seatbelt guide. The webbing extends upwardly from the seatbelt retractor around the seatbelt guide. The assembly includes a spring between the frame and the seatbelt guide. The spring biases the seatbelt guide against the terminal upper end of the slot.

Abstract: An assembly includes a liftgate having a frame and a body panel supported by the frame, the body panel defining a plurality of openings, the openings providing access to the frame. The assembly includes a first cover covering the plurality of openings of the body panel. The assembly includes a second cover supported by the first cover and defining a chamber therebetween. The assembly includes a sensor assembly supported within the chamber between the first cover and the second cover.

Abstract: Based on a measured intensities of first and second light sources while both the first and second light sources are actuated, and a default secondary illuminator output intensity, a computer may determine an adjusted secondary illuminator output intensity and actuate the secondary light source to output light at the adjusted secondary light source output intensity.

Abstract: A method for applying varnish to a stator of an electric motor includes depositing varnish onto an outer laminate of the stator, accumulating the deposited varnish with a ridge on the outer laminate, and directing the accumulated varnish into a slot of the outer laminate with the ridge.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a heat exchange unit coupled with a compartment of the vehicle via an interface in the compartment. A container is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container is configured to be in fluid communication with the heat exchange unit via the interface in the first position.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle roof and a vehicle floor spaced from the vehicle roof. The assembly includes a seatbelt assembly for accommodating a wheelchair. The seatbelt assembly is slidably supported by the vehicle roof and the vehicle floor. The seatbelt assembly is slidable along the vehicle roof and the vehicle floor along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The seatbelt assembly has a seatbelt webbing elongated in a direction from the vehicle roof to the vehicle floor. The assembly includes a seatbelt buckle slidably supported by the vehicle floor. The seatbelt buckle is slidable relative to the vehicle floor along the vehicle-longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A battery pack for an electric vehicle includes a battery housing and a pair of rocker structures. The battery housing is configured to house power storage units. The pair of rocker structures are located at opposing sides of the battery housing and are configured to mount the battery pack to a vehicle body structure. Each rocker structure includes a variable width along a length of the rocker structure. The battery housing includes a region that corresponds to a widest portion of each rocker structure.

Abstract: An electrical ground assembly for a vehicle component includes a bushing including an upper serrated surface and a lower serrated surface opposite the upper serrated surface, a ground strap including a terminal, and a fastener including a head portion, a shaft extending from the head portion, and a flange extending radially between the head portion and the shaft portion. The terminal is electrically connected to the bushing between the upper serrated surface and the lower serrated surface. The flange includes a lower serrated surface configured to mate with the upper serrated surface of the bushing.

Abstract: Upon detecting an accumulation of snow on a driving surface, a driving path from a first location to a second location is identified. A vehicle is operated from the first location to the second location and then to a third location that is identical to or proximate to the first location.

Abstract: Tracking an object included in a reflective surface by detecting the reflective surface included in one or more images included in a plurality of images by determining a location of the reflective surface in pixel coordinates and tracking the location of the reflective surface in the plurality of images. Real world locations of the object can be determined based on attributes of the reflective surface including a geometric class, extrinsic properties that relate the reflective surface to an environment, intrinsic properties describing the reflective surface without referring to the environment and calibration properties of the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method performed by a first vehicle may include receiving a message from a second vehicle regarding a cargo overhang condition of the second vehicle in which an object carried by the second vehicle extends beyond a perimeter or envelope of the second vehicle, and adjusting an operation of the first vehicle based upon the cargo overhang condition of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a front pillar and a rear pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The front pillar and the rear pillar define a door opening therebetween. The vehicle includes a first track on the front pillar and a second track on the rear pillar. A cable is moveably engaged with the first track and the second track from an undeployed position to a raised position. The cable extends across the door opening from the first track to the second track in the raised position. An airbag is moveable with the cable from the undeployed position to the raised position. The airbag is supported by the cable in the raised position.

Abstract: A method includes segmenting point cloud data of an image into a plurality of input clusters, wherein each of the plurality of input clusters includes a given set of point cloud data from among the point cloud data. The method includes, for each of the plurality of input clusters: selectively filtering the given set of point cloud data to identify production component cloud data (PCCD), aligning the PCCD with a predefined axis to generate a rotated PCCD, classifying the given set of the plurality of production components into one or more asset types based on the rotated PCCD, generating a three-dimensional bounding box based on the rotated PCCD, segmenting the rotated PCCD into a plurality of production clusters, and determining one or more parameters associated with the given set of the plurality of production components based on the plurality of production clusters and the one or more asset types.

Abstract: A work surface for a vehicle includes a first section, a central section, and a first lock assembly. The first section includes a proximal edge and a distal edge. The first section defines a channel therein. The central section includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the central section is positioned adjacent to the proximal edge of the first section. The proximal edge of the first section is pivotably coupled to the first end of the central section. The first section is movable between a stowed position and a fully-deployed position relative to the central section. The first lock assembly is coupled to the central section. The first lock assembly includes a post that is operable between a retracted position and an extended position. The fully-deployed position of the first section arranges the channel defined by the first section to receive the post.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first rail and a second rail elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and spaced from each other along a vehicle-lateral axis. The vehicle includes an energy storage device between the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle includes a support structure between the first rail and the second rail. The vehicle includes a cable under tension and extending from the first rail to the second rail, the cable between the energy storage device and the support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seatback. The vehicle includes a buckle movable from a retracted position at the seatback to a deployed position spaced from the seatback. The vehicle incudes an actuator operatively coupled to the buckle to move the buckle from the retracted position to the deployed position. The vehicle includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive an indication that an occupant of the seat will exit the vehicle and, in response, command the actuator to move the buckle from the retracted position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a bulkhead. The vehicle includes a base supported by the bulkhead and inflatable from a stowed position away from the bulkhead to a deployed position. The vehicle includes an airbag supported by the base and inflatable away from the bulkhead to a deployed position.

Abstract: A composite material includes a recycled polymer matrix, a continuous network of linked carbon nanostructures dispersed within the recycled polymer matrix, and a compatibilizer. The recycled polymer matrix is in an amount of at least 90 wt. %. The continuous network of linked carbon nanostructures is in an amount between 0.5 wt. % to 1.0 wt. %. The compatibilizer is in an amount of about 3.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seatbelt retractor including a housing and a spool rotatably supported by the housing. The seatbelt retractor includes a load limiter fixed to the spool and lockable with the housing. The load limiter has a first coupling and a second coupling spaced from the first coupling on the rotational axis. The first coupling has a first energy absorber retained in a first cavity. The first energy absorber is compressible relative to a first male segment and a first female segment of the coupling. The second coupling has a second energy absorber retained in a second cavity. The second energy absorber is compressible relative to a second male segment and a second female segment of the second coupling.