Abstract: A system in a vehicle includes a first winding section including first two or more windings and a second winding section including second two or more windings. Each of the second two or more windings corresponds to one of the first two or more windings of the first winding section. The system also includes an inverter including a high side switch and a low side switch corresponding to each of the first two or more windings. The inverter is coupled to a battery of the vehicle and boosts a voltage of a direct current (DC) charger during charging of the battery with the DC charger, converts alternating current (AC) from an AC grid to DC during charging of the battery with the AC grid, and converts DC to AC during supply of the AC grid by the battery.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a controller onboard the vehicle, lidar data from the lidar device; receiving, by the controller, image data from the camera device; computing, by the controller, an edge map based on the lidar data; computing, by the controller, an inverse distance transformation (IDT) edge map based on the image data; aligning, by the controller, points of the IDT edge map with points of the lidar edge map to determine extrinsic parameters; storing, by the controller, extrinsic parameters as calibrations in a data storage device; and controlling, by the controller, the vehicle based on the stored calibrations.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a system operating a method of controlling a temperature at a battery cell of the vehicle. The system includes the battery cell, a temperature sensor and a processor. The battery cell has a tab for flow of current to and from the battery cell. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a cell temperature of the battery cell at a location away from the tab. The processor is configured to predict a tab temperature from the cell temperature, and control a power supplied to a load from the battery cell based on the tab temperature.

Abstract: A method for finding an optimum trailer gain, comprising: applying trailer brake pulses to a trailer while a vehicle is coasting using a trailer brake of a trailer, wherein the trailer is coupled to the vehicle; monitoring an average deceleration of the vehicle and the trailer brake gain of the trailer brake pulses applied to the trailer while the vehicle is coasting; generating a graph of the average deceleration of the vehicle versus the trailer brake gain, wherein the graph includes a curve that illustrates a relationship between the average deceleration of the vehicle and the trailer brake gain of the trailer brake pulses applied to the trailer while the vehicle is coasting; and finding a bend point of the curve in the graph to determine an optimum trailer brake gain.

Abstract: An antimicrobial interior component for a vehicle includes an interior component body having a contoured surface. The interior component also includes an antimicrobial jacket assembly having a first piece and a second piece coupled together and disposed over the contoured surface. The antimicrobial jacket assembly defines at least one touch surface disposed over the contoured surface of the interior component body. The first piece and the second piece each includes an antimicrobial metal material configured to prevent or minimize microbes from accumulating on the at least one touch surface.

Abstract: A system is provided for mitigating a road network congestion. The system includes a plurality of motor vehicles positioned in associated locations in a road network. Each vehicle has one or more sensors generating an input and a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) for generating at least one location signal for a location of the associated motor vehicle and at least one event signal for an event related to the associated motor vehicle, with the location signal and the event signal corresponding to a High Speed Vehicle Telemetry Data (HSVT data) based on the input from the sensors. The system further includes a computer, which communicates with a display device and the TCUs. The computer includes a processor and a computer readable medium including instructions, such that the processor is programmed to identify the congestion and determine that the congestion is a recurring or a non-recurring congestion.

Abstract: A system for analyzing images includes a processing device includes a receiving module configured to receive an image, and an analysis module configured to apply the received image to a machine learning network and classify one or more features in the received image, the machine learning network configured to propagate image data through a plurality of convolutional layers, each convolutional layer of the plurality of convolutional layers including a plurality of filter channels, the machine learning network including a bottleneck layer configured to recognize an image feature based on a shape of an image component, The system also includes an output module configured to output characterization data that includes a classification of the one or more features.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making a cast steel alloy crankshaft for an internal combustion engine are provided. The method comprises providing a mold of the crankshaft. The mold has cavities to form the crankshaft. The method further comprises melting a first metallic material at between 1400 degrees Celsius (° C.) and 1600° C. to define a molten metallic material. In addition, the method further comprises feeding the molten metallic material at a riser connection angle of between 30° and 75° in the cavities of the negative sand cast mold. The method further comprises cooling the molten metallic material at a solidification time of between 5 seconds (sec) and 20 sec in the negative sand cast mold with at least one chill member to define a solidified metallic material having dimensions of the cast steel alloy crankshaft. Furthermore, the method comprises separating the solidified metallic material from the negative sand cast mold to define the cast steel alloy crankshaft.

Abstract: A system for context-based adaptive virtual experience control in a vehicle is provided. The system includes an output device configured for providing a sensory output to a user of the vehicle and a computerized virtual experience control module configured for controlling the output device based upon a virtual experience mode. The system further includes a computerized context-based adaptive control module configured for monitoring contextual data related to one of the user of the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, monitoring feedback from the user related to one of favor or disfavor related to the virtual experience mode, and utilizing the contextual data and the feedback from the user to selectively, automatically command activation of the virtual experience mode.

Abstract: An optically transparent coplanar microwave slot antenna is provided including a conductive mesh and a feedline connectively coupled to the conductive mesh wherein the conductive mesh includes a plurality of Christmas tree shaped slots arranged in a dipole configuration wherein each of the plurality of Christmas tree shaped slots is formed from a triangular slot, a trapezoidal slot and a rectangular slot.

Abstract: A transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between first and second configurations. The transformable knob comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between first and second positions, with movement of the actuator facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle and a system and method of operating the vehicle based on a gesture made by a traffic director. The system includes a camera and at least one neural network. The camera obtains an image of a flag operator. The at least one neural network is to generates an encoded hand vector based on a configuration of a hand of the traffic director from the image, combines a skeleton of the traffic director generated from the image and the encoded hand vector to generate a representation vector, and predicts a gesture of the traffic director from the representation vector.

Abstract: A computer is provided for a fuel cell propulsion system of a motor vehicle. The computer includes one or more processors receiving a temperature signal from one or more temperature sensors and a pressure signal from one or more pressure sensors. The computer further includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions, such that the processor is programmed to determine a feedback correction based on the temperature of the coolant and the pressure drop of the coolant across the fuel cell stack. The processor is further programmed to generate a pump command signal based on the feedback correction and a nominal pump command, with the pump command signal actuating a pump to pump coolant at a target pump speed.

Abstract: A system for transferring DC electric power to a DC electric power system includes an electric power source, a DC-DC power converter, a system power bus including a capacitor, a first current sensor, a second current sensor, a third current sensor, and a controller. The DC-DC power converter includes a switched inductance circuit including an inductor, a high-voltage switch, and a diode. The second current sensor monitors a second current in the system power bus between the DC-DC power converter and the capacitor. The controller determines a parametric setpoint for the system power bus, determines the first current, the second current, and the third current in the system power bus, and controls the switching DC-DC power converter based upon the parametric setpoint, the first current, the second current, and the third current.

Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions includes a microporous layer and one or more fire suppression layers disposed on at least one of a first side or an opposite second side of the microporous layer. The one or more fire suppression layers include a ceramic material having interconnected open pores and a cyclophosphazene disposed within the interconnected open pores of the ceramic material.

Abstract: A system for obtaining vehicle status data includes a location sensor configured to obtain location data for one or more connected devices in or around the vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of seats, including at least one seat without an occupant sensor. The location data is obtained based at least partially on radiofrequency waves. A command unit is adapted to receive the location data. The command unit has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to obtain the vehicle status data in real time based in part on the location data of the one or more connected devices, the vehicle status data including a total number of occupants in the vehicle.

Abstract: A die casting mold may be made of an iron alloy including, by mass: about 1% to about 6% nickel, about 0.1% to about 5% copper, about 0.2% to about 2.5% aluminum, about 0.5% to about 2% manganese, and about 0.05% to about 0.2% carbon. The iron alloy may be formed into an initial shape of the die casting mold, heated to a temperature greater than or equal to about 900° C. and then cooled to form a supersaturated solid solution of iron and dissolved alloying elements. Then, the iron alloy may be heated at a temperature sufficient to precipitate intermetallic nanoparticles from the supersaturated solid solution to form an intermetallic precipitate phase dispersed throughout an iron-based matrix phase. A layer of iron alloy material disposed at and along a surface of the iron alloy may exhibit a deformed microstructure indicative of a machining direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that include obtaining first camera images of a parking location before a vehicle is parked at the parking location; obtaining second camera images of the parking location after the vehicle is parked at the parking location; and detecting, via a processor, a fluid leak for the vehicle based on a comparison of the first camera images and the second camera images.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing guidance to an operator of a vehicle when a vehicle is towing a trailer with a boat. In one embodiment, a method includes: storing, in a data storage device, change in height data associated with the vehicle and the trailer; computing, by a processor, a float point of the boat along a boat ramp at a launch site based on the change in height data stored in the data storage device; and generating, by the processor, guidance data based on a location of the vehicle and the float point.

Abstract: A system for tuning a trajectory tracking controller for a vehicle includes a trajectory planner configured to generate the planned trajectory and to output one or more planned trajectory components representative of the planned trajectory, a model predictive controller including an internal model and an optimizer, and a tuning neural network configured to receive the one or more planned trajectory components and one or more measured trajectory components and to produce weights for a cost function. The internal model is configured to receive a predicted control input from the optimizer and the one or more measured trajectory components and to produce a predicted output. The optimizer utilizes a cost function and is configured to receive the weights for the cost function and a predicted error and to produce the predicted control input, wherein the predicted error is a selected one of the planned trajectory components minus the predicted output.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separating layer that physically separates the first and second electrodes, and a porous layer disposed between the separating layer and the first electrode. The porous layer includes a porous material having a plurality of pores and a lithiating material that at least partially fills the pores of the plurality. The porous layer can be a continuous coating disposed on a surface of the separating layer opposing the first electrode or a continuous coating disposed on a surface of the first electrode opposing the separating layer. The porous material can include zeolites, aerogels, silicon oxides, porous aluminum oxides, titanium oxides, manganese oxides, and/or magnesium oxides. The lithiating material can include lithium peroxide and can fill between about 30 and about 60% of the pores of the porous material.

Abstract: A method of making a capacitor-assisted hybrid electrode for a lithium-ion electrochemical cell includes admixing a solvent, a cellulose-based dispersant, and a plurality of capacitive particles comprising carbon to form a dispersion. The cellulose-based dispersant forms hydrogen bonds with one or more carbonyl-groups on the capacitive particles comprising carbon. The dispersion is combined with an electroactive material, an electrically conductive material, and a binder to form a slurry. The slurry is applied to a current collector and solidified to form the capacitor-assisted hybrid electrode having a composite hybrid active layer on the current collector. Capacitor-assisted hybrid electrodes formed from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Welding electrodes, methods, and vehicles are provided. The welding electrodes include a body that includes a weld face on a distal end of the body configured to contact a workpiece and apply an electrical current thereto. The body has a maximum diameter of 13 millimeters or less. The welding electrode includes an insulative material covering at least a portion of the body, the insulative material configured to mitigate current shunting upon contact between the insulative material and a workpiece of a workpiece stack-up while using the welding electrode to resistance weld the workpiece stack-up.

Abstract: A system for dynamic authorization, entitlements, and conditional capabilities by operational context to authorize operating a vehicle in conjunction with a remote cloud unit is provided. The system includes a vehicle operational system providing a functional output and a computerized controller within the vehicle. The controller includes programming to collect data from a plurality of sources related to operation of the vehicle and provide the data to a plurality of operating context analyzers to generate an operating context. The controller further includes programming to receive an authorization to operate the vehicle operational system and selectively enable operation of the vehicle operational system based upon the authorization. The system further includes the plurality of operating context analyzers determining the operating context.

Abstract: A spatial monitoring system employs a partial dimension iterative closest point analysis to provide improved accuracy for point cloud registration. The partial dimension iterative closest point analysis improves registration accuracy by performing optimization in accordance with an error magnitude of each dimension, wherein dimensions having large initial errors are significantly improved, and dimensions having high initial accuracy are further improved. The registration separately optimizes each dimension using surfaces with contributing information for the optimized dimension.

Abstract: A method for classifying a weight of a vehicle includes determining a system enablement state of the vehicle load detection and classification system, monitoring a vehicle weight, determining a change in the vehicle weight, comparing the change in the vehicle weight to a first predefined weight change threshold, and categorizing the change in the vehicle weight in response to determining that the change in the vehicle weight exceeds the first predefined weight change threshold. The method also includes determining if a weight has been left in the vehicle after key-off and determining if a weight has been placed in a cargo compartment of the vehicle which exceeds the weight rating of the cargo compartment. The method also includes optimizing a route to a destination based at least on the change in the vehicle weight and displaying the optimized route to the destination using a human machine interface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tester for testing an electrical component. The tester includes a database of testing specifications for electrical components, a tester connector for physically and electrically connecting to different electrical components, and an output device. The tester identifies an electrical component connected to the tester connector and provide corresponding identification data, retrieves a testing specification from the database using the identification data, commands a test of the electrical component according to the testing specification, and outputs an indication of a result of the test through the output device.

Abstract: A system includes a source vehicle and a destination vehicle. The destination vehicle is configured to determine that the source vehicle and the destination vehicle are suitably close to exchange data through a wireless communications channel, compare current version numbers in the destination vehicle with approved version numbers in the source vehicle, approve an update for one or more current software components in the destination vehicle in response to one or more criteria, receive one or more approved software components at the destination vehicle from the source vehicle via the wireless communications channel in response to the current version numbers of the current software components approved for the update being different from corresponding ones of approved version numbers of the approved software components, and update the one or more current software components in the destination vehicle with the one or more approved software components received from the source vehicle.

Abstract: A distribution method and system for a plurality of fuel cell systems (FCSs) configured to provide electrical energy. The distribution being configured for determining a demand of a load for the electrical energy and correspondingly implementing a powering operation. The powering operation executing a startup operation according to a startup order specified for one or more secondary FCSs of the FCSs. The powering operation including individually performing the startup operations for each of the secondary FCSs according to the startup order, and while each of the second FCSs are performing the startup operation, controlling another one or more of the FCSs to mask a power variance associated therewith.

Abstract: Vehicle systems and methods are provided for preheating an aftertreatment system prior to engine ignition. A method involves obtaining a first measurement indicative of a current temperature associated with the aftertreatment system, obtaining a second measurement indicative of a current state of an energy source coupled to a heating element integrated with the aftertreatment system, determining an amount of electrical energy to be applied to the heating element based at least in part on a difference between the current temperature associated with the aftertreatment system and a target temperature for the aftertreatment system, and automatically enabling current flow from the energy source to the heating element prior to ignition of the engine for a duration of time in a manner that is influenced by the amount of electrical energy to be applied to the heating element and the current state of the energy source.

Abstract: A method for controlling a passenger restraint system aboard a motor vehicle includes receiving, via a controller, biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) indicative of vulnerability characteristics of a passenger seated in an interior of the motor vehicle. In response to the biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) and a detected vehicle event requiring an actuation of the passenger restraint system, the method includes automatically adjusting an actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system via the controller. A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a passenger restraint system positioned in the vehicle interior; and a controller operable for controlling the actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system in accordance with the method. The passenger restraint system may include a seatbelt, a seat, and one or more airbag systems.

Abstract: A method of controlling light-off of a catalytic converter in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine (ICE) includes identifying a start of the ICE requiring a light-off of the catalytic converter. The method also includes regulating an exhaust-flow control valve to increase exhaust gas backpressure in the exhaust system in response to the identified start of the ICE. The method additionally includes regulating combustion inside the ICE to increase enthalpy of the ICE. The method also includes detecting light-off of the catalytic converter. The method additionally includes regulating the exhaust-flow control valve to decrease the exhaust gas backpressure in the exhaust system in response to the catalytic converter light-off. Furthermore, the method includes regulating combustion inside the ICE to decrease ICE enthalpy in response to the catalytic converter light-off. The method may be embodied in an algorithm programmed in an electronic controller of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for generating a user profile and system including a controller configured to execute instructions to execute the method. The method including determining by a user of a first vehicle that an interactive maneuver is needed to provide a resource, identifying a second vehicle to interact with, contacting a user of the second vehicle, requesting the user of the second vehicle to perform the interactive maneuver, receiving a response from the user of the second vehicle, and generating a user profile for the user of the second vehicle based on the performance of providing the resource.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle receives geographic location data defined via a mobile computing device operated by a user. The geographic location data is indicative of a device position of the mobile computing device. The autonomous vehicle also receives image data generated by the mobile computing device. The image data is indicative of a surrounding position nearby the device position. The surrounding position is selected from an image captured by a camera of the mobile computing device. A requested vehicle position (e.g., a pick-up or drop-off location) is set for a trip of the user in the autonomous vehicle based on the geographic location data and the image data. A route from a current vehicle position of the autonomous vehicle to the requested vehicle position for the trip of the user in the autonomous vehicle is generated. Moreover, the autonomous vehicle can follow the route to the requested vehicle position.

Abstract: A system for 5G MICO mode operation of a vehicle during an ignition off mode includes a telematics unit and a telematics communication mode controller. The controller monitors energy consumption by the telematics unit and estimates a total energy consumption of the telematics unit through a time period. The controller further compares the total energy consumption to a first threshold energy consumption and a second threshold energy consumption and, when the total energy consumption is less than the first threshold energy consumption, operates the telematics unit in a first mode including unrestricted communication. The telematics communication mode controller, when the total energy consumption is between the first threshold energy consumption and the second threshold energy consumption, operates the telematics unit in a second MICO mode and, when the total energy consumption is greater than the second threshold energy consumption, deactivates communications by the telematics unit.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of layers interleaved between and stacked in an electrode stack along a central stack axis with the first and second electrodes, a first current collector, and a second current collector. The second current collector includes an elongated cylinder and a fluidic coupler, the second current collector extends axially through the central stack cavity, and the second current collector includes a flow channel extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A system for creating vehicle lighting atmosphere of a vehicle is provided. The system includes ambient lighting including a plurality of lights configured for illuminating an interior of the vehicle or an exterior of the vehicle with a selectable light color. The system further includes a computerized vehicle lighting controller, including programming to monitor an input useful to select an ambient lighting theme, select an ambient lighting theme based upon the input, and generate a command to control the ambient lighting based upon the ambient lighting theme.

Abstract: Vehicles and methods for augmenting rearview displays for vehicles are provided. An exemplary method is provided for augmenting a rearview display for a vehicle having a gate moveable between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. The method includes collecting dynamic pixel images of an area behind the vehicle using a camera connected to the vehicle. Further, the method includes, in response to a command, displaying graphical overlays to the collected dynamic pixel images on a display screen, via a processor, wherein the graphical overlays depict an outline of the gate and/or projected path of the gate in the opened configuration.

Abstract: Presented are thermal management systems with passive quenching sacks for cooling battery assemblies, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A passive thermal management (PTM) system is presented for cooling a battery assembly, such as a traction battery pack with a battery case containing stacked battery cells. The PTM system includes a fluid container that mounts inside the battery assembly, interposed between the battery case and battery cells. The fluid container stows therein a dielectric coolant fluid and has multiple fluid ports that fluidly connect to the battery cells to dispense thereto the coolant fluid. Thermomechanical plugs, such as wax, film, or smart-material barriers, seal the fluid container ports and passively open (e.g., melt, bend, disintegrate, expand, etc.) at a predefined temperature to thereby unseal the fluid ports such that the coolant fluid is fed from the fluid container into the battery cells.

Abstract: A laser welding system for joining a first workpiece to a second workpiece includes a laser welder configured to emit a laser beam at a power to form a weld to join the first workpiece and the second workpiece at a weld location. The laser welding system includes a plasma protection fixture coupled to a surface of at least the first workpiece. The plasma protection fixture defines an opening configured to receive the laser beam. The opening has a perimeter that surrounds and is spaced apart from the weld. The plasma protection fixture has a height above the surface of at least the first workpiece about the perimeter of the opening that is defined based on the power of the laser beam.

Abstract: A transmission system for a vehicle includes a first helical pinion gear having a helix angle coupled to a first shaft and configured to receive an input torque. The transmission system includes a second helical pinion gear having a first helix angle coupled to a second shaft and configured to receive the input torque. The second shaft is disposed within the first shaft and rotatable within the first shaft. The transmission system includes a differential assembly having a third helical gear having the first helix angle coupled to the first helical pinion gear, and a fourth helical gear having the helix angle coupled to the second helical pinion gear. The third helical gear and the fourth helical gear are coupled to a differential gear set to drive a first output shaft and a second output shaft associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a battery cell having electrode foils protruding from a cell pouch includes positioning the cell pouch in a fixture such that distal end sections of the foils extend outward from the fixture. The method includes clamping the distal end sections in a curvilinear guide clamp to cause the distal end sections to taper into an electrode foil stack, and then translating the clamp a predetermined distance toward the fixture to displace the distal end sections by the predetermined distance. The method also includes trimming the distal end sections using a trim tool, positioning a sonotrode and an anvil adjacent opposite surfaces of the stack, and ultrasonically welding the stack to a conductive lead tab using the sonotrode to thereby form a welded joint within the battery cell. The sonotrode may be multi-sided with different knurl patterns for performing different welding processes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrode assembly for use in an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions. The electrode assembly includes a current collector, an electroactive material layer disposed parallel with the current collector, and a protective coating disposed between the current collector and the electroactive material layer. The electroactive material layer is defined by a plurality of electroactive material particles. At least a portion of the electroactive material particles of the plurality of electroactive material particles includes a protective particle coating. The protective particle coating is a carbon coating that includes a first carbonaceous material. The protective coating is a carbon layer that includes a second carbonaceous material.

Abstract: Vehicles and related systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle in an autonomous operating mode. One method involves a controller associated with a vehicle identifying a visual attention state associated with a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on output of an imaging device onboard the vehicle, determining, based at least in part on the visual attention state, a driver lane preference corresponding to an adjacent lane in a visual attention direction relative to a current lane of travel for the vehicle, adjusting a priority associated with the adjacent lane corresponding to the driver lane preference and autonomously operating one or more actuators onboard the vehicle to initiate maneuvering the vehicle from the current lane in a manner that is influenced by the adjusted priority associated with the adjacent lane.

Abstract: A cell temperature measurement system for a battery module is described. The system may include a cell monitoring unit (CMU) configured to generate temperature measurements for a plurality of battery cells included as part of the battery module according to contactless, optical, or line-of-sight measurements made with one or more sensors associated with a temperature measurement device.

Abstract: Vehicles and systems and methods for providing rearview displays for vehicles are provided. An exemplary system is provided for a vehicle having a gate moveable between closed configuration and opened configurations. The system includes a camera mounted to the gate and configured to collect dynamic pixel images of an area behind the vehicle; a display screen configured to display the collected dynamic pixel images; and memory configured to include executable instructions and a processor configured to execute executable instructions that enable the processor to crop the collected dynamic pixel images to display a lower portion of the collected dynamic pixel images on the display screen when the gate is in the closed configuration, and to crop the collected dynamic pixel images to display an upper portion of the collected dynamic pixel images on the display screen when the gate is in the opened configuration.