Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is configured to operate the vehicle in at least one of an autonomous and a semi-autonomous mode. The computer is further configured to detect at least one condition of a roadway being traveled by the vehicle, the condition comprising at least one of a restricted lane, a restricted zone, a construction zone, and accident area, an incline, a hazardous road surface. The computer is further configured to determine at least one autonomous action based on the condition, the at least one autonomous action including at least one of altering a speed of the vehicle, controlling vehicle steering, controlling vehicle lighting, transitioning the vehicle to manual control, and controlling a distance of the vehicle from an object.

Abstract: A vehicle information display may include a split braking gauge for conveying information relating to braking operation and efficiency to assist drivers in maximizing energy capture during braking in vehicle with regenerative braking systems. The split braking gauge may incorporate a side-by-side or stacked configuration for conveying both regenerative braking and friction braking values. The split braking gauge may include fixed thresholds or boundaries associated with dynamic threshold values that can change based on current vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A climate control system including an air controller switchable between fresh air, recirculated air, and partial recirculated air modes is disclosed. The system further includes a control module connected to the controller and a link operatively connecting the washer fluid system and the module. When the washer fluid system is activated, the module switches the controller from the fresh air mode to the recirculated air mode, preventing washer fluid odors from entering the vehicle cabin while the washer fluid system is activated. The module can also selectively switch the air controller between fresh, recirculated, and partial recirculated air modes based on condition inputs. Non-limiting examples of condition inputs include a fog look-up table, wet bulb level, humidity level, air quality level, and temperature level. The module directs the air controller to switch to the fresh air mode based on information generated by one or more of the condition inputs.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure brake booster system includes an air pressure chamber; an ambient air chamber; a flexible diaphragm separating the air pressure chamber and the ambient air chamber; at least one air pressure source communicating with the air pressure chamber; a brake pedal shaft engaged by and movable with the diaphragm; and a brake master cylinder engaged by the brake pedal shaft.

Abstract: Methods for controlling vacuum within a brake booster by modifying powertrain operation include determining an intake manifold vacuum in response to actuation of a brake pedal. Increasing the intake manifold vacuum if the brake booster vacuum is less than a desired brake booster vacuum. In some embodiments, the transmission is downshifted to increase engine speed and intake manifold vacuum.

Abstract: A method of minimizing ice buildup on a windshield of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) monitoring a state of the vehicle; (b) determining a state of the windshield wiper; (c) determining an ambient temperature of the vehicle; and (d) initiating a timer when the state of the vehicle changes from an on state if the ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature and the state of the windshield wiper prior to the vehicle changing to the off state is an on state, and turning the windshield wiper to the on state after a period of time. The windshield wiper may remain on at least through a full cycle from a park zone, to a fully extended position, and back to the park zone. The wiper may remain on for a predetermined period of time determined based upon the ambient temperature or other condition.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling regenerative braking may utilize the maximum available regenerative braking torque for some time during a braking event. As the vehicle speed and/or powertrain torque decreases, the regenerative braking torque is controlled to deviate from the maximum. The point at which the regenerative braking torque deviates from the maximum is chosen based on the level of vehicle deceleration. The regenerative braking torque is then smoothly blended out until it reaches zero. The regenerative braking torque is brought to zero when the vehicle speed is very low, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies associated with operating a motor at a very low speed.

Abstract: Methods for controlling vacuum within a brake booster by modifying powertrain operation include determining an intake manifold vacuum in response to actuation of a brake pedal. Increasing the intake manifold vacuum if the brake booster vacuum is less than a desired brake booster vacuum. In some embodiments, the transmission is downshifted to increase engine speed and intake manifold vacuum. In other embodiments, engine torque is reduced to increase intake manifold vacuum and the torque of the electric machine is increased to maintain a constant output torque.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain control system causes friction torque to be delivered to wheels at a generally constant value for a range of increasing requested friction torque values such that commanded powertrain torque values are reduced to a generally constant floor value. The range of increasing requested torque values is less than a requested powertrain torque value under foot off accelerator pedal and vehicle stop conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a brake-by-wire system that delivers a certain amount of brake fluid pressure to wheel brakes depending upon the position of a brake pedal. A brake-by-wire fallback or backup mode of operation is also provided. When activated, this by-wire fallback mode commands a certain, known magnitude of brake pressure. The commanded amount of brake pressure can vary based on the state of a brake pedal on/off switch, and can be set regardless of brake pedal position. This provides a backup to the brake-by-wire system without necessarily requiring a mechanical push-through backup system to brake the vehicle in the event a backup mode is required.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a brake-by-wire system that delivers a certain amount of brake fluid pressure to wheel brakes depending upon the position of a brake pedal. A brake-by-wire fallback or backup mode of operation is also provided. When activated, this by-wire fallback mode commands a certain, known magnitude of brake pressure. The commanded amount of brake pressure can vary based on the state of a brake pedal on/off switch, and can be set regardless of brake pedal position. This provides a backup to the brake-by-wire system without necessarily requiring a mechanical push-through backup system to brake the vehicle in the event a backup mode is required.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source configured to provide drive torque, a front axle, a rear axle, and a transfer case configured to distribute drive torque from the power source between the front axle and the rear axle. The vehicle additionally includes a clutch arranged between the front axle and the transfer case. The clutch has a disengaged state and an engaged state drivingly coupling the transfer case and the front axle. The vehicle also includes a regenerative braking system configured to, in response to a braking request, provide regenerative braking torque to the rear axle. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a braking request and the clutch being in the disengaged state, control the clutch to shift into the engaged state to couple the regenerative braking system to the front axle and provide regenerative braking torque to the front axle.

Abstract: A system for controlling regenerative braking in an electrified vehicle to prevent or minimize reduction of overall braking torque during wheel slip events includes an antilock braking system adapted to transmit an antilock braking system active signal and a regeneration powertrain interfacing with the antilock braking system. The regeneration powertrain is adapted to inhibit regenerative braking torque reduction responsive to receiving the antilock braking system active signal during a high deceleration braking event. A method for controlling regenerative braking in an electrified vehicle to prevent or minimize reduction of overall braking torque during wheel slip events is also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: Data is collected in a vehicle relating to a potential obstacle. Based at least in part on the collected data, an obstacle is identified. At least one characteristic of the obstacle is determined. At least one torque to be applied in a vehicle powertrain is determined based at least in part on the at least one characteristic of the obstacle.

Abstract: A system for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle includes at least one controller; at least one braking sensor interfacing with the at least one controller; a vehicle powertrain interfacing with the at least one controller; a brake pedal interfacing with the at least one controller; vehicle friction brakes interfacing with the at least one controller; and the at least one controller applies anti-lock braking torque to the vehicle brakes and simultaneously applies regenerative braking torque to the vehicle powertrain responsive to input from the at least one braking sensor. A method for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first battery configured to power at least one vehicle subsystem and a second battery configured to power an electric motor to propel a vehicle. A processing device is configured to detect an inadequate power level provided from the first battery to the at least one vehicle subsystem and selectively partition the second battery to power the at least one vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: Vehicle operating systems are autonomously operated. A transient in an upcoming path of the vehicle is determined from a comparison of vehicle path data and vehicle status data to a threshold of mechanism first operating system. Operational parameters for one of first and second operating systems are selected according to the comparison. The selected operational parameters are applied to the operation of the one of the first and second operating systems.

Abstract: Brake actuators for a motor vehicle braking system, braking systems including the brake actuators, and motor vehicles including the brake actuators are provided. A brake actuator includes a chamber enclosing a volume configured to hold a quantity of brake fluid, a piston, a piston actuator, and a compressible medium. The piston actuator may be coupled to the piston and configured to actuate the piston. The compressible medium may be positioned relative to the chamber such that the compressible medium is subjected to a force due to pressurization of the brake fluid in the chamber. A volume of the compressible medium may be configured to be changed by the force due to the pressurization of the brake fluid.