Abstract: A vehicle frame structure including a pair of elongated mid bay rails with a cross beam extending between rear ends of the pair of mid bay rails. A pair of elongated rear bay rails define an overlapping joint with the pair of elongated mid bay rails, wherein a first pair of reinforcement members connect forward ends of the pair of rear bay rails to the pair of elongated mid bay rails and a second pair of reinforcement members connect rearward ends of the pair of mid bay rails to the pair of elongated rear bay rails.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of determining a volume of a fluid in a reservoir arranged in a vehicle includes assessing, via a controller, whether a first sensor operatively connected to the reservoir and configured to detect a predetermined level of the fluid in the reservoir has been triggered. The method also includes detecting, via a second sensor, a vehicle operative state indicative of inclination of a free surface of the fluid in the reservoir. The method additionally includes communicating, via the second sensor, the detected vehicle operative state to the electronic controller and determining a degree of inclination of the free surface of the fluid in response to the detected vehicle operative state. Furthermore, the method includes determining, via the controller, the volume of the fluid in the reservoir when the first sensor has been triggered in response to the determined degree of inclination of the free surface of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of determining a volume of a fluid in a reservoir arranged in a vehicle includes assessing, via a controller, whether a first sensor operatively connected to the reservoir and configured to detect a predetermined level of the fluid in the reservoir has been triggered. The method also includes detecting, via a second sensor, a vehicle operative state indicative of inclination of a free surface of the fluid in the reservoir. The method additionally includes communicating, via the second sensor, the detected vehicle operative state to the electronic controller and determining a degree of inclination of the free surface of the fluid in response to the detected vehicle operative state. Furthermore, the method includes determining, via the controller, the volume of the fluid in the reservoir when the first sensor has been triggered in response to the determined degree of inclination of the free surface of the fluid.

Abstract: A method to predict time and/or distance remaining before a fluid system reaches a low fluid level includes determining a fluid level of the fluid system before execution of a fluid request command; determining an amount of time that fluid from the fluid system was spent in response to execution of the fluid request command; and determining external inputs that may affect a frequency of the fluid request command. A calculation of the risk of a low fluid level event occurring is made by inputting the current fluid level of the fluid system, the amount of time that fluid from the fluid system was being spent, and the external inputs that may affect the frequency of the fluid request command into a remaining useful fluid prediction model. A low fluid level alert is provided when the remaining useful fluid prediction model determines a low fluid event may occur.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body with a cabin. The cabin includes a cabin floor, and a rail member is disposed within the cabin. The vehicle also includes a frame having a frame structural member. The vehicle additionally includes a body structural member disposed below the cabin floor. The vehicle further includes a first bulkhead disposed between the body structural member and the cabin floor, and a second bulkhead disposed between the body structural member and the cabin floor. A gap is provided between at least a portion of the first bulkhead and the second bulkhead. A first fastener secures the body structural member to the frame structural member. The first fastener passes through a first location in the gap. A second fastener secures the body structural member to the rail member. The second fastener passes through a second location in the gap.

Abstract: An assembly includes a fiber-reinforced composite structure, a bushing, and a fastener. The composite structure includes a composite panel on a first side, where the composite panel defines a hemispherical well. The structure further includes a plurality of stiffening ribs on a second side, which are affixed to the composite panel. The composite panel defines a first bore at the center of the hemispherical well, which extends through the structure. The bushing has a hemispherical end and a flat end, and defines a second bore from the center of the hemispherical end to the center of the flat end. The hemispherical end of the bushing is configured to nest within the hemispherical well defined by the composite structure such that the flat end of the bushing is flush with the surrounding composite panel. The fastener is configured to extend within both of the first bore and the second bore.