Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.

Abstract: An accessory mounting track includes a forward edge, a rearward edge, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end region with a first end, a second end region with a second end, and an intermediate region positioned between the first and second end regions. A cross-section of the intermediate region includes an angular portion positioned on either side of a planar portion. The planar portion and the angular portions are delineated by an inflection point at a junction between the planar portion and each of the angled portions. A distance between the upper surface and the lower surface at the angular portions decreases as a distance from a centerline of the intermediate region increases. A distance between the forward edge and the rearward edge at the first and second end regions increases as a distance from the intermediate region increases.

Abstract: An accessory mounting track includes a forward edge, a rearward edge, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end region with a first end, a second end region with a second end, and an intermediate region positioned between the first and second end regions. A cross-section of the intermediate region includes an angular portion positioned on either side of a planar portion. The planar portion and the angular portions are delineated by an inflection point at a junction between the planar portion and each of the angled portions. A distance between the upper surface and the lower surface at the angular portions decreases as a distance from a centerline of the intermediate region increases. A distance between the forward edge and the rearward edge at the first and second end regions increases as a distance from the intermediate region increases.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.

Abstract: A drone communication system is described. Using the system, a method may be executed that includes: when a recipient vehicle is out of wireless range, transmitting a message, from a sending vehicle, to a plurality of drones that are focusing antenna beams on the sending vehicle so that the plurality then may transmit the message to the recipient vehicle by focusing antenna beams thereon.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a track-creation request. The processor is also configured to initiate track recording, responsive to the request and record GPS points corresponding to vehicle movement. Further, the processor is configured to receive a track-completion instruction and store the recorded GPS points, and a line connecting the points, as representing a recorded track.

Abstract: A drone communication system is described. Using the system, a method may be executed that includes: when a recipient vehicle is out of wireless range, transmitting a message, from a sending vehicle, to a plurality of drones that are focusing antenna beams on the sending vehicle so that the plurality then may transmit the message to the recipient vehicle by focusing antenna beams thereon.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a track-creation request. The processor is also configured to initiate track recording, responsive to the request and record GPS points corresponding to vehicle movement. Further, the processor is configured to receive a track-completion instruction and store the recorded GPS points, and a line connecting the points, as representing a recorded track.

Abstract: An article includes a body that has a solid shell that encloses an interior region. The interior region has a solid sub-region, a lattice sub-region, and a hollow sub-region that are exclusive of each other and distributed based on load path. In an example, the article is a spoiler cap, such as for the spoiler on a vehicle.

Abstract: An intake system assembly including an intake manifold including a housing defining an interior conduit in fluidic communication with an intake valve and a lattice structure extending from an outer surface of the housing. The lattice structure includes a plurality of intersecting walls and the lattice structure and the housing form a continuous piece of material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle calibration based upon performance product detection. An example vehicle includes a receiver to receive a wireless signal from a transducer of an performance product that includes characteristics of the performance product. The example vehicle also includes a product controller to authenticate the performance product based upon the wireless signal and send, upon authentication, a calibration instruction that includes the characteristics. The example vehicle also includes an electronic control unit to receive the calibration instruction and adjust a calibration to a target setting based upon the characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the strength, functionality and wear-resistance of a composite hybrid wheel is disclosed. Each spoke may define an airfoil shape and have a secondary wing-like extension attached thereto to generate airflow past the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Alternatively, the spokes may be shaped in cross-section as either an I-beam or an H-beam configuration. Customer-interchangeable wheel inserts formed from a reinforced polymerized material, such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite, are strategically attached to one or more of the spokes. The inserts are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, increase its structural integrity and provide easy interchangeability in the event of damage. A faux bead composite lock ring also formed of a reinforced polymerized material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite can be attached to the wheel spokes to cover the composite rim flange.

Abstract: An intake system assembly including an intake manifold including a housing defining an interior conduit in fluidic communication with an intake valve and a lattice structure extending from an outer surface of the housing. The lattice structure includes a plurality of intersecting walls and the lattice structure and the housing form a continuous piece of material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing torque arbitration for a hybrid powertrain. In one example, a method may include operating the hybrid powertrain over a predetermined route with a torque arbitration, and updating the torque arbitration based on a vehicle mass.

Abstract: An article includes a body that has a solid shell that encloses an interior region. The interior region has a solid sub-region, a lattice sub-region, and a hollow sub-region that are exclusive of each other and distributed based on load path. In an example, the article is a spoiler cap, such as for the spoiler on a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to reduce the overall weight of a rear differential cooling system of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a body panel system. That body panel system includes (a) a rear diffuser, having a front air inlet, (b) an underbody panel, overlying the rear diffuser as well as (c and d) first and second air tunnels formed between the rear diffuser and the underbody panel, and (e) a rear valance, including first and second vent openings for discharging air received from the first air tunnel. A heat exchanger is provided between the air tunnels and the vent openings. A related method for improving weight distribution and reducing overall weight of a rear differential cooling system is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the strength, functionality and wear-resistance of a composite hybrid wheel is disclosed. Each spoke may define an airfoil shape and have a secondary wing-like extension attached thereto to generate airflow past the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Alternatively, the spokes may be shaped in cross-section as either an I-beam or an H-beam configuration. Customer-interchangeable wheel inserts formed from a reinforced polymerized material, such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite, are strategically attached to one or more of the spokes. The inserts are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, increase its structural integrity and provide easy interchangeability in the event of damage. A faux bead composite lock ring also formed of a reinforced polymerized material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite can be attached to the wheel spokes to cover the composite rim flange.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a ride height sensing system that includes an encoded electromagnetic source as an input unit for a Hall Effect sensors and the signal from the electromagnet is encoded to enable the rejection of ambient magnetic field. In various embodiments, the ride height sensing system includes a self-calibration system including at least one Hall effect sensor mounted at a fixed distance and orientation with respect to the electromagnetic source to provide for continuous calibration of the system. In one embodiment, the enhanced ride height sensing system includes at least two inertial measurement units, such as accelerometers mounted to each of the body frame of the vehicle and the axle frame of the vehicle. This enables the system to optimize power usage by more accurately and efficiently measuring the ride height at high frequency rates with relatively lower power consumption.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle calibration based upon performance product detection. An example vehicle includes a receiver to receive a wireless signal from a transducer of an performance product that includes characteristics of the performance product. The example vehicle also includes a product controller to authenticate the performance product based upon the wireless signal and send, upon authentication, a calibration instruction that includes the characteristics. The example vehicle also includes an electronic control unit to receive the calibration instruction and adjust a calibration to a target setting based upon the characteristics.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a track-creation request. The processor is also configured to initiate track recording, responsive to the request and record GPS points corresponding to vehicle movement. Further, the processor is configured to receive a track-completion instruction and store the recorded GPS points, and a line connecting the points, as representing a recorded track.