Abstract: A method of plating a substrate includes etching at least a portion of a surface of the substrate to form voids within the surface. The substrate includes a composite material with a network of electrically conductive nanostructures dispersed therein. Electrodes are attached to the substrate, it is placed in a bath of a first electrically conductive metal, and a voltage is applied to the substrate through the electrodes to deposit a first electrically conductive metal layer onto the surface of the substrate, and a second electrically conductive metal layer is electroplated thereon.

Abstract: This disclosure details exemplary portable power systems for vehicles. The portable power systems may be configured as a secondary battery pack that is removably stored within a front trunk of a vehicle. The portable power systems may include a plurality of individually removable battery units that can be used to extend vehicle driving range or power electrically powered devices that are separate from the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the portable power system is stored in the vehicle and an electrically powered device is connected to the portable power system, the vehicle may be controlled in a Following Mode in which the vehicle is autonomously moved to follow an operator of the electrically powered device.

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: 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: 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 assembly includes a cargo bed having a first and a second sidewall. A rail assembly is disposed on the first sidewall. The rail assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the first sidewall. An actuator system raises and lowers the rail assembly to move the rail assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: An item repositioning method includes, in response to a request for an item, moving a vehicle along a first route to a location of the item, loading the item in the vehicle using a lift assist device mounted to the vehicle, moving the vehicle along a second route to transport the item to a desired location, and at the desired location, unloading the item from the vehicle using the lift assist device.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of fasteners includes extruding a continuous strip of material, the continuous strip defining a base portion, a tip portion, and a stem portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. A portion of material is removed from the continuous strip of material along the tip portion such that a plurality of tip portions are separated from each other and spaced apart, each tip portion having at least one flexible tab. The continuous strip of material is then extruded through a foaming die, wherein the flexible tabs are elastically displaced away from the base portion during a foaming process such that a foam material fills a cavity of the foaming die to form a sealing element around the stem portion. Portions of the continuous strip between each of the tip portions are separated to produce a plurality of individual sealed fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical distribution system includes an electrical box having at least one power outlet. The electrical box is configured to be moved between a stowed position where the electrical box is housed within a compartment of a vehicle, and an deployed position where the electrical box is outside the compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a dosed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a spare tire cover comprising an attaching ring configured to surround an outer circumference of a tire and a center panel that is attached to the attaching ring. At least one exciter is mounted to the center panel. A method includes, among other things, molding at least one temperature sensor to a center panel, mounting the center panel to enclose one open side of an attaching ring to form a spare tire cover, and mounting at least one exciter to the center panel to selectively generate a desired sound.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an exterior lighting system for a motor vehicle. An example system includes a plurality of lights configured to illuminate an area adjacent the motor vehicle, a plurality of sensors, and a controller configured to selectively activate and deactivate the lights based on signals from the sensors. The example system includes various aspects configured to preserve energy, including reducing the polling rate of sensors corresponding to deactivated lights, increasing light intensity in proportion to the speed of detected motion, and only illuminating those lights that correspond to locations of a recognized user.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a floor, and a tailgate at the rear end of the cabin interior, wherein at least a portion of the tailgate pivots between a vertical closed position and a horizontal open position. The vehicle has a first seat track assembly is supported on the floor in the cabin interior, a second seat track assembly supported on the tailgate, and a seat assembly. The seat assembly including a first seat panel, a second seat panel, a bracket that allows the first seat panel and the second seat panel to pivot between a forward facing position and a rearward facing position, and a guide supporting the bracket on one of the first and second seat track assemblies, wherein the seat assembly may slide rearward along the first seat track assembly onto the second seat track assembly when the tailgate is in the open position.

Abstract: Exemplary deployable splash guard systems for motor vehicles may include features designed for blocking road spray. The deployable splash guard systems may include a flap that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for blocking the road spray. In the deployed position, the flap is positioned within a spray field of a tire of the motor vehicle and is therefore positioned to block the road spray from spraying onto a door handle and/or other structures of the motor vehicle. A control module of the deployable splash guard system may be programmed to utilize a sensor weighting scheme for accurately determining when to deploy the flap.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment having a door panel movable between closed and open positions allowing access to the storage compartment, a user input device located within the storage compartment, and a latch assembly for latching the door panel in the closed position. The latch assembly includes a first release stage in the closed position allowing the door panel to move to an intermediate position between the open and closed positions and a second release stage allowing the door panel to move to the open position. The vehicle also includes a vehicle speed sensor sensing vehicle speed and a controller monitoring the sensed vehicle speed and detecting a user input to the user input device and controlling the latch assembly to selectively allow the door panel to move to one of the intermediate and open positions based on the sensed vehicle speed and the detected user input.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and comprised of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to clear. Markings are formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify user input areas. A control system includes a circuit configured cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input areas can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and clear modes.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an aperture defined by the body, a closure panel, and a load sensor. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure panel covers at least a portion of the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. The load sensor is coupled to the closure panel. The load sensor senses a load that is applied to the closure panel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a support configured to be connected to a power source and at least one rigid panel attached to the support. The at least one rigid panel is moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position. At least one exciter is supported on the at least one rigid panel and is configured to selectively generate sound when powered by the power source.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a running board for a motor vehicle, and in particular relates to a linkage assembly for the running board and a corresponding method of using the same. An example running board assembly includes a deck and a linkage assembly configured to guide movement of the deck. The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link further from the deck than the first link. The second link is curved such that the second link exhibits a concave contour from a perspective of the deck.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a support configured to be connected to a power source and at least one rigid panel attached to the support. The at least one rigid panel is moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position. At least one exciter is supported on the at least one rigid panel and is configured to selectively generate sound when powered by the power source.