Abstract: A vehicle rock slider having a removable cover and methods of using the same. The rock slider may be attachable to a rocker panel of the vehicle along a length of the rocker panel such that an edge of the rock slider extends below a rocker flange extending downward from a bottom of the rocker panel. The rock slider may have a cover removably attachable onto the rock slider. The cover may be shaped and sized to conceal the rock slider when the rock slider is not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle rooftop platform mounting system includes a platform adjuster device that is configured to mount to a vehicle. The platform adjuster device includes a ball joint that rotatably connects a corner of a support platform to the platform adjuster device to adjust an angle of the corner of the support platform relative to a roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a passenger cabin and a truck bed located rearward of the passenger cabin in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The truck bed includes a bed deck and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. A heating system includes a heating unit located between an inner sidewall panel and an outer sidewall panel of one of the sidewalls. The heating unit is in communication with an outlet the extends through the inner sidewall panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle user interface system allowing for plug and play customizations of vehicle electronics. These customizations are permitted by the use of vehicle electronics modules that can be moved as desired without requiring additional programming from the user to map a desired function to a specific switch of the vehicle electronics system.

Abstract: A vehicle rooftop platform mounting system includes a platform adjuster device that is configured to mount to a vehicle. The platform adjuster device includes a ball joint that rotatably connects a corner of a support platform to the platform adjuster device to adjust an angle of the corner of the support platform relative to a roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: Sensor cleaning apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a sensor of a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a motor operatively coupled to the sensor to enable the sensor to move within a cavity of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a wiper fixedly coupled to the vehicle and partially defining the cavity. An edge of the wiper is to engage the sensor when the sensor moves to remove debris.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a position of a tailgate of a vehicle. The system includes a cable connecting the tailgate to a spool configured to turn in a first direction to wind the cable, and turn in a second direction to unwind the cable. The system includes a cable release located between the spool and the tailgate, the cable release, when in the unengaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the first direction, and preventing movement of the cable through the cable release when force is applied to the cable from the tailgate, and the cable release, when in the engaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the second direction. The system includes a button configured to toggle the cable release between the engaged state and the unengaged state.

Abstract: A system for weight monitoring includes a plurality of load sensors that are positioned between a deck floor and a frame mount of a truck, and distributed within a truck bed of the truck to sense a load distribution of a load applied on the truck bed to generate a load distribution data. Each of the load sensors includes a respective through hole load transducer, a respective bolt to fix the through hole load transducer to the truck, and a respective deck cross-member positioned on the load transducer to transfers a mechanical force generated by the load onto the through hole load transducer. The system also includes one or more cameras arranged above the truck bed to monitor a load movement of the load, and a microprocessor configured to receive the load distribution data, determine a vehicle operating parameter accordingly, and transmit the vehicle operating parameter to a vehicle controller.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly comprising includes a vehicle door panel, a vehicle door handle operably connected to the door panel so as to enable operation of a door latch by the door handle, and at least one sanitizer dispensing mechanism having at least a first nozzle coupled to the vehicle door panel and structured to discharge a sanitizing material onto an exterior surface of the door handle.

Abstract: A window stabilization system for a window of a vehicle includes a first inflatable bladder positioned adjacent a path along which the window passes such that the inflatable bladder will engage a surface of the window when the window is opened at least a predetermined amount and the inflatable bladder is inflated; an inflator in fluid communication with the first inflatable bladder configured to pump a fluid into the inflatable bladder such that when the first inflatable bladder is inflated a predetermined amount, the first inflatable bladder comes into physical contact with a surface of the window when the window is opened at least a predetermined amount; and a bladder control system to control operation of the inflator in response to data received regarding operation of the window.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a driver seat, a front passenger seat and a console assembly located between the driver seat and the front passenger seat. At least one of the driver seat and the front passenger seat is spaced from the console assembly in a vehicle lateral direction forming a gap between the console assembly and the at least one of the driver seat and the front passenger seat. A retractable cover assembly includes a flexible, sheet-form cover that is connected to a retract device that takes up or pays out the cover between extended and retracted configurations.

Abstract: A lidar module configured for mounting on a vehicle is provided. The lidar module may include a module housing structured to be securable to a vehicle. The module housing may define a cavity configured for receiving a lidar scanner unit therein. The lidar module may include a lidar scanner unit configured to be received within the module housing cavity. The lidar scanner unit may be configured to be removable from the module housing cavity whenever the lidar scanner unit is not in use.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a passenger cabin that includes a rear wall. A truck bed includes a front wall that faces the rear wall of the passenger cabin. A space is provided between the rear wall of the passenger cabin and the front wall of the truck bed. A speaker assembly includes a speaker enclosure mounted externally to the rear wall of the passenger cabin and located between the rear wall of the passenger cabin and the front wall of the truck bed. A speaker extends forward from the speaker enclosure and through an opening in the rear wall of the passenger cabin.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a position of a tailgate of a vehicle. The system includes a cable connecting the tailgate to a spool configured to turn in a first direction to wind the cable, and turn in a second direction to unwind the cable. The system includes a cable release located between the spool and the tailgate, the cable release, when in the unengaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the first direction, and preventing movement of the cable through the cable release when force is applied to the cable from the tailgate, and the cable release, when in the engaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the second direction. The system includes a button configured to toggle the cable release between the engaged state and the unengaged state.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a passenger cabin that includes a rear wall. A truck bed includes a front wall that faces the rear wall of the passenger cabin. A space is provided between the rear wall of the passenger cabin and the front wall of the truck bed. A speaker assembly includes a speaker enclosure mounted externally to the rear wall of the passenger cabin and located between the rear wall of the passenger cabin and the front wall of the truck bed. A speaker extends forward from the speaker enclosure and through an opening in the rear wall of the passenger cabin.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of an autonomous drone for refueling. The autonomous drone may comprise a fuel storage area; a fuel delivery mechanism coupled to the fuel storage area; a delivery connection coupled to the fuel delivery mechanism; a drive mechanism; and a central controller. The central controller may be configured to receive a refueling location; and control the drive mechanism to pilot the autonomous drone to the refueling location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle user interface system allowing for plug and play customizations of vehicle electronics. These customizations are permitted by the use of vehicle electronics modules that can be moved as desired without requiring additional programming from the user to map a desired function to a specific switch of the vehicle electronics system.

Abstract: A system for weight monitoring includes a plurality of load sensors that are positioned between a deck floor and a frame mount of a truck, and distributed within a truck bed of the truck to sense a load distribution of a load applied on the truck bed to generate a load distribution data. Each of the load sensors includes a respective through hole load transducer, a respective bolt to fix the through hole load transducer to the truck, and a respective deck cross-member positioned on the load transducer to transfers a mechanical force generated by the load onto the through hole load transducer. The system also includes one or more cameras arranged above the truck bed to monitor a load movement of the load, and a microprocessor configured to receive the load distribution data, determine a vehicle operating parameter accordingly, and transmit the vehicle operating parameter to a vehicle controller.

Abstract: A vehicle side mirror for rear and side view is provided. The side mirror includes a side mirror case, a light permeable reflective glass arranged inside the side mirror case. The light permeable reflective glass is configured to present an image reflected from side and rear of the vehicle, and provide a first field of view. The side mirror also includes a camera that is configured to record a live video captured from the side and rear of the vehicle, and provide a second field of view. The side mirror includes a display screen disposed between the reflective glass and the side mirror case. The display screen is configured to display the live video recorded by the camera. The side mirror further has a control switch installed in the vehicle. The control switch configured to switch the camera and the display screen between an activated status and a deactivated status.

Abstract: Sensor cleaning apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a sensor of a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a motor operatively coupled to the sensor to enable the sensor to move within a cavity of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a wiper fixedly coupled to the vehicle and partially defining the cavity. An edge of the wiper is to engage the sensor when the sensor moves to remove debris.