Abstract: A glass cleaning system includes: a housing including at least one peripheral sidewalls being substantially perpendicular relative to a side of a vehicle to which the housing is attached, a cover, and a vision system including at least one sensor and processing circuitry, wherein the vision system is disposed in an interior of the housing, the at least one sensor is communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry, and the vision system is configured to be used with the vehicle to detect surrounding objects and determine distances between said objects and the vehicle; a window mounted as the at least one peripheral sidewall of the housing and configured to tilt towards the interior of the housing into an angled orientation and back; a drain duct disposed in the interior of the housing; and at least one spray nozzle.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount rear-facing sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the rear environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is secured to the vehicle by utilizing existing vehicle body structures. The vehicle body structures include rearward roof chassis parts that provide stability and security to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A light diverting system for diverting light from a headlamp assembly of a vehicle includes a processor and a user input device communicatively coupled to the processor. A light diverting apparatus includes an actuator communicatively coupled to the processor and a light diverting member comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect light from a light source. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive user instructions from the user input device and adjust a position of the light diverting member using the light diverting apparatus based on the user instructions.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a vehicle door glass damping system that functions like a clamp along a perimeter of a door glass when the door glass is in a closed position. The system includes an actuator assembly having a motor housing and a plunger. The assembly is configured to apply a force in the vehicle lateral direction force to a perimeter edge of the door glass. A plurality of actuator assemblies may be provided about the perimeter of the door glass at multiple locations. The actuator assembly may be a single touch location or may touch off on the whole perimeter of the door glass. When the door glass is displaced, a sealing member body within a glass run channel pivotally compresses which creates a compression seal between the sealing member body and the exterior surface of the door glass.

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 vehicular cowl louver assembly, a vehicular windshield assembly and a vehicle. A cowl louver that makes up a portion of the vehicular cowl louver assembly has one or more recesses formed in an upper-facing surface with which to provide storage of an ice scraper. A resiliently-biased clip allows the ice scraper to be selectively removable from the cowl louver to enable a person to scrape ice, snow or other debris from a vehicular windshield. The ice scraper may be returned to the recess after use, where the clip keeps the two secured to one another, even during vehicular movement. In one form, the surface of the ice scraper may be made to form a substantially flush, continuous fit with the portion of the surface of the cowl louver that is adjacent the recess to improve aerodynamic and aesthetic features of the cowl louver assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, a handle, and at least one connection site for the handle at which the handle is selectively connectable to the vehicle. The body defines a passenger compartment and a door opening, and includes a door over the door opening. The at least one connection site includes a home connection site on the door. When connected to vehicle at the home connection site, the handle, from its corresponding location on the door, is subject to being operated by a user to allow the door to open.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments for a rear bumper snow and ice shield. In an embodiment, a corrosion prevention device may be mounted on a vehicle. The corrosion prevention device may comprise a shield, a support, a mechanism, a left rail, and a right rail. The shield may comprise a left protrusion on a left end, a right protrusion on a right end, a front end, and a rear end. The support may comprise an upper end supporting the shield, and a lower end. The mechanism may be configured to secure the support in a raised position and further configured to secure the support in a lowered position. The lower end of the support may be in contact with the mechanism. The left protrusion may be housed within the left rail and the right protrusion may be housed within the right rail.

Abstract: A truck box or rear compartment includes a deck. The deck includes a floor that defines a cargo area having a length and width. The deck also includes a pair of opposed inner sidewalls that extend along the length of the cargo area comprising a first inner sidewall portion that extends upwardly away from the floor to a top portion and a second inner sidewall portion that extends downwardly from the top portion to a lower end, the lower end comprising a pocket channel. A pickup truck box deck rail assembly includes a deck rail configured for disposition on a top portion of an outer sidewall of a pickup truck box, the deck rail comprising a plurality of deck rail openings. The assembly also includes a corresponding plurality of opening covers configured to selectively and releasably cover and uncover the deck rail openings.

Abstract: A transition region between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component can be actively managed. In a pick-up truck, the first vehicle component can be a deck and the second vehicle component can be a cabin. A side shield can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the side shield can be located within the deck. In the deployed position, the side shield can extend at least partially out of the deck in a direction toward the cabin. Responsive to receiving an input indicating the position for the side shield, the side shield can be caused to be moved into or maintained in the indicated position. In some instances, the input can be provided automatically by the vehicle based on a detected vehicle condition, environment condition, and/or other condition. In some instances, the input can be received from a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a tonneau cover for a bed of a truck. In one embodiment, the tonneau cover includes a set of panels that span a width of the bed between at least two mounting rails that are attached to sidewalls of the bed. The set of panels detachably connect to the mounting rails at attachment points within the mounting rails and are at least partially supported by the attachment points. Individual panels within the set of panels connect with adjacent ones of the set of panels through a detachable hinge within opposing sides. The individual panels connect to the mounting rails through retractable pins that extend from opposing ends.

Abstract: A selective battery control system includes a battery exchange station and an at least partially electric vehicle communicably coupled to the battery exchange station. The at least partially electric vehicle includes processing circuitry configured to determine a number of batteries needed for a trip, determine if the at least partially electric vehicle has a correct number of batteries, and in response to the at least partially electric vehicle having an incorrect number of batteries, add or remove batteries until the at least partially electric vehicle has the correct number of batteries for the trip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and methods for autonomous charging of an autonomous vehicle. Specifically, the present disclosure describes an autonomous vehicle subsystem configured to evaluate vehicle charge, identify possible charging stations, interact with a user to confirm a charging station, navigate to the selected charging station, and initiate and receive of a charge from a charging port at the charging station. User interaction may be vehicle-driven or user-driven.

Abstract: A customizable cargo bed system for a vehicle includes a plurality of adjoining surfaces, with at least one surface of the plurality of adjoining surfaces including at least one recessed portion. The system also includes at least one accessory panel structured to be removably attachable to the at least one surface along the at least one recessed portion. The at least one accessory panel is structured to support at least a portion of an object to be positioned in the cargo bed when the at least one accessory panel is attached to the at least one surface.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheel within a wheel well, a fender panel assembly that includes a fender outer panel and a fender inner panel, the fender panel assembly at least partially surrounding the wheel well, and an overfender assembly connected to the fender panel assembly. The overfender assembly includes an overfender backing including a fender outer panel connection portion that connects to the fender outer panel and a fender inner panel connection portion that connects to the fender inner panel and an overfender garnish connected to the overfender backing. The overfender garnish and the overfender backing are formed separately of different materials.

Abstract: An air drag reduction mechanism for a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a base and an air deflector rotatably coupled to the base. The air deflector is rotatable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. At least one actuator is operatively coupled to the air deflector and structured to rotate the air deflector between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. At least one latching mechanism is operatively coupled to the air deflector and the base. The latching mechanism is structured to engage when the air deflector rotates from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, to maintain the air deflector in the deployed configuration. The latching mechanism is also structured to disengage when the air deflector reconfigures from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration so as to permit rotation of the air deflector from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A light diverting system for diverting light from a headlamp assembly of a vehicle includes a processor and a user input device communicatively coupled to the processor. A light diverting apparatus includes an actuator communicatively coupled to the processor and a light diverting member comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect light from a light source. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive user instructions from the user input device and adjust a position of the light diverting member using the light diverting apparatus based on the user instructions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheel within a wheel well, a fender panel assembly that includes a fender outer panel and a fender inner panel, the fender panel assembly at least partially surrounding the wheel well, and an overfender assembly connected to the fender panel assembly. The overfender assembly includes an overfender backing including a fender outer panel connection portion that connects to the fender outer panel and a fender inner panel connection portion that connects to the fender inner panel and an overfender garnish connected to the overfender backing. The overfender garnish and the overfender backing are formed separately of different materials.

Abstract: A cargo assist can help a user in loading, unloading, and/or transporting items in a vehicle. The cargo assist can include a cargo assist arm. A cargo carrier can be operatively connected to the cargo assist arm and can be selectively disconnected therefrom. The cargo assist arm can be selectively movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the cargo assist arm can be located entirely within a cargo space of the vehicle. At least a portion of the cargo assist arm and at least a portion of the cargo carrier can be received within a recess defined within a first lateral side wall of the cargo space. In the deployed position, the cargo carrier and a portion of the cargo assist arm can extend through an access opening to the cargo space and can be located outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear deck post assembly is provided for reinforcing a cargo bed of a utility vehicle. The assembly includes a first deck mount coupled to a vehicle frame, and a first rear deck post coupled to the first deck mount. A second deck mount is provided coupled to the vehicle frame and spaced apart from the first deck mount. A second rear deck post is coupled to the second deck mount. A deck sill component is provided longitudinally extending between the first deck post and the second deck post. Deck bolts may be used to couple the deck sill component, deck mounts, and deck posts to the vehicle frame. The first and second deck mounts and deck posts may be a cast aluminum alloy, a cast magnesium alloy, or a fiber reinforced composite material.