Abstract: Embodiments include a protective cover for a control module mounted to a vehicle surface using attachment mechanisms that extend perpendicularly from the vehicle surface. The protective cover comprises a rigid top portion having a top surface and four sidewalls configured to cover the control module and engage the vehicle surface. The protective cover also comprises a plurality of insets molded into at least two of the sidewalls, each inset configured to receive a respective attachment mechanism. Embodiments also include an apparatus for protecting a control module mounted to a vehicular surface using a plurality of attachment mechanisms. The apparatus comprises a rigid top structure configured to completely cover the control module and a flexible gasket coupled to a bottom edge of the top structure and configured to removably engage the vehicular surface surrounding the control module in a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: Systems and designs are provided for a flexible connector to be used in fuel and hydraulic lines that can withstand a high level of internal and external stress. In one example, the connector consists of three separate components, an upper, a lower and a middle portion. Spherical bearings and compression springs are used o couple the three portions together. Spherical bearings provide the ability of the connector to rotate about an axis, while the compression springs hold together the system.

Abstract: Embodiments include a protective cover for a control module mounted to a vehicle surface using attachment mechanisms that extend perpendicularly from the vehicle surface. The protective cover comprises a rigid top portion having a top surface and four sidewalls configured to cover the control module and engage the vehicle surface. The protective cover also comprises a plurality of insets molded into at least two of the sidewalls, each inset configured to receive a respective attachment mechanism. Embodiments also include an apparatus for protecting a control module mounted to a vehicular surface using a plurality of attachment mechanisms. The apparatus comprises a rigid top structure configured to completely cover the control module and a flexible gasket coupled to a bottom edge of the top structure and configured to removably engage the vehicular surface surrounding the control module in a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A vapor blocking valve for a fuel vapor recovery system is mounted with a two-piece bracket having a base member and a clip member. The base member fixedly mounts on a vehicle structure. At least two bendable wings extend from the base member which are bendable toward one another to a release position. The clip member has an aperture receiving the wings and a clamp receiving the vapor blocking valve. The wings and aperture have a matching profile for selectably locking the clip member at one of a plurality of rotational orientations when the wings are at the rest position. The clip member is movable between rotational orientations with the wings bent to the release position. Consequently, re-orientation of the vapor blocking valve can be accommodated without any changes to the mounting bracket or the structural component to which the bracket attaches.

Abstract: A motor vehicle license plate mounting bracket includes a substantially planar body defining an A surface and an opposite B surface and one or more resilient members disposed on the body B surface. The bracket body further includes a sidewall having one or more resiliency-imparting notches or grooves therein. Fascia assemblies including the license plate mounting bracket are described.

Abstract: Systems and designs are provided for a flexible connector to be used in fuel and hydraulic lines that can withstand a high level of internal and external stress. In one example, the connector consists of three separate components, an upper, a lower and a middle portion. Spherical bearings and compression springs are used o couple the three portions together. Spherical bearings provide the ability of the connector to rotate about an axis, while the compression springs hold together the system.

Abstract: A pair of vehicle door panels defines a cavity. An air sensor has an air inlet protruding into the cavity and senses an air pressure within the cavity. A shield covers the air inlet, has at least one side wall extending away from the air inlet, and defines a chamber configured to collapse in response to an increase in the air pressure to excite the air sensor.

Abstract: A pair of vehicle door panels defines a cavity. An air sensor has an air inlet protruding into the cavity and senses an air pressure within the cavity. A shield covers the air inlet, has at least one side wall extending away from the air inlet, and defines a chamber configured to collapse in response to an increase in the air pressure to excite the air sensor.

Abstract: A trailer yaw sensing apparatus is provided. The trailer yaw sensing apparatus includes a housing, a yaw sensor, and a docking station. The housing is configured for installation on a trailer. The housing defines apertures that are configured to engage fasteners for mounting yaw sensors in a plurality of orientations. The yaw sensor includes an external casing and is disposed within the housing. The docking station is affixed to the housing and is configured to receive a trailer-to-vehicle electrical connector.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for an electrical connector system includes a resilient element configured to seal an interface between a header surface and a connector surface. The sealing gasket further includes thin-film sensing elements in contact with the resilient element that are configured to define a resistance of an electrical network based on a force applied to the sealing gasket. In some configurations, the sensing elements are arranged in a series electrical network and establish a conductive path when the force is greater than a predetermined force at each of the sensing elements. The thin-film sensing elements may be coupled to a controller that is configured to output a diagnostic based on a state of the electrical network.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing, a plurality of pins disposed on the housing, a pin chamber disposed on the housing, and a cap disposed on the chamber. The cap has a plurality of holes for receiving the pins. The pins are aligned with the holes when the cap is in an operating position and the pins are offset from the holes when the cap is in a storage position.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing, a plurality of pins disposed on the housing, a pin chamber disposed on the housing, and a cap disposed on the chamber. The cap has a plurality of holes for receiving the pins. The pins are aligned with the holes when the cap is in an operating position and the pins are offset from the holes when the cap is in a storage position.

Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.

Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.

Abstract: An impact sensor system for a vehicle that includes a frame member having a cavity and a chamber arranged within the cavity. The chamber includes two ends with different cross-sectional areas. The impact sensor system further includes a sensor coupled to the chamber that generates a signal indicative of a pressure change within the chamber caused by an impact to the frame member.

Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.

Abstract: An impact sensor system for a vehicle that includes a frame member having a cavity and a chamber arranged within the cavity. The chamber includes two ends with different cross-sectional areas. The impact sensor system further includes a sensor coupled to the chamber that generates a signal indicative of a pressure change within the chamber caused by an impact to the frame member.

Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system is provided wherein a bumper cap contacts a bumper. A chamber is at least partially fit into a side rail attached to the bumper, wherein the chamber is sealed by the bumper cap. The bumper cap and chamber together enclose a space containing a volume of air. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.