Abstract: A battery module includes: a positive terminal disposed on an exterior of a housing of the battery module; a negative terminal disposed on the exterior of the housing of the battery module; groups of two or more cylindrical battery cells electrically connected in parallel; and electrically conductive bus bars that electrically connect the groups in series, that electrically connect positive terminals of the cylindrical battery cells of a first one of the groups with the positive terminal of the battery module, and that electrically connect negative terminals of the cylindrical battery cells of a second one of the groups with the negative terminal of the battery module.

Abstract: A battery module includes: positive and negative terminals disposed on an exterior of a housing of the battery module; groups of two or more cylindrical battery cells, each of the battery cells of each group having positive and negative terminals; and electrically conductive busbars that electrically connect the groups, that electrically connect positive terminals of the battery cells of a first one of the groups with the positive terminal of the battery module, and that electrically connect negative terminals of the battery cells of a second one of the groups with the negative terminal of the battery module; and a cooling plate including: first and second second planar plates; and a coolant channel plate that is sandwiched between the first and second planar plates that includes: an inlet; an outlet; and a coolant channel that extends in at least two different directions.

Abstract: A battery module includes: positive and negative terminals disposed on an exterior of a housing of the battery module; groups of cylindrical battery cells, each of the battery cells of each group having a positive and negative terminals, and a vent; and electrically conductive busbars that electrically connect the groups, that electrically connect positive terminals of the battery cells of a first one of the groups with the positive terminal of the battery module, and that electrically connect negative terminals of the battery cells of a second one of the groups with the negative terminal of the battery module; and a thermal runaway protection blanket including: a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; and recessed portions that are recessed relative to the second surface and that extend toward the first surface, where the vents of at least a portion of the battery cells face the recessed portions.

Abstract: An electrode heat treatment device and associated method for fabricating an electrode are described, and include forming a workpiece, including coating a current collector with a slurry. The workpiece is placed on a first spool, and the first spool including the workpiece is placed in a sealable chamber, wherein the sealable chamber includes the first spool, a heat exchange work space, and a second spool. An inert environment is created in the sealable chamber. The workpiece is subjected to a multi-step continuous heat treatment operation in the inert environment, wherein the multi-step continuous heat treatment operation includes continuously transferring the workpiece through the heat exchange work space between the first spool and the second spool and controlling the heat exchange work space to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: An electrode heat treatment device and associated method for fabricating an electrode are described, and include forming a workpiece, including coating a current collector with a slurry. The workpiece is placed on a first spool, and the first spool including the workpiece is placed in a sealable chamber, wherein the sealable chamber includes the first spool, a heat exchange work space, and a second spool. An inert environment is created in the sealable chamber. The workpiece is subjected to a multi-step continuous heat treatment operation in the inert environment, wherein the multi-step continuous heat treatment operation includes continuously transferring the workpiece through the heat exchange work space between the first spool and the second spool and controlling the heat exchange work space to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: An underbody assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of polymer-fiber composite components. The polymer-fiber composite components include a base and a first reinforcement. The base includes a first side and a second side. The base is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction between a front of the vehicle and a rear of the vehicle. The first reinforcement is coupled to the base. The first reinforcement includes a first elongated ridge and a first elongated trough. The first elongated trough is disposed adjacent to the first elongated ridge. The first elongated ridge and the first elongated trough each extend transversely between the first side of the base and the second side of the base. In various aspects, the underbody assembly consists essentially of the polymer-fiber composite components.

Abstract: A self-centering grinding wheel assembly that includes a spindle shaft including a conical-shaped end, a grinding wheel, and a grinding wheel adapter. The grinding wheel adapter affixed to the grinding wheel. A plurality of alignment members disposed radially within the grinding wheel adapter. Each of the plurality of alignment members include a tapered surface that conforms to a conical end of the spindle shaft. The plurality of alignment members slide radially with the grinding wheel adapter. The plurality of alignment members self-center the grinding wheel adapter on the spindle shaft in response to the grinding wheel adapter being assembled to the conical end of the conical shaft.

Abstract: A self-centering grinding wheel assembly that includes a spindle shaft including a conical-shaped end, a grinding wheel, and a grinding wheel adapter. The grinding wheel adapter affixed to the grinding wheel. A plurality of alignment members disposed radially within the grinding wheel adapter. Each of the plurality of alignment members include a tapered surface that conforms to a conical end of the spindle shaft. The plurality of alignment members slide radially with the grinding wheel adapter. The plurality of alignment members self-center the grinding wheel adapter on the spindle shaft in response to the grinding wheel adapter being assembled to the conical end of the conical shaft.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a plunger having a ramp and a lip, with a support member defining an opening through which the plunger extends. A support surface partially defines the opening and supports the plunger. The plunger is selectively movable between an extended position, in which the plunger protrudes a first distance from the opening, and a retracted position, in which the plunger protrudes a second distance from the opening, with the second distance being less than the first distance. In the extended position, the ramp and the lip are on a first side of the opening. In contrast, in the retracted position, the ramp and the lip are on a second side of the opening, with the lip engaging the support member to maintain the retracted position.

Abstract: A sliding load floor assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a sliding platform configured to receive a load floor and slidable along a support frame fixed to the vehicle. The support frame includes upper and lower flanges. An axle extends outward from the sliding platform, with a roller rotatably attached thereto and movable along the upper and lower flanges. The roller configuration elevates the sliding platform above a vehicle floor, while allowing the sliding platform the move between a stowed position and an extended position. A wedge is configured to exert a vertical force upon a portion of the sliding platform in the stowed position, thereby preventing vertical movement of the roller to reduce vibration. At least one detent member and at least one latch member are selectively engageable with one another to restrict movement of the sliding platform with respect to the support rail.