Abstract: A seal system for retaining a seal in between a fixed quarter glass and a moveable window glass can include a first seal carrier attached to the fixed quarter glass, a second seal carrier attached to the first seal carrier, a seal retained by the first and second seal carriers, and a beauty cover disposed over the first and second seal carriers when viewed from inside a vehicle. The seal system can be assembled by attaching the first seal carrier to the quarter glass, joining the second seal carrier to the first seal carrier, placing the seal such that it is retained by the first and second seal carriers, and fitting the first and second seal carriers with the beauty cover. When assembled, the seal system retains the seal to seal the vehicle between the fixed quarter glass and the movable window glass.

Abstract: A multi-processor architecture for automated driving systems can be used to improve performance and provide design flexibility. For example, a multi-processor architecture can be used to implement command generation and safety functionality in different processors. The command generation processor can be a high performing processor compared with the safety processor. The safety processor can verify the safety of commands output from the command generation processor and provide additional I/O channels that are typically absent on high performing processors. Additionally, processing of some sensor data can be moved to expansion modules with additional processors to reduce bottlenecks and provide design flexibility for systems with different sensing requirements.

Abstract: A belt molding and sensor combination for a door of a vehicle may include at least one sensor and a belt molding. The at least one sensor may be configured to emit signals upon the detection of an action intended to cause a door to open or close, and the at least one sensor may present a sensor outer surface. The belt molding may be configured to extend along at least a portion of a length of a door, and include a cap which presents an outer surface. The belt molding may be configured to be mounted on a door. The sensor outer surface may provide an extension of a cap outer surface, such that the sensor outer surface and the cap outer surface combine to provide an uninterrupted outer surface where the sensor outer surface and the cap outer surface abut against one another.

Abstract: Housing for vehicle sensors (e.g., Lidar sensors) can include an adapter bracket configured to route a cable either out of the side of the sensor housing or out of the bottom of the sensor housing. In some examples, different adapter brackets can be used to run the cable in different configurations, while in other examples, a single adapter bracket can run a cable in both side-exit and bottom-exit configurations. An adapter bracket can include a breathable mesh portion configured to allow air to pass through the mesh, while blocking moisture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle power system. In some examples, the vehicle power system can include a plurality of redundant low-power buses coupled to respective low-power batteries. The low-power buses can be powered by a vehicle battery having a higher voltage than the voltage of the low-power batteries by way of a DCDC converter, for example. In some examples, the DCDC converter can be coupled to the low-power buses via a plurality of switches included in an Auxiliary Voltage Controller (AVC). The DCDC converter and the AVC can be housed in a common package to reduce the size, weight, and complexity of the power system while also improving the power system's durability.

Abstract: A system for use in a vehicle, the system comprising one or more sensors, one or more processors operatively coupled to the one or more sensors, and a memory including instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method. The method comprising capturing a current point cloud with the one or more sensors, determining an estimated location and an estimated heading of the vehicle, selecting one or more point clouds based on the estimated location and heading of the vehicle, simplifying the current point cloud and the one or more point clouds, correlating the current point cloud to the one or more point clouds, and determining an updated estimate of the location of the vehicle based on correlation between the current point cloud and the one or more point clouds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rear subframe and suspension system. The subframe may be configured to accommodate one or two electric motors for propelling an automobile. The subframe may be configured such that the motor(s) is inserted through the front end of the subframe. The subframe may substantially surround the motor. Braces may be the coupled to the subframe to secure the motor within the subframe. The subframe may further include built-in motor mounts. An independent rear suspension system and rear steering system may also be coupled to the subframe.

Abstract: A system that performs a method is disclosed. Image data from a first camera mounted on a vehicle is received, the vehicle including a first element configured to open into a first space external to the vehicle, and the image data indicative of motion of a first object during a first time period, the first object located outside of the first space. Whether the motion of the first object during the first time period indicates that the first object will interfere with operation of the first element during a second time period, after the first time period, is determined. In accordance with a determination that the motion of the first object indicates that the first object will interfere with the operation of the first element during the second time period, an action that avoids the interference is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing energy for use by an electric vehicle are disclosed. Systems can include an electric vehicle battery pack including a rack configured to couple a plurality of independently removable battery strings to the vehicle, the battery strings configured to be selectively coupled in parallel to a vehicle power bus. The battery strings may include a housing, a plurality of electrochemical cells disposed within the housing, a circuit for electrically connecting the electrochemical cells, a positive high-voltage connector, a negative high-voltage connector, a switch within the housing, and a string control unit configured to control the switch. Each battery string can include a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet configured to couple with and sealingly uncouple from an external coolant supply conduit and an external coolant return conduit, and an auxiliary connector configured to couple with an external communications system and/or an external low-voltage power supply.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are described that provide a method and computer readable media for testing battery cells. A unique identifier (e.g., barcode) is affixed to a battery cell which allows it to be tracked across separate tests as a cell, in a module, string, pack, etc. Using a GUI, the unique identifier is recorded in a database along with at least a battery cell manufacturer and a battery cell model. A designation of the particular tester channel or module or string location is entered into the database in association with the unique identifier. Test results of the first test are electronically transferred from the first tester to the database along with the corresponding channel designations.

Abstract: A method for opening and closing a door of a vehicle may include receiving a signal indicative of either opening or closing the vehicle door, determining whether the opening or closing will be performed by an operator or via a powered actuator based on the signal, and generating, if the opening or closing will be performed by the powered actuator, a first control signal indicative of a first position to which the door is to be moved. The method may further include controlling the powered actuator to cause the door to move from an original position to the first position.

Abstract: Power inverter assemblies are provided herein for use with motor vehicles. An inverter assembly may have a symmetrical structure configured to convert DC input power to AC output power. The inverter assembly may include a housing enclosing a symmetrical DC input portion, a symmetrical AC output portion, a DC link capacitor, and a gate drive portion having a pair of power modules. The symmetrical DC input portion can include a DC input bus bar sub-assembly to which the DC link capacitor is coupled, and a second DC bus bar sub-assembly that may electrically couple the DC link capacitor with the power modules. The symmetrical AC output portion may include a three phase output AC bus bar sub-assembly to which the power modules can be electrically coupled. A cooling sub-assembly may be provided for cooling the power modules with fluid transfer using a coolant.

Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to the efficient management and compact presentation of data or content with respect to a vehicle. For example, an operator of a vehicle may desire content related to vehicle operation, including, among many other forms of data, user manual information, warranty information, parts data, maintenance logs, etc. The disclosed techniques can use query inputs to optimize data presentation and provide augmented data to a user via an interactive user interface.

Abstract: A battery system of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The battery system can include at least a first battery string including a number of battery modules, wherein the first battery string has an output that is coupled to the first power bus through a string switch, and wherein each of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series. The battery system can also include a number of battery module monitors, wherein each of the battery module monitors is coupled to the battery cells of a corresponding one of the battery modules. The battery system can further include module monitor protection circuitry coupled to each of the battery module monitors, wherein the module monitor protection circuitry includes a plurality of protection circuits.

Abstract: Automated driving systems intended for use in a vehicle can be simulated and validated using automatically generated simulation scenarios. A large number of simulation scenarios can be generated by augmenting a plurality of recorded scenarios with one or more extracted data streams. The extracted data streams can correspond to objects such as other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or other obstacles or barriers. The extracted data streams can be generated automatically by identifying similar recorded scenarios and isolating differences between the similar recorded scenarios.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for detecting an occluded object based on the shadow of the occluded object. In some examples, a vehicle of the present invention can capture one or more images while operating in an autonomous driving mode, and detecting shadow items within the captured image. In response to detecting a shadow item moving towards the direction of vehicle travel, the vehicle can reduce its speed to avoid a collision, should an occluded object enter the road. The shadow can be detected using image segmentation or a classifier trained using convolutional neural networks or another suitable algorithm, for example.

Abstract: A system for closing a door of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes: at least one sensor configured to detect a velocity and a position of the door; a brake configured to decrease the velocity of the door; an actuator configured to move the door to a closed position; and a controller configured to control operation of the at least one sensor, the brake, and the actuator.

Abstract: Various techniques related to a sensor for use with autonomous driving and/or navigation of a vehicle. The techniques can include use of an elongated threaded member, an intermediate threaded member, and a tertiary member. The members can be operable to extend or retract a vehicle sensor on a platform. The members can also enable the sensor to retract upon application of a force external to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a door hinge mechanism for a vehicle. The door hinge mechanism may include a door configured to open and close relative to the frame, and a hinge secured to an interior of the door and an exterior of the frame. The hinge may be configured to open the door by sliding the door away from the frame and pivoting the door relative to the frame.

Abstract: A system for adjusting at least one adjustable component (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) of a vehicle (10) is disclosed. The system may include an exterior sensor (44) configured to generate a signal indicative of an identity a user before the user enters the vehicle (10), and a controller (60) in communication with the exterior sensor (44) and an actuator (40) configured to adjust the at least one adjustable component (30, 32, 34, 36, 38). The controller (60) may be configured to automatically cause the actuator (40) to adjust the at least one adjustable component (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) responsive to the signal.