Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a high-pressure fuel pump to mitigate audible ticking noise associated with opening and closing of a digital inlet valve of the high-pressure pump. To reduce the ticking noise associated with the high-pressure pump when the engine is idling, a solution is needed that is simple and does not involve retrofitting the fuel system with noise, vibration, and harshness countermeasures to mask the noise. Pressure devices and associated operation methods are provided that involve adding a combination of several check valves, an accumulator, and a flow control valve with weep channels to allow the digital inlet valve to be deactivated during engine idling as defined by a threshold engine speed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a waterborne polyolefin based coating layer that has improved features as compared to epoxy coatings. The coating composition of the present disclosure include 40 to 80 weight percent (wt. %) of a base polymer; 10 to 30 wt. % of a polymeric stabilizing agent; 5 to 15 wt. % of a polymeric coupling agent; 0 to 35 wt. % of a polymeric performance improving agent; a neutralizing agent that partially or fully neutralize the polymeric stabilizing agent; and a fluid medium, where the wt. % values are based on the total weight of the base polymer, the polymeric coupling agent, the polymeric stabilizing agent and, when present, the polymeric performance improving agent (as used herein, this total weight of the base polymer, the polymeric coup ling agent, the polymeric stabilizing agent and, when present, the polymeric performance improving agent may be referred to as the “solid content” of the coating composition).

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure and a movable door handle that is connected to a latch mechanism by a cable. A rotatably biased stop member is connected to the cable. The vehicle door further includes a housing having a channel that receives portion of the stop member. The channel includes first and second linear portions and a transverse stop portion that is engaged by the follower to prevent further lengthwise movement of the lock member and cable if a speed of the cable exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body having a fastening portion and a pressure sensor coupled to the body apart from the fastening portion. The pressure sensor has a chamber therein. The body includes a first channel extending therethrough from an outside surface thereof. The first channel is in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a solenoid spill valve of a direct injection fuel pump, wherein the solenoid spill valve is energized and de-energized according to certain conditions. A control strategy is needed to operate the direct injection fuel pump when small fractional trapping volumes are commanded, wherein a small amount of fuel is compressed and sent to the direct injection fuel rail. To maintain reliable and repeatable solenoid spill valve behavior for small fractional trapping volumes, methods are proposed that involve energizing the solenoid spill valve for a minimum angular duration below a trapping volume fraction threshold.

Abstract: A method comprising: applying a brake force to all four wheels of a motor vehicle to stop the vehicle while torque continues to be applied to its driven wheels; and preventing wheel slippage of the driven wheels by reducing the applied torque when the vehicle is stopped or nearly stopped from moving in a forward direction. In this way, unintentional lateral movement of the vehicle due to creep torque applied to the driven wheels on slippery surfaces can be prevented or corrected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating ambient humidity based on a wet bulb temperature and a dry bulb temperature during precipitation, and estimating ambient humidity based on the dry bulb temperature and not based on wet bulb temperature when precipitation is absent.

Abstract: A badge mounting system for a vehicle interior includes a badge plate and an emblem or badge comprised of raised lettering or a design that is formed integrally on the badge plate. A trim panel includes inner and outer surfaces and a badge relief section formed integrally on the trim panel. The badge relief section is defined by letter shaped apertures. The badge plate is coupled to the inner surface of the trim panel and the emblem is received in the badge relief section in assembly. The badge plate is rear loaded to the trim panel and the system may include more than one badge plate. In assembly, a portion of the badge extends outwardly from the outer surface of the trim panel through the badge relief section.

Abstract: A brake vacuum aspirator has a generally known construction and function and includes an optimized bypass flow path including an optimized check valve making the brake vacuum aspirator capable of a performance level not previously obtainable in brake vacuum aspirators. In particular, the brake vacuum aspirator of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes an enlarged bypass flow path for providing a proximately 9.5 ft3/min of air flow at 7? of Hg so that the brake vacuum aspirator is capable of sufficient performance during alternating wide-open throttle and then full brake application testing simulating high performance driving such as those that may be experienced in vehicle pursuits (e.g., Police City Pursuit Testing) without using any added and costly additional equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing operation of a catalyst are presented. In one example, threshold limits for catalyst variables are adjusted in response to attributes of a catalyst monitor sensor that may vary with sensor age. The catalyst variables may provide insight into whether or not the catalyst is degraded or operating as intended.

Abstract: An engine, electric machine and battery of a vehicle are operated, in certain examples, such that a state of charge of the battery is generally maintained while the real-time fuel consumption is estimated and minimized by the use of route segmentation and a predictive average power calculation.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for activating a proximity switch is provided. The assembly includes a proximity sensor generating a signal, and a contact surface proximate to the proximity sensor and having a differential elevation change feature. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry processing the signal to detect a differential increase in the activation signal indicative of a hard press on the contact surface. The control circuitry detects activation of the switch based on the differential increase exceeding a differential threshold. Activation can further be determined based on a stable signal.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor system and method for powering the vehicle sun visor are provided herein, and include a generator configured to produce a first current via kinetic motion. A converter is electrically coupled to the generator and configured to convert the first current into a second current. An energy storing device is electrically coupled to the converter and configured to store an electrical charge. An illumination source is electrically coupled to the energy storing device and configured to operate between an ON and an OFF state, wherein during the ON state, the electrical charge stored in the energy storing device is discharged to supply electrical power to the illumination source.

Abstract: An occupant communication system (OCS) and control method giving rear row occupant experience and full control to allow unimpeded access to a vehicle's features typically provided to the front row occupants. The OCS having a rear zone master controller controlling a plurality of selected vehicle subsystems within the occupant communication system and a front zone controller in electrical communication with the rear zone master controller that is controlled by the rear zone master controller. A communications module communicates with the rear zone master controller and the front zone controller wherein the rear zone master controller, the front zone controller, and the communications module are in operative communication with one another and with a vehicle communications network via the communications module to control the plurality of selected vehicle subsystems such that the rear zone master controller enables, disables, or limits control of the front zone controller via the communications module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing coking residues on an injection device of an applied-ignition, direct injection engine. An example system comprises an injection device; an electric heating device integrated with the injection device; a catalytic coating on a surface of the injection device; and a controller suitable to initiate a cleaning mode of the injection device wherein the electric heating device raises the temperature of the injection device. Heating the injection device allows coking residues on the injection device to oxidize in the presence of the catalytic coating.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery pack and at least one controller programmed to implement a model of the battery pack. The model includes parameters representing an internal resistance and charge transfer impedance of the battery pack, and identified from an extended Kalman filter having an augmented state vector. The augmented state vector is at least partially defined by a time constant associated with the charge transfer impedance and a variable representing a proportionality between the internal resistance and a resistance term of the charge transfer impedance to reduce observed variability of the parameters.

Abstract: An intake system is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold coupled to an engine and a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air flow path downstream of a throttle body, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port. The intake system may further include a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: A curable epoxy resin formulation composition useful as insulation for an electrical apparatus including (a) at least one liquid epoxy resin; (b) at least one liquid cyclic anhydride hardener; (c) at least one thermally conducting and electrically insulating filler, wherein the filler includes an epoxy-silane treated filler; and (d) at least one cure catalyst with no amine hydrogens; wherein the epoxy resin formulation composition upon curing provides a cured product with a requisite balance of electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties such as Tg, tensile strength, dielectric strength, and volume resistivity such that the cured product can be used in applications operated at a temperature of greater than or equal to 120° C.

Abstract: A wireless charger and charging system compatible with several wireless charging solutions is provided. The wireless charger includes a charging module having a transmitting member that transfers wireless power to a receiving member of a chargeable device so that a battery of the chargeable device can be charged. If the chargeable device is compliant with a recognized wireless charging solution, a charging session can be initiated and the charging module can charge the chargeable device using a charging protocol that is compatible with the wireless charging solution.

Abstract: A door assembly for an automotive vehicle that reduces or eliminates thoracic or rib deflection in a side impact event is disclosed. The door assembly of the disclosed invention includes an inner door structure, an interior trim panel attached to the door structure and a shut face. The inner surface of the shut face includes a collapsible surface having a plurality of alternating raised areas and recessed areas formed thereon. The raised areas and recessed areas extend between one side of the door assembly and the other side of the door assembly. The shut face may be composed of beads, a foamed polymer or a solid polymer. In addition, the engineered surface may also be formed on the inner side of the face of one of the pillars. This configuration may be used in conjunction with a door shut face having an engineered surface or may be used independently.