Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between driveline braking and wheel brakes is provided.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a first body defining an upper sidewall between a first open end and a second open end and a second body defining a lower sidewall between a third open end and a lower wall. The second body is affixable with the first body in a first position with the lower sidewall extending continuously with the upper sidewall and a second position with a gap defined between the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect push-to-start (PTS) button engagement. The processor is also configured to scan a finger positioned on a vehicle fingerprint scanner for a fingerprint. The processor is further configured to verify that the fingerprint corresponds to an authorized driver and engage a vehicle ignition when the fingerprint corresponds to an authorized driver.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting ignition energy of the spark required for combustion of gaseous fuel injected during an exhaust stroke of a cylinder combustion event to reduce turbo lag. In one example, a method includes combusting a first amount of gaseous fuel during a compression stroke of a cylinder combustion event using a first ignition energy and combusting a second amount of gaseous fuel during an exhaust stroke of the cylinder combustion event using a second ignition energy, the second ignition energy lower than the first ignition energy. The second ignition energy may be adjusted based on in-cylinder pressure and cylinder load.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a dog clutch configured to selectively couple a carrier to an axle shaft in response to magnetic forces generated by electrical current in a coil. A method of operating the differential is adapted to avoid failed engagement attempts that could potentially damage the dog clutch. If a driver commands engagement of the locking feature while a differential speed, a controller waits to command engagement of the dog clutch until the differential speed decreases below a threshold. The controller measures or infers a temperature of the differential fluid and adjusts the threshold to higher values when the temperature is cold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor in varying ambient humidity conditions. The learned zero point is corrected based on an estimated ambient humidity to calibrate the reading for dry air conditions or standard humidity conditions. EGR control is performed by comparing the output of an intake oxygen sensor during EGR conditions relative to the humidity-corrected zero point.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor and a processing device. The sensor is configured to detect an impact vehicle. The processing device is programmed to predict an impact zone, define a passenger zone relative to a host vehicle, and generate a control signal to move the impact zone away from the passenger zone. The passenger zone is defined at least in part on a location of at least one occupant inside the host vehicle.

Abstract: An e-bike center module includes a substantially straight first center module connecting surface that is releasably connectable to a substantially straight front module connecting surface. A substantially straight second center module connecting surface is releasably connectable to a substantially straight rear module connecting surface. the center module is part of a bicycle frame when the first center module connecting surface is connected to the front module connecting surface and the second center module connecting surface is connected to the rear module connecting surface.

Abstract: Parking assistance for a vehicle includes various elements directed to assessing whether a motion or position of a vehicle is conducive to detecting an available parking slot. In one instance, a signal is received, and the signal is used to calculate a movement parameter. For example, the movement parameter might include a distance between the driven vehicle and one or more objects or a passing angle of the driven vehicle relative to the one or more objects. The movement parameter is then compared to a movement parameter threshold, and a notification is transmitted when the movement parameter is violated.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided to deactivate a cam driven fuel pump. The system comprises a direct fuel injection system; a port fuel injection system; a pump for the direct injection system driven by a cam, wherein the pump can be activated and deactivated as a function of the activation of the direct injection system. Deactivating a pump when no fuel is pumped through it minimizes wear on pump components and increases efficiency.

Abstract: A traction battery connection simulator is disclosed comprising a plurality of power supplies connected to simulate a traction battery and a plurality of switching devices that selectively connect the power supplies to a controller under test. The simulator further comprises a controller programmed to selectively connect at least one of power supplies to the controller under test for a predetermined period of time before connecting remaining power supplies. The controller may also be programmed to disconnect at least one power supplies from the controller under test for a predetermined period of time before disconnecting remaining power supplies. Voltages associated with each power supply and currents through each switching device may be compared to corresponding predetermined ranges. An indicator may be set in response to at least one of the voltages and currents being outside of a corresponding predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having two mating components. The mating components include an engine and an engine front cover. A fastening boss is formed on at least one of the two mating components and configured to receive a threaded fastener to join the two mating components. A compression boss extends from a first of the two mating components to contact a second of the two mating components. The compression boss is dimensioned relative to the fastening boss to create compressive loading in the compression boss when the threaded fastener is tightened to join the mating components.

Abstract: A location of a shared vehicle is identified. Shared vehicle usage data is obtained for the location. An instruction is provided to adjust an operating mode of the shared vehicle based at least on the shared vehicle usage data and the location.

Abstract: Hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles include a traction battery comprised of many cells. During repeated charge and discharge cycles, the state of charge of the cells may vary from cell to cell. To optimize traction battery usage, it is desirable that the state of charge of the cells be equalized. Cell balancing can equalize the states of charge and improve battery performance. To achieve proper cell balancing, an accurate state of charge value should be known for each cell. An accurate state of charge value may be achieved when a persistent excitation condition and an estimation convergence condition are met. If the conditions are not met, active excitation of the battery may be performed to improve the chances of meeting the conditions. Cell balancing may be initiated and terminated according to state of charge values estimated when the conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A transformative wavelength conversion medium is provided, comprising: a phosphor; and, a curable liquid component, wherein the curable liquid component, comprises: an aliphatic resin component, wherein the aliphatic resin component has an average of at least two epoxide groups per molecule; and, a curing agent; wherein the curable liquid component contains less than 0.5 wt % of monoepoxide molecules (based on the total weight of the aliphatic resin component); wherein the curable liquid component contains 1 to 90 wt % of polyepoxide molecules containing at least three epoxide groups per molecule (based on the total weight of the aliphatic resin component); and, wherein the curable liquid component is a liquid at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; wherein the phosphor is dispersed in the curable liquid component.

Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission, such as front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmissions, for volume production applications are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag in a boosted engine. A boost reservoir coupled to the engine may be charged with compressed intake air and/or combusted exhaust gas. The pressurized charge may then be discharged during a tip-in to either the intake or the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting ammonia slip in an exhaust system based upon transient NOx sensor responses are described. In one example method, an exhaust system allocates tailpipe NOx sensor output to NOx and NH3 levels responsive to the transient sensors using a segment length method that processes the transient signals based on the total segment lengths calculated within a window. A ratio of segment lengths relative to a threshold is determined for a measured and expected NOx rate of change downstream of an SCR that is further used to determine a probability of NOx and NH3 based on the measured sensor activities, and a controller is included to adjust one or more parameters based on the allocation and changes of sensor output.

Abstract: A motor vehicle detects the occurrence of a parking maneuver using a speed sensor, a transmission gear identifier, and a steering angle sensor. A driver assist system is coupled to the speed sensor, steering angle sensor, and gear identifier which detects the parking maneuver and enters a parking mode in response to 1) the speed sensor indicating braking to a standstill, 2) followed by the gear identifier indicating a selection of a reverse gear, and 3) followed by the steering angle sensor indicating rotation of a steering component according to a predetermined threshold angle.