Abstract: The present application generally relates to battery powered door unlock mechanisms. More specifically, the application teaches an unlock system including a door unlock mechanism, a capacitive circuit having a first time response, a resistive-capacitive circuit having a second time response wherein the second time response is longer than the first time response, a battery for coupling a battery charge to the capacitive circuit and the resistive capacitive circuit in response to a door unlock authentication signal, and a relay for coupling a first charge from the capacitive circuit to the door unlock mechanism in response to the relay being activated by a second charge from the resistive-capacitive circuit after the second time response.

Abstract: A method for voice recognition (VR)-based task allocation and hotword detection function control for within a wireless network having a hands-free (HF) node, e.g., a motor vehicle or telematics unit thereof, and an audio gateway (AG) node such as a wireless device, includes detecting, via a first wireless chipset of the HF node, a second wireless chipset of the AG node. The wireless chipsets include respective VR engines responsive to a corresponding hotword. The method includes establishing a Bluetooth or other wireless connection between the wireless chipsets in response to detecting the second wireless chipset. The method may include automatically transmitting a disable command signal to the second wireless chipset, via the first wireless chipset, to thereby disable a hotword detection function of the second wireless chipset. The method may be recorded on a computer readable medium as instructions executable by a processor.

Abstract: A motor control system includes: a d-q target module configured to, based on a target torque of an electric motor, determine a first target d-axis current and a first target q-axis current; an offset module configured to, based on a capacitor current through capacitors connected across phases of the electric motor, determine a d-axis current offset and a q-axis current offset; an adder module configured to determine a second target d-axis current based on a sum of the first target d-axis current and the d-axis current offset and to determine a second target q-axis current based on a sum of the first target q-axis current and the q-axis current offset; and a driver module configured to, based on the second target d-axis current and the second target q-axis current, switch switches of a current source inverter (CSI) module configured to apply power to the phases of the electric motor.

Abstract: A method of predictive navigation control for an ego vehicle includes: comparing a cue node to each of a plurality of episodic memory nodes in an episodic memory structure, wherein the cue node represents a new event representing distances, speeds and headings of one or more newly observed objects about the ego vehicle, and wherein the episodic memory structure includes a network of nodes each representing a respective previously existing event and having a respective node risk and likelihood; determining which of the nodes has a smallest respective difference metric, thus defining a best matching node; consolidating the cue node with the best matching node if the smallest difference metric is less than a match tolerance, else adding a new node corresponding to the cue node to the episodic memory structure; and identifying a likeliest next node and/or a riskiest next node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that detect wheel misalignment are provided. The method includes predicting a self-aligning torque parameter based on a regression model determined from a dataset including one or more from among a steering wheel angle parameter, a speed parameter, a torsion bar torque parameter, a lateral acceleration parameter, and a power steering torque parameter, comparing a measured self-aligning torque parameter and the predicted self-aligning torque parameter, and outputting a wheel alignment condition indicating whether the wheel alignment is proper if the self-aligning torque parameter and the predicted self-aligning torque parameter are within a predetermined value based on the comparing.

Abstract: Powerflow of a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is managed according to a method. The RESS has series-connected first and second battery elements with different characteristics. Each element, e.g., a pack, has a corresponding maximum or minimum voltage or current limit. Currents are predicted for each of the first and second battery elements via a controller using a corresponding voltage limit. A requested operating mode of the RESS is used to select a current for the elements. A voltage across the elements is predicted using the selected current and a corresponding battery state space model. The method predicts a total power capability of the RESS over a prediction horizon using the selected current to generate predicted power capability values. The requested operating mode is controlled over the horizon using the power capability values. A powertrain system includes the RESS, an inverter, an electric machine, and the controller.

Abstract: A control system of a vehicle comprising: i) a plurality of adjustable aerodynamic control devices associated with the vehicle; ii) a fuel economy sensor configured to determine a first fuel economy measurement; and iii) an aerodynamic device controller module configured to adjust a first one of the plurality of adjustable aerodynamic control devices and to receive from the fuel economy sensor a second fuel economy measurement. The aerodynamic device controller module stores in an onboard database state information corresponding to settings of the plurality of adjustable aerodynamic control devices if the second fuel economy measurement is an improvement over the first fuel economy measurement.

Abstract: A method to derive and apply computer numerical control global offsets includes: measuring features of a machined part using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM); programming a first processor within the CMM to receive the dimensions of the features and to output computer numerical control (CNC) offsets; and forwarding the CNC offsets from the CMM to a CNC machining system to correct operation of the CNC machining system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrochemical cell that includes an electrically conductive material layer, a precursor material disposed on or adjacent to a first surface of the electrically conductive material layer, and an electroactive material layer disposed on or adjacent to the precursor material. In certain variations, the precursor material forms a continuous layer and a solid-electrolyte interface layer is disposed on or adjacent to an exposed surface of the electroactive material layer. In other variations, the precursor material forms a plurality of distinct precursor structures disposed on the first surface of the electrically conductive material layer in a predetermined pattern, such that at least a portion of each distinct precursor structure is unobstructed by the electroactive material layer. The distinct precursor structures are configured to form surface structures that chemically attach the solid-electrolyte interface layer and the electrically conductive material layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming an ionically conductive polymer composite interlayer. The method may include forming a precursor layer between a first surface of an electroactive material layer and a first surface of a solid-state electrolyte layer and converting the precursor layer to the ionically conductive polymer composite interlayer. The at least one of the electroactive material layer or solid-state electrolyte may include lithium. The first surface of the electroactive material layer and the first surface of the solid-state electrolyte layer may be substantially parallel. The precursor layer may include one or more fluoropolymers comprising carbon and fluorine. The ionically conductive polymer composite layer may have an ionic conductivity greater than or equal to about 1.0×10?8 S·cm?1 to less than or equal to about 1.0 S·cm?1 and may include a lithium fluoride embedded in a carbonaceous matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a DC battery in a vehicle including an electric motor. The apparatus comprises an AC generating module coupled to the battery and the electric motor that generates three AC phases. The first, second, and third AC phases are applied to first, second, and third windings of the electric motor, respectively. The first, second, and third AC phases create zero torque in the electric motor because the first AC phase amplitude is equal to the sum of the second and third AC phase amplitudes and the second and third AC phases are 180 degrees out of phase with the first AC phase. The AC generating module creates a heating alternating current in the DC battery.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle including a vehicle propulsion system, a braking system, a steering system, and a computing system that is in communication with the vehicle propulsion system, the braking system, and the steering system. The computing system includes a processor and memory that stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform acts including setting as a destination for a trip of the autonomous vehicle. The destination for the trip of the autonomous vehicle being set as a location of a second autonomous vehicle at a specific time. The processor is further configured to select a route to the destination for the trip of the autonomous vehicle. The processor is yet further configured to control at least one of the vehicle propulsion system, the braking system, or the steering system to move the autonomous vehicle along the route as selected for the trip.

Abstract: A tool for applying a protective film to a lens of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor is disclosed. The tool includes at least one cover, a film spindle, a film roller, and a pivot bar. The at least one cover has an elongated shape with a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. The film spindle is mounted to the at least one cover adjacent to the second end thereof. The film spindle is configured to hold a roll of the protective film. The film roller is mounted to the at least one cover adjacent to the first end thereof. The film roller is configured to apply the protective film onto the lens. The pivot bar has a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the LIDAR sensor and a second end pivotally attached to the at least one cover.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes an internal camera, one or more external systems, a display system, and a processor. The internal camera is configured to obtain internal camera data pertaining a gaze of a driver inside a vehicle. The one or more external systems are configured to obtain external data as to a region of interest outside the vehicle corresponding to the gaze of the driver. The processor is coupled to the internal camera and the one or more external systems, and is configured to at least facilitate providing feedback pertaining to the region of interest to a driver of the vehicle via the display system based on the internal camera data and the external data.

Abstract: A system and method for personalization of adjustable features of a vehicle. The system includes a processor and an actuator. The processor detectors key points of a person from a two-dimensional image and predicts a pose of the person. The processor translates a respective position of the key points from a two-dimensional coordinate system to a three-dimensional coordinate system based in part on the pose and measurements of distances between the key points. The processor determines a baseline configuration of an adjustable feature of the vehicle based in part on measurements between the key points in the three-dimensional coordinate system. The processor causes an actuator to adjust the adjustable feature to conform to the baseline configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cylinder block for an internal combustion engine having a first cylinder, a first cylinder sleeve, a second cylinder, and a second cylinder sleeve. The first cylinder defines a first cylindrical wall while the second cylinder defines a second cylindrical wall. The first cylinder sleeve lines the first cylindrical wall while the second cylinder sleeve lines the second cylindrical wall. Each of the first and the second cylinder sleeves define a thrust sleeve region, an anti-thrust sleeve region opposite the thrust sleeve region, and a pair of Siamese regions. The outer wall of each of the first and second cylinder sleeves progressively widens toward the top sleeve surface of each of the first and second cylinder sleeves.

Abstract: A self-calibration method of determining remaining useful life of an internal combustion engine's air filter includes establishing a pressure drop versus mass airflow rate relationship for a clean air filter using pressure drop, mass airflow rate, and temperature data captured at low and elevated engine speeds. The method also includes establishing a maximum clean air filter pressure drop at a preset maximum airflow using the clean filter relationship. The method additionally includes establishing a pressure drop versus mass airflow rate relationship for an in-service air filter using pressure drop, mass airflow rate, and temperature data captured at low and elevated engine speeds. The method also includes determining a maximum in-service air filter pressure drop at the preset maximum airflow using the in-service filter relationship. The method further includes comparing the maximum clean and in-service air filter pressure drops to determine the remaining useful life of the in-service air filter.

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system includes a servicing host capable of exchanging data with a vehicle. The servicing host provides a vehicle service and includes a service identifier (ID) that indicates the vehicle service. The vehicle is configured to actively detect the service ID and to determine the vehicle service in response to detecting the service ID. The vehicle and the servicing host establish a wireless connection to exchange data and automatically initiate the vehicle service in response to detecting the service ID.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods and systems for controlling a suspension system of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a control system includes: one or more first sensors configured to measure a velocity of the vehicle; one or more second sensors configured to detecting one or more additional vehicles that ae moving in relation to the vehicle; and a processor that is coupled to the first sensors and the second sensors and that is configured to provide instructions for adjusting the suspension system of the vehicle, based on the measured velocity of the vehicle and the detected one or more additional vehicles that are moving in relation to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a sensor-controller interface, an inverter-controller electrically connected to the battery pack, and an electric machine connected to the inverter-controller and having a rotor with an angular position. The rotor powers a driven load at a torque and/or speed level controlled by the inverter-controller in response to position signals indicative of the angular position. A rotary position sensor is operatively connected to the rotor to generate and output the position signals. The sensor derives the position signals from unmodulated sine and cosine signals, and communicates the position signals and a binary sensor state of health (SOH) to the inverter-controller over the interface. The inverter-controller also decodes the position signals and the binary sensor SOH to generate decoded control data, and controls the torque and/or speed level using the decoded control data.