Abstract: An energy absorbing structure includes a base, a loading platform, a pair of side supports, a center support, and a pair of flexible segments. The loading platform is spaced apart from the base. The side supports project from the base toward the loading platform. The center support projects from the loading platform toward the base. The flexible segments extend from the side supports to the center support and connect the side supports to the center support. The flexible segments have straight edges and curved surfaces disposed between the straight edges. The straight edges extend from the side supports to the center support and are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the base. Each of the curved surfaces faces one of the base and the loading platform.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle including a vehicle propulsion system, a braking system, a steering system, and a computing system. The computing system includes a processor and memory that stores computer-executable instructions that cause the processor to select a route for a passenger of the autonomous vehicle for a trip to a destination. The route for the passenger is selected from a plurality of potential routes. The route for the passenger is selected based on a preference of the passenger and aggregate ride quality feedback from passengers of autonomous vehicles in a fleet at locations along the potential routes to the destination. The processor is 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 to the destination.

Abstract: An interface module includes: N pairs of input connectors that are electrically conductive and that are configured to connect to and disconnect from N different temperature sensors, respectively; and M output connectors that are electrically conductive, where each pair of input connectors includes: a first input connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a first connector soldered to a first wire connected to one of the N different temperature sensors; and a second input connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a second connector soldered to a second wire connected to the one of the N different temperature sensors, where the second input connectors are electrically connected to second ones of the M output connectors, respectively, and where the first input connectors of the N pairs of input connectors are all electrically connected to a node that is connected to a first one of the M output connectors.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and apparatus including a sensor for detecting a first vehicle speed, a camera operative to capture an image, a processor operative to determine a road curvature in response to the image, the processor further operative to determine a first predicted lateral acceleration in response to the road curvature and the first vehicle speed, the processor further operative to determine a second vehicle speed in response to the first predicted lateral acceleration exceeding a threshold value wherein the second vehicle speed results in a second predicted lateral acceleration being less than the threshold value, and to generate a control signal indicative of the second vehicle speed, and a vehicle controller operative to reduce a vehicle velocity to the second vehicle speed in response to the control signal.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicle apparatuses are provided.

Abstract: Hollow automotive parts, methods for fabricating hollow automotive parts, and methods for fabricating hollow castings are provided. An exemplary method for fabricating a hollow casting includes casting at least a first casting section and a second casting section from a slurry using a semi-solid casting process, and welding the casting sections together at interfaces therebetween.

Abstract: An electrode conductive filler precursor dispersion is provided that includes a conductive carbon-based particle selected from the group consisting of: graphene nanoplatelet (GNP), carbon nanofibers (CNF), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and combinations thereof. A stabilizing polymer comprising polyvinyl-4-pyridine (PVPy). The dispersion also includes a solvent. The electrode conductive filler precursor dispersion is substantially free of syneresis for greater than or equal to about 7 days. Methods of making the electrode conductive filler precursor dispersion and electrodes from the electrode conductive filler precursor dispersion are also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for an electrochemical cell of a secondary lithium battery includes a porous sensory structure and a transducer. The porous sensory structure includes a sensory layer disposed on a major surface of a porous separator and a buffer layer disposed between the sensory layer and a facing surface of a negative electrode layer. The buffer layer electrically isolates the sensory layer from the facing surface of the negative electrode layer. The sensory layer includes an electrically conductive material and is configured to produce a response to an input signal or to a physical stimulus received within the electrochemical cell. The transducer is configured to process the response produced by the sensory layer to generate an output signal indicative of a diagnostic condition within the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicle apparatuses are provided. A method for determining a trusted context of operation by an in-vehicle Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) for learning of a vehicle platform, including executing the NIDS to monitor a set of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and vehicle state elements by receiving a set of vehicle derived inputs about a vehicle's operating state; in response to a determination about the vehicle's operating state, identifying the trusted window during which learning about network topology and whitelisted messages contained in a vehicle platform is allowable; creating a vehicle-specific configuration containing a list of networks of topologies and whitelisted messages in use by the ECUs in the vehicle platform, and preventing misconfiguring of at least one network in the list of network topologies and whitelisted messages of the vehicle-specific configuration in the vehicle platform outside the trusted window.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition for electrochemical cells including a silicon-containing electrode is provided herein as well as electrochemical cells including the electrolyte composition. The electrolyte composition includes a lithium salt, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), a linear carbonate, vinylene carbonate, and a fluorosilane additive. The FEC and the linear carbonate are present in the electrolyte composition in a ratio of about 1:3 v/v to about 1:9 v/v.

Abstract: An electrode precursor or slurry according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes a blended electroactive material and a binder solution. The blended electroactive material includes a first electroactive material and a second electroactive material. The first electroactive material includes nickel. The first electroactive material is selected from the group consisting of LiNixCoyMnzO2 where x is greater than 0.6, LiNixCoyAlzO2 where x is greater than 0.6, LiNixCoyMnzAl?O2 where x is greater than 0.6, or any combination thereof. The second electroactive material includes a phosphor-olivine compound at less than or equal to about 30 weight percent of the blended electroactive material. The binder solution including a polymeric binder and a solvent including N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a high-nickel-content positive electrode formed from the slurry.

Abstract: A system for use with a direct current fast-charging (DCFC) station includes a controller and battery system. The battery system includes first and second battery packs, and first, second, and third switches. The switches have ON/OFF conductive states commanded by the controller to connect the battery packs in a parallel-connected (P-connected) or series-connected (S-connected) configuration. An electric powertrain with one or more electric machines is powered via the battery system. First and second charge ports of the system are connectable to the station via a corresponding charging cable. The first charge port receives a low or high charging voltage from the station. The second charge port receives a low charging voltage. When the station can supply the high charging voltage to the first charge port, the controller establishes the S-connected configuration via the switches, and thereafter charges the battery system solely via the first charge port.

Abstract: Methods, systems and vehicles are provided for controlling a wireless application provided to a wireless device over a wireless network. One or more radio frequency (RF) parameters of the wireless device in the wireless network are triggered by the wireless application. One or more sensors generate sensor data of the wireless device in the wireless network. A processor at least facilitates determining whether an adjustment is appropriate for the wireless device in the wireless device to mitigate interference from wireless signals outside the wireless network, based on the sensor data, wherein the determination as to whether an adjustment is appropriate is based at least on part on whether the wireless application is being utilized for the wireless device in the wireless network; and adjusting, via instructions provided by the processor, a sensitivity of a receiver of the wireless device, based on the determination that the adjustment is appropriate.

Abstract: A battery system includes an enclosure having opposed first and second major walls, a perimetral wall connecting the first and second major walls along respective perimeters thereof, and an interior defined by the first and second major walls and the perimetral wall, wherein the enclosure is configured for containing an anode assembly, a cathode assembly and an electrolyte within the interior. A longitudinal embossment is formed in the perimetral wall extending outward from the interior and extending along opposed adjacent portions of the first and second perimeters. A wall port is defined in the perimetral wall in fluid communication with the interior, wherein the wall port is configured for permitting flow of the electrolyte therethrough into and out of the interior. First and second electrodes extend through the perimetral wall and are configured for electrical connection with the anode assembly and cathode assembly, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating trailer information from a trailer to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes: a plurality of zone-based modules configured to communicate with at least one of sensors and actuators of a vehicle; and at least one command center module configured to communicate with the plurality of zone-based modules. The at least one of the plurality of zone-based modules includes a configuration sub-module configured to, by a processor, facilitate communication of the trailer information from the trailer to at least one other of the plurality of zone-based modules. Each of the plurality of zone-based modules includes a configuration sub-module configured to, by a processor, facilitate communication of the trailer information between the plurality of zone-based modules.

Abstract: A system includes a first circuit, an authentication module, and an unlocking module. The first circuit is configured to supply power from a power source located outside a vehicle when a battery of the vehicle fails. The authentication module is configured to receive the power from the first circuit and to authorize access to the vehicle. The unlocking module is configured to receive the power from the first circuit and to unlock at least one of a hood, a door, and a trunk of the vehicle in response to the authentication module authorizing access to the vehicle.

Abstract: Presented are driver alert systems with control logic for powertrain energy tracking and reporting, methods for making/using such systems, and electric-drive vehicles with alert systems for providing driver cues to indicate real-time potential energy buildup in the powertrain. A method of operating a driver alert system for an electric-drive vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a selection of a powertrain operating mode. Responsive to the received selection, the vehicle controller determines a buildup of output torque generated via an electric traction motor for an impending vehicle maneuver associated with the selected powertrain operating mode. The controller accesses a memory-stored, torque-based lookup table to retrieve an output level calibrated to an in-vehicle sensory output device and corresponding to an output torque value for the determined torque buildup.

Abstract: A vehicle, system and method of operating the vehicle. A sensor measures a dynamic parameter of the vehicle. A processor determines a lateral force on a first tire based on the dynamic parameter of the vehicle, determines a longitudinal force on the first tire that achieves a maximal grip of the first tire for the lateral force, and adjusts a first torque on the first tire in order to achieve the determined longitudinal force at the first tire.

Abstract: An anchor attachment detection sensor for a vehicle including an anchor including an anchor attachment loop bar; a slide mount defining an opening, wherein the slide mount is positioned aft of the anchor attachment loop bar; a slide positioned in the opening of the slide mount, a plate secured to a first end of the slide, a spring, wherein the spring biases the plate against the anchor attachment loop bar; and a sensing device configured to transmit a control signal having a value, wherein the value of the control signal is based on a displacement of a portion of the slide.

Abstract: A thermal interface member configured to be disposed between a heat sink and a heat-releasing device includes a thermal interface member. The thermal interface member has a thermally conductive, cure-in-place, polymer foam pad configured to maintain uniform contact with each of the heat sink and the heat-releasing device. The thermal interface member is additionally configured to absorb the thermal energy released by the heat-releasing device and direct the released thermal energy to the heat sink. The polymer foam pad has a matrix structure including at least one of anisotropic and isotropic thermally conductive anisotropic filler material, and is characterized by foam material density below 0.5 g/cm3.