Abstract: A method for accelerating an explicit finite element analysis (FEA) simulation of a modeled system or process includes performing an initial iteration of the FEA simulation according to a baseline time interval via an FEA computing network, and calculating a criteria ratio of a predetermined set of scaling criteria for the modeled system or process. The method includes determining a time-scaling factor using the criteria ratio via the FEA computing network as a function of the criteria ratio, and then applying the time-scaling factor to the baseline time interval to generate a scaled time interval. The scaled time interval accelerates simulation time of the FEA simulation. The method includes performing a subsequent iteration of the explicit FEA simulation at the scaled time interval using the FEA computing network. The process continues for subsequent iterations, with the time-scaling factor adapting with each iteration.

Abstract: A display system with a geometric backlight module is provided. The display system includes a screen configured to display images. A backlight module is disposed behind the screen. The backlight module includes a geometric structure with a number of cells, each cell defined by a number of side walls, wherein the number is greater than four. A light source is disposed in each cell. The light sources are configured to illuminate the screen independently from one another.

Abstract: A child seat upper harness attachment system includes a vehicle seat having a seat back supported on a seat back support structure and a seat base member. A first shoulder strap extends through at least one first aperture in the seat back and is releasably connected to a multiple attachment point buckle for restraint of a child occupant of the vehicle seat. A second shoulder strap extends through at least one second aperture in the seat back and is releasably connected to the multiple attachment point buckle for restraint of the child occupant. A crotch-strap extends through the seat base member and is releasably connected to the multiple attachment point buckle for restraint of the child occupant. A belt connecting member connects one of the first shoulder strap or the second shoulder strap to the seat back support structure.

Abstract: A piston for a diesel engine includes a piston body having a skirt and crown. The piston body has portions defining an outer combustion bowl and an inner combustion bowl within the piston body through the crown. The outer combustion bowl has a curved annular side wall extending from the crown surface and an annular flat shelf extending from the curved annular side wall. The new stepped bowl design integrates a bottom profile with smoothly varying curvature and a sharp step at the top. The annular flat shelf is recessed a distance in the range of 2.5-4.5 millimeters from a line coplanar with the crown surface. The piston body defines an outer convex curved surface connecting the curved annular side wall to the crown surface. The outer convex curved surface has a radius of curvature in the range of 0.25-0.75 millimeter.

Abstract: A method for evaluating voltage sensor output using a diagnostic system includes: measuring an overall fuel cell stack voltage using a stack voltage sensor; identifying a fuel cell voltage of a first end cell using a first end cell voltage sensor and a second end cell using a second end cell voltage sensor; determining if a maximum value of the overall fuel cell stack voltage, the fuel cell voltage of the first end cell or the second end cell is less than a sensor limit, and if a minimum value of the fuel cell voltages is greater than the sensor limit; performing a test to identify if the maximum value is greater than an average sensor signal value and if the average sensor signal value is greater than the minimum value; and conducting a test to identify if the minimum value is less than a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Motor housings with controlled radial thermal expansion include a cylindrical body with at least one circumferential groove extending inward from an outer surface of the cylindrical body, and a fiber composite band disposed within each groove. The grooves can be dovetail shaped and extend inward from the outer surface of the cylindrical body to a groove bottom, wherein each groove has a first width at the outer surface and a second width at the groove bottom that is greater than the first width. Methods for controlling radial thermal expansion of motor housings include providing a motor housing including a cylindrical aluminum body with a plurality of circumferential grooves extending inward from an outer surface of the cylindrical body, disposing a plurality of continuous fibers within the grooves, applying a matrix to the continuous fibers, and curing the matrix to form a fiber composite band within the grooves.

Abstract: A silicon anode material for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium and methods of formation relating thereto are provided. The silicon anode material comprises a plurality of carbon-encased silicon clusters, where each carbon-encased silicon cluster includes a volume of silicon nanoparticles encased in a carbon shell having an interior volume greater than the volume of the silicon nanoparticles. The method of making the silicon anode material includes forming a plurality of precursor clusters, where each precursor silicon-based cluster comprises a volume of SiOx nanoparticles (x?2). The method further includes carbon coating each of the precursor clusters to form a plurality of carbon-coated SiOx clusters; and reducing the SiOx nanoparticles in each of the carbon-coated SiOx clusters to form the silicon anode material.

Abstract: Radar systems are provided for mobile platforms that include, in one embodiment, an antenna and a radome. The radome surrounds the antenna, and includes a plurality of transition layers each having a different respective permittivity. The respective permittivities of each of the transition layers are inversely related to a distance from the respective one of the transition layers to the antenna, generating a permittivity gradient for the radome.

Abstract: A composite electrode for use in an all-solid-state electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions is provided. The composite electrode comprises a solid-state electroactive material that undergoes volumetric expansion and contraction during cycling of the electrochemical cell and a solid-state electrolyte. The solid-state electroactive material is in the form of a plurality of particles and each particle has a plurality of internal pores formed therewithin. Each particle has an average porosity ranging from about 10% to about 75%, and the composite electrode has an interparticle porosity between the solid-state electroactive material and solid-state electrolyte particles ranging from about 5% to about 40%.

Abstract: An interactive driving system and method that improves a driving experience by allowing a passenger to interactively monitor and evaluate certain driving maneuvers in real-time with an augmented reality interface. The input provided by the passenger via the augmented reality interface is recorded for later processing and analysis. For instance, the passenger input may be used to generate driving reports for later review by the driver and passenger (e.g., when the passenger is teaching a new driver how to drive) or for the manufacturer of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles (e.g., when the manufacturer is seeking actionable feedback for improving various self-driving algorithms). In addition, the interactive driving system and method entertain the passenger with the augmented reality interface, which can be delivered in a game-like fashion via a computer program product installed on their own personal electronic device (e.g., a tablet, phone, laptop, etc.).

Abstract: A seamless connection system for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) includes a first OLED strip in electrical communication with a power source via an electrical connector. The first OLED strip includes a first illuminated portion, and a first non-illuminated portion. The seamless connection system for OLEDS further includes a second OLED strip in electrical communication with a power source or the first OLED strip via an electrical connector. The second OLED strip includes a second illuminated portion, and a second non-illuminated portion. The first and second non-illuminated portions are substantially transparent, the first non-illuminated portion is adhered to the second illuminated portion, and the second non-illuminated portion is adhered to the first illuminated portion.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first panel, a second panel having an aperture therethrough, and a pin. The pin has a base and a shaft. The base is secured to the first panel and the shaft is disposed at least partially in the aperture. The pin additionally includes at least one resilient clip member having a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed within the shaft, and the second end retains the second panel in a desired position relative to the first panel. The shaft comprises a first material and the clip member comprises a second material, different from the first material.

Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission housing, six coplanar gear sets, a transmission input member, an output member, and three synchronizer assemblies. The three synchronizer assemblies are selectively engaged to establish one of at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the transmission input shaft member and the output member. A structural transmission cover supports the input and output members on one end and encloses two of the six coplanar gear sets.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system is disclosed. The vehicle charging system includes a powerline communication module of a vehicle that is configured to transmit a power request signal via a communication network and a powerline communication evaluation module that is configured to determine one or more communication characteristics of the communication network. The vehicle charging system also includes an adjustment module that is configured to reduce a charging rate provided by a charging station based on the one or more communication characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes a surface that is configured to contact a fuel containing ethanol and zinc ions. A sacrificial carbon layer is disposed on the surface. The sacrificial carbon layer has a thickness of greater than or equal to about 250 nm to less than or equal to about 5 ?m. The sacrificial carbon layer includes carbon that is configured to complex and solubilize ZnO deposited on the surface, wherein the ZnO forms from the zinc ions carried by the fuel.

Abstract: A method of resistance spot welding an aluminum workpiece and an adjacent overlapping steel workpiece is disclosed in which a source of a reactive metal in a diffusible state is located along a faying interface of an aluminum workpiece and an adjacent overlapping steel workpiece. The source of the reactive metal in a diffusible state may take on a variety of forms including (1) a composite adhesive layer that includes reactive particles dispersed throughout a structural thermosetting adhesive matrix or (1) a reactive alloy layer that confronts and is in proximate contact with a faying surface of the aluminum workpiece. Once the source of a reactive material in a diffusible state is in place and the workpiece stack-up is assembled, an electrical current is passed through the workpiece stack-up and between a set of opposed welding electrodes at a weld zone to ultimately produce a weld joint.

Abstract: To make a pouch format cell, an outermost stack (including a negative electrode and separators positioned on opposed surfaces thereof) is formed. An inner stack is formed, including a positive electrode and a sub-stack (i.e., another negative electrode with separators positioned on opposed surfaces thereof and another positive electrode). The inner stack is positioned on the outermost stack to form a core stack, such that i) one inner stack end substantially aligns with one outermost stack end, ii) another end and a portion of the outermost stack remain exposed, and iii) the inner stack positive electrode is adjacent to one of the outermost stack separators. The outermost stack exposed portion is folded around another inner stack end and to cover a portion of an outer layer of the inner stack. This forms an initial overlay. The core stack is folded around at least a portion of the initial overlay.

Abstract: Certain glass, glass-ceramic, and ceramic electrolyte bodies formed from lithium or sodium sulfides and glass-forming sulfides, sulfoxides and/or certain glass-forming oxides provide good conductivity of lithium ions or sodium ions for use in lithium metal electrode or sodium metal electrode battery cells. The stability of the lithium or sodium metal anode-glass electrolyte interface is improved by forming a metal oxide passivation layer by atomic layer deposition on the facing surface of the electrolyte and activating the coating by contact of the passivated surface with the lithium or sodium electrode material.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first seat and a second seat occupying a vehicle body, a battery pack disposed between the first seat and the second seat, a first inboard airbag, and a second inboard airbag, and optionally a first outboard airbag and a second outboard airbag. The airbags are deployable from a packed position to or between an inflated position. The first inboard airbag is configured to deploy and occupy a space between the first seat and the battery pack, the first outboard airbag is configured to deploy and occupy a space between the first seat and the first side of the vehicle body, the second inboard airbag is configured to deploy and occupy a space between the second seat and the battery pack, and the second outboard airbag is configured to deploy and occupy a space between the second seat and the second side of the vehicle body.