Abstract: An interaction monitoring system for a subject vehicle includes: a spatial monitoring system including a video camera, a microphone, and an audio speaker; a telematics system; a vehicle monitoring system; and a controller. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically determine, via the vehicle monitoring system, operating parameters for the subject vehicle, and detect occurrence of a vehicle stopping event being commanded by a security person. The operating parameters are captured for a predetermined period of time immediately preceding the vehicle stopping event. During the stopping event, the video camera and the microphone monitor an interaction between a vehicle operator and the security person. The interaction between the vehicle operator and the security person is evaluated, and a third-party advisor is engaged based upon the interaction between the vehicle operator and the security person.

Abstract: An electrical system having a plurality of power converters each having an input in electrical communication with a power source and an output in electrical communication with a load. A controller is configured to receive an output power request for the plurality of power converters. The controller can then select at least one power converter of the plurality of power converters to satisfy the output power request based on an efficiency of power conversion of each of the plurality of power converters and an operating lifespan of each of the plurality of power converters and direct the at least one power converter to produce power to satisfy the output power request.

Abstract: Tandem charging for electric vehicles (EVs) electrically interconnected with each other. The tandem charging may include determining a plurality of EVs requesting to be charged with electrical power available from a charging station, determining charging parameters for the EVs, scheduling charging of the EVs according to the charging parameters, and/or authorizing a pecuniary charge to billing accounts of the EVs in recompense for the charging.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle having a trailer pivotally coupled thereto for towing of the trailer. The system may include a steering system including a steering wheel for controlling front wheels of the vehicle, a sensor system configured to sense a steering wheel angle of the steering wheel, and a computer system onboard the vehicle and operatively coupled to the steering system and the sensor system, the computer system configured to, by a processor: monitor the steering wheel angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle while the vehicle is operated to move the vehicle and the trailer in a reverse direction relative thereto, and adjust front wheels of the vehicle in a direction relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle such that the trailer turns in an opposite direction as a direction of rotation of the steering wheel about the axis thereof.

Abstract: A dual rate torsion bar suspension system is connected to a control arm and includes a first rate torsion bar and a second rate torsion bar connected to one another in order to provide the suspension system with a dual rate torque resistance. A cam mechanism is employed for isolating the second rate torsion bar from the first rate torsion bar.

Abstract: Presented are metal-coated, polymer-encapsulated power semiconductor modules, methods for making/using such power modules, and vehicles with traction power inverters containing such power modules. A power electronics assembly includes one or more power semiconductor modules packaged inside an assembly housing. Each power module includes a substrate, a semiconductor device mounted on the substrate, a polymeric encapsulant encasing therein the substrate and semiconductor device, and an electrical lead connected to the semiconductor device and projecting from the polymeric encapsulant. A metallic or ceramic coating is applied to select sections of the polymeric encapsulant's exposed exterior surface. The metallic/ceramic coating may be a single metallic layer that covers substantially all of the exposed surface area of the polymeric encapsulant's exterior surface. An optional hydrophobic polymer layer, passivated layer, and/or oxidized layer may cover the exterior surface of this metallic layer.

Abstract: A chassis control system of a vehicle includes: a first torque source providing torque to a first axle of the vehicle; a second torque source providing torque to a second axle of the vehicle independently of the first torque source; and a vehicle control module controlling the first and second torque sources to transition between a torque redistribution and torque limit control modes based on a wheel torque redistribution threshold, a wheel torque limit of the first axle and/or second axle, and a torque limit of one of the first and second torque sources. The torque redistribution mode refers to when torque is being selectively provided to the first axle by the first torque source and to the second axle by the second torque source. The torque limit control mode refers to when torque to at least one of first axle and the second axle is limited.

Abstract: A method for adjusting state of charge (SOC) limits aboard a motor vehicle having a propulsion battery pack includes receiving a pre-drive information set via a host computer and identifying, from the pre-drive information set, a probability that the motor vehicle is about to embark on a road trip. The road trip is a drive event in which the motor vehicle will travel outside of a predetermined area. The method further includes expanding the SOC limits of the propulsion battery pack when the motor vehicle is about to embark on the road trip, such that a total SOC window of the propulsion battery pack is increased for a duration of the road trip.

Abstract: A device for supporting a moveable load bearing component includes a base configured to be fixedly disposed at a vehicle support structure and located proximate to the load bearing component, the load bearing component configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The device also includes a support member connected to the base and moveable between a retracted position and a load position, the support member supporting the load bearing component when the support member is in the load position. The support member is configured to automatically move between the retracted position and the load position based on the load bearing component being moved between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method for efficient autonomous driving planning includes receiving a current driving-scene data and a predicted driving-scene data. The current driving-scene data is indicative of a current driving scene around a host vehicle. The predicted driving-scene data is indicative of a predicted driving scene around the host vehicle. The predicted driving scene around the host vehicle is different from the current driving scene around the host vehicle. The method further includes converting the current driving-scene data and the predicted driving-scene data into a first scene-graph and a second scene-graph, respectively. The method further includes determining a plurality of scene change metrics using the first scene-graph and the second scene-graph. The method further includes selecting between a first trajectory planning process and a second trajectory planning process based on the plurality of scene change metrics.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing an aluminum fuel cell cradle includes providing a negative cast mold having cavities to form the cradle having a length greater than a width to define a longitudinal axis and providing a feeding mechanism disposed about the mold and in fluid communication with the cavities thereof. The feeding mechanism includes primary risers connected to and in fluid communication with the cavities. The method further includes melting a first metallic material to define a molten metallic material, moving the mold to a vertical orientation about the longitudinal axis while feeding molten metallic material through the runner to the cavities, and moving the cast mold to a horizontal orientation. A second solidification time in the risers is greater than a first solidification time in the mold such that shrinkage of the solidified metallic material occurs in the risers away from the mold.

Abstract: A sequence of images and a vehicle location associated with each of the images is received at a traffic light ROI management system. At least one traffic light is detected in each image. A ECS traffic light ROI is defined for each image. The ECS traffic light ROI encloses the detected traffic lights. A visual feature template is generated for each image. The visual feature template is based on the ECS traffic light ROI for the image. Each visual feature template is mapped to the vehicle location associated with the image to a HD map. The HD map is transmitted to an autonomous vehicle to enable the autonomous vehicle to identify a real-time traffic light ROI in a real-time image based on a match between a first visual feature template and real-time visual features of the real-time image at the vehicle location associated with the first visual feature template.

Abstract: A wheel housing for a vehicle includes an axially facing surface, a curvilinear surface extending outwardly from the axially facing surface, and a plurality of strakes protruding outwardly from one of the axially facing surface and the curvilinear surface. The plurality of strakes conditioning an air flow produced by a vehicle wheel.