Abstract: A system for analyzing images includes a processing device includes a receiving module configured to receive an image, and an analysis module configured to apply the received image to a machine learning network and classify one or more features in the received image, the machine learning network configured to propagate image data through a plurality of convolutional layers, each convolutional layer of the plurality of convolutional layers including a plurality of filter channels, the machine learning network including a bottleneck layer configured to recognize an image feature based on a shape of an image component, The system also includes an output module configured to output characterization data that includes a classification of the one or more features.

Abstract: A multi-function onboard charging module (OBCM) operable for charging a battery pack using a wide variety of offboard charging systems, such as to enable the OBCM to charge a battery pack using electrical power provided from different types of direct current (DC), single-phase alternating current (AC), and/or three-phase AC offboard charging systems.

Abstract: A transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between first and second configurations. The transformable knob comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between first and second positions, with movement of the actuator facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively.

Abstract: A method of making a die cast part having high wear resistance is provided. The method comprises providing a mold and an insert pin. The mold comprises an interior surface defining a cavity. The mold comprises a bore formed through the interior surface. The insert pin has a magnetic core having a magnetic field and a barrier disposed about the magnetic core. The insert pin is disposed in the bore and extends into the cavity. The method comprises filling the mold with metallic material such that the metallic material is in contact with the insert pin to define a contact layer. The method comprises modifying iron content within the contact layer with the magnetic field to define an outer layer and an inner layer formed between the outer layer and the insert pin. The inner layer has 3-5 wt % Fe and the outer layer has 0.01-0.5 wt % Fe.

Abstract: An optically transparent coplanar microwave slot antenna is provided including a conductive mesh and a feedline connectively coupled to the conductive mesh wherein the conductive mesh includes a plurality of Christmas tree shaped slots arranged in a dipole configuration wherein each of the plurality of Christmas tree shaped slots is formed from a triangular slot, a trapezoidal slot and a rectangular slot.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a system operating a method of controlling a temperature at a battery cell of the vehicle. The system includes the battery cell, a temperature sensor and a processor. The battery cell has a tab for flow of current to and from the battery cell. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a cell temperature of the battery cell at a location away from the tab. The processor is configured to predict a tab temperature from the cell temperature, and control a power supplied to a load from the battery cell based on the tab temperature.

Abstract: A system for context-based adaptive virtual experience control in a vehicle is provided. The system includes an output device configured for providing a sensory output to a user of the vehicle and a computerized virtual experience control module configured for controlling the output device based upon a virtual experience mode. The system further includes a computerized context-based adaptive control module configured for monitoring contextual data related to one of the user of the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, monitoring feedback from the user related to one of favor or disfavor related to the virtual experience mode, and utilizing the contextual data and the feedback from the user to selectively, automatically command activation of the virtual experience mode.

Abstract: A method of making a capacitor-assisted hybrid electrode for a lithium-ion electrochemical cell includes admixing a solvent, a cellulose-based dispersant, and a plurality of capacitive particles comprising carbon to form a dispersion. The cellulose-based dispersant forms hydrogen bonds with one or more carbonyl-groups on the capacitive particles comprising carbon. The dispersion is combined with an electroactive material, an electrically conductive material, and a binder to form a slurry. The slurry is applied to a current collector and solidified to form the capacitor-assisted hybrid electrode having a composite hybrid active layer on the current collector. Capacitor-assisted hybrid electrodes formed from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separating layer that physically separates the first and second electrodes, and a porous layer disposed between the separating layer and the first electrode. The porous layer includes a porous material having a plurality of pores and a lithiating material that at least partially fills the pores of the plurality. The porous layer can be a continuous coating disposed on a surface of the separating layer opposing the first electrode or a continuous coating disposed on a surface of the first electrode opposing the separating layer. The porous material can include zeolites, aerogels, silicon oxides, porous aluminum oxides, titanium oxides, manganese oxides, and/or magnesium oxides. The lithiating material can include lithium peroxide and can fill between about 30 and about 60% of the pores of the porous material.

Abstract: A system for transferring DC electric power to a DC electric power system includes an electric power source, a DC-DC power converter, a system power bus including a capacitor, a first current sensor, a second current sensor, a third current sensor, and a controller. The DC-DC power converter includes a switched inductance circuit including an inductor, a high-voltage switch, and a diode. The second current sensor monitors a second current in the system power bus between the DC-DC power converter and the capacitor. The controller determines a parametric setpoint for the system power bus, determines the first current, the second current, and the third current in the system power bus, and controls the switching DC-DC power converter based upon the parametric setpoint, the first current, the second current, and the third current.

Abstract: A system for dynamic authorization, entitlements, and conditional capabilities by operational context to authorize operating a vehicle in conjunction with a remote cloud unit is provided. The system includes a vehicle operational system providing a functional output and a computerized controller within the vehicle. The controller includes programming to collect data from a plurality of sources related to operation of the vehicle and provide the data to a plurality of operating context analyzers to generate an operating context. The controller further includes programming to receive an authorization to operate the vehicle operational system and selectively enable operation of the vehicle operational system based upon the authorization. The system further includes the plurality of operating context analyzers determining the operating context.

Abstract: A die casting mold may be made of an iron alloy including, by mass: about 1% to about 6% nickel, about 0.1% to about 5% copper, about 0.2% to about 2.5% aluminum, about 0.5% to about 2% manganese, and about 0.05% to about 0.2% carbon. The iron alloy may be formed into an initial shape of the die casting mold, heated to a temperature greater than or equal to about 900° C. and then cooled to form a supersaturated solid solution of iron and dissolved alloying elements. Then, the iron alloy may be heated at a temperature sufficient to precipitate intermetallic nanoparticles from the supersaturated solid solution to form an intermetallic precipitate phase dispersed throughout an iron-based matrix phase. A layer of iron alloy material disposed at and along a surface of the iron alloy may exhibit a deformed microstructure indicative of a machining direction.

Abstract: A system for tuning a trajectory tracking controller for a vehicle includes a trajectory planner configured to generate the planned trajectory and to output one or more planned trajectory components representative of the planned trajectory, a model predictive controller including an internal model and an optimizer, and a tuning neural network configured to receive the one or more planned trajectory components and one or more measured trajectory components and to produce weights for a cost function. The internal model is configured to receive a predicted control input from the optimizer and the one or more measured trajectory components and to produce a predicted output. The optimizer utilizes a cost function and is configured to receive the weights for the cost function and a predicted error and to produce the predicted control input, wherein the predicted error is a selected one of the planned trajectory components minus the predicted output.

Abstract: A system for obtaining vehicle status data includes a location sensor configured to obtain location data for one or more connected devices in or around the vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of seats, including at least one seat without an occupant sensor. The location data is obtained based at least partially on radiofrequency waves. A command unit is adapted to receive the location data. The command unit has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to obtain the vehicle status data in real time based in part on the location data of the one or more connected devices, the vehicle status data including a total number of occupants in the vehicle.

Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions includes a microporous layer and one or more fire suppression layers disposed on at least one of a first side or an opposite second side of the microporous layer. The one or more fire suppression layers include a ceramic material having interconnected open pores and a cyclophosphazene disposed within the interconnected open pores of the ceramic material.

Abstract: Welding electrodes, methods, and vehicles are provided. The welding electrodes include a body that includes a weld face on a distal end of the body configured to contact a workpiece and apply an electrical current thereto. The body has a maximum diameter of 13 millimeters or less. The welding electrode includes an insulative material covering at least a portion of the body, the insulative material configured to mitigate current shunting upon contact between the insulative material and a workpiece of a workpiece stack-up while using the welding electrode to resistance weld the workpiece stack-up.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that include obtaining first camera images of a parking location before a vehicle is parked at the parking location; obtaining second camera images of the parking location after the vehicle is parked at the parking location; and detecting, via a processor, a fluid leak for the vehicle based on a comparison of the first camera images and the second camera images.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing guidance to an operator of a vehicle when a vehicle is towing a trailer with a boat. In one embodiment, a method includes: storing, in a data storage device, change in height data associated with the vehicle and the trailer; computing, by a processor, a float point of the boat along a boat ramp at a launch site based on the change in height data stored in the data storage device; and generating, by the processor, guidance data based on a location of the vehicle and the float point.

Abstract: A method for classifying a weight of a vehicle includes determining a system enablement state of the vehicle load detection and classification system, monitoring a vehicle weight, determining a change in the vehicle weight, comparing the change in the vehicle weight to a first predefined weight change threshold, and categorizing the change in the vehicle weight in response to determining that the change in the vehicle weight exceeds the first predefined weight change threshold. The method also includes determining if a weight has been left in the vehicle after key-off and determining if a weight has been placed in a cargo compartment of the vehicle which exceeds the weight rating of the cargo compartment. The method also includes optimizing a route to a destination based at least on the change in the vehicle weight and displaying the optimized route to the destination using a human machine interface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tester for testing an electrical component. The tester includes a database of testing specifications for electrical components, a tester connector for physically and electrically connecting to different electrical components, and an output device. The tester identifies an electrical component connected to the tester connector and provide corresponding identification data, retrieves a testing specification from the database using the identification data, commands a test of the electrical component according to the testing specification, and outputs an indication of a result of the test through the output device.