Abstract: A method, apparatus, and control system are described for operating a multiphase motor drive system including a rotary electric machine and an inverter. An AC choke filter is arranged proximal to output leads from the inverter. A reference temperature associated with the AC choke filter is determined along with an operating point of the electric machine. Operation of the inverter is controlled based upon a temperature of the AC choke filter, the reference temperature, and an operating point of the electric machine. This includes modifying a switching frequency and a PWM type in a manner that reduces the AC choke filter temperature by reducing the occurrence of switching events to protect the AC choke filter based on temperature feedback.

Abstract: A method of modifying a time to collision threshold includes receiving data and images of an object from image capturing devices and non-visual sensors within an automobile, from infrastructure cameras, and from image capturing devices within other automobiles, determining ambient light levels and color of the object, comparing ambient light levels to a pre-determined ambient light level threshold, determining a standard time to collision threshold, and sending the standard time to collision threshold to the collision avoidance system when ambient light levels are at least the pre-determined ambient light level, and, determining a standard time to collision threshold, a lighting coefficient, a color coefficient, applying the lighting and color coefficients to the standard time to collision threshold, calculating a modified time to collision threshold, sending the modified time to collision threshold to the collision avoidance system, when the ambient light levels are less than the pre-determined ambient light

Abstract: A method and system for assisting a vehicle when traveling within an area experiencing a meteorological event capable of potentially flooding a roadway is disclosed. The assistance may include determining a water level over top of the roadway, determining a plurality of surface water related operating parameters for the vehicle, and comparing the water level to the surface water related operating parameters to generate a flooded roadway assessment. The flooded roadway assessment may be used for determining the roadway to be in one of a passable state and an impassable state for the vehicle. Based thereon, a flooded roadway command may be generated for correspondingly controlling one or more systems onboard the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU), or node, is configured to use a single key for all virtual ECUs (V-ECUs) having a message to transmit. The ECU also may include a security peripheral that includes the stored shared key. The security peripheral may further include a policy enabling it to detect if a request from the V-ECU is valid, in which case it generates a MAC. The security peripheral is also used to store information in a MAC Generate Allow List (MGAL), which may define the policy about when the V-ECU can transmit. The ECU may include a crypto-engine, which stores shared keys from other nodes used to verify MACs transmitted by other nodes.

Abstract: A vehicle having a first aid kit having a plurality of content items is provided. The vehicle also includes one or more impact sensors and a controller. The controller is configured to detect, using the impact sensors, a collision involving the vehicle and activate a door of the first aid kit to expose the plurality of content items to an interior of the vehicle and activating an indicator disposed on the first aid kit based on a determination that a force of the collision exceeds a first threshold value. Based on a determination that the force of the collision exceeds a second threshold value and is less than the first threshold value, the controller is configured to activate the indicator disposed on the first aid kit.

Abstract: A system and associated method for calibrating a radar system is described, wherein the radar system includes a phased array antenna including a first antenna array and a second antenna array, a transmitter array, and a receiver array, communication leads, a calibration circuit, and a controller. The calibration circuit includes a power divider and directional couplers. A pilot signal is injected, via the power divider and the directional couplers, to the receivers during a quiet period. Phase offsets and gain imbalances for the receivers are determined in relation to a reference channel based upon the pilot signal, and phase calibrations and gain calibrations for the receivers are determined based upon the phase offsets and the gain imbalances, and a radar-related parameter is based upon the phase calibrations and the gain calibrations for the receivers.

Abstract: Examples described herein provide a method for predicting electrical failures within a vehicle. The method includes selectively enabling and disabling an electrical load for the vehicle. The method further includes collecting operational data about the electrical load during the selectively enabling and disabling of the electrical load. The method further includes training the model based at least in part on the operational data to predict a failure associated with the electrical load or a wiring harness associated with the electrical load.

Abstract: Presented are hybrid fixture assemblies with integrated additive manufactured features, methods for making/using such fixtures, and manufacturing systems equipped with such fixtures. A manufacturing fixture assembly includes a fixture support frame formed, at least in part, from a first material, and a fixture support shell formed, at least in part, from a second material distinct from the first material. The support frame, which seats on/mounts to a work surface, includes a skeletal substructure with multiple male connectors projecting therefrom. The skeletal substructure contains multiple first frame walls that are removably intermeshed with multiple second frame walls in a collapsible format. The support shell includes a support surface that holds a workpiece, an interface surface that abuts the skeletal substructure, and multiple female connectors that project from the interface surface.

Abstract: A system for managing audio performance in a vehicle includes an audio unit having one or more speakers and one or more microphones respectively positioned in and/or around the vehicle. The speakers transmit an audio signal within the vehicle. A command unit is in communication with the audio unit. The command unit has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to receive the audio signal through the one or more microphones and determine whether at least one audio quality parameter of the audio signal meets a predefined threshold. The command unit may be adapted to take at least one remedial action when the audio quality parameter is below the predefined threshold.

Abstract: A seat having a seating area, an interior side bolster disposed on a first side of the seating area, and an exterior side bolster disposed on a second side of the seating area. The exterior side bolster includes an activator slidably disposed within an aperture of the exterior side bolster. The activator adjusts a height of the exterior side bolster based on a position of the activator within the aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a support surface having a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. A first seat rail is coupled to the first side of the support surface. A second seat rail is coupled to the first side of the support surface spaced from the first seat rail. A seat member includes a first stanchion moveably supported at the first seat rail, a second stanchion moveably supported at the second seat rail, and a member arranged between the first stanchion and the second stanchion. A magnet is mounted at the second side of the support surface. A levitation controller is operatively connected to the magnet. The levitation controller is activated to drive the magnet to repel the member and raise the first stanchion and the second stanchion relative to corresponding ones of the first seat rail and the second seat rail.

Abstract: A vehicle includes two or more battery packs configured to power a motor. A controller is configured to dynamically activate an operational mode during operation. The operational mode is one of multiple possible operational modes including a first operational mode defining a series connection between the two or more battery packs and second operational mode defining a parallel connection between the two or more battery packs. The connection between the battery packs is controlled by a first plurality of switches. A plurality of low voltage loads are connected to a subset of the battery packs in the battery packs such that a power output of the subset of the battery packs provides full power to the plurality of low voltage loads. The plurality of low voltage loads are connected to only the subset of the battery packs in both the first operational mode and the second operational mode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural panel assembly includes providing at least a first material, a second material and a third material positioned between the first material and the second material. The method includes forming the third material to have an undulating shape, and observing, by a sensor, the undulating shape of the third material. The method includes controlling, by a processor, a movement of a welder relative to the first material or the second material based on the observing to weld the first material and the second material to the third material.

Abstract: A shift system includes a shifter including a first switch, a second switch, and an interlock switch and being operable between a plurality of gear states. A controller is communicatively coupled with the shifter to receive signals that correspond to each of the first switch, the second switch, and the interlock switch. The controller includes a diagnostic counter that includes a passing criteria and a predetermined diagnostic threshold and is configured to adjust the diagnostic counter based on at least one of the signals received from the shifter being inconsistent with the others of the signals received.

Abstract: A system for managing an energy storage device in an electric vehicle includes a battery pack having an energy module, and a power module connected in parallel to the energy module. The energy module is adapted to generate a first current. At least one DC-to-DC (direct current to direct current) converter is adapted to receive the first current from the energy module and transmit a current, referred to herein as “DC-DC current”, to the power module. The system includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded for automated management of a set of parameters related to the battery pack, subject to a plurality of constraints. The power module is adapted to deliver a second current for powering a load in the electric vehicle. Operation of the electric vehicle is controlled based in part on the set of parameters.