Abstract: A method for dynamically monitoring temperature of a fluid at a heat generating device includes monitoring, using a temperature sensor, temperature of the fluid held in a fluidic sump. A first fluidic flow rate and a second fluidic flow rate are determined. A third fluidic flow rate and a temperature drop of the fluid across the heat exchanger in the active coolant circuit are determined based upon the temperature of the fluid and the third fluidic flow rate through the active coolant circuit. A fluid temperature supplied to the electric machine through the active coolant circuit is determined based upon the third fluidic flow rate and the temperature drop of the fluid across the heat exchanger. An effective temperature of the fluid is determined based upon the temperature of the fluid in the sump and the temperature of the fluid supplied to the electric machine through the active coolant circuit.

Abstract: A dynamic wireless multi-channel switch including a networking device providing access to communicate messages on at least two frequency bands. A wireless access manager module determines a utilization of each frequency band based on the communicated messages. The wireless access manager module dynamically adjusts a time slot ratio of each frequency band as a function of the utilization of the communicated messages by the networking device.

Abstract: Methods for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic polymer workpieces and assemblies made therefrom are provided. The method may comprise disposing a first region of a first thermoplastic polymer workpiece and a second region of a second thermoplastic polymer workpiece between an ultrasonic horn and an anvil of an ultrasonic welding device. The first workpiece has a preformed deformation and at least one of the first and/or second workpieces has an adhesive precursor applied thereto. The ultrasonic horn or anvil seats within the preformed deformation. Ultrasonic energy is applied from the ultrasonic horn to create a weld nugget between the first and second workpieces. The assembly thus formed has a green strength sufficient to be further processed immediately. The methods provide a robust weld joint with controlled adhesive bondline thickness.

Abstract: A method of resistance spot welding a steel workpiece to an aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece involves providing a workpiece stack-up that includes a steel workpiece and an aluminum workpiece and preheating the welding electrode that is meant to contact the aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece. The method further involves pressing the preheated welding electrode and another welding electrode against opposite sides of the workpiece stack-up, with the preheated welding electrode abutting the aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece, and passing an electrical current between the two welding electrodes at a weld site to initiate and grow a molten weld pool within the aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrically variable transmissions (EVT), methods for making and for using EVTs, and hybrid electric vehicles with EVTs. Presented is a multi-speed power transmission for a motor vehicle with an engine, two electric motors, and a final drive. The transmission includes an input member connectable to the engine, an output member connectable to the final drive, and a stationary member connectable to a gear train. First and second torque-transmitting devices (TTD) respectively connect to the first and second motors. The transmission also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement with four junction points defined by two interconnected planetary gear sets. The first TTD selectively connects the first motor to the first junction point, while the second TTD selectively connects the second motor to the fourth junction point via the gear train. The input member connects at the second junction point, whereas the output member connects at the third junction point.

Abstract: A number of variations may include at least one mold portion that may define a first cavity, a circular gating system, and at least one sprue. The circular gating system may surround the first cavity and define a continuous in-gate from the circular gating to the first cavity. The at least one sprue and at least one vent may be in fluid communication with the circular gating system and the first cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) selectable between a running state and a non-running state. A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is in thermal contact with the ICE for converting thermal energy from the ICE to output electrical energy. The vehicle has an electric pump for circulating a liquid coolant through a coolant circuit. The electric pump is selectively powerable by the electrical energy output from the TEG. The coolant circuit is in fluid communication with the ICE, a radiator, and the TEG; and the TEG is downstream of the radiator in the coolant circuit.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising an airbag mounted in a fender region laterally adjacent a hood and forward of a vehicle side door which provides a means for deployment through a discrete door to provide protection to a pedestrian from impacting the frontal area of a vehicle structure.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The assembly also includes a first light module attached to the first carrier such that the first carrier and the first light module are movable in unison between a use position in which the first light module is operable to emit light and a storage position in which the first light module does not operate to emit light. The assembly further includes a second light module attached to the second carrier such that the second carrier and the second light module are movable in unison between a first position when the first light module is in the storage position and a second position when the first light module is in the use position. The second light module is operable to emit light when in at least one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method of determining a wet surface condition of a road. An image of a road surface is captured by an image capture device of the host vehicle. The image capture device is mounted on a side of the host vehicle and an image is captured in a downward direction. A region of interest is identified in the captured image by a processor. The region of interest is in a region rearward of a tire of a host vehicle. The region of interest is representative of where a tire track as generated by the tire rotating on the road when the road surface is wet. A determination is made whether water is present in the region of interest as a function of identifying the tire track. A wet road surface signal is generated in response to the identification of water in the region of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are impact sensor arrangements for active hood systems, methods for making and for using such impact sensor arrangements, and motor vehicles with active hood systems using such impact sensor arrangements. Disclosed, for example, is an impact sensor arrangement for an active hood system of a motor vehicle. An active hood system actuator is selectively actuable to displace the vehicle's engine hood. The impact sensor arrangement includes a sensor connected to a sensing tube to detect a characteristic change of the sensing tube and responsively output an actuator trigger signal. First and second blocks, each formed from a high-density material, attach to the vehicle body adjacent the bumper and collectively define an internal channel within which is nested the sensing tube. The first block is movably attached to the second block such that displacement of one block with respect to the other initiates the characteristic change of the sensing tube.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an enhanced perspective view of an area in front of a vehicle, using images from left-front and right-front cameras. The enhanced perspective view removes the distortion and exaggerated perspective effects which are inherent in wide-angle lens images. The enhanced perspective view uses a camera model including a virtual image surface and other processing techniques which provide corrections for two types of problems which are typically present in de-warped perspective images—including a stretching effect at the peripheral area of a wide-angle image de-warped by rectilinear projection, and double image of objects in an area where left-front and right-front camera images overlap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vehicle emblems, automobiles with vehicle emblems, and methods of manufacturing vehicle emblems. A vehicle emblem for an automobile includes a bezel for mounting the emblem to the automobile's vehicle structure, such as the front grille, engine hood, or outer fascia panel. A rigid backing is seated within and attached to the bezel. The rigid backing includes one or more depressions and/or one or more ribs. A cover sheet lays against and is attached to the front-surface of the backing. The cover sheet includes a transparent layer or film with a multi-color print. The cover sheet includes one or more depressions and/or one or more ribs that are formed in the transparent layer. Each of the cover sheet's depressions is seated inside one of the rigid backing's depressions, while each of the rigid backing's ribs is seated inside one of the cover sheet's ribs.