Abstract: Pouch-type battery cells include a first and second pouch layer, one or more electrode pairs between the two pouch layers, each pair including an anode and cathode current collector, a peripheral seal defined by a peripheral seal path and joining the two pouch layers to form a pouch encasing the one or more electrode pairs, an anode tab electrically coupled to one or more anode current collectors within the pouch and a cathode tab electrically coupled to one or more cathode current collectors within the pouch each extend outward from the peripheral seal. The anode and/or cathode tab include one or more apertures disposed along the peripheral seal path such that a portion of the peripheral seal is formed between the first and second pouch layers within the one or more apertures. The tabs of multiple battery cells can be electrically coupled via busbars to form a battery pack.

Abstract: A coulomb friction damped drive shaft may include an outer shaft defined by a longitudinal axis, a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion at opposite ends of the outer shaft; an inner shaft inserted through the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis and defined by a first uniform portion a second uniform portion adjacent to opposite ends of the inner shaft; a first tapered sleeve inserted between the first uniform portion and the first tapered portion; and a second tapered sleeve inserted between the second uniform portion and the second tapered portion. The first tapered sleeve may be biased along the longitudinal axis toward the second tapered sleeve to create a friction between the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The friction may act on a twisting motion of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft to coulomb friction dampen oscillations in the inner shaft.

Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle including a cylindrical housing including a housing surface, the housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an imaging sensor extending from the first end of the housing, the imaging sensor rotatable from a first position to a second position, a connection member coupled to the imaging sensor and enclosed within the housing, and a cap coupled to the housing at the second end, the cap including a cap surface having an alignment indicator. Rotation of the cap rotates the imaging sensor from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a detent lever attached to a vehicle, and a release lever attached adjacent the detent to move between a pulled position, pushing the detent lever to an unlocked position responsive to activation of a release handle, and a released position, releasing the detent to move to a locked position responsive to deactivation of the release handle. A forkbolt is attached to the vehicle to move between: a first position—engaging the detent, retaining the striker at one location, and latching a compartment closure assembly closed; a second position—disengaging the detent, retaining the striker at another location, and latching the closure assembly in one pop-up position; a third position—reengaging the detent, retaining the striker at yet another location, and latching the closure assembly in another pop-up position; and a fourth position—disengaging the detent and allowing the closure assembly to open.

Abstract: A composite article configured for mitigating noise, vibration, and harshness includes a substrate having a first stiffness. The composite article includes a structural film formed from a composition and disposed on the substrate in a pattern that is arranged to dampen a sound wave having a first frequency and a first amplitude and propagatable in a first direction to a second frequency that is less than the first frequency and a second amplitude that is less than the first amplitude. The composite article includes a coating layer disposed on the pattern and configured to dampen the sound wave in the first direction and in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The composite article has a second stiffness that is greater than the first stiffness. A method of forming the composite article is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that identify a composition of an object using a non-contact chemical sensor provided. The method includes detecting an object based on information provided by a plurality of sensors, transmitting a chemical detection signal, from a non-contact chemical sensor, at the detected object, identifying a composition of the detected object based on an attenuation of the chemical detection signal, determining whether a path change is required based on the identified composition of the detected object, and controlling one or more actuators to stop a vehicle or adjust the path of the vehicle if the path change is required.

Abstract: A connecting rod comprises a shaft connecting a first end including a first bore with a second end including a second bore. Methods for forming and assembling a connecting rod and crankshaft assembly include fabricating the second end of the connecting rod via additive manufacturing such that the second end comprises a first and second weakened regions on opposing sides of the second bore, and breaking the second end of the connecting rod at the first and second weakened regions to form a connecting rod assembly comprising a second end base and a second end cap, wherein the base comprises a first fracture face and a second fracture face which each respectively correspond to a first fracture face and a second fracture face of the cap. The methods can further include mating the base and the cap such that a crankpin of a crankshaft is disposed within the second bore.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine, e.g., a cycloidal reluctance motor, includes a stator having stator teeth connected to a cylindrical stator core, and a rotor having a cylindrical rotor core. The stator core and/or rotor core are constructed of grain-oriented, spirally-wound ferrous material having a circular or annular grain orientation. The stator teeth may be constructed of grain-oriented steel having a linear grain orientation. Notches may be spaced around an inner circumferential surface of the stator core, with each stator tooth engaged with a respective notch. The rotor may be eccentrically positioned radially within the stator. The rotor core may define notches spaced around its outer circumferential surface, with salient rotor projections engaged with a respective rotor notch. The machine in such an embodiment may be a switched reluctance rotor. An electrical system using the machine and a method of manufacturing the machine are also disclosed.