Abstract: An electrical contactor module includes a pair of contactor assemblies each having an input contact, an output contact spaced apart from the input contact, and a linear solenoid disposed proximate the input and output contacts. Each linear solenoid has a housing, a plunger disposed within the housing so as to permit axial displacement of the plunger between an open position in which an end of the plunger is spaced apart from the input and output contacts and a closed position in which the end mechanically contacts and electrically couples the input and output contacts, a spring for biasing the plunger in the open position, and a coil within the housing for urging the plunger from the open position to the closed position along a linear direction. The contactor assemblies are fastened and arranged within an enclosure, with the linear directions for the contactor assemblies pointing in generally opposite directions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating alignment parameters for processing data associated with a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving image data associated with an environment of the vehicle; receiving lidar data associated with the environment of the vehicle; processing, by a processor, the image data to determine data points associated with at least one vehicle identified within image data; processing, by the processor, the lidar data to determine data points associated with at least one vehicle identified within the lidar data; selectively storing the data points in a data buffer based on at least one condition associated with a quality of the data points; processing, by the processor, the data points in the data buffer with a joint analysis method to generate alignment parameters between the lidar and the camera; and processing future data based on the alignment parameters.

Abstract: A method includes placing a physical target on a windshield of a vehicle, mounting a fixture inside the vehicle to position a camera array on the fixture within a line of sight of a passenger, capturing images of the physical target using the camera array, and determining a difference between actual and target locations of the physical target in each image. In addition, the method includes controlling the HUD to display a virtual target on the windshield, capturing images of the virtual target using the camera array, and determining a target location of the virtual target in each image based on the difference. Further, the method includes determining an offset between an actual location of the virtual target in each image and the target location of the virtual target in each image, and adjusting the location of an image projected onto the windshield by the HUD based on the offset.

Abstract: A map database stores data describing a set of connected roads each having one or more lanes, each having one or more lanes. The map database further stores data describing at an avoidance area comprising an area in the map database that an autonomous vehicle (AV) avoids traversing. A routability system determines at least one lane that can be accessed by the AV if the AV traverses the avoidance area, and generates a restored coverage area corresponding to the at least one lane. The restored coverage area corresponds to an area of restored coverage provided by the AV traversing the avoidance area. The routability system computes a score based on the restored coverage area, the score indicating an impact of restoring access by the AV to the avoidance area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an all-solid-state electrochemical battery that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid-state electrolyte layer disposed between and separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode includes a positive electroactive material and a solid-state electrolyte material. The solid-state electrolyte material may be represented by Li3AB6, where A is selected from the group consisting of: yttrium (Y), indium (In), scandium (Sc), erbium (Er), and combinations thereof, and B is selected from the group consisting of: chloride (Cl), bromide (Br), ClxBr(x?1) (where 0<x<1), and combinations thereof. In certain variations, the positive electroactive material includes a nickel-rich electroactive material, and the solid state electrolyte layer includes a sulfide-based electrolyte material. The solid-state electrolyte layer can also include the solid-state electrolyte material may be represented by Li3AB6.

Abstract: An operation of an AV in a scene is simulated. The AV includes sensors detecting the scene and generating sensor data. The sensor data can be input into a control model that outputs control signals, in accordance with which the AV operates. A learning cost, i.e., a cost of training or applying the control model, is determined. A performance of the AV during the simulation is evaluated. A simulation cost, i.e., a cost of running the simulation is determined. The control model can be optimized based on the learning cost and the performance of the AV. Settings of the sensors can be optimized based on the simulation cost and the performance of the AV. The optimization of the control model or the settings of the sensors can be done through reinforcement learning.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrode for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions. The electrode includes a silicon-containing electroactive material, a first carbon additive having a first aspect ratio greater than or equal to about 1 to less than or equal to about 3, a second carbon additive having a second aspect ratio greater than or equal to about 3 to less than or equal to about 500, and a third carbon additive having a third aspect ratio greater than or equal to about 20 to less than or equal to about 10,000. The electrode includes between about 80 wt. % and about 97 wt. % of the silicon-containing electroactive material, between about 0.5 wt. % and about 15 wt. % of the first carbon additive, between about 0.1 wt. % and about 15 wt. % of the second carbon additive, and between about 0.01 wt. % and about 5 wt. % of the third carbon additive.

Abstract: A thermally conductive bracket is contemplated for use in a vehicle to facilitate transfer heat from a busbar to a cold plate, such as to assist with heat transfer to a cold plate used to act as a heat sink for a plurality of battery cells connected to the busbar. The bracket may include a thermally conductive heat transfer material shaped to receive the busbar where at least a portion of the material is configured to include opposed sides and a bottom such that the opposed sides are configured to transfer heat from the busbar to the bottom and the bottom is configured to transfer heat from the sides to the cold plate.

Abstract: Methods of making magnesium-based alloy components are provided. A preform of a magnesium-based alloy having a plurality of zirconium-rich domains distributed in a magnesium-alloy matrix is subjected to a temperature of ? about 360° C. and a deformation process that facilitates selective dynamic recrystallization to create a bimodal microstructure in the magnesium-based alloy component having a plurality of un-recrystallized regions distributed in a matrix comprising dynamically recrystallized grains. The magnesium-based alloy includes zinc (Zn) at ? about 2 to ? about 4 wt. % of the magnesium-based alloy, zirconium (Zr) at ? about 0.62 wt. % to ? about 1 wt. % of the magnesium-based alloy, total impurities at ? about 0.1 wt. % of the magnesium-based alloy, and a balance of magnesium (Mg). Hot-formed magnesium-based alloy components formed from such methods are also contemplated, including automotive components.

Abstract: Vehicle diagnostic methods and systems are provided for providing predictive step-by-step troubleshooting guidance. One method involves determining a sequence of recommended troubleshooting actions for resolving a potential fault condition associated with a diagnostic code based at least in part on a vehicle component associated with the diagnostic code and metadata associated with the vehicle using historical diagnostics data and sequentially providing, within a client application at a client device, graphical indicia of the recommended troubleshooting actions in accordance with the sequence based on a respective probability of resolution associated with the respective recommended troubleshooting actions based at least in part on the historical diagnostics data.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for controlling a temperature of a computer disposed in an enclosed compartment of a vehicle. The system includes at least one temperature sensor associated with the computer, the at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature data in connection with the computer to a control module; at least one air vent provided in a surface of the enclosed compartment, wherein the at least one air vent is positioned to direct air flow to a designated area of the computer; an air conditioning system for generating air at an air temperature specified by the control module based at least in part on the temperature data provided by the at least one temperature sensor; and at least one duct for conducting the air generated by the air conditioning system into the enclosed compartment via the at least one vent.

Abstract: Users getting rides in AVs can engage in virtual environments through client devices (e.g., headsets, etc.) that project the virtual environments to the users. A user may perceive a virtual environment and engage in the virtual environment during a ride in an AV. The virtual environment includes a virtual scene generated based on the ride in the AV or an interaction of the user with another person in the real-world. The virtual scene includes a virtual representation of the user and other virtual objects. A virtual object may be generated based on an object, a behavior of the AV, or an activity of the user in the real-world. The user may perform various virtual activities in the virtual environment, such as communications with other users, digital interactive experiences, etc. A behavior of the AV (e.g., the AV's navigation) may be changed based on a virtual activity of the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method comprising receiving a ride request from a user having a user profile, the ride request including a requested drop-off location within a service area and the user profile specifying at least one drop-off location preference parameter; querying a database to obtain data regarding a condition of the requested drop-off location, wherein the data is collected by a plurality of vehicles traversing the service area and equipped with at least one sensor and at least one imaging device; determining whether the obtained data satisfies the at least one drop-off location preference parameter; and determining at least one alternative drop-off location within a first distance from the requested drop-off location if the obtained data does not satisfy the at least one drop-off location preference parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a steel alloy sheet to enhance flatness. The method includes, inter alia, heating a steel alloy material to a first temperature that is greater than a full-austenitization point for the steel alloy material; holding steel alloy material at the first temperature for a period greater than or equal to about 1 second to less than or equal to about 10,000 seconds to from a precursor steel sheet; air quenching the precursor steel sheet to a second temperature that is less than the first temperature and greater than martensitic transformation starting temperature for the steel alloy material; and cooling the precursor steel sheet to room temperature to prepare the steel alloy sheet. The steel alloy material includes greater than or equal to about 0.5 wt. % to less than or equal to about 6 wt. % of chromium.

Abstract: An all-solid-state electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell includes an electrode having a current collector that defines a major axis, and an electroactive material layer disposed on or adjacent to the current collector. The electroactive material layer includes a plurality of hierarchical silicon columns, and a solid sulfide electrolyte. The solid sulfide electrolyte is formed in-situ and fills greater than or equal to about 60 vol. % to less than or equal to about 100 vol. % of voids in the electroactive material layer. The voids being defined by openings between the hierarchical silicon columns. A longest dimension of each hierarchical silicon columns is perpendicular to the major axis of the second current collector.

Abstract: A vehicle including recyclable cast aluminum alloy components. The recyclable cast aluminum alloy components include a vehicle body component and a vehicle chassis component. In combination, the recyclable cast aluminum alloy components include, by mass: silicon in an amount greater than or equal to about 6% to less than or equal to about 11%, magnesium in an amount less than or equal to about 0.5%, iron in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.15% to less than or equal to about 0.25%, manganese in an amount less than or equal to about 0.3%, and greater than or equal to about 88% aluminum. A recycled aluminum alloy component may be cast from a melt of the recyclable cast aluminum alloy components. The recyclable cast aluminum alloy components account for, by mass, greater than or equal to about 70%, about 80%, or about 90% of the recycled aluminum alloy component.

Abstract: A system for detection and reporting of data signal interference includes a plurality of vehicles. Each vehicle includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver receiving a GNSS signal, a cellular modem configured for sending and receiving data over a wireless communication network, and a computerized detection and reporting controller. The controller includes programming to monitor the GNSS signal, analyze the GNSS signal to identify a presence of radio frequency (RF) interference, and generate a report of an RF interference event to a remote server device based upon the presence of the interference. The system further includes the server device including programming to monitor the report of the interference event from each of the vehicles, identify a threshold RF interference event based upon the report of the RF interference event from each of the plurality of vehicles, and command a remedial action based upon the threshold RF interference event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting contact between a manufacturing apparatus and an article being worked upon by the manufacturing apparatus. Vehicles that include the article are also provided. The system includes the manufacturing apparatus configured to perform a process on the article, a signal transmitter configured to apply an input signal to the article with during the process such that the input signal is conducted through the article, a signal receiver configured to monitor a first component of the manufacturing apparatus to detect conduction of the input signal through the first component with during the process, and a signal processor configured to determine whether contact has occurred between the first component of the manufacturing apparatus and the article based on the detection of the input signal by the signal receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of forming an extruded billet from a coarse-grained magnesium alloy billet. The method includes extruding the coarse-grained magnesium alloy biller at temperatures greater than or equal to about 300° C. to less than or equal to about 360° C. to from the extruded billet. The coarse-grained magnesium alloy billet has an average grain size greater than or equal to about 800 ?m, and has a low aluminum content. The coarse-grained magnesium alloy billet includes greater than or equal to about 0.5 wt. % to less than or equal to about 3 wt. % of aluminum. The extruded billet may have a plurality of twins with lenticular morphology, which occupies an area fraction greater than or equal to about 20% of a total area of the extruded billet.