Abstract: A system includes a battery configured for providing electrical energy in direct current and a drive unit configured for utilizing electrical energy in alternating current to provide an output torque. The system includes a power inverter configured for receiving the electrical energy in direct current, transforming the electrical energy to alternating current, and providing the electrical energy in alternating current to the drive unit. The power inverter includes a direct current bus bar. The system includes a computerized controller. The controller monitors an environmental temperature of the inverter and monitors a current flow of the electrical energy received by the inverter. The controller determines an estimated temperature of the bus bar based upon the environmental temperature and the current flow and determining an inverter percent available capability based upon the estimated temperature.

Abstract: A method of controlling a color display screen aboard a motor vehicle includes performing, via a host computer, a color calibration test of a user of the motor vehicle in which the user is subjected to a calibrated set of color-coded test information. The method includes receiving a color perception response of the user to the calibrated set of color-coded test information via the host computer. Additionally, the method includes mapping a reduced visual gamut of the user via the host computer using the color perception response, and then commanding adjustment of user-specific color settings of the motor vehicle using the reduced visual gamut to thereby accommodate a color perception deficiency of the user.

Abstract: A traction board for insertion under a vehicle's tire for freeing the vehicle from a stuck condition includes an elongated board body and an end plate pivotally connected to an end portion of the elongated board body. According to a further aspect, a traction board includes an elongated board body and a finger pivotally connected to the elongated board body and pivotally extending below the elongated board body in order to prevent the elongated board body from sliding rearward.

Abstract: A method and system for composite molding, and the method includes additively manufacturing a mold shell that includes a part forming cavity. The method includes filling at least a portion of the mold shell with a strengthening agent. The method includes hardening the strengthening agent to form a mold, and laying-up a composite material on the part forming cavity. The method includes curing the mold to form a composite part.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle includes a wireless access point (AP), an ultra-wide band (UWB) system, a communication link, a controller, and a vehicle system. The UWB system is in communication with the wireless AP via a communication link. The wireless communication system is operable to detect, via the wireless AP, a request for localized wireless communication. The UWB system requests the wireless AP to generate a clear to send (CTS) transmission, which includes selecting an ultra-wide band (UWB) channel, mapping the UWB channel to a plurality of WiFi channels, and transmitting, by the wireless AP, the CTS transmission to each of the plurality of WiFi channels. The UWB system then transmits a UWB message.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining, by a processor, that a lane centering feature is active in the vehicle; identifying, by the processor, a pattern of steering wheel torque; determining, by the processor, a driver requested offset based on a location of the vehicle and a location of a center of the lane; applying, by the processor, the driver requested offset to a planned trajectory of the vehicle; evaluating, by the processor, one or more duration conditions; and in response to the evaluating, selectively generating, by the processor, a control signal based on the planned trajectory with the driver requested offset.

Abstract: A system and method for surround view egress assistance that includes detecting, by a sensor in a vehicle, an obstacle in a swing path of a vehicle door. The method includes predicting, based on a geometrical analysis, one or more potential collision zones between the obstacle and the vehicle door. The predicting also includes determining a bank angle of the vehicle in the predicting of one or more potential collision zones. The method further includes estimating, based on data from an inertial measurement unit, a severity of an impact of the vehicle door with the obstacle. The method also includes detecting a color and height of a curb and potential collisions with a vehicle door.

Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous racetrack driver coach and demonstrator in an autonomous vehicle employing operating systems for propulsion and maneuvering includes identifying a road course and mapping a velocity profile and a trajectory for the vehicle via a remote configurator. The trajectory defines a vehicle path around the road course and with the velocity profile minimizes the vehicle's lap time. The method also includes determining a presence of a human passenger/operator in the vehicle. The method additionally includes determining, via an electronic controller in communication with a remote detection source, localization of the vehicle on the road course. The method also includes determining vehicle velocity, acceleration, and heading relative to the mapped trajectory.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a first header having a first conduit and a second header having a second conduit. The battery pack also includes an energy storage system having energy storage cells arranged between the first header and the second header. A coolant plate assembly is arranged between the first header and the second header and abuts the plurality of energy storage cells. The coolant plate assembly includes a coolant channel having a first end fluidically connected to the first conduit, a second end fluidically connected to the second conduit, and an intermediate portion defining a flow path. The coolant plate assembly also includes a first planar section having a first surface facing the energy storage cells and a second surface having protrusions extending into the coolant channel.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes data processing hardware, memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that when executed on the data processing hardware cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including detecting an airborne pollutant within a vehicle cabin, determining whether the airborne pollutant exceeds a pollutant threshold, and reducing the level of airborne pollutant within the vehicle cabin when the airborne pollutant exceeds the pollutant threshold by controlling at least one vehicle system.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system includes a vehicle processor storing battery data and a user device communicatively coupled with the vehicle processor. The user device includes data processing hardware that stores a weather application, a navigation application, and a battery monitoring application. The battery monitoring application is configured to receive the battery data from the vehicle processor and weather data from the weather application. The battery monitoring application is also configured to present a user with battery efficiency options based on the battery data and the weather data.

Abstract: A modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes a RESS enclosure surrounded by an external environment and having an enclosure tray, an enclosure cover, and a rail structure. The RESS also includes a plurality of mechanically interconnected battery cell blocks arranged in the RESS enclosure. Each battery cell block includes a cell case having at least one interface connector configured to couple the cell case to the rail structure, such that each battery cell block is engaged with and aligned and supported by the rail structure.

Abstract: A unified electronic control unit (ECU) interface provides a bridge from ECU clients to the ECU. The ECU interface may be implemented on a vehicle's onboard computer, and it may be used by clients executing on the onboard computer and, in some cases, by clients outside the onboard computer. The ECU interface may receive a request from a client in a first messaging format, e.g., a local networking protocol used by processes running on the vehicle. The ECU interface translates the request into a second messaging format and transmits the request to the ECU. The ECU interface receives a response from the ECU and translates the response into the first messaging format for delivery to the client. The ECU interface may further perform authentication of the client and/or the ECU, packet serialization of the response from the ECU, packet diagnostics, and other functionalities associated with communicating with the ECU.

Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing a component includes the component configured to be additively manufactured using powder bed fusion. The component includes a first geometry that is different than a second geometry, and the first geometry and the second geometry are configured to create a thermal gradient along the component. The system includes a thermal management structure defined proximate the component. The thermal management structure has a first structure geometry that is different than a second structure geometry. The first structure geometry is defined proximate the first geometry and the second structure geometry is defined proximate the second geometry. The thermal management structure is configured to be additively manufactured with the component substantially simultaneously to reduce the thermal gradient along the component.