Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell generator, a rechargeable energy storage circuit, an auxiliary load, a converter circuit, and a switch circuit. The fuel cell generator is operable to generate electrical power in a stack output signal. The auxiliary load is powered by the rechargeable energy storage circuit while in a first mode, and powered by a local signal while in a second mode. The converter circuit is operable to convert the stack output signal into a plurality of recharge signals while in the first mode and in the second mode, and convert the stack output signal into the local signal while in the second mode. The switch circuit is operable switch the plurality of recharge signals to one or more electric vehicles, and switch the local signal to the auxiliary load while in the second mode.

Abstract: A method and system of objectively noise testing a plurality of vehicles at a vehicle production facility having a production control system is disclosed. The method includes selecting one of the plurality of vehicles at the vehicle production facility for noise testing, mounting a noise testing device to an interior of the selected vehicle, and testing the selected vehicle by operating the selected vehicle on a noise-inducing test track having a plurality of test track sections and recording the noise data on the noise testing device.

Abstract: A method of prompting an operator of an electric vehicle for pre-conditioning the electric vehicle comprises monitoring a location of the electric vehicle, monitoring the temperature of an electric propulsion system within the electric vehicle, accessing historical data of driving patterns for the electric vehicle, monitoring the location of the operator of the electric vehicle, identifying a condition that indicates imminent usage of the electric vehicle based on the location of the vehicle, the location of the operator of the electric vehicle, and the historical data of driving patterns for the electric vehicle, comparing the temperature of the electric propulsion system of the electric vehicle to a pre-determined preferred operating temperature, and sending a prompt to the operator of the electric vehicle suggesting that pre-conditioning of the electric vehicle may be appropriate.

Abstract: Methods of forming a lithium-based negative electrode assembly are provided. A surface of a metal current collector is treated with a reducing plasma gas so that after the treating, a treated surface of the metal current collector is formed that has a contact angle of less than or equal to about 10° and has less than or equal to about 5% metal oxides. The metal current collector may include a metal, such as copper, nickel, and iron. A lithium metal is applied to the treated surface of the metal current collector in an environment substantially free from oxidizing species. Lithium metal flows over and adheres to the treated surface to form a layer of lithium. The layer of lithium may be a thin layer having a thickness of ?about 1 ?m to ?about 75 ?m thus forming the lithium metal negative electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that control lateral movement of a vehicle are provided. The method includes receiving vehicle information and path information of the vehicle, determining a center of vehicle rotation from the vehicle information, minimizing a path tracking error based on the path information of the vehicle, determining a road wheel angle command or a steering torque command using non-linear optimization based on the minimized path tracking error, and controlling an actuator according to the road wheel angle command or steering torque command.

Abstract: A battery and supercapacitor system of a vehicle includes a lithium ion battery (LIB) disposed within a housing. The LIB includes: an electrolyte including lithium; and first and second electrodes disposed in the electrolyte. A supercapacitor is disposed within the housing and includes: the electrolyte; and third and fourth electrodes disposed in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a first electric machine including a first machine shaft, a second electric machine including a second machine shaft, and a differential interconnecting the first electric machine and the second electric machine. The differential includes a park gear. The drive unit further includes a single park system configured to engage the park gear of the differential to simultaneously stop rotation of both the first electric machine and the second electric machine. The park system includes a single pawl movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The pawl is spaced apart from the park gear of the differential in the disengaged position to allow the park gear to rotate. The single pawl is in contact with the park gear of the differential in the engaged position to preclude rotation of the park gear.

Abstract: A method for controlling an actuator system of a motor vehicle includes utilizing a model predictive control (MPC) module with an MPC solver to determine optimal positions of one or more actuators of the actuator system. The method further includes receiving a plurality of actuator system parameters, and triggering the MPC solver to generate one or more control commands from plurality of actuator system parameters. The method further includes applying a cost function to reduce a steady-state tracking error in the one or more control commands from the MPC solver and applying the one or more control commands to alter positions of the one or more actuators, and applying a penalty term to the steady-state predictions of positions of the plurality of actuators to limit a difference between a steady-state prediction of the actuator system and a solution from the MPC solver.

Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more cameras that capture a plurality of two-dimensional images of a three-dimensional object. A light detector and/or a semantic classifier search within those images for lights of the three-dimensional object. A vehicle signal detection module fuses information from the light detector and/or the semantic classifier to produce a semantic meaning for the lights. The vehicle can be controlled based on the semantic meaning. Further, the vehicle can include a depth sensor and an object projector. The object projector can determine regions of interest within the two-dimensional images, based on the depth sensor. The light detector and/or the semantic classifier can use these regions of interest to efficiently perform the search for the lights.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting autonomous transport imbalances. A transport vehicle operates over a route. A fixture plate is coupled to the transport vehicle by a joint to carry a payload. A sensor determines a position of the joint. A controller modifies the operation of the transport vehicle in response to a change in the position of the joint to correct imbalances.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use with one or more workpieces. The fastener assembly can be a single-sided (i.e., blind) fastener assembly in which the fastener assembly is inaccessible from one side of the workpiece(s). In this regard, the workpiece(s) can make-up an enclosed component, for example. The fastener assembly can have a fastening end, such as a threaded stud, for securement with a distinct component that is otherwise detached from the fastener assembly. The workpiece(s) can be composed of a carbon fiber composite material, an aluminum material, or another type of material.

Abstract: A window regulator may include a first guide rail assembly, that may be coupled to the door panel and including a first guide rail, a first pulley and a second pulley. The first slider may be configured to receive the window pane and translate along the first guide rail to move the window pane between an open position and a closed position. The first cable may be coupled to a drive and engaged with the first pulley and may be fixed to the first slider such that actuation of the drive moves the first slider and the window pane into the opening. The spring may be disposed between an end of the first cable and a portion of the first slider. The spring may be configured to bias the slider and an edge of the window pane towards the A-side beam or the B-side beam.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle including a sensor system that outputs a sensor signal indicative of a condition of the autonomous vehicle. The vehicle also includes a user interface device with a display. A computing system determines, based upon a profile of the passenger, that support is to be provided textually to the passenger when the support is provided to the passenger. The computing system further detects occurrence of an event that has been identified as potentially causing discomfort to the passenger. The computing system yet further sets a predefined support message defined in an account corresponding to the event maintained in a database prior to occurrence of the event as a support message to be presented to the passenger. The computing system additionally causes the display to present the support message textually, wherein the textual support message solicits feedback from the passenger of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of a hidden hazard may include identification of an operational scene for a host vehicle, and identification of an operational situation for the host vehicle. Information from a plurality of proximity sensors is collected and classified. A plurality of hidden hazard presence probabilities corresponding to the information from each of the plurality of proximity sensors, the operational scene, the operational situation, and at least one of a comparative process and a dynamic neural network process are estimated. A fusion process may be performed upon the plurality of hidden hazard presence probabilities to determine the presence of a hidden hazard.

Abstract: Presented are driver alert systems with control logic for powertrain energy tracking and reporting, methods for making/using such systems, and electric-drive vehicles with alert systems for providing driver cues to indicate real-time potential energy buildup in the powertrain. A method of operating a driver alert system for an electric-drive vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a selection of a powertrain operating mode. Responsive to the received selection, the vehicle controller determines a buildup of output torque generated via an electric traction motor for an impending vehicle maneuver associated with the selected powertrain operating mode. The controller accesses a memory-stored, torque-based lookup table to retrieve an output level calibrated to an in-vehicle sensory output device and corresponding to an output torque value for the determined torque buildup.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes: a body; a drive system configured to propel the body; and a front motor compartment formed within the body, the front motor compartment including: a first shock tower; a second shock tower; and a structural integration brace for a vehicle, including: a first end attached to a first shock tower of the vehicle; and a second end attached to a second shock tower of the vehicle; wherein the structural integration brace extends between the first end and the second end, generating a load path therebetween within the front motor compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle including a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is described. Operating the vehicle includes determining, via the GPS sensor, first parameters associated with a velocity, a position, and a course, and determining, via the IMU, second parameters associated with acceleration and angular velocity. Roll and pitch parameters are determined based upon the first and second parameters. A first vehicle velocity vector is determined based upon the roll and pitch parameters, the first parameters, and the second parameters; and a second vehicle velocity vector is determined based upon the roll and pitch parameters, road surface friction coefficient, angular velocity, road wheel angles and the first vehicle velocity vector. A final vehicle velocity vector is determined based upon fusion of the first and second vehicle velocity vectors. The vehicle is controlled based upon the final vehicle velocity vector.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes: a body; a drive system configured to propel the body; and a suspension system coupled to the drive system, the suspension system including a shock cap assembly including: a strut component; a cap component attached to the strut component; and an attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a body of the vehicle, such that the shock cap assembly is configured to be accessed from a front wheel well of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: recording, by a controller onboard the vehicle, lidar data from the lidar device while the vehicle is travelling on a straight road; determining, by the controller, that the vehicle is travelling straight on the straight road; detecting, by the controller, straight lane marks on the straight road; computing, by the controller, lidar boresight parameters based on the straight lane marks; calibrating, by the controller, the lidar device based on the lidar boresight parameters; and controlling, by the controller, the vehicle based on data from the calibrated lidar device.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for a battery is provided. The temperature regulation system includes an electrochemical cell, which may be in the form of a battery. The electrochemical cell includes a housing having a first side surface that extends from a first end to a second end, and a first temperature control chamber containing a dielectric fluid. The first temperature control chamber is located along the first side surface of the housing or along at least one of the first end or the second end of the housing. The dielectric fluid is in direct contact with the housing at the first side surface or at the first end or the second end.