Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a structure, and a handle assembly attached to the structure. The handle assembly is moveable relative to the structure between a stowed position, an intermediate position, and a deployed position. The handle assembly includes a handle portion, and a mounting system attached to the structure and rotatably supporting the handle portion relative to the structure. The mounting system supports the handle portion for rotation about both a first axis and a second axis. The handle portion rotates about the first axis to move between the stowed position and the intermediate position to position the handle portion outside an interior space of the structure. The handle portion rotates about the second axis to move between the intermediate position and the deployed position, whereby a user may grasp the handle portion.

Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism for a transmission includes a first and a second rotating member, a rotating piston, a stationary piston, and a first bearing. The rotating piston is rotatably connected to the first rotating member and includes a splined end. The stationary piston is disposed in a stationary housing of the transmission. The stationary piston and the stationary housing form a hydraulic fluid piston apply chamber. The first bearing is disposed between the rotating piston and the stationary piston. The splined end of the second rotating member is axially aligned and configured to engage with the splined end of the rotating piston.

Abstract: A method for generating a candidate assembly system layout for an assembled product includes inputting a bill of materials including a list of components for the assembled product and determining a plurality of assembly patterns for the assembled product including a plurality of intermediate assemblies and sub-assemblies. A basic task layout is determined that includes assembly tasks for assembling the assembled product based upon a selected one of the assembly patterns. A whole task layout is determined based upon the basic task layout for the selected assembly pattern. Candidate assembly machines are selected for the whole task layout, and zoning constraints are identified for the candidate assembly machines related to assembly tasks. A candidate assembly system layout is generated based upon the whole task layout, the selected candidate assembly machines and the zoning constraints, from which a simulation model of a candidate assembly system is generated.

Abstract: A toe optimization system for a vehicle with first and second rear wheels defining a rear toe angle. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors and first and second actuators operatively connected to the first and second rear wheels, respectively, for varying the rear toe angle. A controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for controlling the rear toe angle. Execution of the instructions by the processor causes the controller to select one of a plurality of vehicle states. Each of the plurality of vehicle states has a respective toe setting. The controller is configured to actuate the first and second actuators to vary the rear toe angle to the respective toe setting. By actively controlling the rear toe angle, the agility and stability of the vehicle can be optimized according to the specific vehicle state.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly for a product includes an inner component abuttable with the product and defining a first hole, an outer component abuttable with the inner component and the product and defining a second hole, and a first fastener. The first fastener is insertable into the first hole and the second hole so that the inner component is attached to the outer component and the product is sandwiched between the inner component and the outer component. A product includes a fender defining a cavity and the splash guard assembly attached to the fender within the cavity.

Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system is described, and includes an internal combustion engine and electric machines operative to transfer mechanical power through a gear train to an output member coupled to a driveline, wherein the electric machines electrically connect to a battery. The method includes determining an audible noise-based maximum engine speed, wherein the internal combustion engine generates an audible noise that is less than a threshold noise level when operating at a speed that is less than the audible noise-based maximum engine speed. The electric machines and the internal combustion engine are controlled responsive to an operator torque request including controlling the engine speed to be less than the audible noise-based maximum engine speed when battery power is greater than a minimum threshold.

Abstract: A cable set holder is disclosed for fastening a cable or cable set to a motor vehicle and in particular a vehicle body. The cable set holder includes a cable mounting portion configured to hold one or more cables, and a fastening portion configured to fix the cable set holder on a body component of the motor vehicle. A nut is arranged in a loss-preventing manner on the fastening portion of the cable set holder.

Abstract: A powertrain system including an internal combustion engine, a transmission and an electric machine is described, and includes the electric machine rotatably coupled to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The transmission is coupled to a driveline to transfer tractive torque and braking torque thereto. A method for controlling the electric machine includes determining a short-term axle torque capacity, a long-term axle torque capacity and a maximum regenerative braking stall torque capacity, and determining an operator request for braking. A preferred regenerative braking capacity is determined based upon the short-term axle torque capacity, the long-term regenerative braking capacity, the engine stall regenerative braking capacity and the operator request for braking. Torque output from the electric machine is controlled based upon the preferred regenerative braking capacity.

Abstract: An airflow outlet assembly and a passenger compartment for a vehicle includes a housing defining an aperture extending along a central axis. The housing includes a central support disposed in the aperture proximal to the central axis. First and second outlet components are at least partially disposed in the aperture of the housing. The first outlet component includes a first plate and a first vane extending outwardly from the first plate toward the central axis. The second outlet component includes a second plate and a second vane extending outwardly from the second plate toward the central axis. The first and second outlet components are rotatable concurrently with each other to change the position of the first and second plates and the first and second vanes relative to the housing such that the first and second plates selectively close and open the aperture.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block having at least one cylinder. An intake manifold and an exhaust manifold are each fluidly connected to the at least one cylinder and define an intake manifold pressure (pi) and an exhaust manifold pressure (pe), respectively. A controller is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and configured to receive a torque request (TR). The controller is programmed to determine a desired fuel mass (mf) for controlling a torque output of the internal combustion engine. The desired fuel mass (mf) is based at least partially on the torque request (TR), the intake and exhaust manifold pressures and a pressure-volume (PV) diagram of the at least one cylinder.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block having at least one cylinder and at least one piston moveable within the at least one cylinder. A crankshaft is moveable to define a plurality of crank angles (CA) from a bore axis defined by the cylinder to a crank axis defined by the crankshaft. A controller is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and configured to receive a torque request (TR). The controller is programmed to determine a desired combustion phasing (CAd) for controlling a torque output of the internal combustion engine. The desired combustion phasing is based at least partially on the torque request (TR) and a pressure-volume (PV) diagram of the at least one cylinder.

Abstract: A single-shaft dual expansion internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a cylinder head, a single crankshaft, a control shaft and first, second and third multi-link connecting rod assemblies. First and second power cylinders and an expander cylinder are formed in the engine block. First and second power pistons are moveable in the first and second power cylinders and are connected to respective first and second crankpins of the crankshaft. An expander piston is moveable in the expander cylinder and is connected to a third crankpin of the crankshaft. First and second multi-link connecting rod assemblies are coupled to first and second swing arms of the control shaft. A third multi-link connecting rod assembly is coupled to a third swing arm of the control shaft.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing defining separate first and second cavities, an illuminable outer lens constructed from a homogenous multi-polymer material, and a first lighting source within the first cavity. A second lighting source may be positioned in the second cavity. An opaque portion of the housing separates the first and second cavities and prevents an influx into the second cavity of light emitted by the first lighting source. The multi-polymer material, when irradiated by the first lighting source, illuminates with a light transmittance level of about 50% or more and a haze level of less than about 30%. A vehicle includes a body having a front end, a hood positioned at the front end, and the light assembly positioned adjacent to the hood. A controller may transmit a lighting control signal to the first lighting source to command a turn signal, daytime running light, park, or position function.

Abstract: A system includes a glove, sensors, actuator assemblies, and controller. The sensors include load sensors which measure an actual grasping force and attitude sensors which determine a glove attitude. The actuator assembly provides a grasp assist force to the glove. Respective locations of work cells in the work environment and permitted work tasks for each work cell are programmed into the controller. The controller detects the glove location and attitude. A work task is selected by the controller for the location. The controller calculates a required grasp assist force using measured actual grasping forces from the load sensors. The required grasp assist force is applied via the glove using the actuator assembly to thereby assist the operator in performing the identified work task.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A signal generated by the oxygen concentration sensor is converted into a first signal indicative of an air/fuel ratio in the engine cylinder. A second signal indicative of an expected air/fuel ratio in the engine cylinder due to a fuel injection is generated and filtered to obtain a filtered signal and used to operate the engine. The filtered signal is obtained by sampling values of the first and second signals. A time constant is calculated based on the sampled values of the first and second signals and a value of the first signal sampled during a preceding control cycle. A value of the filtered signal is calculated based on the calculated time constant, the sampled value of the second signal and a value of the filtered signal calculated during the preceding control cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inspecting, in particular testing, a motor vehicle subsystem. A real carrier having a real first motor vehicle subsystem is loaded onto a whole vehicle test stand. The states of the first motor vehicle subsystem are determined while loading the carrier onto the whole vehicle test. A real second motor vehicle subsystem is loaded onto a subsystem test stand based on the determined states. The states of the second motor vehicle subsystem are determined while loading it onto the subsystem test stand.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a stick-slip condition in a steering system includes transmitting a periodic steering control signal to a rotary actuator to cause rotation of a steering shaft, through a torsion bar and inertia wheel, over a range of steering angles, and applying an axial force to a rack to resist rack displacement from a centered position. A steering torque output value is measured via a torque transducer. A control action is executed when a measured difference between a maximum value of a steering torque required to initiate rack motion/torque breakaway and a minimum value of the steering torque after breakaway for start-up or subsequent steering reversal exceeds a calibrated threshold. A system includes the rotary actuator, steering system, torque transducer, torsion bar, inertia wheel, linear actuator(s) providing an axial force along the rack axis to resist rack displacement from a centered position, and controller programmed as noted above.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a stick-slip or stiction condition in an electrically-assisted steering system includes transmitting a first steering control signal from a controller to a rotary actuator as a periodic steering conditioning signal, receiving a second steering control signal via a steering assist motor throughout the test to electrically assist steering, transmitting a third steering control signal to the rotary actuator to cause alternate rotation of the steering shaft to a target angle rate at constant acceleration/deceleration, and measuring a steering torque output from the rotary actuator. A control action is executed when a difference in local maximum and minimum peak amplitudes of the steering torque output exceeds a calibrated threshold difference indicative of stiction. A system includes a rotary actuator, the steering system, a torque transducer operable for measuring a steering torque imparted to the steering shaft by the rotary actuator, and the controller noted above.

Abstract: A method of operating a Selective Catalytic Reduction on Diesel Particulate Filter or SDPF is disclosed. During a SDPF regeneration; temperature values are obtained for the SDPF inlet and SDPF outlet. The temperature values are used to calculate a rate of increase of SDPF outlet temperature and a rate of increase of SDPF inlet temperature. A ratio between the rate of increase of SDPF outlet temperature values and the rate of increase of SDPF inlet temperature values is calculated, and if the ratio is greater than a threshold thereof, the exhaust gas composition is modified in some manner.

Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system is described, and includes an internal combustion engine having stop/start capability. A method for controlling the multi-mode powertrain system includes circulating coolant to a heater core via an engine fluidic circuit that includes a water jacket of the internal combustion engine when temperature of the coolant is less than an engine fluidic circuit upper temperature threshold and the engine is in an ON state. Coolant is circulated to the heater core via a bypass fluidic circuit that excludes the water jacket of the internal combustion engine when temperature of the coolant is greater than a bypass fluidic circuit lower temperature threshold when the engine is in an OFF state.