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 connecting member that is attached to the structure. The connecting member is rotatable about a first axis relative to the structure. A handle portion is attached to the connecting member, and is rotatable about a second axis relative to the connecting member. The handle portion and the connecting member rotate in unison relative to the structure about the first axis, between the stowed position and the intermediate position, to position the handle portion outside an interior space of the structure. The handle portion rotates relative to the connecting member about the second axis, between the intermediate position and the deployed position, whereby a user may grasp the handle portion.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel deflector bracket and method is provided. The bracket is attachable to a vehicle having a wheel, a door, and a body structure supporting a door hinge. The bracket is configured to deflect a force from the wheel to the body structure and away from the door hinge when the bracket is attached to the body structure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear spoiler having a central portion, a first vertical side plate that is disposed at a first lateral edge of the central portion, and a second vertical side plate that is disposed at a second lateral edge of the central portion. An actuating system is coupled to the first vertical side plate and the second vertical side plate for moving the first vertical side plate and the second vertical side plate independently of each other about a first vertical axis and a second vertical axis respectively. A vehicle controller senses a current operating condition of the vehicle, determines an optimal position for each of the first vertical side plate and the second vertical side plate respectively for the current operating condition, and signals the actuating system to move the first vertical side plate and the second vertical side into their respective optimal positions.

Abstract: A vehicle and a locking assembly are disclosed. The locking assembly includes a pawl rotatable about a pivot axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The pawl is adapted to engage the ring gear when in the engaged position for preventing movement of the ring gear. The locking assembly further includes an actuator selectively actuated to move the pawl to the engaged position. Additionally, the locking assembly includes a biasing mechanism engaging the pawl to continuously bias the pawl toward the disengaged position. The pawl includes a first tooth and a second tooth spaced from each other to define a gap therebetween. The first tooth and the second tooth are adapted to trap a tooth of the ring gear in the gap when the pawl is in the engaged position for preventing rotation of the ring gear.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing the reliability of a pressure sensor disposed in a fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. A control cycle is executed to measure a value of a fuel rail pressure with the pressure sensor, determine a first and a second threshold value of the fuel rail pressure, identify the measured value of the fuel rail pressure as reliable when the measured value is inside an interval of values ranging from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, and identify the measured value of the fuel rail pressure as unreliable when the measured value is outside that interval. The first and the second threshold values may be determined on the basis of a last reliable value of the fuel rail pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes sensing movement of an interior door handle of the vehicle with a sensing device, such as a door lock switch. A position of a door of the vehicle is sensed with a door position sensor, after movement of the interior door handle is sensed, to determine if the door remains in an unopened position after movement of the interior door handle is sensed, or if the door moves into an opened position after movement of the interior door handle is sensed. When movement of the interior door handle is sensed and the door remains in the unopened position after movement of the interior door handle, instructions are provided with an audio or video device related to the proper procedure for unlocking and opening the door.

Abstract: A method of testing the proper functioning of a catalyzed particulate filter of an internal combustion engine during regeneration of the catalyzed particulate filter is disclosed. A first value of an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas upstream of the catalyzed particulate filter and a second value of an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas downstream of the catalyzed particulate filter is measured during regeneration. The difference between the first value and the second value is calculated and a malfunctioning of the catalyzed particulate filter is indicated when the calculated difference is below a predetermined threshold value thereof.

Abstract: A welding method includes the following steps: (a) determining a martensite tempering temperature of the at least two workpieces based, at least in part, on the chemical composition and microstructure of the woworkpieces; (b) applying sufficient energy to the workpieces to melt the workpieces at a target location, thereby creating a weld pool; (c) determining, via the control module, a target temperature and cooling range of a coolant and cooling range based, at least in part, on the martensite tempering temperature and HAZ width; and (d) cooling the first and second workpieces with the coolant such that a temperature of the workpieces at heat-affected zones is controlled below the martensite tempering temperature in order to minimize softening at the heat-affected zones. The present invention also relates to a welding system for minimizing HAZ softening.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes a floor structure having at least one side member, and a superstructure arranged thereon and having a hinge pillar adjoining the floor structure. A reinforcing element is provided in a transition region of floor structure and hinge pillar. A first end portion of the reinforcing element is structurally connected to the floor structure and a second end portion of the reinforcing element located opposite the first end is structurally connected to the superstructure.

Abstract: A method of controlling the fuel rail pressure of a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A failure condition of a fuel rail pressure sensor is detected. A fuel rail pressure target value and an injector fuel output target value are determined on the basis of an internal combustion engine operating condition. A fuel pump output target value to be supplied into the fuel rail is determined. The fuel pump is driven in order to provide the fuel pump output target value. The fuel pump output target value is determined on the basis of the injector fuel output target value, and the fuel injector is energized for an energizing time target value determined on the basis of the fuel rail pressure target value and the injector fuel output target value.

Abstract: A device for fastening a paneling part to a body structure, particularly an interior body panel, of a motor vehicle and the body structure with an inner side facing toward the paneling part and an outer side facing away from the paneling part. The device includes a first fastening component for fastening to an opening in body structure. The first fastening component has a first section for bearing on the outer side of the body structure and a second section for arrangement in the area of the inner side of the body structure. A second, rod-like fastening component fastens the paneling part to the second fastening component. The second section of the first fastening component is constructed in such manner that the second section can be passed through the opening in the body structure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a catalytic converter is disclosed. The method includes: determining an oxygen storage value, which is a dimension for oxygen stored in the catalytic converter, detecting an engine load, carrying out a part evacuation of the oxygen from the catalytic converter with a fuel enrichment when the oxygen storage value exceeds a trigger evacuation threshold value and when the engine load is below a low-load threshold value.

Abstract: A method for controlling ammonia generation in an exhaust gas feedstream output from an internal combustion engine equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment system including a first aftertreatment device includes executing an ammonia generation cycle to generate ammonia on the first aftertreatment device. A desired air-fuel ratio output from the engine and entering the exhaust aftertreatment system conducive for generating ammonia on the first aftertreatment device is determined. Operation of a selected combination of a plurality of cylinders of the engine is selectively altered to achieve the desired air-fuel ratio entering the exhaust aftertreatment system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block defining a plurality of cylinders. A cylinder head casting is mounted to the engine block. The cylinder head casting defines intake ports and exhaust ports communicating with the plurality of cylinders. The cylinder head casting defines an air passage in connection with the intake ports and includes elongated extruded cooling elements defining liquid coolant passages integrated into the cylinder head casting within the air passage for cooling intake air passing through the air passage.

Abstract: Methods and vehicles are provided for identifying objects in proximity to the vehicle and controlling active safety functionality for the vehicle. A target object in proximity to the vehicle is detected. A movement of the target object is measured. The target object is classified based at least in part on the movement. The active safety functionality is controlled based at least in part on the classification of the target object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable battery module for an electrically driven vehicle, with at least one bracket that can be detachably arranged on a bearing structure of the motor vehicle, and carries at least one battery unit.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising an airbag which propels a moving member that releases a hood hinge mechanism upon deployment and which deploys a cushion to provide pedestrian protection from at least one of a rearward region of the hood, a lower windshield, an A-pillar, an outboard region of a hood, or a fender.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing and verifying the identity of a driver and front seat passenger of a vehicle. A vehicle owner uploads profile data for several individuals who may be a driver or passenger to a database in the vehicle. When a driver or passenger enters the vehicle, the system uses the profile data—which can include height, weight, and gender information about the individual—along with vehicle data such as seat position, to identify the driver or passenger from the database. The profile data for the known individual is then used to adjust the position of the seat and other components in the cockpit. The profile data is also used by various safety and convenience systems onboard the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing a trim panel for a vehicle using one or more micro-truss reinforcement patches. Each micro-truss reinforcement patch is secured to an inner surface of a show surface panel of the trim panel while it is in a partially cured state and then fully cured. The micro-truss patch is fusion bonded to the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lane-tracking assistance system for a motor vehicle including a surroundings detection device for determining at least one roadway marking and at least one vehicle headlight which, depending on the detected roadway marking and a position of the motor vehicle that is able to be detected from the roadway marking, is designed to generate light of a differing spectral composition.