Abstract: A method for estimating the volumetric efficiency in an internal combustion engine in real time includes the following steps: (a) monitoring an oxygen percentage of gases in the intake manifold using an oxygen sensor coupled to an intake manifold; and (b) determining, via a control module, a volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine in real time based, at least in part, on the oxygen percentage of the gases in the intake manifold.

Abstract: A hood sensor assembly of a motor vehicle includes a molding for transmitting an impact force to a hood sensor. The molding includes an absorption area for absorbing an impact force and a transmission section for transmitting at least a portion of the impact force to a hood sensor. An elastically movable material section provides a restoring force against which the molding can be arranged in its installation position (E). The hood sensor is supported within the molding.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for removing impurities from a fluid stream; the apparatus comprising a filtration unit rotatably mounted on a support structure, the filtration unit having a longitudinal axis of rotation A extending through a longitudinal tube (2) disposed centrally within the filtration unit; the longitudinal tube (2) being connected or connectable to a pressurised source of fluid requiring purification; the longitudinal tube having one or more openings for receiving fluid under pressure from the said source and one or more lateral openings (14) for introducing the fluid into the filtration unit; wherein the filtration unit comprises, in addition to the longitudinal tube: (a) a centrifugal separation chamber (60) for separating suspended particulate matter of a first size range from the fluid stream; (b-i) an array of secondary filters (51), (53), (55) downstream of the centrifugal separation chamber for removing impurities of a predetermined type from the fluid stream; (c) a flow spl

Abstract: A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine includes a network structure projecting from a sidewall thereof. The network structure is formed by a plurality of ribs including a first group of parallel ribs extending in a first diagonal direction with respect to an axis of a cylinder, a second group of parallel ribs extending in a second diagonal direction with respect to the axis of the cylinder, and a third group of parallel transverse ribs intersecting the diagonal ribs in such a way to form a triangular arrangement of ribs. The network structure further includes cylindrical portions in correspondence of the vertices of the triangular arrangement of ribs.

Abstract: A method includes providing a vehicle door having an inner panel, an outer panel, and a bracket assembly. The inner panel and the outer panel cooperate to define a door cavity and a window opening. The bracket assembly is mounted with respect to the inner panel inside the door cavity. The method further includes inserting the division post into the door cavity through the window opening, and engaging the division post with the bracket assembly such that the bracket assembly secures the division post to the inner panel. A corresponding door assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for using exhaust gas to heat and/or charge a battery for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The system and method use an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) device to heat a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is thermally connected to a first heat exchanger to heat the battery and/or to a second heat exchanger to charge the battery if predetermined conditions are met.

Abstract: An elastically deformable clip includes a first and second outer wall arranged substantially parallel to each other, each of the first outer wall and the second outer wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first edge and a second edge arranged substantially parallel, and a third edge and a fourth edge arranged substantially parallel. The clip also includes at least one inner wall extending between the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, the at least one inner wall having at least one slot, wherein the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the at least one inner wall are formed of an elastically deformable material. The clip further includes a rib protruding from the outer surface of at least one of the first and second outer walls, the rib arranged substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A system includes a turbocharged engine, sensors, and a controller. The engine includes an engine intake manifold, air intake manifold, a compressor, a first aftercooler device, a throttle that admits cooled compressed air to the engine intake manifold, and cylinders. The sensors determine engine status signals and include a first manifold pressure (MAP) sensor positioned with respect to the first aftercooler device, a second MAP sensor positioned with respect to the engine intake manifold, a mass airflow (MAF) sensor positioned in the air intake manifold, a first manifold temperature (MAT) sensor positioned in the engine intake manifold, and a second MAT sensor positioned between the first aftercooler device and the throttle. The controller executes a method to calculate a cylinder air charge using an oxygen level of post-combustion gasses and the engine status signals, and controls an operation of the engine using the calculated air charge via engine control signals.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation device for a motor vehicle is disclosed with includes an unburnt gas line for guiding an unburnt gas flow and at least one exhaust gas feed line for supplying exhaust gas into the unburnt gas line. At least two discharge openings offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the unburnt gas line are provided in the unburnt gas line, by way of which the exhaust gas can be or is supplied to the unburnt gas line.

Abstract: A detent assembly and a method of assembling the detent assembly are disclosed. The detent assembly includes a first shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis and has an outer surface. The first shaft defines a cavity having an opening defined by the outer surface. The detent assembly further includes a camshaft defining an aperture along the longitudinal axis to present an inner wall of the camshaft that circumscribes the longitudinal axis. The inner wall defines a plurality of recesses spaced from each other. The detent assembly also includes a self-contained plunger unit that is secured to the first shaft in the cavity as a unit. A plunger of the self-contained plunger unit engages the inner wall as the camshaft is disposed over the self-contained plunger unit so that the plunger rests in one of the recesses of the camshaft to selectively secure together the first shaft and the camshaft.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor, a direct current power source, and an inverter operatively connected to the direct current power source and the electric motor. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the power source to alternating current and to transmit the alternating current to the electric motor. The inverter is characterized by an on status and an off status. A controller is operatively connected to the inverter and is configured to control whether the inverter is on or off. The controller is configured to selectively cause the inverter to enter a mode of operation in which the inverter cycles between being on and off.

Abstract: A system for controlling access into a vehicle in the event of loss of electrical power is disclosed. The vehicle has an access opening into the vehicle's interior with a first door for access thereto, a cargo enclosure with a second door therefor, and an energy storage device for generating the electrical power. A first latch selectively latches and unlatches the first door, while a first switch operates the first latch. A second latch selectively latches and unlatches the second door, while an actuator connects the second door to the vehicle body and selectively opens and closes the second door. A second switch selectively connects a motor-generator to the energy storage device for operating the actuator in a first mode and disconnects the motor-generator from the energy storage device for generating electric current when the second door is operated manually to operate the first latch in a second mode.

Abstract: Methods of forming bi-metallic castings are provided. In one method, a metal preform of a desired base shape is provided defining a substrate surface. A natural oxide layer is removed from the substrate surface, yielding a cleaned metal preform. The method includes forming a thin metallic film on at least a portion of the substrate surface of the cleaned metal preform, and metallurgically bonding the portion of the metal preform having the metallic film with an overcast metal to form a bi-metallic casting. The metallic film promotes a metallurgical bond between the metal preform and the overcast metal. In one aspect, the metal preform may include aluminum (Al) and the metallic film may include zinc (Zn).

Abstract: A powertrain is disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first and second axes are spaced and substantially parallel to each other. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear.

Abstract: A regeneration system includes a first comparison module that at least one of (i) compares a first temperature of an adsorber to an adsorber release temperature and (ii) compares a second temperature of an engine to a predetermined temperature, and generates a first comparison signal. A second comparison module that compares a particulate matter output of the engine with a predetermined output and generates a second comparison signal. A mode selection module that selects a mode and generates a mode signal based on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal. A bypass valve control module that adjusts position of a bypass valve to bypass at least one of a particulate matter (PM) filter and the adsorber based on the mode signal.

Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets and a plurality of transmission clutches, wherein the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged to transfer torque between an input member and an output member in one of first and second fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating the transmission clutches. The torque transmission device operates in a first fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a first set of two of the transmission clutches is activated. The torque transmission device operates in a second fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a second set of two of the transmission clutches is activated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a trim component includes forming a skin layer of the trim component, and spraying a foam layer on the skin layer according to a first spray pattern that establishes a first gap in the foam layer arranged as a predetermined tear pattern. The skin layer extends across the first gap. A corresponding trim component has a skin layer with an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and a foam layer sprayed on the inner surface of the skin layer according to a predetermined spray pattern so that the foam layer has a first gap arranged as a predetermined tear pattern, with the skin layer extending across the first gap.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronically secured device by means of a transponder has the following procedural steps: a) Access authorization information is sent from an electrical access management system to the transponder via a mobile communications link, b) The access authorization information is received by the transponder, c) The access authorization information is transmitted from the transponder to the device, and d) A function of the device is activated if the received access authorization information matches reference information belonging to the device.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a filling port of a vehicle includes a hinge structure and a cover portion. The hinge structure includes an interface portion having a plurality of retention tabs. Each of the plurality of retention tabs include an inboard surface that is spaced from an outboard surface of the interface portion. The cover portion includes a plurality of cover tabs. Each of the cover tabs include an outboard surface that is spaced from an inboard surface of the cover portion. The cover portion is disposed adjacent the outboard surface of the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is engaged with one of the cover tabs in interlocking engagement. Each of the cover tabs is disposed between one of the retention tabs and the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is disposed between one of the cover tabs and the cover portion.