Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising a scooter with an integrated folding system, wherein the scooter further comprises a first folding mechanism which allows a first and a second handle bar to fold within the steerer unit, a second folding mechanism which allows a steerer unit to be folded around a first wheel, and a third folding mechanism which allows a deck to be folded around the first wheel.

Abstract: A method to display a registered graphic upon a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display within a source vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the source vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a recommended continuous gaze location based upon the operating environment and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display.

Abstract: A method and system can control a speech recognition system in a vehicle. The method includes monitoring adaptive feature data about interactions between a user and the speech recognition system. The method includes determining a first group of samples of the adaptive feature data and creating a control chart based on the first group of samples. The control chart includes a control limit. The method further includes determining a second group of samples of the adaptive feature data after creating the control chart. Furthermore, the method includes calculating an arithmetic mean of each sample of the second group of samples to determine a sample mean, comparing the sample mean to the control limit in order identify unexpected performance of the speech recognition system. The method includes adjusting the speech recognition system based on the identified unexpected performance if the unexpected performance is identified.

Abstract: A method for enabling a user of a hybrid vehicle to assign different modes of operation to different segments of a particular route instead of, for example, simply operating the vehicle in an electric mode until its battery is depleted and then switching to an engine or charge-sustaining mode. This method may be useful in situations where a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is being frequently driven on a particular route whose distance exceeds the PHEV's electric mode range. The customized route, complete with operating mode selections for certain route segments, can be stored at the vehicle and automatically implemented when the vehicle recognizes the stored route. Other potential features include evaluating the route after it has been developed and/or driven and providing the user with some feedback so that they can make it more efficient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating a soot quantity accumulated in a Selective Catalytic Reduction wash-coated particulate filter of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is equipped with an exhaust gas aftertreatment system including an urea injector. Using a map correlating a urea quantity value, a NOx quantity value, a temperature value and a mass flow value to a correction value of a soot quantity is used to correct an estimated value of the soot quantity in order to obtain an evaluated value of the soot quantity.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: A service panel for a motor vehicle is disposed between a bulkhead that separates an engine compartment and a passenger cabin from one another and a vehicle bonnet of the motor vehicle to bridge an intermediate space between the bulkhead and the vehicle bonnet. The service panel has a first end having the form of a bulkhead connecting zone and a second end, opposite the first end, having the form of a bonnet connecting zone. The second end is designed as a bonnet seal for sealing the service panel off from vehicle bonnet.

Abstract: A powertrain system employing multiple propulsion torque actuators is described. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes interpreting a driver request, including determining a driver torque request and a regenerative braking request based upon driver inputs to an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. A desired request is determined based upon the driver torque request and the regenerative braking request. Torque limits for the powertrain system are coordinated based upon the desired request, the driver torque request, and a previous driver torque request to determine upper and lower output torque limits, and the upper and lower output torque limits are combined with system constraints to generate a final torque request. The final torque request is employed to determine torque commands for the propulsion torque actuators, and the propulsion torque actuators are controlled based upon the torque commands for the propulsion torque actuators.

Abstract: An airbag module is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle, with an airbag and a gas generator. In such an airbag module, the airbag includes at least one actuator area and at least one retention area. The actuator area serves to act on a component of the motor vehicle that borders the airbag module. Further proposed is a use of such an airbag module, in which the actuator area serves to act on the front hood of the motor vehicle, and the retention area serves to cover an A-pillar of the motor vechicle, or retention areas serve to cover the A-pillar and a windshield wiper area adjacent to a windshield.

Abstract: A water jacket having a coolant flow crossing the space over the cylinder head is provided for an internal combustion engine of an automotive system. The internal combustion engine is equipped with a cylinder and a cylinder head. The water jacket includes a lower water jacket having side passages surrounding the cylinder and connected together by a plurality of branches disposed over the cylinder head, so as to create the coolant flow crossing the space over the cylinder head.

Abstract: A dielectric elastomer actuator includes an elastomeric film and an electrode material layer on opposing sides of the film. The elastomeric film includes a first section, a second section, and a transition section disposed between the first section and the second section. The electrode material layers are disposed on the transition section and the first and second sections. The first and second sections are restrained in a pre-stretched configuration in an axial and a lateral direction, while the transition section is not restrained in the axial direction. The transition section elongates in response to the application of a voltage to the electrode material layers, such that the first and second sections move apart, in the axial direction. Likewise, the transition section is configured to contract in an absence of a voltage applied to the electrode material layers, such that the first and second sections move apart, in the axial direction.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes input and output members, a primary variator pulley, and a secondary variator pulley. The respective variator pulleys are responsive to primary and secondary pressures. Speed sensors measure a respective rotational speed of each variator pulley. A controller executes a method by receiving the measured rotational speeds, calculating a current speed ratio of the CVT above a threshold CVT speed ratio using the rotational speeds, comparing the calculated current speed ratio to calibrated threshold ratios during a sudden stop event of the vehicle, and selectively executing a CVT control action after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio during the sudden stop event. The control action depends on which of the threshold ratios is exceeded by the calculated current speed ratio after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio, and on the measured rotational speeds.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a motor vehicle includes a fixed structural and at least one dividing element that is magnetically fastenable to the structural part in order to form a section together therewith in such manner that a surface section of the dividing element forms a first part of a partition of the section, and a surface section of structural part forms a second part of the partition. The dividing element is deformable in such manner that it can he fastened to structural part in a plurality of different installation form, thereby creating different sections together with the structural part without requiring varied partitions.

Abstract: An airbag system for a motor vehicle includes an airbag arrangement with at least one airbag and a gas generator for filling the airbag arrangement. A base body includes two end regions, and an ignition element protrudes from the base body between the two end regions. The folded airbag arrangement in a packed state envelops at least one of the end regions in multiple layers on one part of its outer periphery.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine head defining a block coolant outlet, a head coolant outlet, and a block coolant inlet. The engine assembly further includes a thermal control module coupled to the engine head. The thermal control module includes a support body and a hot coolant gallery supported by the support body. The hot coolant gallery is in fluid communication with the head coolant outlet and the block coolant outlet. The engine assembly also includes a cold coolant gallery supported by the support body. The cold coolant gallery is in fluid communication with the block coolant inlet. The engine assembly additionally includes a bypass conduit fluidly coupled between the hot coolant gallery and the cold coolant gallery. The support body supports the bypass conduit.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a vehicle includes a hood having a top side and an underside. Also included is a centering tool operatively coupled to a top support member of a positioning and reinforcement structure, the centering tool extending upwardly from the positioning and reinforcement structure. Further included is a hood locating aperture defined by the hood and located at the underside of the hood, the hood locating aperture configured to receive the centering tool therein for locating the positioning and reinforcement structure to the hood.

Abstract: A power converter includes positive and negative input lines and an input capacitor coupled across the input lines. The power converter also includes a switch coupled across the input lines that includes a control contact and an additional contact. The power converter also includes switch controller coupled to the control contact and that includes positive and negative input connections. The power converter also includes a contactor diagnostic supply interface coupled between the positive input connection and the additional contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a battery comprises a tray including a support surface, a recess having a elevation that is lower than an elevation of the support surface, ribs located in the recess and extending to the elevation of the support surface, thermal insulation supported on the ribs and the upper surface, and a battery contacting the insulation and supported on the ribs and the support surface.

Abstract: A grounding block is provided. The grounding block includes a means for fastening and a formed metallic block. The formed metallic block further comprises two or more flanges, where each flange is configured to accept the means for fastening. The formed metal block further comprises a uniform clearance formed into the underside of the grounding block between the flanges and a hole formed through the grounding block configured to accept a bolt. Various embodiments include angled surfaces to optimize assembly ergonomics and variable depth to optimize the mass of the blocks.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carrier assembly of a stacked planetary gear set is provided. The method includes forming the inner and outer spiders and attaching the spiders to a back plate or to each other to form the carrier assembly. One or both of the inner and outer carrier spiders are formed from powdered metal, by precision casting, and/or by stamping. The stacked planetary gear set may be axially aligned or axially offset.