Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computing software, including autonomy applications, image processing applications, cloud storage, cloud computing applications, etc., and computing systems, and wired and wireless network communications to facilitate autonomous control of vehicles, and, more specifically, to systems, devices, and methods configured to identify permissioned parking relative to multiple classes of restricted and privileged parking.

Abstract: A system and method of inflating an airbag are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force at at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and an airbag positioner responsive to the detecting, inflating the airbag positioner based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching a compartment initially housing at least one of the airbag and the airbag positioner. The system and method include inflating the airbag positioner to reposition an out-of-position occupant reducing the constraints on the design of the airbag and improving protection for the in-position occupant.

Abstract: A system and method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force at at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting, inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching the airbag and the trajectory control tube compartment. The system and method include guiding the airbag deployment trajectory via the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory. The system and method include the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, after the airbag has inflated or before the airbag inflates.

Abstract: A system and method for accounting for a mismatch that exists between a vehicle's bumper and potential impact point using an active suspension is disclosed. The system and method determine that a mismatch exists between a vehicle's bumper and a potential impact point and actuate the suspension to account for the determined mismatch. The system and method account for the mismatch existing between a vehicle's bumper and a potential impact point using a sensor for detecting that a mismatch exists between the bumper and the potential impact point, and a suspension configured to be actuated to account for the sensed mismatch to enable improved alignment of the bumper and the potential impact point.

Abstract: A vehicle adjustment assembly including sensors for adjusting the position of an auxiliary component of the vehicle is disclosed. The sensor is connected to the vehicle and is configured to detect a user's characteristics. The sensor generates data regarding the user's characteristics, and a computer receives the data generated by the sensor related to the user's characteristics. The auxiliary system is adjusted via input signals from the computer in response to the data generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for observing and reporting key vehicle events based upon information collected by a wide array of sensors already included in modern motor vehicles is provided. The system and method may be particularly valuable for electric vehicle applications.

Abstract: A remote locking system for an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The locking system has a locking mechanism operably connected to an axle of the vehicle. The locking mechanism is selectively actuatable to prevent a power system from rotating the axle. The locking system also has a control station connected to the locking mechanism through a wireless network. The control station is configured to remotely actuate the locking mechanism. The power system is autonomously controlled by an electronic control system and the locking mechanism is independent from the electronic control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of adaptive climate control in a vehicle heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system includes setting an initial climate condition for one or more zones in a vehicle passenger compartment based upon an occupant of the one or more zones. One or more inputs are monitored, and the climate conditions are changed for at least one of the one or more zones based upon the received one or more inputs. Data relating to the applied changed climate conditions for that occupant is stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of facilitating ingress or egress of a seat having bolsters includes detecting a potential ingress or egress of an occupant to the seat. Upon detection a configuration of the seat is altered from a first position to a second position, wherein a substantially flat surface is formed by a top of a seat portion of the seat and an associated bolster attached to the seat portion.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring pedestrians based upon information is collected by a wide array of sensors already included in modern motor vehicles. Also included, is a system of monitoring pedestrians by aggregating data collected by an array of vehicles.

Abstract: A control system has at least one sensor configured to track an orientation of a front wheel of a nearby vehicle and provide data indicative of the orientation. The control system also has a computing device including a processor and a memory. The computing device is configured to receive the data from the at least one sensor, determine a wheel angle parameter of the front wheel of the nearby vehicle based on the data, and generate a control command to change at least one of a direction or an acceleration of the vehicle based on the determined wheel angle parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring locating people and vehicles based upon information is collected by a wide array of sensors already included in modern motor vehicles. Also included is a system of locating people and vehicles by aggregating data collected by an array of vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring environmental and geological conditions based upon information is collected by a wide array of sensors already included in modern motor vehicles. Also included is a system for monitoring environmental and geological conditions by aggregating data collected by an array of vehicles.

Abstract: A control system has at least one thermal imaging sensor configured to track a thermal profile of a wheel of a nearby vehicle and provide data indicative of the thermal profile. The control system also has a computing device including a processor and a memory. The computing device is configured to receive the data from the at least one thermal imaging sensor, determine a wheel angle parameter of the front wheel of the nearby vehicle based on the data, and generate a control command to change at least one of a direction or an acceleration of the vehicle based on the determined wheel angle parameter.

Abstract: Packaging for transmissions with an epicyclic gearbox speed reducer and oil pump is provided. Packaging comprises an epicyclic/planetary gearbox or single stage gear reducer with a sun gear, ring unit, and one or more planetary gears on the ring unit, and an oil pump located inside the packaging. The oil pump may be driven directly by a carrier, or driven by a carrier using a gear stage set. This configuration provides a tighter packaging of the full assembly of an epicyclic/planetary gearbox for transmissions with an internal oil pump, which reduces the weight of the unit, provides lubrication, and avoids splashing. The pump packaging may also be particularly valuable for electric vehicle (“EV”) independent motor applications.

Abstract: A speed control system includes features which allow for control of a target speed through use of an acceleration pedal and a brake pedal. The control system includes a drivetrain, a braking system, and a plurality of traction devices configured to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle based on input from the drivetrain and braking system. The control system further includes the acceleration pedal and brake pedal configured to be operated by a driver. The control system also includes a controller and one or more sensors. The controller is electronically connected to the drivetrain, the braking system, the acceleration pedal, the brake pedal, and the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to store a target speed and adjust the target speed based on input from the acceleration pedal, the brake pedal, and the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic oil exchange service for electric vehicle gearboxes. The system and method includes a mechanism for monitoring and reporting status of the oil change in the gearbox. This ensures that each oil change is kept track of, that the oil is the correct grade, and that the vehicle ends up with oil that has maximum properties, avoiding contamination and improving the life of the gearbox. The present invention may be integrated directly at the same place as an electric vehicle charging station, supercharger station, or at any battery swap station.

Abstract: A smart braking system for a vehicle is provided. The smart braking system selectively activates a braking system of the vehicle when the smart braking system detects a scenario in which it is likely that a constant vehicle speed, rather than an increasing vehicle speed, would be desired by a driver. In one example, a driver releases an accelerator while the vehicle is on a decline but the vehicle accelerates anyway. In this instance, the smart braking system records the speed of the vehicle when the accelerator is released and applies the braking system to maintain the speed of the vehicle at the recorded speed while the vehicle is on the decline. The smart braking system stops activating the braking system upon detecting that braking is no longer needed to slow down the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells each configured to store an electric charge and a busbar interconnecting the plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell has a first end surface including a positive terminal, a second end surface, and a perimeter surface including a negative terminal. The busbar has a layered structure including a plurality of parallel-extending layers. The layers include a first conductive layer positioned on the first end surface and contacting each of the positive terminals of the plurality of battery cells, a second conductive layer positioned between the first and second end surfaces and contacting each of the negative terminals of the plurality of battery cells, and at least one isolating layer positioned between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The at least one isolating layers holds the battery cells in position in at least a lateral direction.

Abstract: A battery module has a lower housing and an upper housing. The lower housing has a plurality of generally vertical sidewalls defining a space for receiving a plurality of battery cells and a generally horizontal bottom wall. The plurality of sidewalls include a first sidewall. The lower housing further has a cooling plate integrally formed with the lower housing. The cooling plate has a support wall extending generally parallel to the bottom wall for supporting the plurality of battery cells, a plurality of generally vertical channel walls including a first channel wall, and a cooling channel for receiving a coolant fluid therein. At least a portion of the cooling channel is defined at sides thereof by the first sidewall and the first channel wall. The upper housing covers a top opening of the lower housing to form an enclosure for the plurality of battery cells.