Abstract: An automated system for controlling a vehicle gathers a set of sensor information for a series of driving actions that comprises a driving path of an individual driver. A context is determined that is related to the set of sensor information for the series of driving actions that comprise the driving path of the individual driver. For example, the context may be a weather condition or when the driver merges into traffic. A personalization score is determined for the series of driving actions for the individual driver based on the context. A personalization score is determined for one or more other driving paths and a driving path with the highest personalization score is identified. The driving path with the highest personalization score is then chosen for automated driving.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to an autonomous vehicle or self-driving vehicle with a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system can determine, prior to and/or during a collision, whether an escape path exits. If an escape path exists, the brakes are disengaged such that at least some of the energy and/or momentum from a colliding vehicle is transferred and a jolt or shock experienced by an occupant is reduced.

Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. High-voltage interlock (HVIL) determines if a high-voltage system, such as a power source (e.g., vehicle battery), a load (e.g., vehicle motor), and conductors therebetween, have been properly connected. If not, battery contactor is not allowed to be closed or, if already closed, opened. A redundant HVIL system is provided to mitigate the false positives associated with an HVIL component failure.

Abstract: A self-contained hinge mechanism is provided including a hinge movement control assembly. The hinge movement control assembly includes a number of stacked alternating friction rings and pressure disks providing a tunable pivoting resistance. As the hinge mechanism is actuated, an internal shaft and a set of friction rings rotationally-locked to the internal shaft and door moves relative to a set of pressure disks rotationally-locked to a fixed hinge mechanism housing and mount frame. A resistance to the pivoting of the hinge mechanism elements is provided by the clamping force of multiple force members moving the pressure disks along axial translation guides of the housing closer to one another and sandwiching the friction rings closer together.

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: Controlling availability of features of a vehicle can be based on a set of initial parameters, with each parameter related to a feature of the vehicle and defining availability of the feature. The set of initial parameters can define at least one feature of the vehicle as unavailable but further define the unavailability of the at least one feature of the vehicle as overridable upon detection of an emergency condition by the control system of the vehicle. The control system of the vehicle can apply the set of initial parameters to operations of the vehicle to control. At another time, a set of updated parameters with at least one parameter having a different value than the initial set of parameters can be applied by the control system of the vehicle to control operations of the vehicle based on levels indicated by the set of updated parameters.

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: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for establishing communications between a vehicle and charging system. The communications may include charge request messages sent by or received from the vehicle defining charge particulars, such as, a charge type, charging locations, charging orientation, and/or other information corresponding to charging requirements for the requesting vehicle. The charging system can respond to the charge request messages accepting or denying the vehicle charging request. In response to accepting the request message, the charging system provides charge to the vehicle in accordance with the charge particulars.

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 vehicle cabin air filtration system has an electronic air filter which removes unwanted air particles from air prior to or after entry into a vehicle cabin. The vehicle cabin air filtration system also has a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a parameter and a controller operatively connected to the electronic air filter and the sensor. The controller receives the signal indicative of the parameter from the sensor, compares the parameter to a stored condition, and selectively activates or deactivates the electronic air filter based on the comparison.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide an audio system and modules that include speakers that can be packaged in new locations, and/or that can be driven by a local amplifier (amp). The new audio system can be easily upgraded with more modules inserted into the speaker network. For example, the custom system can increase capacity by replacing a trim panel with a new integrated trim panel having a module with one or more smaller speakers and the local amp. A control processor can detect the modules, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), an amp, and/or at least one speaker.

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: An electrochromic vehicle window is disclosed. The electrochromic vehicle window comprises a plurality of electrochromic layers, each electrochromic layer having a different color or different visual properties. Each electrochromic layer independently oscillates between varying degrees of transparency to indicate the status of a vehicle, such as that the vehicle is charging.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein can be applied to a vehicle equipped with a sensor suite that can observe information about a location, for example, a traffic light duration. The system can record information, e.g., the traffic light colors, duration of color changes, and location of the traffic lights and can upload this information to the cloud. Then, the system can augment or learn about the location, e.g., learning of traffic patterns, and store the augmented data as database-based information, where available. The learned information can help a requesting vehicle to better estimate an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for common routes taken, provide more accurate ETAs based on historical knowledge, and/or calculate or provide alternative route information.

Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to an electric vehicle emergency charging system and method of use. In one embodiment, a system for charging a moving electric vehicle is disclosed, the system comprising: an electrical storage unit disposed on the electric vehicle; a charging panel in electrical communication with the electrical storage unit; a vehicle controller that determines if the electrical storage unit requires charging and configured to determine if an emergency external power source is available to charge the electrical storage unit; wherein the charging panel receives the charge from the emergency external power source and charges the electrical storage unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling heat within a junction box. The disclosure relates to the use of phase change materials to manage heat generation in a junction box of a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for establishing communications between a vehicle and charging system. The communications may include charge request messages sent by or received from the vehicle defining charge particulars, such as, a charge type, charging locations, charging orientation, and/or other information corresponding to charging requirements for the requesting vehicle. The charging system can respond to the charge request messages accepting or denying the vehicle charging request. In response to accepting the request message, the charging system provides charge to the vehicle in accordance with the charge particulars.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, updating software in a remote device comprises operating on a first image of an operating system code, updating to a second image of the operating system code, wherein updating to the second image comprises operating on the second image while maintaining the first image in memory, and in response to detecting an error in operating on the second image, operating on the first image of the operating system code maintained in the memory accessible by the ECU. Operating on the first image of the operating system code can comprise saving the first image in the memory and executing the first image based on a pointer to the first image. Updating can comprise saving the second image without overwriting or erasing the first image and executing the second image based on a pointer to the second image.

Abstract: A spring-loaded busbar has a first portion divided from a second portion by a first pair of notches and a third portion divided from the second portion by a second pair of notches. The second portion is bent relative to the first portion and the third portion is bent relative to the second portion. The busbar is configured to deform elastically when pressed against an electrical cell to ensure proper contact between the busbar and the cell before the busbar is welded to the cell.

Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to electric vehicle charging systems and associated methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, a system for charging an electric vehicle comprises an electrical storage unit, an external power source, a charging panel, and a vehicle controller configured to determine if the electrical storage unit requires charging and configured to determine if conditions allow for deployment of a charging panel.