Abstract: Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for wireless communication between a tractor and a trailer includes a first transceiver (TRX) attached to the tractor, and a second TRX attached to the trailer. An engagement between the tractor and the trailer brings the first TRX within an operational distance to the second TRX.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving an accessory of a vehicle. The system includes a power take-off (PTO) device, a mechanically driven accessory, a battery, and power conversion circuitry electrically connected to the battery. The system also includes a first electric motor mechanically coupled to the PTO device and a second electric motor mechanically coupled to the mechanically driven accessory. The system further includes an engageable mechanical connector that, when engaged, mechanically couples the PTO device and the mechanically driven accessory.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems, devices, and methods wherein dynamically generated symmetric keys are used for encryption and decryption of software updates for vehicles. The symmetric keys are dynamically generated using a combination of information that ties a given symmetric key to a specific combination of a vehicle and the devices installed therein. The dynamic generation of the symmetric keys also uses a piece of random data generated by an intermediary server, which allows the intermediary server to validate devices before providing the piece of random data and thereby control access to the software updates. Use of the techniques disclosed herein provide heightened security, control, safety, and reliability for over-the-air software updates for vehicles.

Abstract: A heavy duty truck includes a diesel engine that generates an exhaust gas flow and an exhaust after-treatment system for treatment of the exhaust gas flow. The exhaust after-treatment system includes at least one temperature sensor at an underbody SCR system within the exhaust after-treatment system and a DEF injector upstream of a close-coupled SCR system within the exhaust after-treatment system. The DEF injector is operated to inject DEF into the exhaust gas flow at a rate that varies as a function of a temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for determining a state of an air diverter valve of an air induction system of a vehicle. The determined state of the air diverter valve may be based on an intercooler-based estimated ambient air temperature and a comparison between an ambient air temperature sensor value and a pre-compressor sensor value.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for evaluating ammonia storage capacity of a close-coupled SCR unit while remaining compliant with prescribed emissions limits, methods of controlling an emission aftertreatment system including multiple SCR units and emission management systems for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an emission aftertreatment system that includes two or more SCR units.

Abstract: Methods of improving SCR performance in heavy duty vehicles may use multiple interdependent control techniques to increase engine exhaust temperatures in a fuel efficient manner. One method combines cylinder deactivation and mechanical loading of an engine by an electrical generator used to input energy into an exhaust stream to manipulate the exhaust temperature through the combined effect of modified air-to-fuel ratio and supplemental energy input. In particular, cylinder deactivation may be used to modify the engine air flowrate and the electric generator may be used to apply mechanical load on the engine to manipulate the engine fuel flow rate to control the engine air-to-fuel ratio and thereby increase exhaust temperatures. The exhaust temperatures may be further increased by using the electrical generator to add the energy generated as input energy to the exhaust stream.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, augmented reality and/or virtual reality technologies are used to present information for a vehicle to a technician. A virtual object model file that includes a context model and at least one assembly detail model is created based on a vehicle design model. A VR/AR device uses its camera to generate video of a vehicle, and superimposes a depiction of a vehicle component or assembly from the virtual object model file over the video in the location in which the vehicle component or assembly is actually located, as if the vehicle were “see-through.” The VR/AR device may then also allow the technician to select specific components of the depicted assembly in order to retrieve and display detailed information about the component.

Abstract: A method of autonomously backing a vehicle (e.g., a tractor unit) to a trailer (e.g., a semi-trailer) comprising a trailer-mounted coupling device (e.g., a kingpin). The method includes determining, by an autonomous backing module of the vehicle, a target corresponding to the trailer-mounted coupling device; determining, by the autonomous backing module, a path to maneuver the vehicle to the target and align a vehicle-mounted coupling device (e.g., a fifth wheel) with the trailer-mounted coupling device, determining, by the autonomous backing module, commands to components of the vehicle to autonomously control the vehicle to maneuver along the determined path to the target, and transmitting, by the autonomous backing module, the commands to the components of the vehicle (e.g., a braking control module, a steering control module, and/or a torque request module). Suitably configured vehicles are also described.