Abstract: A modular inverter is disclosed that provides users flexibility in which devices can be installed in their system by supporting a plurality of different types of DC-to-DC converters, where each DC-to-DC converter corresponds to one of a plurality of loads. The modular inverter houses the plurality of different types of DC-to-DC converters in a plurality of bays, which couples each DC-to-DC converter to a DC rail to either receive or deliver DC power.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a vehicle in a front dig mode. The front dig mode is engaged in response to determining that speed of the vehicle is below a speed threshold and determining that the amount that at least one of the front wheels of the vehicle is turned exceeds a turn threshold. While operating in the front dig mode, forward torque is provided to the front wheels of the vehicle. Further, resistance is applied to forward rotation of the inner back wheel of the vehicle. Yet further, forward torque is provided to the outer back wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems, vehicles, and computer-implemented methods for maintaining the operational condition of a battery system incorporated in a vehicle or otherwise stored and, based on weather information, to adjust reserve capacity in the battery system prevent damage as a result of weather conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems, vehicles, and computer-implemented methods for developing a model from parallel sets of driving data to identify the risk level of an event in one of the sets of driving data. In an illustrative embodiment, a system includes a vehicle data system operably coupled with at least one sensor aboard a vehicle to collect vehicle driving data representing driving conduct. A portable data collection module is configured to cause a portable computing system transportable aboard a vehicle to collect portable driving data representing the driving conduct. An evaluation system is configured to receive the portable driving data and the vehicle driving data, assign a risk level to at least one event included in the vehicle driving data, and correlate the vehicle driving data with the portable driving data to identify a pattern in the portable driving data that is associable with the risk level.

Abstract: Methods, circuits, and devices for power conversion are disclosed. In some embodiments, the device comprises a circuit comprising a first, second, and third leg. Each leg may comprise two switches. The first leg is switched at a first frequency to generate a first signal, and the second leg is switched at a second frequency lower than the first frequency to generate a second signal. The third leg is switched by a neutral leg control signal to generate a third signal. The circuit generates an output power signal (e.g., a split-phase power signal) based on the first signal, second signal, and the third signal.

Abstract: A fluid mating system includes a fitting connector, a mating connector and a planar slip system. The fitting connector includes an exterior mating surface and a first interior fluid passage that permits fluid flow along a first direction. The mating connector includes an interior surface that includes a tapered lead-in portion, an interior mating surface, and a second interior fluid passage. The second interior fluid passage permits fluid flow in the first direction. The first interior fluid passage and the second interior fluid passage include a single fluid path when the interior mating surface is engaged with the exterior mating surface. The planar slip system restricts movement of the mating connector in the first direction and allows at least partial free movement of the mating connector within a plane that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A battery interconnect may include a desired current capacity, integrated fusible links, and be manufacturable using cost effective techniques. In some embodiments, a battery interconnect includes a busbar and relatively thinner links. A busbar carries larger currents and accordingly its cross-sectional areas are relatively larger to reduce ohmic losses. A link carries a much smaller current, and a fusible link is configured to break the circuit when the current is above a threshold, thus requiring a relatively small cross-sectional area. These sometime disparate length scales are addressed using several techniques such as layering a busbar and a foil sheet and pressing portions of a busbar to form the links. The links can be affixed to a plurality of battery cells to connect the cells in parallel or series.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling power modes of a vehicle and for providing passive entry to the vehicle. A sleep command can be sent from a central controller to multiple domain controllers to enter a sleep state. When the sleep command is received by a first domain controller, a sleep state is entered. When the sleep command is received by a second domain controller, a stealth state is entered. While in the stealth state, the second domain controller periodically wakes up from a sleep state to monitor a condition. In response to detecting a first condition, the second domain controller returns to the sleep state. In response to detecting a second condition, the second domain controller sends a notification of the second condition to the central controller.

Abstract: Vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a sill flap and tailgate, where the sill flap has rollers that contact the tailgate while the sill flap and tailgate are opened or closed. The sill flap thus maintains rolling contact with the tailgate during opening and closing operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, the tailgate opens to leave a gap between the edge of the vehicle bed and the edge of the tailgate, and the sill flap is pivoted into this gap. While being pivoted into this open position, the sill flap rollers rotatably contact the tailgate, so that the sill flap maintains rolling contact with the tailgate rather than frictional contact therewith. This prevents damage to the sill flap and tailgate when opened and closed.

Abstract: A charging dispenser includes a direct current (DC) electrical power input, a DC electrical power pass through output, and a DC electrical power charging output. The charging dispenser also includes a switching unit coupled to the DC electrical power input, the DC electrical power pass through output, and the DC electrical power charging output. Further, the charging dispenser includes a controller configured to provide control signals to the switching unit, the switching unit being configured, responsive to the control signals, to selectively electrically disconnect the DC electrical power input from the DC electrical power pass through output and electrically connect the DC electrical power input to the DC electrical power charging output of the charging dispenser and to selectively electrically connect the DC electrical power input to the DC electrical power pass through output and electrically disconnect the DC electrical power input from the DC electrical power charging output of the charging dispenser.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a permanent magnet motor, including: a rotor shaft comprising an internal cavity having an inlet and an outlet; and a rotor core disposed about the rotor shaft, comprising an internal channel having an inlet and an outlet; wherein the outlet of the internal cavity of the rotor shaft is coupled to the inlet of the internal channel of the rotor core; and wherein the internal cavity of the rotor shaft and the internal channel of the rotor core are configured to circulate a cooling fluid through the rotor shaft and the rotor core. The rotor core includes a plurality of permanent magnets adapted to interact with a stator assembly disposed about/adjacent to the rotor core.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include plate including an opening. The apparatus can include a clamp to couple a battery cell with the plate with a terminal of a cell of the battery module at least partially exposed through the opening. The apparatus can include a spring positioned with the clamp and the plate, the spring to cause the clamp to align the battery cell with a current collector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to determine glare information. An optical filter is configured to attenuate visible light and pass near-infrared light and an image sensor is configured to detect light reflected by a surface after the reflected light passes through the optical filter. The image sensor is further configured to generate image data comprising a detected near-infrared portion of the light reflected by the surface. Processing circuitry is configured to receive the image data from the image sensor and determine near-infrared glare information based on the received image. The near-infrared glare information can be used to adjust display parameter associated with the surface or characterize near-infrared glare properties of the surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein for lubricating a differential assembly using a double baffle assembly. The differential assembly comprises a lubrication jet, an output gear, and the double baffle assembly. The output gear comprises openings and the lubrication jet is aligned with the openings in the output gear. The double baffle assembly comprises an inner baffle and an outer baffle that collectively form a slot aligned with the openings in the output gear. The inner baffle is configured to guide lubrication expelled from the lubrication jet towards the openings in the output gear, regardless of whether the differential assembly is in an engaged state or disengaged state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securely managing vehicle information. A first digital signature associated with the vehicle may be generated based on a first public-private key pair, and a second digital signature associated with a mobile application may be generated based on a second public-private key pair. The mobile application may be associated with a mobile device operated by a user. The first digital signature and the public key of the first public-private key pair may be transmitted to, and stored by, the vehicle, and the second digital signature and the public key of the second public-private key pair may be transmitted to, and stored on the mobile device via the mobile application. The systems and methods may determine that a request to access the vehicle information has been received, and permit access to the vehicle information based on the first digital signature and the second digital signature.

Abstract: A platform module having switchable power for a vehicle including a movable member capable of achieving multiple positions and a position sensor. The movable member includes a plurality of ports configured to provide power. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the movable member. A first port from the plurality of ports is configured to provide power when the movable member is in a first position; and a second port from the plurality of ports is configured to provide power in response to detecting that the movable member is in a second position. Further, a method is provided for switching power to the platform module.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a component having an edge feature that has a radius of curvature. The apparatus includes an underlayer arranged over the edge feature and configured to increase the radius of curvature of the edge feature. The apparatus includes a powder coating arranged over the component and over the underlayer to form a continuous layer. The underlayer is configured to remain under the powder coating. The underlayer helps the powder coating achieve a more uniform thickness over the edge feature. The apparatus is formed by applying an underlayer to a first region of the component to form an underlaid component. The first region includes the edge feature. A powder coating is applied to the underlaid component. A masking layer may be applied to a region other than the first region, and after powder coating, the masking may be removed to expose a surface of the component.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for releasably attaching a charging interface (that is coupled to an overhead cable) to a lower surface, thereby helping contribute to limiting unintended movement of the charging interface. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a releasable coupling. An upper interface is configured to secure a first end of the releasable coupling to an implement at an end of an overhead cable that extends downwardly from an overhead body. A lower interface is configured to releasably secure a second end of the releasable coupling to a lower surface. The lower interface is configured to release the second end of the releasable coupling responsive to a strain on the lower interface in excess of a release threshold.