Abstract: A drivetrain system includes a housing configured to at least partially contain a liquid lubricant such as oil that flows through a gearset. Within the housing is arranged a plurality of bearings configured to constrain respective trajectories of respective shafts. An inner surface of the housing includes a first region surrounding a motor gear bearing that is actively cooled by a coolant. The inner surface also includes a second region that is distal to the motor gear bearing and that is not actively cooled by the coolant. Cooling pins are arranged in the first region and are configured to provide heat transfer from the liquid lubricant to the coolant. The gear set can include more than one shaft, with at least one gear configured to splash oil onto the cooling pins to transfer heat from the liquid lubricant to a coolant flowing in a motor housing adjacent the first region.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems, vehicles, and methods for receiving inputs indicative of a destination and a potential intermediate destination and determining a time potentially available at the intermediate destination. In an illustrative embodiment, a system includes a computing device having computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions configured to cause the computing device to receive a first input indicative of a destination. A second input is received that is indicative of a desired arrival time at the destination. A third input is received that is indicative of an intermediate destination to be visited before traveling to the destination. A first travel time to the intermediate destination, a second travel time to the destination, and a time available at the intermediate destination are determined. The time available at the intermediate destination is communicated to a user.

Abstract: A system for providing occupant restraint includes a seatbelt, a tensioning mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The seatbelt may include an upper portion and a lower portion, or just a single span. The tensioning mechanism is configured to remove slack in one or more portions of the seatbelt in response to an event such as an impact event. The locking mechanism is configured to lock an end of the seatbelt after the tensioning mechanism removes the slack, to prevent the seatbelt from extending. A connector may be included that defines an upper portion of the seatbelt and a lower portion of the seatbelt. The tensioning mechanism may include a load limiter to lessen a force transmitted to the seatbelt during tensioning. The load limiter may include an energy absorption element. The tensioning mechanism and the locking mechanism may be coupled to either span.

Abstract: A battery monitoring module may be arranged in such a way as to receive a sensor signal from a light sensor configured to detect light within a battery module. The battery monitoring module may determine, using processing circuitry, a light characteristic within the battery module based on the sensor signal. The battery monitoring module may determine, using processing circuitry, a battery condition of the battery module based on the light characteristic.

Abstract: Drag Detection is provided. A system includes one or more processors of a vehicle, coupled with memory. The one or more processors can determine, for a vehicle, rolling drag based on energy input to one or more motors of the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle. The one or more processors can select, based on the rolling drag and a friction level associated with a surface on which the vehicle traverses, a slip target for the vehicle. The one or more processors can provide the slip target to a traction control system of the vehicle to control the one or more motors.

Abstract: A system for managing wheel kinematics during a collision event includes a break-away region for releasing a joint of a lower control arm. The system includes a recess arranged in a frame member, and a pin arranged vertically in the recess and configured to couple the lower control arm to the frame member. The break away region includes a reduced stiffness and is configured to fail under the collision event to allow the pin to move laterally out of the recess. The recess may be formed by a top plate and a bottom plate or a C-shaped bracket, which include through features to accommodate the pin. The break-away region includes a first notch and a second notch that reduce a stiffness of the structures that form the recess, thus allowing the pin to be released under a predetermined loading. The break-away region may fracture to release the pin.

Abstract: Electric vehicle battery packs with external side enclosures for containing electrical connectors and other components therein. Each enclosure is sized to support various connectors or other components as desired, and may have a number of openings formed to provide interfaces for connecting various electric vehicle systems to the battery pack. The enclosures may be placed at various locations along one or more sides of the battery pack, and connectors may be routed over an upper surface of a battery pack frame or through a gap formed between the pack frame and cover. Enclosures may be made of any material, including plastic for lower weight applications and metal for improved electromagnetic interference shielding.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved cooling for batteries are disclosed. A battery system according to the present disclosure may include a cooling plate, one or more battery cells coupled to one surface of the cooling plate, and one or more battery cells coupled to the opposite surface of the cooling plate. The cooling plate and corresponding batteries may be included in a battery module, and multiple battery modules electrically connected may make up a battery pack. The cooling plates may comprise channels for cooling fluid, which may be provided to the plates in parallel from a cooling fluid source. Cooling the battery cells at the ends of the cells, where they are coupled to the cooling plate, may advantageously provide one or more of improved energy density, thermal management, and safety.

Abstract: Some embodiments may provide a method for a desired operating environment. A signal to place a vehicle in a designated mode corresponding to a desired operating environment may be received. The designated mode may include modifications to one or more default operating characteristics of the vehicle. The modifications may be while the vehicle is in parked mode and a vehicle access key associated with the vehicle is within proximity of the vehicle. In response to receiving the signal, characteristics of the vehicle to be modified in order to create the desired operating environment may be identified. The default operating characteristics may relate to power-consuming features or available power for connected accessories. One or more settings of the vehicle to change the default operating characteristics of the vehicle while in the designated mode may be modified.

Abstract: The present solution provides a multifunctional metal-organic (MOF) interface that can be applied between battery cells, battery modules or battery packs and provide thermal isolation and active cooling, as necessary, while also providing absorption for mechanical stress of EV battery. The present solution can include a battery cell that can have an outer surface. A multifunctional material can be coupled with the outer surface of the battery cell. An opening that extends through the multifunctional material can provide thermal convection when the heat is moved through the opening. The multifunctional material can provide thermal insulation when the fluid is not moved through the opening. The multifunctional material can insulate the battery cell from mechanical stress.

Abstract: Camera control systems and methods for providing a dynamic view of the environment outside of a vehicle are presented. One or more cameras are configured to capture at least one view of the environment outside of the vehicle. Control circuitry detects at least one of the speed of the vehicle and the pitch angle of the vehicle (e.g., by using a speedometer and inclinometer). The control circuitry selects a view angle based on the at least one of the speed of the vehicle and the pitch angle of the vehicle. The control circuitry then displays, based on an output of the at least one camera, a view of the environment outside of the vehicle from the selected view angle on a display of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating charge time for an electric vehicle. A current vehicle range of the electric vehicle may be determined, and a range selection of the electric vehicle may be determined. Based on the current vehicle range and a charging range associated with the range selection, an intermediate charging range between the current vehicle range and the charging range associated with the range selection is determined. An estimated charge time to charge the electric vehicle to the intermediate charging range may be determined, and an indication of the intermediate charging range and the estimated charge time to reach the intermediate charging range may be generated for presentation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for welding contacts of a plurality of battery cells are provided. A method includes using a detector to perform a scan of the cell electrode contact area for each of the plurality of battery cells. Based upon the scan of each cell electrode contact area, a determination is made of whether one or more possible weld sites for each electrode contact area are viable for welding. In response to determining that one or more weld sites are viable, one or more of the viable weld sites are selected and a welder is used to weld at least one of the selected weld sites.

Abstract: Electric vehicle battery pack whose cover is more fully sealed against leakage. The cover is connected to the battery pack frame by fasteners that are affixed to the surface of the cover rather than being fastened through holes therein, or that are sealed to prevent leakage. The cover thus has no, fewer, or sealed holes formed within, and thus has fewer pathways for leakage or infiltration of moisture into the battery pack.