Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating vehicle battery drain are provided. Once a vehicle determines it is no longer in use (for example, after a key-off event of the vehicle), the vehicle may monitor the state of charge (SoC) of the battery that is used to power the various electronic control units (ECUs) of the vehicle (and/or other components of the vehicle that require an electrical power source to operate). The vehicle may take action in multiple phases depending on the current SoC of the battery and/or the rate of change of the SoC. A first phase is triggered if the SoC does not satisfy a first threshold SoC and/or the rate of change of the SoC is greater than or greater than or equal to a threshold rate of change. A second phase is triggered if the SoC falls even further and does not satisfy a second threshold SoC that is lower than the first threshold SoC.

Abstract: A vehicle connected to a trailer is disclosed. The vehicle may include a first measurement unit and a processor. The first measurement unit may measure a vehicle orientation. The processor may obtain a first input from the first measurement unit, and a second input from a second measurement unit configured to measure a trailer orientation. Based on the first input and the second input, the processor may calculate an inclination angle between a hitch and a trailer tongue. The vehicle may be connected to the trailer via the hitch and the trailer tongue. The processor may further determine that a load distribution on the trailer is not equivalent to a predefined optimal weight distribution based on the inclination angle, and output a notification responsive to determining that the load distribution on the trailer is not equivalent to the predefined optimal weight distribution.

Abstract: A method includes the assignment of a parking zone within a marshaling environment to each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles within a distance-related threshold from the marshaling environment, the selection of a first set of vehicles and a second set of vehicles of the plurality of vehicles within the parking zone, and causing the first set of vehicles to form a security wall that encompasses a perimeter surrounding the second set of vehicles.

Abstract: A method includes the receipt of an access-related request associated with a vehicle, a determination of whether a task associated with the access-related request can be performed within a time-related threshold, an aggregation of the access-related request with a plurality of pending access-related requests in response to determining that the access-related request cannot be performed within the time-related threshold, and causing a pose associated with the vehicle to shift.

Abstract: A vehicle repair intelligence system including a transceiver, a memory and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may receive vehicle information and user inputs associated with the repair of a vehicle. The memory may store a trained machine model that may be trained using a training data. The processor may obtain a trigger signal, and then obtain the vehicle information and the user inputs associated with the repair of the vehicle responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may further identify a vehicle part to be replaced in the vehicle based on the vehicle information and the user inputs by executing instructions stored in the trained machine model. The processor may additionally transmit an order form associated with the vehicle part to a vehicle part supplier to ship the vehicle part to a vehicle service center.

Abstract: A wire harness retainer assembly including a harness sliding structural member and a plurality of pressing support structural members is disclosed. The harness sliding structural member may have an elongated body with an arc-shaped cross section. The elongated body may include a hollow interior portion and open proximal and distal ends. Further, the pressing support structural members may be formed on the elongated body. Each pressing support structural member may include a concave-shaped body curved inwards towards the hollow interior portion. The elongated body may be configured to enable the wire harness to slide along an elongated body longitudinal axis, and the concave-shaped body of each pressing support structural member may be configured to press and apply an inward pressure on a wire harness circumference to secure the wire harness in the hollow interior portion.

Abstract: A power drive unit for a vehicle includes a monolithic housing defining a cavity that is configured to house components. The monolithic housing includes a body, a plurality of protrusions, and at least one rib. The plurality of protrusions are spaced apart from each other and protrude away from the cavity of the body. The rib protrudes from the body and extends between two protrusions of the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates in general to a vehicle and to a method for operating a vehicle methods and apparatus for operating vehicles including continuously controlled damping systems. An example vehicle includes a first height sensor and a second height sensor coupled to a first axle, and a third height sensor coupled to a second axle, the height sensors configured to determine vertical positions, a rotation-rate sensor configured to sense a relative roll angle of a rotation of the vehicle about a longitudinal axis, machine readable instructions, and a control device coupled to the height sensors and the rotation-rate sensor, the machine readable instructions to cause the control device to determine an estimated vertical position of the second axle based on the vertical positions and the relative roll angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes a vehicle panel that is moveable between a closed position and an open position and a viewing screen that is supported relative to an inner surface of the vehicle panel. The viewing screen is moveable between an internal viewing position and an external viewing position when the vehicle panel is in the open position.

Abstract: A braking system includes a first hydraulic brake assembly associated with a first front wheel, a second hydraulic brake assembly associated with a second front wheel, a front EBB module operably coupled to the first and second hydraulic brake assemblies for primary operation of the first and second hydraulic brake assemblies, a first EMB assembly associated with a first rear wheel, a second EMB assembly associated with a second rear wheel, a controller operably coupled to the first and second EMB assemblies for primary operation of the first and second EMB assemblies, a first power network and a second power network providing redundant power supply to the system, and a bus network operably coupling both the EBB module and the controller to the first and second EMB assemblies so the EBB module can provide control of backup operation of the first and second EMB assemblies if the controller is inoperable.

Abstract: A vehicle, an inductor assembly for power electronics in a vehicle, and a method of providing and cooling an inductor assembly are provided. According to one example, the vehicle is provided with an inductor assembly in a vehicle electrical system with a variable voltage converter (VVC). The inductor assembly includes a core formed from a plurality of core segments spaced apart from one another to define gaps therebetween, with each of the plurality of core segments forming an internal fluid passage extending therethrough. The inductor assembly has a winding surrounding at least one of the plurality of core segments. A fluid system is connected to the core to provide pressurized fluid to the fluid passages of the plurality of core segments to circulate fluid through the core of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining sensor data from a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of routing control locations of an environment, where the sensor data is indicative of a number of a plurality of pallets at the plurality of routing control locations. The method includes calculating a plurality of difference values based on the sensor data, calculating a transient production value based on the sensor data and a transient objective function, and calculating a steady state production value based on the sensor data and a steady state objective function. The method includes generating a state vector based on the plurality of difference values, the transient production value, and the steady state production value, and defining a set of routes for a set of pallets from among the plurality of pallets based on the state vector and a digital twin of the environment.

Abstract: A vehicle controller, responsive to a command from a remote controller, alters a frequency at which a vehicle inverter applies an AC potential to a power network such that an AC power output to the power network by a remote distributed energy resource, such as a solar power system, synchronized with the vehicle inverter decreases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an electric energy storage device of an electric vehicle are described. In one example, a temperature of a traction battery is predicted and an opportunity assessment is generated, where the opportunity assessment is based on the temperature of the traction battery being predicted to exceed a threshold temperature, where the temperature of the traction battery is predicted prior to a traction battery DC fast charging event, and where the temperature of the traction battery based on time and a segment of a travel route.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material may include a compound represented by formula 1 or formula 2: Li(1.333?0.667x?y)Mn(0.667?0.333x)NixA(y?a)MaO2 (1), Li(1.333?0.667x?z?a)Mn(0.667?0.333x?0.5y)Ni(x?0.5y+z)A(y+a?b)MbO2 (2). A is Co, Cr, or a combination thereof, M is W+6, Ta+5, V+5, or a combination thereof, 0<x<0.5, 0<y<0.333, 0<x<0.04, 0<x?0.5y+z<0.5, 0<y+a?b<0.333, and 0<b<0.04.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an exhaust component. The exhaust component includes, in one example, a hooked portion configured as a tow hook and/or as a jack interface. In the exhaust component, the hooked portion is positioned adjacent to an exhaust conduit tip and the hooked portion does not extend directly across the exhaust conduit tip.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seating assembly, a docking station adjacent to the seating assembly, an accessory configured to selectively engage the docking station to couple the accessory with the vehicle, an identification circuit configured to detect the accessory approaching the vehicle, an adjustment system configured to adjust the seating assembly, and control circuitry in communication with the identification circuit and the adjustment system, the control circuitry configured to control the adjustment system to adjust the seating assembly to provide access to the docking station in response to detection of the accessory approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system may include a mode selector for enabling selection of an operating mode of the vehicle among a plurality of selectable operating modes, where at least one of the selectable operating modes includes an off-road driving assistance mode that controls propulsive torque and braking torque application when the off-road driving assistance mode is active. The system may further include a torque control module to generate both a propulsive torque request and a braking torque request based on a target speed set in association with the off-road driving assistance mode, a sensor network operably coupled to components of the vehicle to obtain tractive information associated with an operating context of the vehicle, and a controller operably coupled to the sensor network to receive the tractive information and modify operation of the torque control module responsive to the tractive information indicating a trigger event.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first communication device, a plurality of second communication devices, and a controller. The first communication device is configured to communicate using a first wireless communication method. The plurality of second communication devices are configured to communicate using a second wireless communication method and are disposed at two or more known locations along a vehicle. The controller is configured to define a communication schedule identifying a designated communication session for a portable device (PD) to communicate via the second wireless communication method, provide, via the first communication device to the PD, data indicative of a designated communication session of the communication schedule for the PD to communicate via the second wireless communication method, and store a location of the PD in response to detecting the location of the PD based on a message provided by the plurality of second communication devices at the designated communication session.

Abstract: A method of forming an injection molding tool, the method includes milling at least one channel into a tool body. Each channel includes a bottom surface that is at a predefined distance from a top surface of the tool body, and two opposing walls extending from the bottom surface of the channel to the top surface of the tool body. A first wall of the two opposing walls is at a first angle relative to the bottom surface of the channel, and a second wall of the two opposing walls is at a second angle relative to the bottom surface of the channel. A distance between the first wall and the second wall increases from the bottom surface of the channel to the top surface of the tool body, and at least one wall of the two opposing walls has a curvature.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle and cooling system for an electrified vehicle include fuel cells and at least one first and one second coolant circuit, wherein the first coolant circuit is configured for cooling the fuel cells and the second coolant circuit is configured for cooling electronic components for controlling the fuel cells and for cooling electronic components of an electric drive system, wherein the second coolant circuit has a first partial coolant circuit and a second partial coolant circuit, wherein the first partial coolant circuit is arranged in the region of the electronic components for controlling the fuel cells and the second partial coolant circuit is arranged in the region of the electronic components of the electric drive system.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a passenger compartment with a forward region, a central region, and a rearward region, a floor, a seating rail system positioned on the floor and extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies arranged in the passenger compartment in a first row, a second row, and a third row. Each seating assembly has a seat base coupled to the seating rail system, a seat movably coupled to the seat base, a seat back movably coupled to the seat base, and seat actuators configured to activate the seating assemblies. The vehicle has a center console on a center console rail system extending longitudinally, a center console actuator, and a controller that receives an input commanding a selected passenger compartment arrangement and controls the actuators to position the seat assemblies and center console in the commanded passenger compartment arrangement.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle that includes performing a first operation on a front vehicle structure, securing a plurality of first vehicle components to the front vehicle structure while performing the first operation on the front vehicle structure, performing a second operation on a rear vehicle structure, securing a plurality of second vehicle components to the rear vehicle structure while performing the second operation on the rear vehicle structure, and coupling the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other to form an intermediate vehicle structure after the first vehicle components have been secured to the front vehicle structure and the second vehicle components have been secured to the rear vehicle structure. The first operation includes continuously or intermittently rotating the front vehicle structure. The second operation includes continuously or intermittently rotating the rear vehicle structure.

Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine a steering torque of a vehicle and to select one of a hands-on mode or a hands-free mode for operating the vehicle along a portion of the roadway based on comparing the steering torque to a steering torque threshold.

Abstract: An end plate for a vehicle battery pack is specially designed to span multiple rows of battery cells and to protect the cells if an object strikes the side of the vehicle. The end plate includes a curved front wall, a flat rear wall, and several cantilevered struts perpendicular to the rear walls. The cantilevered struts are dimensioned such that they buckle to absorb energy rather than transmitting force to the battery cells.

Abstract: A traction battery includes a battery array and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The FPC including a hurdle-shaped flexible substrate that is planar and has opposing first and second planar surfaces and opposing first and second edges extending between the planar surfaces, the substrate having a straight middle portion, a first end portion that is joined to the middle portion by a first elbow portion, and a second end portion that is joined to the middle portion by a second elbow portion. The elbow portions are folded relative to the middle portion at first and second folds, respectively, such that the first planar surfaces of the first and second elbows face each other. A circuit is supported by the substrate and electrically connected between circuit boards supported on opposite sides of the battery array.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a temperature control system of a vehicle In one example, a system includes an evaporator directly upstream of a heat exchanger and a plurality of valves configured to adjust flow of air passing through one or more of the evaporator and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adapting engine starting thresholds for automatic engine starting are described. In one example, one or more automatic engine starting thresholds may be adjusted to decrease a possibility of automatic engine starting. The automatic engine starting thresholds may be adjusted based on engine starts being characterized as low benefit engine starts.

Abstract: A vehicle including a sensor unit and a processor is disclosed. The sensor unit may detect a presence of a first user in the vehicle. The processor may determine that the first user is present in the vehicle based on inputs obtained from the sensor unit. The processor may further obtain information associated with a subscription for a vehicle feature owned by the first user or lent to the first user by a second user, responsive to determining that the first user is present in the vehicle. The processor may additionally change an operational state of the vehicle feature from an inaccessible state to an accessible state based on the information.

Abstract: A valve body assembly that includes a valve body, a pump and a valve member. The valve body has multiple valve bores and hydraulic passages. The pump is coupled to the valve body and cooperates with the valve body to define a fluid circuit that is in communication with one or more of the hydraulic passages. The pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid through the fluid circuit and into one or more of the hydraulic passages. The valve member is movable between a first position in which the valve member is seated against the pump to inhibit fluid flow through the fluid circuit and a second position in which the valve member is removed from the pump to permit fluid flow through the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring an assembly process of at least one component to be assembled into a device. At least one video stream of the at least one component to be assembled is recorded utilizing at least one vision sensor. The recorded at least one video stream is analyzed by an evaluation circuit utilizing an artificial intelligence based on at least one artificial convolutional network with regard to a designated mounting configuration of the at least one component to be assembled. A notification is output via a human machine interface based on the analyzing performed by the evaluation circuit. The notification at least depends on an actual mounting configuration of the at least one component to be assembled and the designated mounting configuration of the at least one component to be assembled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using vehicles as mobile edge servers are provided. A vehicle may be programmed with specialized instructions enabling the vehicle to act as an edge server. A user may enable an edge server mode on the vehicle once the vehicle is parked or otherwise idle. A control server may receive a request from a user device for delivery of content. The control server may then choose a vehicle with a lowest latency to the user device based on the user device location, the vehicle location, the edge server mode being enabled on the vehicle. The control server may cause the chosen vehicle to provide the content to the user device. If the chosen vehicle does not have the requested content, the control server may fetch the content and provide that to the chosen vehicle.

Abstract: A solid-state battery system includes a solid-state battery unit that comprises an anode, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte separator positioned between them to facilitate ion conduction. The system also features a reference electrode that is electrically isolated from both the anode and the cathode. This reference electrode is designed in a way that does not interfere with the ionic flow between the anode and the cathode, allowing for real-time monitoring of the anode potential during the battery's operation.

Abstract: A controller initiates discharging of at least some cells of a traction battery based on data indicative of cell state of charge and cell capacity such that, upon completion of the discharging, states of charge of at least some of the cells are different, and after charging the cells with a same current for a same period of time, the states of charge fall with a predefined range of values.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle body includes (i) casting an automotive support structure that defines a front body structure and a rear underbody structure; (ii) physically splitting the automotive support structure to detach the front body structure from the rear underbody structure; (iii) securing the front body structure to a rocker panel along a front end of the rocker panel after the splitting; and (iv) securing the rear underbody structure to the rocker panel along a rear end of the rocker panel after the splitting such that the front body structure is spaced-apart from the rear underbody structure via the rocker panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method of assembling a plurality of rotor cores for an electric converter. The method includes providing a core robotic system employing force control feedback and an insert assembly robotic (IAR) system; placing a rotor core of the plurality of rotor cores on a mandrel by the core robotic system employing force control feedback, wherein each rotor core from the plurality of rotor cores includes a plurality of cavities; and placing a plurality of magnetizable inserts into the plurality of cavities in the rotor core by the insert assembly robotic (IAR) system employing force control feedback.

Abstract: A seatbelt attachment for attachment to a webbing of a seatbelt assembly of a vehicle includes a chest section and a shoulder section. The chest section has a chest-section axis on which the chest section is elongated, and the shoulder section has a shoulder-section axis on which the shoulder section is elongated. A joint connects the chest section and the shoulder section. The joint is flexible relative to the chest section and the shoulder section. The joint has a rotational axis that is transverse to the chest-section axis and the shoulder-section axis. The shoulder section includes a back elongated along the axis. The shoulder section includes two legs elongated along the chest-section axis and aligned along the chest-section axis with the back. The legs each have a distal end and the legs extend from the back to the distal ends, respectively.

Abstract: A system detects the occurrence of a vehicle event designated as a trigger. The system obtains interaction data, representing user interface interactions with a user interface of a vehicle, recorded by the vehicle for a predefined time period leading to the event. Further, the system, for any obtained interaction data, compares the data to historical data indicating interactions with a user interface prior to previous events comparable to the detected event to determine whether there is at least one correlation between user interface interaction and the occurrence of events comparable to the detected event and, responsive to a determined correlation, instructs modification of an aspect of the user interface of the vehicle, the aspect associated with interactions represented by the interaction data.

Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, has at least one storage chamber, laterally delimited on both sides by two side walls, and at least one dividing element, arranged in the storage chamber and which serves for subdividing the storage chamber. In order to provide a center console having a storage chamber which can be adapted to articles that are to be stored, the center console has at least two upwardly open holding slots which are arranged in the storage chamber and are mutually spaced in a transverse direction of the center console and which are arranged mutually oppositely on the side walls such that the dividing element can, at edges, be at least partially inserted into the holding slots from above.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vehicle with a traction battery and a fuel cell system, and a controller programmed to purge the fuel cell system by flowing air through it to remove moisture from the fuel cell system. The controller is configured to initiate the purge based on a distance of the vehicle from a destination, a state of charge of the traction battery, and ambient temperature conditions at the destination. The freeze preparation process can be initiated when the vehicle is approaching its destination and can be predicted using connectivity and communication with off-board sources.