Abstract: A latch assembly for a vehicle has a latch body configured to be assembled on one of a moveable part on the vehicle and a fixed part on the vehicle. A latch is coupled to one of the latch body and a vehicle body and has a claw configured to latch onto a striker on the other of the moveable part and the fixed part in a latched position. A load spring is coupled to the latch body and configured to compress with force applied to the striker in the latched position.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle main battery, a wheel and tire assembly, an inductive charging device, and a cable is disclosed. The wheel and tire assembly may include a tire and a wheel. The inductive charging device may be mounted in the wheel and tire assembly. The inductive charging device may receive power from an inductive power source and transfer power to the vehicle main battery. The cable may vertically move the wheel and tire assembly between a lowered position and a stowed position, and enable power transfer between the wheel and tire assembly and the vehicle main battery.

Abstract: A storage system includes a storage bin having a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of laterally spaced side walls, a bottom wall, and a rim defining a top access opening. The storage bin is configured to be coupled to a storage area of a vehicle, the storage bin defining a storage space. The storage space includes a lower compartment, an upper compartment located above the lower compartment, and a load floor. The load floor is configured to separate the storage space into the upper and lower compartments when the load floor is in a first position, separate the storage area from the storage space of the storage bin when the load floor is in a second position, and uncover the top access opening to expose the storage space to the storage area when the load floor is in a third position.

Abstract: A vehicle console having a housing comprising a storage compartment having an access opening on a top side, a lid coupled to the housing for covering the access opening of the storage compartment, and a device holder configured to hold an electronic display device and pivotally coupled to the housing to pivot between a stowed position in the storage compartment and a deployed position extending outward above the housing.

Abstract: An automotive power module includes a plurality of power card assemblies arranged in a stack. Each of the power card assemblies includes a power card, a phase lead tab extending from the power card, and pairs of power lead tabs extending from the power card and being in direct contact with at least some of the phase lead tabs of adjacent ones of the power card assemblies without use of a bus bar.

Abstract: A method includes the generation of a chosen route to be followed by a plurality of vehicles based on a developed baseline route, the transmission of one or more commands instructing each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles to traverse a marshaling environment based on the chosen route, the determination of whether the traverse of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles exceeds a tolerance-related threshold associated with the chosen route, and the initiation of a dynamic path routing process in response to determining that a traverse of a vehicle of the plurality of vehicles exceeds the tolerance-related threshold.

Abstract: A caravan is performed of a plurality of vehicles by an ego vehicle. An ego vehicle receives, in caravan messages via a wireless transceiver of the ego vehicle, capability information indicative of capabilities of the vehicles to traverse an obstacle along a route. Performance rankings that indicate relative capabilities of the vehicles per type of obstacle are determined based on the capability information. One or more ordering strategies are utilized to define a vehicle ordering for traversal of the obstacle along the route, the vehicle ordering being based on the performance rankings of the vehicles and the obstacle. The obstacle is traversed, by the caravan, according to the vehicle ordering.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a high-voltage (HV) bus and a controller. The controller, during assembly of a control system including a plurality of HV devices to be installed in a predefined order such that one of the HV devices is installed before an other of the HV devices, and responsive to detecting presence of the other of the HV devices and absence of the one of the HV devices, disconnects a traction battery from the HV bus.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base frame including a first and second cross beam. A vehicle seating assembly also includes a seat base operably coupled to the seat base frame, the seat base including a forward portion and a rearward portion, a seatback rotatably coupled to the seat base proximate the rearward end, a seat cushion assembly includes a main cushion and side cushions, and a linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link coupled to the seat base frame and a third link operably coupled to the second link, and a seat pan operably coupled to the linkage assembly and positioned between the seat base frame and the seat cushion assembly. The seat pan including at least one hooked tab disposed on an underside of the seat pan, and a rearward support defining an arcuate portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide compressed air to one or more air consumers external to the engine using transmission fluid from a transmission pump are presented. In one example, the transmission fluid may be routed to drive an air compression system including two cylinders. The air compressed at the compression system may be stored in a tank and/or provided to the one or more air consumers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a four-wheel drive high gross weight vehicle are presented. In one non-limiting example, a traction battery covers a lateral expanse between a first frame rail and a second frame rail, thereby providing higher storage capacity for the traction battery even though the vehicle is configured for four-wheel drive.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor unit attached to the housing, and an airfoil blade. The sensor unit includes a cylindrical shell defining a vertical axis. The cylindrical shell is rotatable around the axis relative to the housing. The cylindrical shell includes a lower edge and extends along the axis from the lower edge. The housing includes an aperture centered on the axis. The aperture defines an airflow outlet from the housing radially inside the aperture relative to the axis. The sensor unit defines an airflow inlet radially inside the lower edge relative to the axis and is positioned to receive airflow from the aperture. A gap is defined between the aperture and the lower edge along the axis. The airfoil blade is positioned at the gap and positioned to interrupt airflow from the housing through the aperture into the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A device may receive a vehicle topology and may generate predefined processes for components of the vehicle topology. The device may provide, to a user device, data identifying the predefined processes, and may receive, from the user device, user-defined processes and a selection of particular predefined processes for execution of a test. The device may identify containers to be created for the user-defined processes and the particular predefined processes, and may identify virtual networks to interconnect the containers. The device may identify an order of execution for the user-defined processes and the particular predefined processes, and may generate a file that defines the containers, the virtual networks, and the order of execution. The device may cause the file to be implemented in a virtualized environment, and may orchestrate the test. The device may generate results based on orchestration of the test, and may perform actions based on the results.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle, that receives an electrical plug having a male terminal or a female terminal, includes the other of the male terminal or female terminal and a latch that, responsive to movement of the electrical plug toward the electrical receptacle resulting in movement of the male terminal into the female terminal, rides along serrations of the serrated insert such that the latch and one of the serrations cooperate to resist disengagement of the electrical plug from the electrical receptacle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for diagnosing operation of an evaporative emissions system that included two carbon filled fuel vapor storage canisters that are arranged in parallel. In one example, operation of a first canister vent valve, a second canister vent valve, and a canister purge valve are adjusted to diagnose breaches and obstructions within the evaporative emissions system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating fuel-cell systems are disclosed. The amount of time the fuel-cell system is to be shut down can be calculated using external weather-related information. The amount of time the fuel-cell system is to be shut down can also be calculated using default settings. The fuel-cell system may be used to power an electric vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fluid reservoir plug. In one example, a single-piece plug for a fluid reservoir includes a shaft, the shaft including a threading, a conduit, and a channel. The channel extends transversely through each thread of the threading to the conduit. Furthermore, while the threading is coupled to the fluid reservoir at an opening of the fluid reservoir, fluid exits the opening by flowing along the channel before flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: Fluid spray nozzles are provided for use with motor vehicle assemblies. An exemplary fluid spray nozzle device may include features for directing cleaning fluid in a first direction toward a first surface and features for directing cleaning fluid in a second direction toward a second surface. The fluid spray nozzle simultaneously cleans the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an imager mounted with and directed to an area to a rear of the vehicle and outputting image data, a detector mounted with and directed to the area to the rear of the vehicle and outputting proximity data, and a controller. The controller, responsive to identifying a hitch ball in the image data, determines a size of the hitch ball. The controller also receives at least one of the image data or proximity data and determines a size of a coupler of the trailer and determines a compatibility state of the hitch ball and the coupler based on the size of the hitch ball and the size of the trailer. Responsive to the size of the hitch ball and the size of the coupler of the trailer being determined to be incompatible, the controller causes a mismatch indication to be issued by the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle including a detection unit and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to receive a position information from a user device in proximity to the vehicle. The processor may be configured to determine that the user device may be moving in a predefined pattern in proximity to the vehicle based on the position information. The processor may further determine that the vehicle may be in a first vehicle operational state, of a plurality of vehicle operational states, responsive to determining that the user device may be moving in the predefined pattern in proximity to the vehicle. The processor may additionally perform a first operation on a first vehicle component responsive to determining that the vehicle may be operating in the first vehicle operational state. The first vehicle component may be associated with the first vehicle operational state.

Abstract: A system for controlling a reconfigurable seating arrangement in a vehicle includes memory storing a plurality of cabin modes including a predetermined location and configuration for each of a plurality of moveable interior components, each stored as nodes in a network model. The nodes are connected by edges extending between ones of the nodes selected as possible successive cabin modes with associated edge cost values. A controller determines a desired one of the plurality of cabin modes and determines a first transition sequence between a current one of the cabin modes and the selected cabin mode by identifying a first one of the nodes that corresponds with the current cabin mode and a second one of the nodes that corresponds with the selected cabin mode. The controller moves at least one of the moveable interior components according to the first transition sequence.

Abstract: An auxiliary unlocking system and method for a vehicle is provided. The auxiliary unlocking system comprises a first operating element assembly operably connected to a closure member of the vehicle and located outside the vehicle. The first operating element assembly is configured to be actuatable to perform security verification and unlock the closure member only when state of charge of a battery of the vehicle is less than a threshold value. In addition, a vehicle comprises the auxiliary unlocking system.

Abstract: A vehicle including a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs), an electronic controller and a signal provider device is disclosed. The ECUs may output a plurality of signals to the electronic controller. The electronic controller may obtain user inputs indicative of user selection of one or more signals of interest from the plurality of signals, and may output the signals of interest to the signal provider device based on the user inputs. The signal provider device may connect with an aftermarket external vehicle accessory and may transmit the signals of interest to the external vehicle accessory to enable the accessory's operation.

Abstract: A clamp that includes a body, a first protrusion, and a tab. The body is configured to be disposed about a conduit and includes a first end and a second opposing end. The first protrusion extends from the first end of the body. The tab is proximate the second opposing end of the body. The first protrusion is hidden by the tab in response to the body being in the open position and the first protrusion is exposed from the tab in response to the body being in the closed position.

Abstract: A computer may be programmed to receive a first set of charging status data about a vehicle and receive a second set of charging status data about a household associated with the vehicle. Based on the sets of charging status data the computer may simulate electrical usage by the vehicle and the household to generate a third set of charging status data. The computer may actuate at least one of the vehicle or the household to charge according to the third set of charging status data.

Abstract: A device holder system for a vehicle includes a device holder mount configured to be supported on a support structure in a vehicle, the device holder mount having a mounting surface. One or more magnets are provided on the device holder mount proximate to the mounting surface. A removable insert is configured to connect onto the device holder mount and configured to secure a mobile device to the device holder mount. One or more slots are provided on one of the device holder mount and the removable insert, and one or more slides are provided on the other of the device holder mount and the removable insert. The one or more slots are configured to receive and support the one or more slides to retain the removable insert on the device holder mount.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and delivering oil for an electric vehicle are described. In one example, viscosity of oil and resistance to oil flow of an oil circuit reduce oil flow through a cooling circuit so as to reduce powertrain losses that may be related to oil viscosity. At higher temperatures, the viscosity of oil allows the oil to flow through the cooling circuit and lower a temperature of an electric machine.

Abstract: A vehicle having a body defining a cabin interior and having a window on a rearward facing surface, an air intake for receiving air from an exterior environment, an air blower for blowing the air in the cabin interior, and an air exhaust vent coupled to the body proximate the rearward facing window. A duct and vent assembly is operatively coupled to the exhaust vent for receiving the blown air and has a nozzle oriented to direct the blown air on the rearward facing window.

Abstract: System and methods for an internal combustion engine are described. In one example, the internal combustion engine includes one or more engine cylinders having igniters that include a pre-chamber. One or more of the engine cylinders may be operated in a skip-fire mode if a cylinder misfires or if the internal combustion engine is cold started.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first probable amount of aggregate heat generated by a vehicle battery over a time interval, for each of a plurality of possible travelable paths to possible destinations, achievable within the time interval. The method also includes determining a second probable amount of aggregate heat generated by the battery over another time interval for each of a plurality of second possible travelable paths to possible second destinations from the possible first destinations. The method includes determining a maximum probable amount of aggregate heat generated over the first and second time intervals, and, responsive to the maximum amount of aggregate heat generated over the second time interval exceeding predefined cooling capacity and responsive to the maximum amount of aggregate heat generated over the first time interval being less than the predefined cooling capacity, scheduling precooling of the battery during the first time interval.

Abstract: A method includes the receipt of one or more vehicle marshaling messages, the transmission of an infrastructure-initiated certification key associated with the vehicle, the receipt of a vehicle-initiated certification key based on one or more nodes of the vehicle verifying the infrastructure-initiated certification key, the verification that the vehicle-initiated certification key corresponds to an identify of the vehicle, and the generation of a virtual bounding box indicative of a current location of the vehicle.

Abstract: This document discloses system, method, and computer program product embodiments for generating a possible object trajectory. For example, the method includes: analyzing sensor data to detect a moving object in an environment and at least one obstacle that the moving object is unable to traverse; generating a definition for a location of the obstacle in the environment in terms of reference frames defined for a lane and distances from a left boundary of the lane to edges of the obstacle; using the definition for the location of the obstacle and known dimensions of the moving object to detect any free space around the obstacle through which the moving object can traverse; and generating the possible object trajectory based on the detection of any free space.

Abstract: A system receives scene data from a plurality of multi-access edge computing (MEC) nodes, the scene data for each MEC node indicating data about a scene covered by sensors of a given one of the MEC nodes. The system determines one or more areas of interest included in at least one of the scenes and, for at least one of the one or more areas of interest that includes indicated data from at least two of the MEC nodes, determines whether at least one of the at least two MEC nodes has preferential data. Additionally, the system utilizes the data from the at least two MEC nodes to execute a vehicle maneuver autonomously, in accordance with parameters defined for data utilization that dictate utilization based on the preferential data determination.

Abstract: An automotive power system has circuitry, including a capacitor, inductor, and switch in series, connected such that a terminal of the switch is directly connected with only one phase leg of an inverter system controller between an electric machine and the inverter system controller and a terminal of the capacitor is referenced to a negative terminal of a traction battery. The switch is closed while the traction battery is being charged with energy from an AC grid, and open while the traction battery is not being charged.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods disclosed herein provide an optimal viewpoint from which a virtual camera views a scene in an environment surrounding an ego vehicle. A first value is determined indicating an extent to which a first view from a default viewpoint of the virtual camera satisfies first and second view observation objectives. A second value is determined indicating an extent to which a second view from an alternative viewpoint of the virtual camera satisfies the first and second view observation objectives. If the second value exceeds the first value by an amount greater than a specified criterion value, the alternative viewpoint is selected for the virtual camera. If the second value does not exceed the first value by an amount greater than the specified criterion value, the default viewpoint is selected for the virtual camera.

Abstract: A method including the receipt of a marshaling request, the identification of a channel load threshold, the determination of whether a vehicle of one or more vehicles satisfies a distribution-related criterion, and the assignment of the vehicle to a road-side unit of a plurality of road-side units. The assignment is based on at least a determination that a communication load of the road-side unit is below the channel load threshold.

Abstract: The tailgate assembly method includes presetting a frame subassembly of a tailgate assembly relative to a vehicle structure; and presetting a door subassembly of the tailgate assembly relative to the frame subassembly. The frame subassembly can include a cargo bed access opening between a driver side section and a passenger side section. The door subassembly can be pivotable relative to the frame subassembly back-and-forth between a door open position and a door closed position. The door subassembly closes the cargo bed access opening when the door subassembly is in the door closed position.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive a positional deviation for a vehicle and update a classification of a geographic area in a GNSS deviation map layer based on the positional deviation. The positional deviation is based on sensor data generated by environmental sensors on board the vehicle, map data, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data received at the vehicle. The positional deviation indicates a difference between a GNSS pose of the vehicle derived from the GNSS data and a localized position of the vehicle indicated by the sensor data and the map data. The GNSS deviation map layer indicates a reliability of the GNSS data.

Abstract: Localization is performed using a dynamic mesh of vehicle-based Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) anchors. One or more vehicle-based UWB anchors are detected using fixed-location infrastructure UWB anchors, the one or more vehicle-based UWB anchors being components of a vehicle used for access control to the vehicle. The one or more vehicle-based UWB anchors are joined to a mesh of UWB anchors for locating mobile devices, the mesh of UWB anchors including both the fixed-location infrastructure UWB anchors and the dynamic vehicle-based UWB anchors. The mesh of UWB anchors is used to determine an absolute position of a mobile device.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrode slurry for use in battery manufacturing includes mixing a plurality of slurry components within an internal volume of a mixing container, transmitting ultrasonic signals across the internal volume of the mixing container, monitoring an attenuation of the ultrasonic signals over a period of time, determining when an end-of-mixing condition is met when the acoustic attenuation reaches a predetermined value, and stopping the mixing when the end-of-mixing condition is met.

Abstract: Managing text message communications in vehicles using artificial intelligence is provided. Communication metrics are sent from a server to a plurality of vehicles, defining indications of text message events that may affect driver and communication effectiveness. The server receives, from the vehicles, aggregated text message data and high-fidelity text message data collected by the vehicles in response to the occurrence of text message events. The high-fidelity text message data is analyzed using an AI-based text analysis service to determine updated communication metrics. This analysis employs machine learning techniques with delayed feedback based on user interactions and real-world outcomes. The updated communication metrics are provided to the plurality of vehicles to aid in the detection and modification of text messages, enhancing communication quality. The system includes user-configurable preferences, encryption for privacy, and adaptive learning to increase effectiveness over time.

Abstract: A method for checking a connection region formed during a joining process of at least two metal components via a laser. The method includes producing a photographic recording of the connection region being formed, transforming the photographic recording, creating at least two image strips in the photographic recording, and assessing the at least two image strips. An apparatus for carrying out the method is further provided.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extender system is comprised of a plurality of panels that are coupled together such that the panels are configurable between a plurality of use positions including at least a stowed position and an extended position. When in the stowed position, the plurality of panels are stored within a cargo bed floor. When in the extended position, the plurality of panels provide an extended work surface that extends outwardly beyond the cargo bed floor.

Abstract: A suspension control system for a vehicle may include a plurality of adjustable dampers associated with suspension of respective ones of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, a controller operably coupled to the adjustable dampers to selectively adjust a damping force of one or more of the adjustable dampers responsive to an activation signal, and a driver interface disposed at a steering wheel assembly of the vehicle. The driver interface may be actuated by a driver of the vehicle to apply the activation signal while the driver interface is actuated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for detecting a change in a drivable area. For example, the method includes determining a ground height associated with a cell of a tile map based on sensor data from a sensor of a vehicle and updating a base map based on a determination that there is a change in a drivable area of the vehicle based on at least the ground height.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for providing operational inputs to a vehicle may include a first pedal which may include a first pedal arm and a first pedal pad and may be operably coupled to a powertrain of the vehicle, and a second pedal which may include a second pedal arm and a second pedal pad and may be operably coupled to a brake assembly of the vehicle. The pedal assembly may be adjustable between a first state in which the pedal assembly may be arranged for one-footed operation, and a second state in which the pedal assembly may be arranged for two-footed operation.

Abstract: A sequence of connected messages is transmitted using Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) of a predefined period. A random value for a 1-shot duration timer is set, the random value being chosen as being between a minimum and a maximum multiple of the predefined period. Responsive to expiration of the 1-shot duration timer, 1-shot resources are allocated for a 1-shot transmission, independent of SPS-allocated resources of the SPS, and a next packet of the sequence of connected messages is transmitted as a 1-shot message using the 1-shot resources instead of using the SPS-allocated resources of the SPS.