Abstract: A method to control speed of a first vehicle is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a first input from a first detection unit. The first detection unit may be configured to monitor vehicles in a first vehicle blind-spot area. The method may further include determining presence of a second vehicle in a first vehicle blind-spot area based on the first input. The method may further include calculating a time spent by the second vehicle in the first vehicle blind-spot area. Furthermore, the method may include determining whether the time spent is greater than a predetermined threshold. Responsive to a determination that the time spent is greater than the predetermined threshold, the method may include comparing a first vehicle range and a run-off area, and updating a first vehicle speed based on the comparison.

Abstract: An assembly includes a fluid reservoir having a fluid outlet. The assembly includes a piston slidably supported in the fluid reservoir. The assembly includes a spring urging the piston toward an end of the fluid reservoir. The piston and the fluid reservoir define a working chamber in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The assembly includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the working chamber via the fluid outlet. The assembly includes a valve between the nozzle and the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a battery structure includes a lower wall and a pair of cross members. The lower wall is configured to support a cell stack. The cross members are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. Each cross member supports a respective side of the cell stack and is configured to extend substantially an entire width of the battery structure. Each cross member includes an outer wall, an inner wall, and connecting members that connect the outer wall to the inner wall. The outer wall, the inner wall, and the connecting members cooperate to define an internal cavity. The inner walls of the cross members are secured to the lower wall to form a unitized structure that houses the cell stack.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a first heat exchanger, a first region of a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, a compressor, a vapor generator, and a four-way valve. The compressor includes a low-pressure inlet, a mid-pressure inlet, and an outlet. The vapor generator is positioned downstream of the outlet of the compressor and upstream of both the low-pressure inlet and the mid-pressure inlet. The four-way valve is positioned immediately upstream of the first heat exchanger. At least one component chosen from the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the vapor generator is free from compressor-driven flow of the first heat exchange fluid during a first predetermined set of heating modes of operation of the heat pump and a first predetermined set of cooling modes of operation of the heat pump.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing defining a chamber and having an air inlet. A blower is disposed in the chamber and is in fluid communication with the air inlet. The blower is positioned to direct air in a flow direction. A sensor is disposed in the chamber and has a lens. The sensor is spaced from the blower. An air nozzle is aimed to direct air across the lens. A duct is disposed in the chamber and is coupled to the blower and the air nozzle. The duct extends from the blower in a departure direction oblique to the flow direction.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a battery structure of a vehicle includes a lower wall and a pair of cross members. The lower wall is configured to support a cell stack. The pair of cross members are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each cross member provides lateral support for a respective side of the cell stack and is configured to extend substantially an entire width of a battery enclosure. Each cross member of the pair of cross members includes an outer wall, an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall, and connecting members. The outer wall, the inner wall, and connecting members cooperate with each other to define an internal cavity. The inner walls of the pair of cross members are secured to the lower wall and slidable relative to the outer walls of the pair of cross members.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor unit attached to the housing, and a gutter fixed relative to the housing. The sensor unit includes a cylindrical shell defining a vertical axis. The cylindrical shell extends above a highest point of the housing. The cylindrical shell is rotatable around the axis relative to the housing. The cylindrical shell includes a lower edge and extending upward along the axis from the lower edge. The gutter is elongated along the lower edge and positioned directly below the lower edge relative to the axis. The gutter defines an airflow outlet from the housing radially inside the gutter relative to the axis. The sensor unit defines an airflow inlet radially inside the lower edge relative to the axis and positioned to receive airflow from the airflow outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, interior sensors sensing position or movement of an occupant in the cabin interior, and exterior sensors sensing a passerby proximate to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller determining an occupant intending to exit the vehicle via the door based on the interior sensors and determining a passerby passing by the door in an open position using the at least one exterior sensors. The controller controls the actuator to open the door when the occupant is intended to exit the vehicle and at least partially closes the door when a passerby is detected passing by the vehicle door and an occupant is determined not to be exiting the vehicle. The controller controls the actuator to open the door further when the passerby is determined to pass by the door.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a battery structure includes a first shell, a second shell and a cold plate. The first shell includes a first cross member portion providing lateral support for a respective side of a cell stack. The second shell is secured to the first shell to define a unitized structure that houses the cell stack. The second shell includes a second cross member portion providing lateral support for a respective side of the cell stack and is spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the first cross member portion. The cold plate is housed within the unitized structure. Each of the first and second cross member portions includes an outer wall, an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall, and connecting members that connect the outer wall to the inner wall.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a mounting bracket, a seat, a seatback, a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member. The seat is coupled to the mounting bracket. The seatback is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket. The first anchor is coupled to the seatback. The second anchor is coupled to the mounting bracket. The flexible member includes a first end coupled to the first anchor and a second end coupled to the second anchor such that the flexible member extends between the first anchor and the second anchor. A position of the first end of the flexible member within the first anchor changes as a function of an angular relationship between the seat and the seatback. A contour of the flexible member changes as a function of the angular relationship between the seat and the seatback.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a test rover apparatus, a test system and a test method using the test rover apparatus. For example, the test rover apparatus is provided with a chassis that is configured to support an object representing a mobile actor, and a motor that is coupled to at least one wheel. At least one spring is coupled between the at least one wheel and the chassis to: bias the at least one wheel to extend out of the cavity to engage an underlying surface, and compress in response to a load being applied to the top of the chassis thereby retracting the at least one wheel into the cavity. A controller is configured to control the motor to drive the at least one wheel to propel the chassis along a predetermined route that is based on simulation data and corresponds to a maneuver of the mobile actor.

Abstract: A system for distributing string length computation by a server computer coupled to a computer network. A server memory stores executable server instructions to receive a client request over the computer network at a server network endpoint, determine a pixel size of display text based on the string specification, and transmit a server response over the computer network. The client request includes a string specification with a display text, a font identifier, a font size, and a display resolution. The server response includes the pixel size of the display text.

Abstract: A cargo locking system for a vehicle, the cargo locking system includes a gate and a pivot bracket coupled with the gate. The cargo locking system also includes a latch radially extending from the pivot bracket. The latch is movable between a first position and a second position. The cargo locking system also includes an actuator coupled with the latch. The cargo locking system further includes a striker coupled with the gate. The striker is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The striker holds the latch in the first position when the striker is in the locked position.

Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel supported by the dash. The deployable panel is moveable relative to the dash from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The deployable panel has a proximal end at the dash in the deployed position and a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag abuts the deployable panel when the deployable panel is in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position. A tether extends from the airbag to the deployable panel in the undeployed position.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery, an inverter coupled to the traction battery via positive and negative legs of a high voltage bus and operable to convert DC power from the traction battery to three-phase AC power, a capacitor connected across the positive and negative legs of the high voltage bus, an electric machine having three phases coupled to the inverter, and a controller programmed to control electric machine voltage toward zero at a first slew rate or control electric machine current to a target short circuit current at a second slew rate in response to an active short request signal and to control the inverter to actively short the three phases of the electric machine after either (a) a specified elapsed time, or (b) after the electric machine voltage is below a first threshold or the current is within a predetermined range of the target short circuit current.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods associated with communicating privacy rights pertaining to data captured from a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of a data capture apparatus in a vehicle can include capturing an image. In an example scenario, the image may include an individual who is located outside the vehicle. Furthermore, in some cases, the image can be a part of a video clip containing multiple images. The method further includes generating an identifier for identifying the image(s). The identifier can be a machine-readable symbol such as, for example, a QR-code symbol or a barcode. A notification that includes the identifier may be generated and conveyed to the individual for use by the individual to exercise his/her rights to privacy with respect to the images in which he/she is present.

Abstract: A system for mitigating glare from at least one light source while driving a vehicle. The system includes determining an occurrence of a glare condition based on, at least in part, a visible light video stream generated by a visible light sensor. Upon determining the occurrence of the glare condition, indicia are presented at the vehicle display to assist in navigation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, a pair of suspension mounts and a deflector beam. The vehicle frame has a pair of longitudinal rails. The pair of suspension mounts are configured to support a vehicle suspension system. Each suspension mount is secured to a respective longitudinal rail of the pair of longitudinal rails. The deflector beam includes a body portion and opposing end portions. The body portion extends in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle and is configured to support an electrical module between the pair of longitudinal rails. The deflector beam is secured to the pair of suspension mounts or the vehicle frame. Each end portion extends from the body portion to a respective location that is outboard of a respective suspension mount of the pair of suspension mounts.

Abstract: A method to manage an event mode of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first input associated with the vehicle event mode. The method further includes determining an event type based on the first input. Further, the method includes obtaining an event type information. The event type information may include user preferences corresponding to the determined event type. In addition, the method includes determining whether the event is inside or outside the vehicle. Based on the determination whether the event is inside or outside the vehicle, the event type, and the event type information, the method includes selecting a vehicle unit configuration, and activating or actuating vehicle units based on the vehicle unit configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first control module, a plurality of second control modules, and a vehicle network. The vehicle network communicatively couples the first control module and the second control modules. The first control module is programmed to generate an update command including a plurality of authentication keys and transmit the update command over the vehicle network. The update command is functionally addressed to be receivable by the second control modules. Each second control module is programmed to receive a configuration file; in response to receiving the update command, identify the authentication keys in the update command that are associated with that second control module based on the configuration file; and update with the identified authentication keys.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor window including a substrate and a plurality of electrodes applied to the substrate, a sensing device movable relative to the sensor window and having a field of view through the sensor window in at least one position, and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensing device and the electrodes. The computer is programmed to activate the electrodes in a sequence that electrostatically moves a droplet on the sensor window, and the sequence is coordinated with movement of the sensing device relative to the sensor window.

Abstract: A method to prevent intoxicated operation is described. The method includes providing instructions to a vehicle user to position a vehicle user body portion posture in a predefined alignment. The method further includes obtaining the vehicle user body portion posture from a first vehicle detector, and determining whether the vehicle user body portion posture is in the predefined alignment. The method includes activating a plurality of vehicle visual indicators to illuminate in a predefined manner when the vehicle user body portion posture is in the predefined alignment. The method further includes providing instructions to the vehicle user to move vehicle user eyes to track the plurality of vehicle visual indicators, and obtaining a vehicle user eye movement from a second vehicle detector. The method further includes determining whether the vehicle user eye movement meets a predetermined condition, and actuating a control action accordingly.

Abstract: A biometric evaluation system for a vehicle includes a vision sensor configured to detect a biometric quality of a user. The biometric evaluation system also includes an operational system for the vehicle. At least one processor is in communication with the vision sensor. The processor is configured to execute a first classification algorithm that performs a first biometric validation based on the biometric quality to estimate a state of the user. The first classification algorithm requires a first service latency. In response to an outcome of the first biometric validation, the at least one processor is further configured to execute a second classification algorithm that performs a second biometric validation to confirm the state of the user. The second classification algorithm requires a second service latency greater than the first service latency. The processor is further configured to communicate a signal to modify operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to input an image acquired by a sensor to a neural network to output a prediction regarding an object included in the image. The neural network can be trained, based on (a) a distributed robust optimization that minimizes an expectation applied to probability distributions of loss functions to select training images that yield a solution with a selected uncertainty level and (b) generating additional input images based on adversarial images.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) vehicle sharing method is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a list of rent requests and associated requested rental durations, and a list of available vehicles and associated vehicle availability time periods. The list of rent requests may represent first nodes and the list of available vehicles may represent second nodes of a vehicle-renter graph. The method may further include obtaining a list of edges that connects at least one first node and at least one second node. The method may further include receiving a predefined trigger event and updating the list of edges in response to receiving the predefined trigger event. Furthermore, the method may include transmitting a vehicle reservation notification to at least one renter and at least one vehicle owner based on the updated list of edges.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system and method embodiments for a cooling system. For example, the cooling system includes a chassis that defines a cavity. A circuit board assembly is disposed in the cavity and comprises electronics that generate heat during operation. A heat sink is coupled to the electronics and is configured to engage an inner surface of the chassis. A fan is configured to direct air across the heat sink. An external cooling subsystem is mounted to at least one external surface of the chassis. The external cooling subsystem is in thermal communication with the circuit board assembly through the heat sink for transferring heat generated by the electronics.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, a cabin that is defined by the body, an air delivery system, and a controller. The air delivery system includes a blower, an air register, ductwork, and an intake module. The air register is positioned within the cabin. The ductwork extends between the blower and the air register. The intake module is positioned upstream of the blower. The controller adjusts a speed of the blower as a function of a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a frame and a spool having a first end and a second end each rotatably supported by the frame. The spool is elongated on an axis from the first end to the second end. The seatbelt retractor includes a plurality of torsion posts fixed to the frame. The seatbelt retractor includes a locking device operatively coupled between the spool and the plurality of torsion posts.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery coupled to an electric machine that provides propulsive force, an auxiliary battery, a voltage converter coupled to the traction battery and configured to convert traction battery voltage to auxiliary battery voltage, and a controller programmed to control the voltage converter to provide either a non-oscillating voltage above a first voltage threshold, or an oscillating voltage having a peak below the first voltage threshold based on a vehicle start signal and a vehicle brake pedal position signal. The controller may control the voltage converter to provide the non-oscillating voltage in response to the vehicle start signal being received while the brake pedal position signal indicates a released brake pedal, and to provide the oscillating voltage in response to the vehicle start signal being received while the brake pedal position signal indicates a depressed brake pedal.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle includes a skid plate configured to attach to an underbody of the vehicle, a plurality of cooling channels extending in a longitudinal direction between the skid plate and the underbody of the vehicle, and a structural reinforcement extending outward from the skid plate. The skid plate, the plurality of cooling channels, and the structural reinforcement are additively manufactured in a unitary construction.

Abstract: A motor assembly tool includes a stator defining a plurality of slots and a varnish application fixture. The fixture includes a disc defining a plurality of slots, an outer shield disposed on the disc radially outward of the slots of the disc, and an inner shield disposed on the disc radially inward of the slots on the disc. The disc is disposed on the stator and the outer and inner shields are configured to direct varnish through the slots of the disc and into the slots of the stator.

Abstract: A varnish injector assembly for an electric motor includes an injector nozzle, a varnish reservoir fluidly connected to the injector nozzle, and a filament extending from the varnish reservoir. The filament is configured to direct varnish from the injector nozzle to a slot of a stator core.

Abstract: A method of directing a vehicle body through a paint process includes obtaining, by a vehicle manufacturing system, process operation data from a vehicle body process. The process operation data is indicative of an operation state of an identified machine performing a selected body operation as part of the vehicle body process. The method includes determining, by the vehicle manufacturing system, whether a recognized fault has occurred based on the process operation data, identifying a potential vehicle body imperfection based on a paint process model and the recognized fault, and providing, by the vehicle manufacturing system, a notification to the paint process of the potential vehicle body imperfection for the vehicle body, where the notification includes location information of the potential vehicle body imperfection, a remedial action for addressing the potential vehicle body imperfection, a recommended resource allocation, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assistance system is disclosed. The system may include a transceiver configured to receive a source location and a destination location for a user trip, a user driving information and road information associated with a plurality of geographical zones between the source location and the destination location. The system may further include a processor configured to calculate a user driving index based on the user driving information. Further, the processor may be configured to calculate a zone index for each geographical zone based on the road information. The processor may be further configured to correlate the user driving index and the zone index, and calculate a driver assistance index for each geographical zone based on the correlation. The processor may perform a control action when the calculated driver assistance index is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing routes and water usage are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining calendar data for a traveler, the calendar data including trip information for a trip, determining a current water supply for the traveler, determining water generation capability of a vehicle used by the traveler for the trip, predictively determining a water estimate for the trip, determining when the water supply and the water generation capability substantially correspond to the water estimate, and providing an alert to the traveler when the water supply and the water generation capability are insufficient relative to the water estimate.

Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a battery structure, a pair of mounting structures, and a plurality of fasteners. The vehicle frame includes opposed longitudinal rails. The battery structure is disposed between the opposed longitudinal rails and includes a battery housing configured to house power storage units. Each mounting structure is secured to a respective side of the battery housing and supports a corresponding longitudinal rail. The plurality of fasteners extend through a corresponding mounting structure of the pair of mounting structures and a corresponding longitudinal rail of the opposed longitudinal rails to secure the vehicle frame and the battery structure to each other. An outer periphery of the corresponding mounting structure is substantially flush with an outer periphery of the corresponding longitudinal rail.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fleet management for a fleet of vehicles include collecting data associated with the fleet of vehicles including data associated with a plurality of vehicle operations affecting degradation of each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, determining a composite score associated with the fleet of vehicles based on the collected data, the composite score associated with both an average score for the fleet and a standard deviation score associated with each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, wherein a higher composite score relates to a slower degradation of the fleet of vehicles, and altering assignment of the plurality of vehicle operations assigned to each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles based on the composite score data to enable a higher composite score by equalizing an average degradation of the fleet of vehicles.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to execute an application in an isolated software environment on a controller of a vehicle; upon receiving a command from the application to actuate a component of the vehicle, prevent the command from being transmitted to the component; and upon receiving the command, transmit the command to a location in the memory.

Abstract: A system for reconfiguring a seating assembly within a vehicle, the system comprising identifying an adjacent surface within an interior of the vehicle, calculating a distance between the seating assembly and the adjacent surface, wherein the configuration is an occupiable seating configuration, and further wherein the occupiable seating configuration has a mode chosen from a forward facing mode and a rearward facing mode, storing the distance between the seating assembly and the adjacent surface, receiving a user input to transition the seating assembly from one occupiable seating configuration mode chosen from the forward facing mode and the rearward facing mode toward the other mode, and controlling the configuration of the seating assembly to transition from one occupiable seating configuration mode chosen from the forward facing mode and the rearward facing mode toward the other of the forward facing mode and the rearward facing mode.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a blower, a sensor, an air nozzle positioned to receive airflow from the blower and eject the airflow onto the sensor, an air pump positioned to eject airflow onto the sensor, and a heater mounted to the air pump and positioned to heat airflow passing through the air pump.

Abstract: When multiple display screens share data from different control units, the screens may flicker or have other anomalies when the control units are not synced. A system and method for detecting flickering or other anomalies includes receiving a video feed of a display screen to be tested, recording, from the video feed, a video file of a predetermined length that includes a plurality of frames, selecting a region of interest in a frame of the video file to define a template image; and performing a pattern matching between the template image and a pattern image of respective frames in the video file to detect anomalies.

Abstract: A system for braking a host vehicle. A memory storing instructions executable by a processor includes instructions to actuate friction brakes in the host vehicle when a brake condition occurs. The brake condition includes that the host vehicle is parked on a roadway, a person is located exterior to the host vehicle, and an approaching vehicle will come within a distance threshold of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A method of plating a substrate includes etching at least a portion of a surface of the substrate to form voids within the surface. The substrate includes a composite material with a network of electrically conductive nanostructures dispersed therein. Electrodes are attached to the substrate, it is placed in a bath of a first electrically conductive metal, and a voltage is applied to the substrate through the electrodes to deposit a first electrically conductive metal layer onto the surface of the substrate, and a second electrically conductive metal layer is electroplated thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first pillar and a second pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The first pillar and the second pillar define a door opening therebetween. An airbag is above the door opening in an uninflated position and is inflatable across the door opening to an inflated position. A cable is above the door opening when the airbag is in the uninflated position. The cable extends across the door opening from the first pillar to the second pillar when the airbag is in the inflated position. A pyrotechnic retractor is below the airbag and the cable when the airbag is in the uninflated position. The pyrotechnic retractor is connected to the cable.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to acquire real world sensor data from a mobile platform for a first time period. The real world sensor data from the mobile platform can be input to a first neural network to predict sensor data of the mobile platform for a second time period that is prior to the first time period. The predicted sensor data and the real world sensor data can be input to a simulation of the mobile platform; wherein the simulation outputs predicted real world operation of the mobile platform based on the predicted sensor data for the second time period and the real world sensor data for the first time period.

Abstract: Rider identification systems and methods using motion sensing are disclosed herein. An example method includes obtaining a location of a mobile device associated with an individual, obtaining sensor data from the mobile device that includes a first motion profile, the sensor data also including environment information around the location, generating a motion model for the individual using the environment information, generating a second motion profile using the motion model, comparing the second motion profile to the first motion profile, and confirming when the second motion profile matches the first motion profile to confirm that the individual is at the location.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive time-series data from sensors of a vehicle, determine an efficiency of the vehicle, and determine a probability of a fault occurring in the vehicle based on the time-series data and on the efficiency. The efficiency is energy consumption by the vehicle per distance traveled by the vehicle.

Abstract: A gateway device or the like in a vehicle can receive a packet from a device, such as an electronic control unit in the vehicle, via a port to a vehicle network. Upon determining that the device is defined on the vehicle network and not authenticated to the vehicle network, it can be determined whether the packet is an authentication packet. Upon determining that the packet is an authentication packet, it can be attempted to authenticate the device until authentication is successful or a threshold number of attempts is exceeded. Upon determining that the threshold number of attempts is exceeded, the port can be disabled.

Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a battery structure. The vehicle frame is distinct from a vehicle body and includes a front section, a rear section and a mid-section disposed between the front and rear sections. The mid-section includes opposed longitudinal rails. The battery structure is configured to house power storage units and is disposed between the opposed longitudinal rails. The battery structure includes a battery housing secured to the opposed longitudinal rails of the mid-section. The mid-section and the battery housing are combined into a unitized structure that is removably secured to the front and rear sections of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle puddle lamp assembly including a housing, a lens coupled to the housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to the housing. At least one near-infrared light source to emit near-infrared light through the lens is coupled to the printed circuit board. A palm image sensor is also coupled to the printed circuit board. The palm image sensor is configured to detect a palm vein pattern illuminated by the near-infrared light and reflected from a user's palm through the lens.