Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) system includes an AV control system that resolves unique situations encountered while operating as a ride hail provider. The AV control system includes an artificial intelligence (AI) agent programmed to receive a situation data set as an input from vehicle sensors or from another AI agent. The situation data set can include a generic representation of information describing and characterizing the circumstances and details of the current situation. The system may access a knowledge library having catalogued prior situation data sets describing situations encountered by the AV or other vehicles in a fleet. The AV control system may search the knowledge library for similar situations encountered by a fleet vehicle. Once a similar situation is identified, the AV control system may identify one or more remedies that were executed to handle the prior situation, and execute the remedy to address the current situation.

Abstract: A plurality of structural fibers are laid onto a substrate. The plurality of structural fibers are stitched together with a thread in a specified stitching pattern to form a composite preform. The thread in the specified stitching pattern secures the structural fibers to each other such that the structural fibers provide a tailored load path within the composite preform and presents a visible image on an outer surface of the composite preform.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a cargo bed having a first and a second sidewall. A rail assembly is disposed on the first sidewall. The rail assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the first sidewall. An actuator system raises and lowers the rail assembly to move the rail assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix. An air bladder assembly is covered by the lattice matrix. The air bladder assembly includes a plurality of air bladders supported on a platform assembly. Each air bladder includes a body portion operable between deflated and inflated conditions. Each air bladder includes a connection stem. A support plate includes a plurality of access apertures disposed therethrough. The air bladder assembly is operably coupled to the support plate. Each air bladder is aligned with at least one access aperture of the plurality of access apertures. A carrier assembly includes a plurality of mounting apertures disposed through an outer surface thereof. The carrier assembly receives the connection stem of each air bladder through at least one mounting aperture of the plurality of mounting apertures of the carrier assembly.

Abstract: An incremental forming machine and a process are disclosed that comprise selecting a blank and selecting a stylus tool that has a tip at one end. The stylus tool may be heated to a desired temperature before contacting the blank with the stylus tool to change a characteristic of the blank or part. The stylus tool apparatus may include a tip on an end of a shaft and a resistance heating element disposed inside the tip. Alternatively, the stylus tool apparatus may include an induction heating coil disposed around the tip. The tip of the stylus tool may have a rotatable ball that engages the blank or part.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a dashboard located in the cabin interior, and a desk supported on the dashboard and movable between a stowed position on the dashboard and a deployed position extending outward from the dashboard, the desk comprising a plurality of interconnected panels having arms configured to engage a track to bend around at least a portion of the dashboard, and wherein the desk operably moves along the track when moved between the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A storage console includes a housing with a storage chamber, two closure members connected to the housing, an actuator movably arranged in the housing and a latch mechanism rotatably connected to the housing. The two closure members can be rotated to open or close the storage chamber. The latch mechanism includes two latch members and a synchronizer connected between the two latch members. The movement of the actuator actuates the two latch members to rotate to a lock position in which the two latch members engage with the two closure members or a release position in which the two latch members are separated from the two closure members. The two closure members of the storage console can be opened synchronously by use of the actuator and closed independently of each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a camera and a body control module. The body control module sends an instruction to a mobile device and captures, with the camera, an image of the mobile device. The body control module also analyzes the image to determine an initial location of the mobile device relative to the vehicle, and based on the initial location, performs dead reckoning on the mobile device to track the mobile device. When the mobile device is within a threshold distance, the body control module enables autonomous parking.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for connected vehicle enhancements. An example method may include causing to present, based on a first factor, an offer to install a first software update to a vehicle for a first period of time. The example method may also include receiving a request to install the first software update for the first period of time. The example method may also include causing to install the first software update on the vehicle at a first time. The example method may also include causing to disable, based on a determination that the first period of time has elapsed, the first software update on the vehicle. The example method may also include receiving a request to permanently install the software update on the vehicle. The example method may also include causing to permanently install the first software update on the vehicle at a second time.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body defining a cabin interior and comprising a front row of seats and a rear row of seats, a plurality of seats located within the cabin interior, and a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet or passenger within the cabin interior. The vehicle also includes a movable center console positioned between a pair of the forward row of seats and forward of the rear row of seats and comprising a holder for holding a drink container, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the detected pet or passenger on the rear row of seats based on the processed signals, the controller further controlling the movable console between a forward first position and a rearward second position closer to the rear row of seats.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powered door having an actuator to move the door between open and closed positions, a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices, and an imaging device oriented to capture images in a region proximate to the powered door. A controller processes the captured images and controls the actuator to move the door to the open position when a mobile device is detected proximate the vehicle and a user is detected in the captured images located in a door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a face of a user is recognized as an authorized user located in the door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a gait of the user is detected and identifies the gait are indicative of an authorized user located in the door detection zone.

Abstract: A transfer key system for a vehicle may include a key receptacle configured to detect the presence of a transfer key, and a controller configured to receive key status signals from the key receptacle, and activate the transfer key as an active transfer key in response to the status signal indicating a removal of the transfer key from the key receptacle and receiving an authentication signal from a user.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recirculation system includes a filler neck adapted to receive a refueling nozzle that dispenses fuel into the filler neck. A fuel tank receives fuel from the filler neck through an inlet check valve. The check valve is disposed in the fuel inlet opening and is normally closed. The check valve opens when fuel is dispensed into the fuel tank. The check valve defines a vent hole that is always open. The fuel tank also includes a fuel limiting vent valve and a grade limit vent valve. A fuel vapor cannister collects fuel vapor and selectively supplies fuel vapor to an intake manifold of a vehicle. The fuel vapor recirculation manifold receives fuel vapor only from the fuel limiting vent valve and the grade limit vent valve in the fuel tank and does not receive fuel vapor directly from the filler neck.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly includes a primary lens and a light source on a first side of the primary lens. The light source is configured to emit light through the primary lens. A light blade is on an opposite, second side of the primary lens. A secondary lens covers a portion of the light blade. A vehicle lighting method includes emitting light from a light source, directing the light through a primary lens, directing the light from the primary lens through a light blade, and directing the light from the light blade through a secondary lens.

Abstract: A method for spectroscopically detecting a chemical in a gas sample includes illuminating the gas sample with ultraviolet light and photolyzing a first chemical in the gas sample to generate a photolyzed gas sample and spectroscopically detecting a second chemical in the photolyzed gas sample. The second chemical has an optical absorption range within a respective optical absorption range of the first chemical.

Abstract: An applique is mounted over one or both B-pillars of an autonomous vehicle and includes a display, speaker, touch input, and microphone. The applique may include a curved cover mounted over a printed circuit board (PCB) having LED arrays mounted thereto. A diffuser defines windows for the LED arrays and has a planar surface interfacing with the PCB and a curved surface interfacing with the curved cover. A controller of the vehicle detects proximity to a passenger to be picked up and displays the passenger's name at a first proximity, outputs a spoken message at a second, closer, proximity, and outputs a visible and audible prompt to enter an access code at a third proximity closer than the second proximity.

Abstract: A smart container for transporting items in transportation vehicles, e.g., an autonomous vehicle (AV), having heating/cooling capabilities, security features, unloading/loading assistance, and/or GPS cellular tracking for positional awareness, and methods of use thereof, are provided. The smart container includes an inductive charging module for receiving power from the vehicle. The container may provide information to facilitate delivery. When the vehicle arrives at a delivery destination, the customer may be provided a map of containers within the vehicle, and a specific container may provide an indication that it is the correct container. The customer may then provide a code to access the container. If a container is improperly removed, an alarm may be triggered and a notification may be provided to a third party.

Abstract: A tracking system and method for tracking tools in and nearby a transportation vehicle is provided. The tracking system comprises a vehicle-based detection unit for optically acquiring tool sets in the vehicle loading space from different angles and providing digital image data as well as corresponding range information. An electronic main controller unit is operatively coupled to a communication receiving unit and communicates with the vehicle-based detection unit and a cloud-based computer system of the tracking system. A mobile computing unit includes an optical camera and a LIDAR sensor device and wirelessly communicates with the electronic main controller unit and the cloud-based computer system. The tool detection and tracking is accomplished by combining an image-based detection employing an artificial neural network in the cloud-based computer system and a signal-based detection employing the short-range wireless network communication means.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regenerating an after-treatment system of a vehicle. A first operational parameter of a first component of the after-treatment system is monitored and a second operational parameter, different to the first operational parameter, of a second component of the after-treatment system is monitored. It is determined if the first operational parameter of the first component is outside a first threshold range and if the second operational parameter is approaching a second threshold and, in response to the first operational parameter being outside the first threshold range and the second operational parameter being within the second threshold range, a regeneration sequence of the after-treatment system configured to regenerate at least the first component of the after-treatment system is initiated.

Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes, among other things, a cover of a battery array, a holder attached to the cover, and a circuit board held by the holder in a position where the circuit board is spaced from the cover. The holder is configured to communicate thermal energy between the circuit board and the cover. A method of securing a circuit board of a traction battery pack includes, among other things, holding a circuit board with a holder, and attaching a holder that is holding the circuit board to a cover of a battery array. The circuit board held by the holder is held in a position where the circuit board is spaced from the cover.

Abstract: This document discloses methods of training a classifier to identify traffic signal states in images captured be a vehicle. The vehicle can then use the identified states when making movement decisions when traveling in an environment. The system determines that a traffic signal is within a field of view of the camera (i.e., within an image). The system also receives a signal with signal phase and timing data for the traffic signal. The system processes the images to identify an image that includes the traffic signal. The system analyzes the signal data to determine a state of the traffic signal at the time of image capture, labels the image with a label of determined state, and passes the image and a label to a classifier in order to train the classifier.

Abstract: A method for operating a parking assistance function of a motor vehicle is described, wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least one sensor for detecting the road surrounding the motor vehicle. The method includes the following steps: Finding and specifying a free parking space; Determining a trajectory for parking the motor vehicle in the parking space and a sequence of an at least partially automated parking process; Determining at least one outer boundary line of the road surface required for parking along the identified trajectory; Detecting at least one road user approaching the determined outer boundary line on the road by means of at least one sensor; Determining the distance of the road user approaching the determined outer boundary line from the outer boundary line; if the determined distance falls below a specified first threshold, outputting a warning signal to the approaching road user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a closure providing increased headroom and shade. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk establishing a cargo space; and a closure assembly configured to move between a closed position and an open position to selectively cover and uncover the front trunk, wherein the closure assembly includes a hood section and a grille section, wherein, when the closure assembly is not in the closed position, the grille section is rotatable relative to the hood section in a direction away from a ground surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for random vehicle movement to prevent theft are disclosed. The vehicle system may automatically reposition to make it seem like the user is home and to reduce battery drain and flat spots on the tire. The system may randomize the start time based on the preferences of the user. At the randomly decided time, the vehicle may start up on its own and reposition itself. In addition, the system may learn a driving behavior pattern of the vehicle via machine learning based on driving behavior associated with the vehicle, such that the vehicle may perform vehicle movement based on the learned driving behavior pattern.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle is collected. The collected two-dimensional image is input to a machine learning program trained to output one or more reference points of the vehicle occupant, each reference point being a landmark of the vehicle occupant. One or more reference points of the vehicle occupant in the two-dimensional image is output from the machine learning program. A location of the vehicle occupant in an interior of the vehicle is determined based on the one or more reference points. A vehicle component is actuated based on the determined location. For each of the one or more reference points, a similarity measure is determined between the reference point and a three-dimensional reference point, the similarity measure based on a distance between the reference point and the three-dimensional reference point.

Abstract: A lighting system may include a lamp assembly including a lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections each include a material having variable light transmissivity in response to an applied voltage, and wherein the light transmissivity of the first section is adjustable independent of the light transmissivity of the second section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for addressing an error in a localization system that includes monitoring a plurality of sensors of a driver assistance system in real-time, with each sensor generating a data stream. The method further includes identifying a sensor having an anomalous data stream and calculating a primary localization and a backup localization. The primary localization calculation includes the anomalous data stream and the backup localization calculation does not include the anomalous data stream. Further, the method includes executing an action when the backup localization error estimate exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for a component, the component being produced layerwise by fused filament fabrication, includes magnetizing a substrate plate, depositing at least one first layer on the substrate plate, this first layer including a first substance that contains magnetic material, depositing at least one further layer of a second substance, and demagnetizing the substrate plate. An apparatus for producing a component by fused filament fabrication includes a substrate plate for depositing layers of the component, wherein the substrate plate is magnetized before depositing a first layer on the substrate plate, the first layer including a first substance that contains magnetic material, and further layers including a second substance that does not contain a magnetic material are deposited on the first layer, and the substrate plate is demagnetized after forming the part.

Abstract: A system for forming a vehicle component includes a first metal sheet having an aperture, a second metal sheet contacting a lower surface of the first metal sheet, an anvil supporting the first and second metal sheets beneath the aperture, and a press bit disposed above the aperture.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes, among other things, a tray, a lid secured to the tray to provide an enclosure having an interior, at least one battery module disposed within the interior, a cross-member disposed within the interior adjacent to the at least one battery module, and a stanchion secured to the cross-member. The stanchion disposed entirely within the interior. The assembly further includes a fastener that extends through an opening in the lid to engage the stanchion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting injection timing of closely spaced multiple injections via a same injector. In one example, during an inter-injection spacing between a first injection and a second injection in a set of multiple injections being lower than a threshold period, an opening time of the second injection in the set of multiple injections may be adjusted based on another opening time of another second injection in a previous set of multiple injections.

Abstract: This relates to a vehicle including a rear closure assembly having a liftgate and a tailgate. The liftgate and the tailgate are moveable by a common actuator. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a liftgate moveable between a liftgate closed position and a liftgate open position to selectively cover and uncover a first portion of a rear opening in a body of the vehicle, a tailgate moveable between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position to selectively cover and uncover a second portion of the rear opening, and an actuator mechanically coupled to both the liftgate and the tailgate. The actuator is configured to move the liftgate between the liftgate closed position and the liftgate open position, and the actuator is configured to move the tailgate between the tailgate closed position and the tailgate open position.

Abstract: A door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door trim panel attached to a door body on the vehicle inside. The door trim panel includes a first impact region and a second impact region formed integrally therewith, wherein at each of the impact regions, an intermediate space is formed between the door trim panel and the door body. In order to allow an optimized protection of an occupant's pelvic region from injury by a vehicle door in a side impact, the door trim panel includes a channel portion, which is recessed back towards the door body, is formed between the impact regions and has two mutually opposite wall portions extending in the vehicle transverse direction, each of which is formed integrally with an impact region.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure. The vehicle also includes a side door operable to move relative to the support structure between an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the side door, access to a vehicle interior of the vehicle is provided. In the closed position of the side door, the side door extends across a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a plurality of pivot members, each pivotably coupled to the support structure at a first end and pivotably coupled to the side door at a second end. The side door is movable between the open and closed positions via pivotal movement of each of the plurality of pivot members relative to the support structure and pivotal movement of the side door relative to each of the plurality of pivot members.

Abstract: An air induction system is disclosed for an engine that comprises an air cleaner, an inlet air conduit, a Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS), and a secondary air induction system. The air filter encloses a filter element that removes contaminants from the air supplied to the engine. A MAFS is disposed in the inlet air conduit and measures the mass of the air flowing through the inlet air conduit to an intake manifold of the engine and provides data to an engine control module that controls the air/fuel mixture supplied to the engine. The secondary air system receives air from the air cleaner that is provided to a vehicle component and includes an inlet port located upstream from the MAFS. The secondary induction conduit draws air through a port integrated with the MAFS bore with an air pump to provide clean air to an engine component or exhaust system component.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller, responsive to an interval exceeding a predefined threshold and a predicted net loss in energy, charges the traction battery such that the traction battery acquires energy in an amount at least equal to the predicted net loss in energy. The interval defines a confidence level that a predicted net change in energy stored by the traction battery will occur as a result of use of the vehicle between a current charge location of the vehicle and a next charge location of the vehicle. The amount is based on the interval such that the amount increases as the interval decreases.

Abstract: A system includes a first controller including a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first acceleration data from an accelerometer; upon determining that the first acceleration data satisfies a first criterion, transmit a wake-up instruction to a second controller; upon determining that the first acceleration data fails to satisfy the first criterion, instruct the accelerometer to send second acceleration data; and upon determining that the second acceleration data satisfies a second criterion, transmit the wake-up instruction to the second controller. The first criterion includes jerk exceeding a jerk threshold.

Abstract: Example steering wheel systems and torque feedback actuator assemblies for use in steer-by-wire vehicles are described herein. An example steering wheel system includes a steering wheel and a torque feedback actuator assembly. The torque feedback actuator assembly includes a housing and a helical gear rotatably disposed in the housing. The steering wheel is coupled to and coaxially aligned with the helical gear. The torque feedback actuator assembly also includes a motor with a worm gear engaged with the helical gear to provide torque feedback to the steering wheel by driving the helical gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an internal combustion engine that is coupled to a power split transmission are described. In one example, the internal combustion engine is operated in a speed control mode or a torque control mode in response to a braking torque and a transmission shift command. Operating the engine in the torque control mode may allow the engine to charge a battery while a neutral transmission state is selected.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor, a first region of a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is positioned immediately downstream of an outlet of the compressor. A second heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. A vapor generator is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. The vapor generator is positioned upstream of the second heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. The vapor generator is positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger in a second mode of operation. A first branching point is positioned immediately downstream of the first region of the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for creating and building a model of a unique infrastructure, such as a parking structure. The model may be created through the identification of various triggers by a vehicle traversing the infrastructure. The triggers may include, for example, sensors or other devices capable of sensing the vehicle within the infrastructure. The triggers may also be information received from the vehicle itself. Based on the triggers, it may be inferred that various places exist throughout the infrastructure. For example, it may be inferred through two subsequent triggers that a place exists between the two triggers. The place may be added to the model of the infrastructure in between the two triggers. The model may continue to grow in this manner.

Abstract: A method for recommending fuel filling stations based on water in fuel content is disclosed. In one example, a data structure is generated to house data from a plurality of fuel filling stations. The data structure may include data that is indicative of water in fuel. A recommendation for refilling a fuel tank may be provided according to data that is held in the data structure.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection system is provided. The method includes injecting fuel from a first direct fuel injection device arranged in a cylinder liner in a cylinder block into a combustion chamber and injecting fuel from a second direct fuel injection device arranged in a cylinder head into the combustion chamber, the first and second direct fuel injection devices arranged at an obtuse angle with regard to an intersection of central axes of the first and second direct fuel injection devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle that includes an electric machine as a propulsion source. In one example, a motor stall assessment level is generated based on an amount of time that the motor is stalled and an amount of torque that is generated by the motor. Mitigating actions may be performed if the motor stall assessment level exceeds a threshold level or value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment. The passenger compartment includes an upper region and a lower region. The passenger compartment also includes a floor. A plurality of track assemblies are positioned on the floor and extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of track assemblies includes a first rail assembly and a second rail assembly. Ductwork is positioned between adjacent track assemblies of the plurality of track assemblies. The plurality of track assemblies and the ductwork are coupled together as a floor panel such that installation of the floor panel within the passenger compartment results in a simultaneous installation of the plurality of track assemblies and the ductwork.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a robotic system. The methods comprise: inferring, by a computing device, a first heading distribution for the object from a 3D point cloud; obtaining, by the computing device, a second heading distribution from a vector map; obtaining, by the computing device, a posterior distribution of a heading using the first and second heading distributions; defining, by the computing device, a cuboid on a 3D graph using the posterior distribution; and using the cuboid to facilitate driving-related operations of a robotic system.