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 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: 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 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 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: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for identifying a location of an occupant in a vehicle. In an example method, a processor deconvolves a vocal utterance by an occupant of a vehicle and also determines an angle of arrival of the vocal utterance. The location of the occupant in the vehicle is then identified by the processor based on evaluating the deconvolved vocal utterance and the angle of arrival of the vocal utterance. Deconvolving the vocal utterance can involve applying a cabin impulse response to the vocal utterance for eliminating undesirable effects that may be imposed upon the vocal utterance by acoustic characteristics of the cabin of the vehicle (echo, sound reflections, sound damping, reverberation etc.). In some applications, the processor may refer to a lookup table to estimate a location of the occupant in the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting an optimal use level of a driver assist system are provided. The system may collect historical driver behavior and road condition data, and train an optimization prediction model using the historical data, e.g., via machine learning or artificial intelligence. Moreover, the system may collect real-time driver behavior and road condition data, and predict an optimal use level of the driver assist system based on the real-time data using the trained optimization prediction model. The system may then send feedback to the driver assist system when the optimal use level falls outside a predetermined threshold, such that the driver assist system may be unavailable or have reduced functionality until the optimal use level improves.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: A system comprises a computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive a communication-protocol-agnostic vehicle control request for a vehicle, determine, based on the communication-protocol-agnostic vehicle control request, a vehicle control operation to be executed at the vehicle, identify, from among a plurality of candidate communication-protocol-specific communication links, a communication-protocol-specific communication link via which to send a vehicle control directive to the vehicle, and send the vehicle control directive to the vehicle via the identified communication-protocol-specific communication link to cause the vehicle to execute the vehicle control operation.

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: 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.

Abstract: A system includes a control computer that is programmed to perform an authentication based on an encryption key, upon being connected to a vehicle communication network. The computer is programmed to control vehicle operation including at least one of propulsion, braking, and steering, upon authentication by a vehicle computer that is physically attached to the communication network.

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: 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: A system and strategy for reducing rapid steering wheel movement at the end of an autopark maneuver. The strategy includes maintaining or ramping-out power-steering motor torque to reduce steering wheel movement that may occur due to tire windup that has occurred up to that point in the autopark maneuver. The strategy may include the stopping of an autopark maneuver at any time during the maneuver, or functioning at the end of an autopark maneuver. The autopark event may be a park-out maneuver.

Abstract: A provider, such as a transportation management service, can manage transport for a number of riders between various locations. A customer can request transport between different locations. The provider may analyze the request for salient information, such as information corresponding to a start and end location, and determine whether there are errors in the salient information that would prevent the provider from providing the requested service. When the provider detects errors, the provider may request additional information from the customer in order to correct the errors.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system when an ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature is provided. In response to an ambient temperature being less than a threshold temperature, a controller is adapted to operate a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode. In response to an ambient temperature being greater than a threshold temperature, the controller is adapted to operate the blower motor at a voltage that does not depend on whether in the charge sustain or charge deplete modes.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a seatbelt buckle, a seatbelt retractor, and webbing retractably extendable from the seatbelt retractor and releasably engageable with the seatbelt buckle. The webbing is extendable from the seatbelt retractor from a fully retracted position toward an extended position. The assembly includes a vibration motor on the seatbelt buckle. The assembly includes a computer having a processor and memory including instructions executable by the processor to activate the vibration motor in response to movement of the webbing from the fully retracted position toward an extended position. The vibration motor provides haptic guidance to an occupant to engage the clip with the seatbelt buckle.

Abstract: Upon detecting that a vehicle is parked, based on data from at least one of a sensor and a component in the vehicle, determine a location of the vehicle. Upon detecting that a vehicle operator has exited the vehicle, based on data from at least one of a sensor and a component in the vehicle, determine if the key fob is in the vehicle. Upon detecting that the key fob is in the vehicle, and based on the location of the vehicle, schedule a message to a user device.

Abstract: A magnet structure includes columnar grains of rare earth permanent magnet phase aligned in a same direction and arranged to form bulk anisotropic rare earth alloy magnet having a boundary defined by opposite ends of the columnar grains and lacking triple junction regions, and rare earth alloy diffused onto opposite ends of the bulk anisotropic rare earth alloy magnet.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for battery life cycle prediction for a preowned electrified vehicle including receiving state of charge (SOC) and mileage data associated with the preowned electrified vehicle, providing one or more driving maneuvers to be performed by a driver, providing one or more instructions to the driver to operate power-driven accessories of the preowned electrified vehicle, collecting data representing battery usage by the driver by monitoring the driving maneuvers and the operation of power-driven accessories as performed by the driver, and responsive to the collected data representing battery usage and the SOC and mileage, providing a battery life prediction for the preowned electrified vehicle.