Abstract: A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a console housing including a storage compartment and an access opening to the storage compartment. The storage assembly includes a tambour door assembly having a tambour door panel configured to move between a first position to close the access opening and a second position to open the access opening. The storage assembly also has a tray assembly including the tambour door panel. The tray assembly is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the console housing.

Abstract: A system for controlling autonomously-controllable vehicle functions of an autonomous vehicle cooperating with partner subjects includes a database device with information on communication signals from partner subjects, action objectives, and scenarios, and has an autonomous vehicle with autonomously controllable vehicle functions communicatively connected to the database device. The autonomous vehicle includes a control device with a programmable unit and a surround sensor device. The control device receives sensor signals acquired by the surround sensor device of a surrounding area of the vehicle and communication signals originating from at least one partner subject. The control device determines a situation context based on the database information, and converts the captured communication signals into control signals for the autonomously controllable vehicle functions based on the situation context.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a track assembly disposed on a vehicle floor. The track assembly includes a rail slidably disposed in a track and a positioning bracket fixedly coupled to the track. A lift mechanism is coupled to a pivot bracket disposed on the rail and is configured to rotate the seat frame between sitting and standing positions. A lever assembly is rotatably coupled to the lift mechanism, rotatable about a seat axis of rotation, and movable along the positioning bracket as the rail slides in the track. A release mechanism is operably coupled to the lift mechanism and the track assembly. The release mechanism may fix the rail relative to the track or release the rail from the track.

Abstract: A workstation includes a dashboard for a vehicle having a recess on an upper surface, a first display screen extending from the dashboard, and a second display screen that is deployable between a stowed position within the recess in the dashboard and an extended deployed position aligned proximate to the first display screen. A control arm operatively couples the first display screen with the second display screen, wherein the control arm pivots about a pivot axis to deploy the second display screen proximate to the first display screen. The workstation has a deployable desk that pivots between a stowed position proximate to the dashboard and an extended deployed position forward of the dashboard, wherein the desk in the stowed position covers the second display screen.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seatback and a seat that includes a seat frame and a support assembly. The support assembly is coupled to the seat frame and movable between an elevated position and a flattened position in response to an actuation force applied on the support assembly. The support assembly includes an extension member having a first end fixedly coupled to the seat frame and a second end rotatably coupled to the seat frame, and a plate having a first side rotatably coupled to the seat frame and a second side slidably coupled to the seat frame.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor, a first condenser, a vapor generator having a first region and a second region, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, and a first evaporator. A branching point is positioned between the first condenser and the vapor generator. The branching point diverts a portion of a first heat exchange fluid circulating through the refrigerant loop to the vapor generator. The first expansion valve is positioned between the branching point and the vapor generator. An outlet vapor generator is coupled to a mid-pressure inlet port of the compressor.

Abstract: A method of making a vehicle headrest restraint and connecting first and second molds to form a mold cavity. A first material is injected with a first density into the mold cavity. A second material is injected with a second density into the mold cavity. The first and second materials are allowed to develop an integrally formed headrest.

Abstract: A pet restraint system for a vehicle is provided. The pet restraint system includes a leash configured to connect to a restraint device on a pet, a wearable device comprising one of a collar and a harness configured to be worn on the pet and connected to the leash, a retractor device coupled to the leash and configured to be secured to a support structure on the vehicle, a sensor for detecting an expected condition of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the retractor to retract or lock the leash based on the determined expected condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment having a door panel movable between closed and open positions allowing access to the storage compartment, a user input device located within the storage compartment, and a latch assembly for latching the door panel in the closed position. The latch assembly includes a first release stage in the closed position allowing the door panel to move to an intermediate position between the open and closed positions and a second release stage allowing the door panel to move to the open position. The vehicle also includes a vehicle speed sensor sensing vehicle speed and a controller monitoring the sensed vehicle speed and detecting a user input to the user input device and controlling the latch assembly to selectively allow the door panel to move to one of the intermediate and open positions based on the sensed vehicle speed and the detected user input.

Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator core and a hairpin winding. The stator core defines slots that are circumferentially arranged between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the stator core. Each slot has a plurality of pin positions that is arranged in a direction that extends from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. The hairpin winding has a plurality of electrical paths of interconnected hairpins disposed within the slots. Each of the plurality of electrical paths of interconnected hairpins has a plurality of typical hairpins and an atypical hairpin. Each typical hairpin has a crown pitch of eight, nine, or ten, slots and opposing outwardly extending twist pitches along each end of the typical hairpin of four and one half slots. Each atypical hairpin, has an outwardly extending twist pitch and an inwardly extending twist pitch on opposing respective ends of the atypical hairpin.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle configurable for transportation of either passengers, cargo, or both. The various aspects of this disclosure, which include moveable seat assemblies, a door arrangement, and storage bins, among other things, provide the vehicle with increased functionality and versatility, leading to more efficient vehicle use.

Abstract: A vehicle characterizes a sunload on the vehicle using an imaging system including at least one camera capturing image data (e.g., without using an ambient light sensor). The image data includes at least a portion of a passenger cabin. A region of interest (ROI) overlay receives the image data and extracts selected image data according to predetermined scene elements of the vehicle environment. An occupant overlay is configured to detect a vehicle occupant represented in the selected image data and configured to generate truncated image data by subtracting image data corresponding to the vehicle occupant from the selected image data. An ambient light model uses environmental parameters including a sun position to estimate an expected sunload range. A mapper generates a sunload map comprising respective sunload values for a plurality of locations on the vehicle according to the truncated image data and the expected sunload range.

Abstract: A translation assembly for a vehicle includes a rail assembly that defines a first channel, a second channel, and a central member that extends between the first and second channels. A carriage assembly couples to the rail assembly. The carriage assembly is movable relative to the rail assembly. The carriage assembly includes a first rail engagement structure that extends into the rail assembly and is received within the first channel; a second rail engagement structure that extends into the rail assembly and is received within the second channel; and a carriage housing that is coupled to the first and second rail engagement structures. The carriage housing extends between the first and second rail engagement structures. The carriages assembly also includes one or more drive assemblies that engage with a top surface of the central member of the rail assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an aperture defined by the body, a closure panel, and a load sensor. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure panel covers at least a portion of the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. The load sensor is coupled to the closure panel. The load sensor senses a load that is applied to the closure panel.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle assembly includes a frame that has a passenger side rail and a driver side rail. The assembly further includes a battery support plate and a battery pack. The battery support plate is secured to the passenger side rail and the driver side rail. The battery pack has a plurality of cross-members. To secure the battery pack to the battery support plate, mechanical fasteners each extend through an aperture in the battery support plate to engage one of the cross-members.

Abstract: A cargo bed system includes a floor assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle. The floor assembly is configured to transition back and forth between a standard floor position and an extended floor position. The floor assembly includes a plurality of floor sections each having a cargo support surface. The floor sections are folded when the floor assembly is in the standard floor position. The floor sections are unfolded when the floor assembly is in the extended floor position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and comprised of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to clear. Markings are formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify user input areas. A control system includes a circuit configured cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input areas can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and clear modes.

Abstract: A wireless cell array tracker includes a daisy chain connecter and processor each supported on a circuit substrate. The circuit substrate is attached to a battery array. The daisy chain connector physically interfaces with a battery sensing module of the battery array. The processor retrieves data from the battery sensing module via the daisy chain connector, and commands wireless transmission of the data.

Abstract: A cargo bed system includes a side wall assembly of a cargo bed. The side wall assembly is configured to transition back-and-forth between a standard wall position and an extended wall position. The side wall assembly include an extendable portion and a fixed portion. The extendable portion extends and retracts relative to the fixed portion when the side wall assembly transitions back-and-forth between the standard wall position and the extended wall position.

Abstract: Exemplary deployable splash guard systems for motor vehicles may include features designed for blocking road spray. The deployable splash guard systems may include a flap that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for blocking the road spray. In the deployed position, the flap is positioned within a spray field of a tire of the motor vehicle and is therefore positioned to block the road spray from spraying onto a door handle and/or other structures of the motor vehicle. A control module of the deployable splash guard system may be programmed to utilize a sensor weighting scheme for accurately determining when to deploy the flap.

Abstract: A lamp includes a light source, a central lens optically aligned with the light source to receive a first portion of light emitted by the light source and transmit the first portion of light in a first output beam, a side emitting lens generally disposed between the central lens and the light source and arranged to receive a second portion of the light, and a plurality of light guides each having a light input end and operatively coupled to the side emitting lens to receive the second portion of light emitted from the light source that is directed through the side emitting lens and having a light output end, wherein each of the plurality of light guides has a light refraction structure on a first side for directing the second portion of the light in a second output beam from a second side.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback having an interior portion with a seatback frame disposed therein. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the seatback frame. A second bracket is operably coupled to the first bracket by an actuator that is operable between at-rest and actuated positions. A tether member includes a body portion that is operably coupled between the first and second brackets of the retraction mechanism for movement therewith. The tether member moves from a deployed position to a retracted position when the actuator moves from the at-rest position to the actuated position. A belt member is operably coupled to the tether member. The belt member is operable between a deployed position, wherein the belt member is disposed in front of the back support portion of the seatback, and a stowed position, wherein the belt member is received in the interior portion of the seatback.

Abstract: A method of making a trim article includes the steps of 1) obtaining specified criteria of a target component part comprised of a plurality of materials; 2) processing the specified criteria into a design envelope that includes parameters of the target component part within which the trim article to be created is to be confined, 3) inputting the design envelope into an additive manufacturing device supplied with a single forming material; and 4) forming the trim article using the additive manufacturing device from the single material. The formed trim article includes an outer casing with an interior portion having one or more lattice matrices disposed therein and having varying density profiles to simulate the specified criteria of the target component part. The formed trim article is created as a fully integrated monolithic whole via the additive manufacturing device.

Abstract: A seating assembly is provided with swivel capabilities. The seating assembly includes a coupling member, a seat, a seatback, and a swivel plate. The seat is pivotably coupled to the coupling member. The seatback is also pivotably coupled to the coupling member. Additionally, the swivel plate is coupled to the coupling member.

Abstract: A power system includes a primary bus connected to a traction battery, a secondary bus connected to an auxiliary battery, a power converter between the traction and auxiliary batteries, and a controller. The controller commands the power converter to increase a magnitude of current output to the secondary bus when an amount of charge current received by the traction battery exceeds a first amount threshold and commands the power converter to decrease the magnitude when an amount of charge current received by the auxiliary battery exceeds a second amount threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for supporting and executing automated control of climate comfort settings based on user classification within a group identity database. Methods of generating and employing the group identity database are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle can include a body coupled communication (BCC) sensor. A computer in the vehicle can detect that an occupant of a vehicle is touching a screen of a user device, based on a signal from the BCC sensor. Further, it can be determined whether the occupant is in the position of the vehicle operator. Upon determining that the occupant is in the position of the vehicle operator, a gaze direction of the occupant of the vehicle can be determined while the occupant is touching the screen. A prediction can then be output that occupant attention is directed to the screen based on the gaze direction and the signal from the BCC sensor.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a bracket fixed to a frame of a vehicle, two environmental sensors fixed to the bracket, and an insulating plate positioned between the environmental sensors and an inside of the vehicle. The sensor assembly may enhance the operation of the environmental sensors. Mounting both environmental sensors to the same bracket can permit more stringent position tolerances to be met by the environmental sensors compared to independently mounting the environmental sensors to the frame of the vehicle. Moreover, the bracket can provide a reference for locating the insulating plate. Additionally, the insulating plate can isolate the environmental sensors from heat generated by the vehicle, permitting the environmental sensors to more easily be kept within a temperature range for reliable operation. Finally, the same insulating plate can be used for both environmental sensors, in part due to the common position from the bracket.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle floor. The assembly includes a seat including a pedestal supported by the vehicle floor. The assembly includes a track supported by the vehicle floor. The pedestal is slidable along the track. The assembly includes an energy absorbing device supported by and slidable along the track. The energy absorbing device is between the track and the pedestal. The energy absorbing device is deformable relative to the track.

Abstract: A high-voltage module, such as a traction battery, a traction inverter, or a DC/DC converter of a traction powertrain of an electrified vehicle (EV), includes an enclosure, an electronics assembly for performing electrical power operations, and a fuse box for providing a power distribution and fuse protection arrangement to the electronics assembly. The enclosure includes a main enclosure portion and a secondary enclosure portion integrated together. The electronics assembly is housed within the main enclosure portion and the fuse box is housed within the secondary enclosure portion.

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

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to acquire a first image with a sensor, wherein the sensor is calibrated with a fiducial marker to determine a real world location of a reference plane. An image of an object is acquired with the sensor to determine that the object is located on the reference plane by determining object feature points. A location of the object is determined in real world coordinates including depth based on the object feature points. The system is operated based on the location of the object.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive sensor data indicating an obstacle, formulate a control barrier function for a vehicle based on the sensor data, determine a control input based on the control barrier function, and actuate a component of the vehicle according to the control input. The control barrier function is defined with respect to a reference point that is spaced from a centroid of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transforming autonomous aerial vehicle sensor data between platforms are disclosed herein. An example method can include receiving, by an UAV, vehicle radar data and radar calibration data from a vehicle, as well as location information for a location of the vehicle, determining a simulated UAV at the location, establishing an orientation for a simulated radar on a bottom of the simulated UAV, determining a height for the simulated UAV to match a field of view of the simulated radar, performing a geometrical transformation to convert the vehicle radar data set into a UAV perspective, converting the vehicle radar data into a vehicle coordinate frame using the radar calibration using vehicle global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, converting the vehicle coordinate frame from a global frame into a UAV coordinate frame using UAV GPS coordinates, and converting the UAV coordinate frame into simulated radar sensor frame.

Abstract: Automated package translation apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus can include a grid having a plurality of tiles, each of the plurality of tiles including translation members that are controlled by translation motors, the translation members providing movement of a bin in at least two directions, as well as gates that allow or prevent the bin from translating across a tile to an adjacent tile. The gates can be controlled by gate motors. A controller having a processor and memory, the processor executes instructions stored in the memory to activate the translation motors and the gate motors in a predetermined sequence to move the bin from a first tile to a second tile.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive operation data generated by first components of a vehicle; determine that the vehicle is being operated autonomously by an on-board autonomous-operation module based on the operation data without using output from the on-board autonomous-operation module; and upon determining that the vehicle is being operated autonomously, actuate a second component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for defogging a window of a vehicle includes steps of automatically selecting a climate control system operating mode and determining a risk of window fogging. The climate control system operating mode is selected from an outside air mode, an air-conditioning mode, and a defrost mode. A controller determines the risk of window fogging according to one or more inputs, and the same or a different controller may automatically select the climate control system operating mode. The controller is configured to increase a climate control system blower speed to increase a rate of airflow provided by the currently-actuated climate control system operating mode. The controller may sequentially advance the climate control system operating mode through the outside air mode, air-conditioning mode, and defrost mode.

Abstract: A high-voltage module, such as a traction battery, a traction inverter, or a DC/DC converter of a traction powertrain of an electrified vehicle (EV), includes an enclosure and a fuse box. An electronics assembly for performing electrical power operations is housed within the enclosure. The enclosure has a socket. The fuse box is removably insertable into the socket of the enclosure. The fuse box connects to the electronics assembly while the fuse box is inserted into the socket of the enclosure for the fuse box to provide a power distribution and fuse protection arrangement to the electronics assembly.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive an image frame from a camera, the image frame showing a vehicle, determine a two-dimensional bounding box around the vehicle in the image frame, determine a first three-dimensional point that is an intersection between (a) a ray extending from the camera through a center of the two-dimensional bounding box and (b) a first plane that is parallel to a ground plane, determine a second three-dimensional point on the vehicle, and determine an orientation of the vehicle based on the first three-dimensional point, the second three-dimensional point, and the ground plane. The ground plane represents a surface on which the vehicle sits.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A mold assembly, for an overhead console button carrier having a unitary body, includes a cavity side and a core side. The core side includes at least one zero draft core insert, a first buried retractor mechanism and a first slide mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing closed-in-bore diagnostics for a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, select operating conditions may be evaluated before closed-in-bore diagnostics may be initiated. In addition, charging of one or more batteries may be reduced to ensure that an engine throttle may operate with a small opening amount to evaluate the presence or absence of sludge in the engine throttle.

Abstract: A method for defogging a window of a vehicle includes steps of automatically selecting a climate control system operating mode and determining a risk of window fogging. The climate control system operating mode is selected from an outside air mode, an air-conditioning mode, and a defrost mode. A controller determines the risk of window fogging according to one or more inputs, and the same or a different controller may automatically select the climate control system operating mode. The controller is configured to increase a climate control system blower speed to increase a rate of airflow provided by the currently-actuated climate control system operating mode. The controller may sequentially advance the climate control system operating mode through the outside air mode, air-conditioning mode, and defrost mode.

Abstract: A test apparatus for simulating road conditions for a motor vehicle. The test apparatus includes a platform, a pair of roller assemblies, and a driveshaft. The pair of roller assemblies are coupled to the platform. Each pair of roller assemblies being configured to receive a pair of wheels of the motor vehicle. The driveshaft is secured between the pair of roller assemblies and is configured to transmit rotary power from one of the pair of roller assemblies to the other of the pair of roller assemblies. An orientation of the platform is adjustable.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body, a plurality of RF signal receivers located at a plurality of locations within the vehicle, a portable pet bowl configured to be transported in the vehicle body, the pet bowl including a container for holding content such as water, an RF signal transmitter located on the pet bowl for transmitting an RF signal, and a controller for processing the RF signal received by each of the plurality of RF signal receivers and determining a location of the pet bowl based on the received RF signals.

Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to train a quantile neural network to input an image and output a lower quantile (LQ) prediction, a median quantile (MQ) prediction and an upper quantile (UQ) prediction corresponding to an object in the image, wherein an LQ loss, an MQ loss and a UQ loss are determined for the LQ prediction, the MQ prediction and the UQ prediction respectively and wherein the LQ loss, the MQ loss and the UQ loss are combined to form a base layer loss and output the quantile neural network.

Abstract: A system for delivering items or packages to an unattended vehicle after receiving an order for delivery of an item or package to a vehicle is disclosed. The system determines identifying information for the vehicle, where the identifying information includes a wireless identifier of the vehicle. The system determines a delivery location of the vehicle. The system transmits a request to dispatch a delivery vehicle to deliver a package to the vehicle, wherein the request comprises the identifying information and the delivery location.