Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine idle-stop based on operation of an on-board generator. In one example, during operation of the generator to power an external load, a method may include inhibiting engine shut-down based on input from a user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting charging of a battery before entry into a zero emissions zone. In one example, the battery is charged with a ratio of motor torque drawn from a first electric motor of an electric turbocharger and a second electric motor of an HEV driveline. The ratio is coordinated with adjustments to an exhaust waste-gate and an intake throttle so as to maintain operator torque demand and propel the vehicle while charging the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle includes onboard controller(s) that initiate an automated feedback mode responsive to software updates to vehicle controller(s), and which generate a trigger signal upon detecting update status inquiry conditions and feedback concluded conditions. The trigger signal causes communication of a feedback update status identifying success or failure of the software update, and terminates the feedback mode upon detecting feedback concluded conditions. The update status inquiry conditions include, for example, one or more of a vehicle door handle actuation, receiving a wireless remote keyfob signal, receiving a wireless software update status inquiry, detecting an instrument cluster switch actuation, and other update status inquiry conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reactivating cylinders of an engine that have been temporarily deactivated to conserve fuel are presented. The systems and methods adjust fuel injection quantity and timing of direct fuel injectors to reduce particulate emissions that may form in cylinders that are being reactivated due to reduced piston and combustion chamber temperatures that may occur in newly reactivated cylinders.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining an extent of clogging of a canister filter included in a fuel vapor storage canister of a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises determining an extent to which the canister filter is clogged based on an output of an exhaust gas sensor, and adjusting one or more parameters related to purging of the fuel vapor storage canister as a function of the extent to which the canister filter is clogged. In this way, canister lifetime may be improved, and release of undesired evaporative emissions to atmosphere may be reduced or avoided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for remote parking assist. An example vehicle includes ultra-wide angle cameras and a processor coupled to memory. The processor generates an interface based on a location of the mobile device including an overhead representation of the vehicle generated using images from the cameras and representations of a position of a mobile device and a boundary around the vehicle. The processor also sends the interface to the mobile device, and when the mobile device is not within the boundary, prevents autonomous parking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A road friction is determined for a road location based on a traffic speed determined from respective speeds of each of a plurality of vehicles. A vehicle can be operated based on the determined road friction.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing vehicle access using identified biometric data are provided herein. An example method includes storing a first biometric input for a user in a database; receiving a ride reservation from the user, the ride reservation having at least a pickup location; activating a biometric input device associated with a vehicle when the vehicle arrives at the pickup location to obtain a second biometric input for the user; authenticating the user by comparing the first biometric input with the second biometric input; and granting access to the vehicle when the first biometric input substantially matches the second biometric input.

Abstract: A system includes a processor. The system includes a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to select one of a first message from a first input device or a second message from a second input device based on one of user priority, device priority, or temporal priority. The instructions include instructions to actuate a vehicle based on the selected first or second message.

Abstract: A method includes simulating an impact between a simulated wheel and a simulated vehicle assembly, the simulated vehicle assembly including a simulated vehicle component that is a computer-aided-design model of a vehicle component. The method includes determining, based on the simulated impact, an impact angle between the simulated wheel and the simulated vehicle assembly. The method includes impacting an impactor with the vehicle component at the impact angle.

Abstract: A system, including a means for controlling vehicle steering, braking and powertrain and a means for determining first lane marker distances based on second lane marker distances received at a first vehicle from a second vehicle and a distance and an angle measured from the first vehicle to the second vehicle. A vehicle can be operated based on the first lane marker distances and the means for controlling vehicle steering, braking and powertrain.

Abstract: A cooling and heating system for a motor vehicle comprises a heat pump, a controller, a low temperature radiator in thermal communication with the heat pump, a passenger cabin heat exchanger in thermal communication with the heat pump, and a defrost system comprising a bypass coolant loop in selective fluid communication with the low temperature radiator. When in the heating mode, the controller opens a solenoid valve and activates a coolant heater in the bypass coolant loop upon detecting operation of the heat pump outside of a predetermined normal operating range and upon detecting an ambient temperature below a predetermined temperature. The controller de-activates the coolant heater upon detecting operation of the heat pump within the predetermined normal operating range. The controller may also de-activate close the solenoid upon detecting operation of the heat pump within the predetermined normal operating range.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a vehicle seating assembly is provided. The roller assembly includes an anchor rotatably coupled with a vehicle seating support. An axle extends from the anchor. A first roller is positioned on the axle. A second roller is positioned on the axle and between the first roller and the anchor. A spacer is positioned on the axle and flush with the second roller.

Abstract: A method and a system can include receiving travel direction information representing a planned driving maneuver of the motor vehicle, detecting at least one road user in a path region of the planned driving maneuver based on an evaluation of at least the travel direction information, determining a lamp operation data set for operating at least one lamp of the motor vehicle based on the evaluation of at least the travel direction information when a road user is detected in the path region, and operating the lamp in accordance with the lamp operation data set.

Abstract: An outlet for a forced air system of a vehicle comprising: a primary air flow chamber; a secondary air flow chamber adjacent the primary air flow chamber; an air flow diverter between the primary air flow chamber and the secondary air flow chamber that diverts a portion of air flow from the primary air flow chamber and into the secondary air flow chamber, with the diverted portion of the air flow flowing back into the primary air flow chamber; and a tray configured to retain an aromatic agent, the tray movable into and out of the secondary air flow chamber to selectively place the aromatic agent in contact with air flowing through the secondary air flow chamber to aromatize the air before flowing back into the primary air flow chamber.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, upon determining that a yaw rate for a host vehicle is below a threshold, identify a front corner point of a target, and to suppress threat mitigation when a time to collision between the host vehicle and front corner point of the target exceeds a time threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller. The controller is configured to send a nonce encrypted according to a symmetric encryption key. The nonce is sent responsive to receiving a pair request over a personal area network from a nomadic device outside the vehicle. The controller is further configured to initialize a secure connection using a random key and permit vehicle access according to data received via the secure connection. The initialization is responsive to receiving a concatenation of the random key and an incrementation of the nonce encrypted with the symmetric encryption key.

Abstract: A system includes a switch biased to a neutral position, a camera, and a computer communicatively coupled to the switch and the camera. The computer is programmed to activate a vehicle brake upon receiving data from the switch that the switch is in the neutral position and to activate the vehicle brake upon determining that an operator of the switch is in an inattentive state based on data received from the camera.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a plurality of proximity sensors and a body control module. In response to detecting a mobile device proximate one of the proximity sensors, the body control module sends a location associated with the corresponding proximity sensor to the mobile device. The body control module receives, from the mobile device, a relative position of the mobile device from the location, and when the mobile device is within a threshold distance of the vehicle, enables autonomous parking.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control suspension of a vehicle are disclosed. An example apparatus includes one or more processors coupled to a vehicle. The one or more processors are to generate road profile data while the vehicle is moving and generate suspension control data based on the road profile data. A suspension of the vehicle is to be adjusted based on the suspension control data. The one or more processors also determine a distance traveled by the vehicle during a time interval. The time interval is associated with generating the road profile data or adjusting the suspension. The one or more processors also adjust the suspension based on the suspension control data, the distance, and a preview distance associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery system has a battery cell including a can and tabs, flexible circuits on and electrically isolated from the can, and electrically connected with the tabs, and a monolithic integrated circuit. The monolithic integrated circuit is mounted to the can via thermally conductive adhesive such that the can and monolithic integrated circuit are electrically isolated from one another. The monolithic integrated circuit is also wire bonded to the flexible circuits, and configured to measure and transmit data about the battery cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for entering into a parked state in a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a dual clutch transmission. In one example, a driveline operating method comprises in response to a first condition, engaging a first gear and engaging a second gear of a dual clutch transmission in response to a request to enter a vehicle park state where an output of a transmission is held from rotating, and in response to a second condition, engaging a third gear and engaging a fourth gear of a dual clutch transmission in response to a request to enter a vehicle park state. In this way, a park state may be entered into without the use of a park pawl, which may reduce costs associated with the vehicle and which may prevent issues associated with degradation of the park pawl.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating valves are presented. In one example, deactivated valves may be reactivated to increase a rate of camshaft phase indexing relative to engine crankshaft position. However, if a desired rate of camshaft indexing is low, the engine cylinders may remain deactivated based on the low rate of desired camshaft indexing.

Abstract: An applied-ignition internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder head comprising at least one cylinder and having a rotatably mounted crankshaft is provided. In the internal combustion engine each cylinder has an inlet opening, which is adjoined by an intake line, and an outlet opening, which is adjoined by an exhaust-gas line, each opening being equipped with a valve, each cylinder comprises a combustion chamber which is jointly formed by a piston crown of a cylinder-specific piston, by a cylinder liner and by the cylinder head. Additionally, the crankshaft is articulably connected to the piston of each cylinder, such that, as the crankshaft rotates about an axis of rotation, the piston oscillates along a cylinder longitudinal axis, where the cylinder longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a data transfer request including a data transfer constraint. The processor is also configured to receive a vehicle route. The processor is further configured to determine wireless network availability along the route based on known wireless network locations. Additionally, the processor is configured to determine a route window where wireless network availability indicates that a wireless network is available that meets the data transfer constraint and schedule data transfer to occur during the route window.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. The seatback includes a seatback carrier formed from expanded polypropylene. The seatback carrier includes first and second side walls and an upper wall that together define a lower opening. A metallic support member is molded within the seatback carrier. The metallic support member includes an upper portion extending below the upper wall between the first and second side walls. The metallic support member also includes a lower portion extending across the lower opening. A cushion assembly is disposed on the seatback carrier.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat having a seating surface, a first conductor, a second conductor, and a plurality of thermoelectric devices arranged between the first conductor and the second conductor in an elongated strip located proximate the seating surface. A voltage is applied to the thermoelectric devices to thermodynamically influence the seating surface. An air mover is in fluid communication with the thermoelectric devices. A conductive grease is disposed between the first conductor and the plurality of thermoelectric devices, and a conductive adhesive is disposed between the second conductor and the plurality of thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A multi-position door hinge is coupled to a vehicle and includes a first hinge having a pin support, a pin, and a key. The multi-position door hinge additionally includes a second hinge having a receiving cam, a key way, and a cam groove. The multi-position door hinge is formed by coupling the first hinge to the second hinge by positioning the pin in the receiving cam with the key positioned in the key way.

Abstract: A variable noise attenuation element includes at least two tube sections that define an overall tube length that defines a first effective length and associated first peak frequency for noise attenuation, and a valve having a valve member. The valve joins the tube sections together and includes openings that permit communication between the tube sections when the valve is in an open configuration. The valve member operates to close the opening in response to a predetermined vacuum level within the tube sections to define a second tube effective length and associated second peak frequency for attenuation that is less than the overall length. A method of attenuating noise in a vehicle using a passive attenuation arrangement operates a valve disposed between two tube sections to change an effective length of the tube and associated peak frequencies for attenuation in response to an engine operating parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback includes a vehicle facing portion. The vehicle facing portion includes a first bracket and a second bracket mounted to a frame and a module mounted to the first bracket and the second bracket. The module includes protrusions that are rotatably coupled to first apertures in the first bracket and a mounting apparatus for securing the module to the second bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a frame, a rotatable door; an inhibitor comprising: an arm extending through a selective gate including: upper and lower springs respectively biasing upper and lower rollers against the arm; upper and lower stoppers configured to, upon activation, compress the upper and lower rollers against the arm, thus stopping rotation of the door; sensors, processor(s) configured to: activate and deactivate the stoppers based on sensed events.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a motor vehicle engine, a supply air system including an electrically heated exhaust gas aftertreatment device arranged in the exhaust system, an electric turbocharger including an exhaust turbine and an intake compressor. In one example, the exhaust gas aftertreatment device may be heated and the electric turbocharger may be simultaneously operated to expedite attainment of aftertreatment device light-off while maintaining emissions quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating water usage with spark usage based on the effect on an engine torque ratio. Water is injected based on torque ratio at a current spark timing relative to torque ratio at borderline knock to improve the impact of the water injection on the engine performance. Manifold water injection and direct water injected are coordinated based on intake manifold humidity.

Abstract: A vehicle visual element includes a substrate defining a lamp cavity; at least one light source positioned within the lamp cavity; at least one of a holographic and a diffraction grating, disposed over the lamp cavity; a proximity switch positioned close to the lamp cavity; and a controller configured to activate the light source in response to a signal provided by the proximity switch.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes a controller and control method to control position of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine when the engine is stopped and the vehicle is moving to balance bearing wear associated with road-surface induced vibrations or oscillations imparted to the bearings while the crankshaft is not rotating. The controller is configured to store information relating to a cumulative time stopped at a plurality of angular positions of the crankshaft while the vehicle is in operation and/or moving, and to control stopping or repositioning of the crankshaft to balance or approximately evenly distribute the stopping positions among the plurality angular stopping positions to reduce or eliminate the possibility of excessive wear at any particular position relative to the others.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to predict an upcoming stop. The processor is further configured to select content for playback during the stop, responsive to predicting the upcoming stop. The processor is additionally configured to detect a vehicle stop corresponding to the predicted upcoming stop and responsive to the detected stop, play the selected content.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving warm-up of a catalytic aftertreatment device is disclosed in which the flow to a catalyst brick is controlled using a flow control device so as to restrict the flow of exhaust gas to only a central core of the catalyst brick when rapid heating of the catalyst brick is desired to reach a light-off temperature and to otherwise allow the flow of exhaust gas to the entire front face of the catalyst brick. By restricting the area of the catalyst brick to which exhaust gas can flow the energy density of the exhaust gas flowing to the central core is higher than it is when there is no restriction of flow thereby reducing the time needed to warm-up the catalyst brick to a minimum light-off temperature.

Abstract: A method of increasing volume ratio of magnetic particles in a MnBi alloy includes operating a jet miller fed with a MnBi alloy powder containing magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles with gas flow parameters selected such that, only for the magnetic particles, a gas drag force is greater than a centrifugal force within the jet miller to separate the magnetic particles from the non-magnetic particles.

Abstract: A system including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to determine map data, determine uncalibrated LIDAR data, determine a location of a vehicle in the map data by combining the map data with the uncalibrated LIDAR data, and operate the vehicle based on the location of the vehicle in the map data.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.

Abstract: A vapor injection heat pump includes a compressor, a first valve directing a refrigerant of the compressor to a first or second heat exchanger dependent upon a mode of operation, an expansion device receiving the refrigerant from at least one of the heat exchangers, a vapor generator receiving an expanded liquid/vapor refrigerant mix from the first expansion device and directing a vapor component to a first input port of the compressor and a liquid component to at least one of the second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger, via controlling a second valve, a second expansion device, a third expansion device, and a third valve. A second input of the compressor receives an output refrigerant from at least one of the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger dependent upon the mode of operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting heater power of an oxygen sensor. In one example, a method for an engine includes adjusting heater power of a heating element of the oxygen sensor when the heater power increases by a threshold amount. The method includes subsequently increasing heater power back to a baseline power level responsive to a temperature of the heating element.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat-bottom frame, a seat-back frame rotatable relative to the seat-bottom frame between a forward position and a rearward position, and a first wedge and a second wedge on opposite side of the seat-back frame. The first wedge extends from the seat-back frame in the forward position to the seat-bottom frame, and the second wedge extends from the seat-back frame in the rearward position to the seat-bottom frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a method for monitoring health of a machining tool operable in a machining state to form a workpiece and a non-machining state. The method includes determining whether a machine health routine is to be performed based on a machine health record stored by the control system, and retrieving a non-machining cyclic schedule, in response to the machine health routine having to be performed, where the non-machining cyclic schedule defines a timetable for performing one or more maintenance routines. The method further includes identifying a primary maintenance routine from among the one or more maintenance routines based on the non-machining cyclic schedule, and scheduling the machine health routine with the primary maintenance routine.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle including a traction battery, electrical loads, and a controller configured to, during a charge operation, activate the loads such that charge current output by a charger is consumed by the loads and charge current input to the battery approaches zero to update a state of charge (SOC) value of the battery, and deactivate the loads upon completion of the update such that charge current input to the battery increases.

Abstract: An armrest includes a gear assembly with a crown gear directly coupled to the armrest that imparts rotational motion to the armrest, a planetary gear engaged with the crown gear, and a pinion gear coupled to the crown gear that imparts vertical motion of the entire gear assembly, and the armrest, along a rack.

Abstract: A system for testing a phase leg of an inverter includes a load coupled to an output terminal of the phase leg. A test circuit includes a capacitor coupled between an inverter power input and a switch module operative to couple the capacitor to the load. The circuit further includes a switch operative to select a polarity of a voltage across the capacitor. The circuit also includes a pair of switching elements operative to selectively couple the first terminal to the inverter power input and the inverter power return. The components can be operated by a controller configured to selectively couple the load to the inverter power and return terminals, selectively charge and couple the capacitor to the load, and interface with the inverter to control a path of current flow through active and passive elements of the phase leg.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling charging of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle over a plurality of charging locations of a drive route, the controlling step including scheduling charging based at least on a cost to charge at each of the plurality of charging locations and an amount of charging time available at each of the plurality of charging locations.

Abstract: A method for braking a host vehicle receives input indicative of transmitted travel data of an external object. A current distance between the host vehicle and the external object is calculated based upon travel data of the host vehicle and the external object. Pressure in a brake system of the host vehicle is precharged based upon the current distance, to reduce delay in a response of the brake system. A controller configured to perform the braking method is provided. A host vehicle is also provided with a brake system and the vehicle controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enforcing plugin vehicle parking regulations are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: capture parked vehicle images of a parked vehicle in a parking location from a plurality of cameras on electric vehicle service equipment systems (EVSEs) in a parking facility; compare the parked vehicle images to a plurality of plugin vehicle type images in a database; and sound an alarm if the parked vehicle is not a plugin vehicle or if the parked vehicle is not charging from the electric vehicle service equipment systems associated with the parking location within a predetermined time.