Abstract: Permanent magnets and method of making the same are provided. The magnets include a magnetic layer having an insulation layer disposed thereon. The insulation layer is formed via additive manufacturing techniques such as laser melting such that that it has discrete phases including a magnetic phase and an insulating phase.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery housing, a plurality of batteries, and a door step. The battery housing is disposed in a floor area of the vehicle. The batteries are within the battery housing. The door step is located proximate a side of the battery housing. The door step includes an upper running board with a stepping surface and a lower bottom part that is spaced apart from the upper running board and extends parallel to the upper running board to define at least one chamber therebetween. The lower bottom part includes a central weakened area which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is configured to permit a center region of the door step to buckle upwards in response to a lateral force greater than a predetermined threshold amount of force.

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: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive data indicating that an electric vehicle is in an enclosed space; in response to receiving the data, instruct window actuators of the electric vehicle to open windows of the electric vehicle; and in response to receiving the data, instruct a heater of the electric vehicle to generate heat.

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: The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to provide security to a vehicle. A system includes a point measurement device inside a space of a vehicle. The system identifies a threat if points that differ from a calibrated set of points are localized in an area of the space.

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.

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

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: An assembly for a vehicle includes a first door and a second door movable from an open position to a closed position. The assembly includes a first anchor supported by the first pillar movable along an axis to an engaged position. The assembly includes a first rod supported by the first door movable along an axis to an engaged position. The assembly includes a second rod supported by the second door movable along the axis to an engaged position. The first anchor is lockingly engaged with the first rod when first anchor is in the engaged position. The first rod is lockingly engaged with the second rod when the first rod is in the engaged position and the first anchor is in the engaged position.

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: Steering assembly mounts with curved interfaces are disclosed herein. An apparatus disclosed herein includes a first bushing including a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, and a first curved surface disposed between the first outer diameter and the first inner diameter, the first curved surface to receive a corresponding second curved surface of the first structure, a second bushing including a second outer diameter, a second inner diameter, and a third curved surface disposed between the second outer diameter and the second inner diameter, the third curved surface to receive a corresponding fourth curved surface of the first structure, and a fastener extending through the first bushing and the second bushing, the fastener to extend through a portion of the second structure.

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: Multi-mode personal transportation and delivery devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. A device can include a communications interface, the communications interface configured to provide vehicle-to-everything communications, a device controller comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions, the processor executing the instructions to: receive a first message from a service provider that the transportation device is to relocate to a location based on user demand; and activate a redistribution mode to cause the transportation device to autonomously navigate to the location.

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: A dual variational autoencoder-generative adversarial network (VAE-GAN) is trained to transform a real video sequence and a simulated video sequence by inputting the real video data into a real video decoder and a real video encoder and inputting the simulated video data into a synthetic video encoder and a synthetic video decoder. Real loss functions and simulated loss functions are determined based on output from a real video discriminator and a simulated video discriminator, respectively. The real loss functions are backpropagated through the real video encoder and the real video decoder to train the real video encoder and the real video decoder based on the real loss functions. The synthetic loss functions are backpropagated through the synthetic video encoder and the synthetic video decoder to train the synthetic video encoder and the synthetic video decoder based on the synthetic loss functions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a steering assist system, a steering wheel, and a steering controller to detect a request to move the steering wheel of the vehicle to a first rotational position, the steering wheel having a second rotational position, actuate, via the steering assist system, the steering wheel towards the first rotational position, determine, based on a relationship between a first parameter and a second parameter, a third rotational position, the third rotational position having an angular offset from the first rotational position, the first parameter corresponding to a position of the steering system, the second parameter corresponding to a load on the steering system, and in response to reaching the third rotational position, disengage the steering assist system, the disengagement causing the steering wheel to rotate to the first rotational position.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a first sensing device, a sensor housing, a bracket, a second sensor, and a channel plate. The sensor housing includes a first sensor window and a top panel, and the first sensing device has a field of view through the first sensor window. The bracket is mounted on top of the top plate. The second sensor is held by the bracket and includes a second sensor window. The channel plate is fixed to the bracket. The bracket includes a first nozzle aimed at the first sensor window and a second nozzle aimed at the second sensor window. The bracket includes a channel fluidly connected to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The channel plate covers the channel.

Abstract: A battery component includes a header body and a frame secured to the header body. The frame includes an electromagnetic shield portion. The electromagnetic shield portion defines at least one electrical connection port. The electrical connection port is configured to receive an electrically conductive object. The electromagnetic shield portion is configured to dissipate electromagnetic radiation from the electrically conductive object.

Abstract: A first frame of image data is captured at a first illumination intensity during a first time segment. A second frame of image data is captured at a second illumination intensity during a second time segment. The first frame and the second frame are combined and outputted as a compensated frame.

Abstract: In response to detecting a trigger event a computer in a vehicle such as a gateway device can retrieve a static identifier of an electronic control unit (ECU) via a vehicle network. The vehicle in the computer can then receive, in response to a request to a server computer, a salt string, and generate a temporary ECU identifier for the ECU based on the salt string and the static identifier. The temporary ECU identifier can then be deployed to the vehicle network.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure, a base supported on the support structure, a table supported on the base and movable relative to the base, and first and second arcuate cam slots provided on one of the base and the table. The vehicle also includes first and second pivot pins provided on the other of the base and the table and operatively coupled to the first and second arcuate cam slots and a locking mechanism configured to lock one of the pivot pins in a position to prevent one pivot pin from sliding within the arcuate cam slots and to allow the one pivot pin to rotate while the other of the first and second pivot pins slides within the corresponding arcuate cam slot to rotate the table to a use position.

Abstract: A thermally conductive, electrically insulating composite material includes a polymer matrix and a continuous network of structural fibers dispersed within the polymer matrix. The continuous network of structural fibers is coated with boron nitride nanoparticles, and the boron nitride nanoparticles are coated onto the continuous network of structural fibers in an amount to reach a thermal percolation threshold of the composite material. The structural fibers may be natural fibers having a cellulose structure.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering a vehicle having a trailer coupling in the region of a parking space is provided, wherein the vehicle has at least a first sensor and a second sensor and a control device, wherein it is detected whether an object is disposed in the region of the back of the vehicle, whether the object affects the parking behavior of the vehicle and whether the field of view of at least one sensor is blocked by the object. A vehicle for carrying out the method is further provided.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery cell is preconditioned using an initial, one-time process of cell formation at an elevated temperature, or after cell formation, charge/discharge cycling for a predetermined number of cycles within a specified period of time at an elevated temperature prior to being placed in service. The process may be performed as part of manufacturing during cell formation after electrolyte filling and pre-charging. Alternatively, the pre-conditioning process may be performed after assembly of finished cells within a multi-cell battery, either before or after installation of the battery in a product, but before the battery is subjected to harsh conditions, such as fast charging and/or discharging at low temperature. An electrified vehicle may include an electric machine powered by a multi-cell lithium-ion battery preconditioned according to the initial, one-time process.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes an inductor having an associated arcuate deflector to redirect fluid toward inductor coils to facilitate heat transfer. The inductor may be disposed within a transmission proximate to at least one gear that distributes fluid during rotation to proximate components to provide splash lubrication. The arcuate deflector may redirect splashed fluid from between the inductor and the transmission housing toward the inductor coils. The deflector may be secured to the inductor via terminal connectors that electrically couple the inductor coils to a bus bar connected to a variable voltage converter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for improving operation of an engine that includes an evaporative emissions system. In one example, the methods and systems adjust an amount of fuel that is delivered to a pre-chamber of an igniter in response to purging fuel vapors and/or an indication of hydrocarbon breakthrough of a carbon filled fuel vapor storage canister.

Abstract: Robot-assisted package delivery with integrated curbside parking monitoring and curb operations optimization is disclosed herein. An example method includes dispatching a delivery vehicle and delivery robot to a delivery location, the delivery location including a parking location for the delivery vehicle that allows for deployment of the delivery robot on a delivery mission, determining occupancy of the parking location, the delivery vehicle parking at the parking location when the parking location is unoccupied, the delivery robot being deployed upon parking of the delivery vehicle, and instructing the delivery vehicle to remain parked during the delivery mission or to leave the parking location and return at later point in time based on an estimated time of arrival of the delivery robot after the delivery mission.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to securely deliver items to a vehicle. In particular, a delivery is authenticated before access is provided to the vehicle.

Abstract: A charge level of a sensor battery providing power to a sensor in a vehicle is determined. A charge depletion of the sensor battery is determined based on the charge level. A recharge rate to recharge the sensor battery is determined based on a time elapsed on a previously traveled path, a current charge level, and the charge depletion. Upon activation of the vehicle, one or both of a propulsion or a vehicle battery is actuated to recharge the sensor battery at the recharge rate.

Abstract: A system includes a display screen positioned to display on an exterior of a host vehicle, a user interface of the host vehicle, and a computer communicatively coupled to the display screen and the user interface. The computer is programmed to, in response to detecting a target vehicle having prespecified indicia, instruct the user interface to output an instruction to an occupant of the host vehicle, and in response to detecting personnel from the target vehicle, instruct the display screen to output a message to the personnel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrified vehicle having a cabin pre-cooling strategy for managing battery and cabin cooling loads. A corresponding method is also disclosed. An example electrified vehicle includes a battery for propulsion, a cabin, a thermal management system configured to thermally condition both the battery and the cabin, and a controller configured to follow a cabin pre-cooling strategy to pre-cool the cabin when an expected cooling load of the battery, if the electrified vehicle were to be driven in present conditions, exceeds an upper battery cooling load threshold.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a battery assembly of an electrified vehicle, and in particular to a battery pack with a vent gas passageway. An example battery assembly includes a battery array having a plurality of battery cells. Each of the battery cells includes a vent configured to release vent gas from a respective one of the battery cells. Further, the battery assembly includes an enclosure assembly surrounding the battery array, and a vent gas passageway within the enclosure assembly. The vent gas passageway includes a plurality of inlet ports, and each of the inlet ports is substantially aligned with a respective one of the vents.

Abstract: A power system includes a bidirectional power transfer inverter that receives grid power and can be electrically connected with electric vehicle supply equipment, and an auxiliary battery electrically connected with the bidirectional power transfer inverter and that supplies power to the bidirectional power transfer inverter and electric vehicle supply equipment while the grid power is unavailable.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling output of a fuel cell that generates electrical power for an electric machine that propels a vehicle. In one example, a driver demand power reduction is anticipated and output of the fuel cell is adjusted before the driver demand power is reduced so that a greater amount of electric charge may be stored in an electric energy storage device.

Abstract: There is provided a current transferring device for an electric machine comprising a rotary bearing member fixed in a rotor shaft and rotating with it and a non-rotary component. The rotary bearing member includes a first compartment filled with a conducting fluid and having a first opening and a rotor positive connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein and electrically connected to a rotor positive pole, and a second compartment filled with a conducting fluid and electrically insulated from the first compartment and having a second opening and a rotor negative connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein and electrically connected to a rotor negative pole. The non-rotary component closes the first and second openings.

Abstract: This disclosure details systems and methods for supporting and isolating vehicle body mounted battery packs from various vehicle loads. An exemplary electrified vehicle may include a frame, a battery support structure mounted to the frame, a battery pack, and one or more isolators. The battery pack is supported by the battery support structure but is not mechanically coupled to the frame. The isolator is mounted between the battery pack and the battery pack support structure for isolating the battery pack from loads that may be imparted on the frame and/or the battery support structure.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a pump, a valve supplied from the pump, a sensor fixed relative to the pump, a nozzle supplied from the valve and aimed at the sensor, and a computer communicatively coupled to the pump, the valve, and the sensor. The computer is programmed to instruct the pump to operate; while the pump is operating, instruct the valve to close; receive data from the sensor while the pump is operating and the valve is instructed to be closed; and set a flag upon determining, based on the data received from the sensor, that the nozzle is outputting fluid onto the sensor.

Abstract: A traction battery pack venting system includes a plurality of battery arrays within a traction battery pack. The battery arrays each have a plurality of individual battery cells. The system further includes a divider system that provides a plurality of vented gas receiving compartments. Each of the vented gas receiving compartments are separate and distinct from the other vented gas receiving compartments within the plurality of vented gas receiving compartments. Each of the vented gas receiving compartments are associated with one of the battery arrays. Each of the vented gas receiving compartments can be associated with a manifold. The vent gas produced from thermal runaway can be discharged to the vented gas receiving compartments, directed to a manifold, and discharge to the external atmosphere.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a closing assembly for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a closing assembly for body closures of motor vehicles. An example vehicle includes an immovable body component, a moveable body component configured to move relative to the immovable body component, and a closing assembly. The closing assembly includes a locking bolt configured to engage a latch moveable relative to a guide slot between a release position and a closed position. The closing assembly further includes a spring exerting a restoring force urging the latch in the direction of the closed position. The restoring force has no force component along a section of the guide slot corresponding to the release position of the latch. The closing assembly is a low cost and robust assembly which reduces noise associated with closing a vehicle door. These and other benefits will be appreciated from the following description.

Abstract: A temperature sensor arrangement includes a housing having on opposite sides thereof a spring element and cover, and a temperature sensor lead and thermal pad such that the spring element is disposed between one of the sides and the cover, the temperature sensor lead is disposed between the other of the sides and the thermal pad, and the cover and thermal pad define opposite exterior sides of the temperature sensor arrangement. The housing carries and permits relative movement of the cover. The spring pushes the cover away from the one of the sides.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a sensor arrangement configured to sense one or more regions proximate to an exterior of the vehicle, and a controller configured to process signals generated by the sensor arrangement and to detect and generate a geometric profile of a trailer in the one or more regions proximate to the exterior of the vehicle, the controller further determining an air resistance of the trailer based on the geometric profile and calculating an expected driving range of the vehicle based on the detected air resistance.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a broadcast set of access points from among the plurality of access points based on access point interference data associated with a plurality of access points disposed in an environment, where the access point interference data includes current radio frequency (RF) signal interference data associated with each of the plurality of access points, predicted RF signal interference data associated with each of the plurality of access points, or a combination thereof. The method includes partitioning a data packet into a plurality of data subpackets based on the broadcast set of access points and broadcasting the plurality of data subpackets to a vehicle via the broadcast set of access points.

Abstract: An assembly includes a seat having a seat bottom that includes a top surface. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the seat and inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position includes a bottom end positioned below the top surface. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic retractor supported by the seat bottom. The assembly includes a tether connected to the bottom end of the airbag and to the pyrotechnic retractor such that actuation of the pyrotechnic retractor retracts the tether and urges the bottom end of the airbag toward the seat bottom.

Abstract: This disclosure details a coolant distribution module as used in a thermal management systems for thermally managing electrified vehicle components. An exemplary coolant distribution module includes a module body including a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports, a first manifold valve encompassed within the module body, and a second manifold valve encompassed within the module body. The first manifold valve includes a plurality of first valve inputs wherein each first valve input is in communication with at least one inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports, and a plurality of first valve outputs wherein each first valve output is in communication with at least one outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports.

Abstract: Upon authorizing a user via challenge biometric data, user data is determined to be updated based on detecting a trigger. Upon detecting the trigger prior to authenticating the user, the user data is updated with the challenge biometric data based on authenticating the user. Upon detecting the trigger after authenticating the user, the user data is updated with updated challenge biometric data based on a confidence score for the second biometric data exceeding a threshold. Structure components are controlled based on the updated user data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving, via a processor, from two or more IX control devices disposed at a two or more stationary positions having known latitudes longitudes and orientations, first sensory data identifying the position and dimensions of a feature in a mapped region. The processor generates a plurality of IX nodes based on the first sensory data received from the IX control devices, and receives LiDAR point cloud that includes LiDAR and other vehicle sensory device data such as Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data received from a Vehicle (AV) driving in the mapped region. The LiDAR point cloud includes a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) map having second dimension information and second position information associated with the feature in the mapped region. The processor generates, without GPS and/or real-time kinematics information, an optimized High-Definition (HD) map having Absolute accuracy using batch optimization and map smoothing.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a first heat exchanger, a first region of a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, a compressor, a vapor generator, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The compressor includes a low-pressure inlet, a mid-pressure inlet, and an outlet. The vapor generator is positioned downstream of the outlet of the compressor and upstream of both the low-pressure inlet and the mid-pressure inlet. The first check valve is positioned immediately downstream of the third heat exchanger. The second check valve is positioned immediately downstream of the fourth heat exchanger.