Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying a scene for a vehicle towing a trailer. A method includes: determining, by the processor, an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle; determining, by the processor, a simulated trailer based on the angle of the trailer; determining, by the processor, a projection matrix based on the simulated trailer; generating, by the processor, scene data based on image data from a camera of the vehicle and image data from a camera of the trailer using the projection matrix; and generating, by the processor, display data to display the scene to an occupant of the vehicle based on the scene data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for vehicular computation management. The system includes, onboard a vehicle, electric control units (ECUs), a battery, a communication system, and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor energy consumption, operate the vehicle as a computational hub when the energy consumption is less than a threshold, including providing computational resources to an external node, determine whether the vehicle has excess energy and computational capacity when the energy consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold, including determining a usage of each of the ECUs and determining an energy consumption of tasks executing thereon, and operate the vehicle as a hybrid computational hub when the vehicle has excess energy and computational capacity, including providing excess computational capacity of the ECUs to the external node.

Abstract: Presented are hybrid fixture assemblies with integrated additive manufactured features, methods for making/using such fixtures, and manufacturing systems equipped with such fixtures. A manufacturing fixture assembly includes a fixture support frame formed, at least in part, from a first material, and a fixture support shell formed, at least in part, from a second material distinct from the first material. The support frame, which seats on/mounts to a work surface, includes a skeletal substructure with multiple male connectors projecting therefrom. The skeletal substructure contains multiple first frame walls that are removably intermeshed with multiple second frame walls in a collapsible format. The support shell includes a support surface that holds a workpiece, an interface surface that abuts the skeletal substructure, and multiple female connectors that project from the interface surface.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a current collector, a lithium metal foil, and an alloyed interface that chemically binds the current collector and the lithium metal foil. In certain variations, the alloyed interface includes an intermediate layer disposed between the current collector and the lithium metal foil, a portion of the current collector adjacent to the intermediate layer is alloyed with the indium, gallium, or alloy of indium and gallium defining the intermediate layer, and a portion of the lithium metal foil adjacent to the intermediate layer is alloyed with the indium, gallium, or alloy of indium and gallium defining the intermediate layer. In other variations, the alloyed interface includes a copper-lithium alloy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling alignment of a vehicle during parking that include obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors of a vehicle, as to passenger occupancy of the vehicle and as to a parking location for the vehicle; identifying, via a processor of the vehicle, which passenger seats of the vehicle are occupied, based on the sensor data; identifying, via the processor, the parking location based on the sensor data; and determining, via the processor, an offset for parking of the vehicle in the parking location, based at least in part on which passenger seats of the vehicle are occupied.

Abstract: An apparatus including a battery cell includes an electrode stack. The electrode stack includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a separator disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The apparatus further includes an enclosure configured for encasing and mechanically protecting the electrode stack. The apparatus further includes an electrolyte. The apparatus further includes a thermally conductive and electrically insulated inert fill material located between the electrode stack and the enclosure configured for providing a thermally conductive connection between the electrode stack and the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery pack via an offboard energy source uses an interleaved boost converter and closed-loop control. The energy source outputs a charging current via a DC charge port during a direct current fast-charging (DCFC) process. A controller detects a voltage disparity condition in which a voltage capability of the battery pack exceeds a voltage capability of the energy source. In response to this condition, a rise of the charging current over time is recorded as a current trajectory and an open-loop equivalent time constant is extracted from the current trajectory. A time constant of the PI control block is set substantially equal to the equivalent time constant. The PIM is controlled in closed-loop using proportional-integral control. The charging current is controlled in a continuous current conduction mode during the DCFC process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a trip of a user in a vehicle. A method includes: receiving by a processor of a user device, device scan data from one or more communication enabled devices; determining, by the processor, whether the devices listed in the device scan data is a vehicle device; in response to the determining, identifying, by the processor, the vehicle device as a found device; determining, by the processor, whether the found device is listed in a known device list; and generating, by the processor, at least one of a trip start signal and a trip end signal based on whether the found device is listed in the known device list.

Abstract: A system and method of vibration and audible noise reduction in a LiDAR resonator includes a spring fork mechanism including multiple spring forks. Each spring fork includes two tines. The first tine of a first and second spring fork include a mounted optical module to transmit a light pulse and receive a reflection of the light pulse. The second tine of the first and second spring forks include a mounted counterweight having a mass and center of gravity equal to a mass and center of gravity of the mounted optical module. To reduce or eliminate longitudinal vibrations each tine includes a first section and a second section, the first section attached to the second section by a U-shaped section.

Abstract: A system for managing communication between a vehicle and a broker module includes a telematics unit connected to the vehicle. The telematics unit is configured to carry out wireless data communications according to a publish-subscribe messaging protocol. A command unit is in communication with the telematics unit, the command unit having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The telematics unit is configured to establish a network connection with the broker module. The command unit is adapted to create a dynamic retry delay process for the network connection by varying a connection retry delay time based on a plurality of failure categories and an operation mode of the vehicle. The plurality of failure categories each corresponds to a respective failure in the network connection.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first porous electrode, a second porous electrode, and a separating layer disposed therebetween. The first porous electrode includes an electrolyte intermingled with a positive electroactive material represented by: LiM1xM2yM3zM4(1?x?y?z)O2 where M1 include nickel (Ni) and M2, M3, and M4 are transition metals independently selected from the group consisting of: manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and combinations thereof and where 0.8?x?1, 0?y?1, and 0?z?1. The second porous electrode includes the electrolyte intermingled with a silicon-based negative electroactive material. The electrolyte includes greater than or equal to about 0.5 wt. % to less than or equal to about 2 wt. % of an electrolyte additive including (2-cyanoethyl)triethoxysilane (TEOSCN). The electrolyte also includes a lithium-containing salt and a solvent mixture including ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in mass ratio of about 3:7.

Abstract: A system of controlling operation of a vehicle includes one or more sensors operatively connected to the vehicle. The sensors are configured to obtain respective data of a scene and include a radar unit. A command unit is adapted to receive the respective data and includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is configured to determine an orientation angle of a pedestrian in the scene, a Doppler frequency of the pedestrian and a distance of the pedestrian from a border of a road, based in part on the respective data. The orientation angle is based on a heading of the pedestrian relative to a direction of a road. The command unit is configured to designate a status of the pedestrian as either crossing or not crossing based on the distance, the orientation angle and the Doppler frequency of the pedestrian.

Abstract: An augmented reality system operable to provide passengers with a personalized augmented reality environment and experience. The augmented reality system may select the augmented reality environment according to a plurality of augmented reality themes, with the passengers being enabled to personalize their traveling experience and/or to interact with virtual objects to generate virtual commands suitable for use in implementing real control of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting a blind spot of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, head position data indicating a position of a head of a driver of the vehicle; determining, by the processor, pillar position data associated with at least one pillar of the vehicle; determining, by the processor, at least one angle based on the head position data and the pillar position data; determining, by the processor, at least one blind spot area based on the at least one angle; detecting, by the processor, at least one object within the at least one blind spot area; and generating at least one of notification data, decision data, and control data based on the at least one object.

Abstract: An antenna system operates in a hybrid coplanar waveguide and rectangular waveguide mode. A slot array with a conductive layer is disposed on a substrate and defines a coplanar waveguide joining a number of side slots arranged in a line forming the slot array. Another substrate is spaced apart from the substrate and a ground plane is defined thereon. A defined volume waveguide is disposed between the substrates. The array is configured to radiate a radiation pattern in a hybrid mode that results from a combination of the slot array and the defined volume waveguide. The side slots may be elliptical in shape for side lobe level reduction.

Abstract: Presented are electric motors and apparatuses thereof for discharging an electric charge buildup on the rotor. In an embodiment, an electric motor apparatus includes a case, a stator arranged within the case, a rotor, a motor shaft extending longitudinally through the rotor to include an axial end, a grounding brush having an outer surface and an elliptical surface, and a spring including one portion maintaining slidable contact with the case and another portion coupled to an outer surface of the brush, the elliptical surface attached to the axial end of the motor shaft for causing a current flow via the brush through the case, which can act as system ground, for discharging an electric charge buildup on the stator due to a parasitic capacitance between the stator and rotor.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell may include a first electrode that includes a positive electroactive material, a second electrode that includes a negative electroactive material and a polyacrylate binder, and a separating layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The polyacrylate binder has a molecular weight greater than or equal to about 250,000 mol/g to less than or equal to about 500,000 mol/g. The second electrode is prepared by disposing an electrode forming slurry having a temperature greater than or equal to about 4° C. to less than or equal to about 15° C. one or near a surface of a current collector. The electrode forming slurry includes the negative electroactive material and the polyacrylate binder. The negative electroactive material can be a silicon-containing material.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided that include: sensors configured to obtain sensor data for a vehicle having both friction braking and regenerative braking capabilities and coupled to a trailer, the sensor data including: friction braking data as to a vehicle friction braking force for the vehicle; and regenerative braking sensor data as to a vehicle regenerative braking force for the vehicle; and a processor coupled to the sensors and configured to at least facilitate controlling braking of the trailer by providing trailer braking force, via instructions provided by the processor, based on both the friction braking data and the regenerative braking sensor data, with a sensitivity toward the vehicle regenerative braking force such that the trailer braking force is affected differently by the vehicle regenerative braking force versus the vehicle friction braking force.

Abstract: A system of controlling operation of a vehicle includes a lidar unit and a radar unit configured to obtain measured lidar datapoints and a measured radar signal, respectively. A command unit is adapted to receive the measured lidar datapoints and the measured radar signal, the command unit including a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is configured to identify respective objects in the measured lidar datapoints and assign a respective radar reflection intensity to the measured lidar datapoints in the respective objects. A synthetic radar signal is generated based in part on the radar reflection intensity. The command unit is configured to obtain an enhanced radar signal by adjusting the measured radar signal based on the synthetic radar reference signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modified binder for use in an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions. The modified binder includes one or more agglomerates of polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles, where each of the polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles includes a polytetrafluoroethylene core and a polymeric shell that is disposed on exposed surfaces of the core. The polymeric shell can include a polymer selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene oxide, polyglycidyl methacrylate, polyvinylidene difluoride, fluoride-hexafluoropropylene, polypropylene oxide, polyacrylonitrile, polymethacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, derivatives and co-polymers, and combinations thereof, and in certain instances, also a humidity tolerant lithium salt.

Abstract: A communication augmentation system includes a camera, a transceiver and a computer. The camera is operation to record an image of users. The transceiver is operational to receive inbound messages from wireless devices. The inbound messages include an input content. The computer is operational to store registrations of the users, determine user locations where the users are located in response to facial profiles relative to the image, determine device locations where the wireless devices are located based on the inbound messages, associate the wireless devices with the users based on the user locations and the device locations, determine destinations of the inbound messages based on a comparison of input content to the identifiers, and transfer the input content and the destinations to the transceiver. The transceiver is further operational to transmit the input content in a plurality of outbound messages to the wireless devices based on the destinations.

Abstract: Presented are silicon and other anodes and methods for producing same. In one aspect of the disclosure, a pristine anode material is prelithiated to produce a prelithiated anode substrate. Precursors are combined, such as using a flow into a deposition chamber, to produce a target chemical formulation formed as a hydrophobic and hermetic protective coating over the prelithiated Si-anode substrate. The result is a protected anode substrate. A laser may thereafter be used for further processing of the protected the protected anode substrate to form an anode. In other embodiments, a silicon oxide anode, a graphite anode, or a silicon-graphite blended anode is used.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems for thermal event mitigation for enclosed vehicles, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such intelligent control systems. A method of operating a host vehicle includes a resident or remote vehicle controller verifying the host vehicle is stationary; if stationary, the controller detects a predicted onset or occurrence of a thermal event in at least one cell in the vehicle's battery system. Responsive to the detected thermal event, the controller calculates a vehicle parked in enclosed space (VPES) confidence value predictive of the host vehicle being at least partially enclosed, and determines if this VPES confidence value is greater than a preset minimum confidence level. Responsive to the detected thermal event and the VPES confidence value exceeding the minimum confidence level, the controller transmits a command signal to a resident vehicle subsystem to execute a vehicle control operation that mitigates the thermal event.

Abstract: A method for adjusting state of charge (SOC) limits aboard a motor vehicle having a propulsion battery pack includes receiving a pre-drive information set via a host computer and identifying, from the pre-drive information set, a probability that the motor vehicle is about to embark on a road trip. The road trip is a drive event in which the motor vehicle will travel outside of a predetermined area. The method further includes expanding the SOC limits of the propulsion battery pack when the motor vehicle is about to embark on the road trip, such that a total SOC window of the propulsion battery pack is increased for a duration of the road trip.

Abstract: A system for limiting performance inconsistences of an electric vehicle during a race or other circumstance when consistent, high performance output is desired, such as by enabling a driver to selectively engage endurance and qualify drive modes to control a supply of electrical power used for driving the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method, system, and motor vehicle for controlling a direct-current fast-charging process of a battery system are provided that significantly improves performance of the direct-current fast-charging process and minimizes condensation issues by utilizing lower coolant temperature for a short duration when a rechargeable energy storage system cell temperature is greater than a specific temperature threshold. The rechargeable energy storage system cell temperature, a rechargeable energy storage system state of charge a rechargeable energy storage system voltage, and a rechargeable energy storage system direct-current fast-charging current are utilized to determine when to utilize the lower coolant temperature when the rechargeable energy storage system cell temperature is greater than a specific temperature threshold instead of using a lower coolant temperature from the beginning of the direct-current fast-charging process.

Abstract: A power-densifying charging station includes a low-power charging module (LPCM), a direct current (DC) storage device, electrical switches, and a controller. The LPCM receives a low-power input voltage from a low-power energy source. The DC storage device accumulates a high-power DC voltage from the low-power input voltage during a charge accumulation stage of operation. The switches selectively connect the charging station to the energy source, the LPCM to the DC storage device, and the DC storage device to a high-voltage offboard battery pack during a charge delivery stage of operation. The controller is in communication with and operable for controlling the LPCM, the DC storage device, and the switches during the charge accumulation and delivery stages of operation via performance of a corresponding method.

Abstract: A bicontinuous separating layer include a separating matrix having pores and a solid-state electrolyte disposed in the pores of the separating matrix. In certain variations, the bicontinuous separating layer is prepared by contacting a solid-state electrolyte liquid-state precursor with the separating matrix and heating the infiltrated separating matrix to a temperature between about 25° C. and about 300° C. The solid-state electrolyte liquid-state precursor includes a solvent and a solid-state electrolyte powder or a solid-state electrolyte precursor. In other variations, the bicontinuous separating layer may be prepared by contacting a solid-state electrolyte powder with a separating matrix to form a physical mixture and heating the physical mixture to a temperature between about 240° C. and about 500° C., where the separating matrix is defined by a polymer having a melting temperature greater than about 215° C., and the solid-state electrolyte has a melting temperature greater than about 300° C.

Abstract: A battery pack includes an elongated exhaust conduit defining a gas flow channel. The exhaust conduit includes a longitudinal center axis and a terminal end having a pack vent. The battery pack also includes fins disposed within the gas flow channel, and a plurality of battery cells arranged adjacent to the exhaust conduit. Each respective battery cell includes an outer casing defining a cell cavity. The casing defines a cell vent opening. An anode and a cathode are disposed within the cell cavity, and a vent cap covers the cell vent opening. The vent cap opens at a predetermined pressure to release hot gasses from the cell cavity into the gas flow channel. The fins direct the hot gasses along the longitudinal center axis and toward the terminal end of the exhaust conduit, and thus to the pack vent for discharge to the surrounding ambient environment.

Abstract: A method that includes obtaining demand data, consumer data, and historical demand data, the demand data represents a demand of consumers for a supply over a past time period in a geographic zone. The demand data includes a recent time segment having unreliable demand information. The consumer data. The method further includes, based on the demand data, estimating a scalar of the demand, and, based on the historical demand data, modeling a standardized model demand profile of mean demand over multiple past time periods. Further, the method includes producing a short-term demand prediction of the consumers of the supply over a portion of a forthcoming time period. The short-term demand prediction is based, at least in part, on the standardized model demand profile, the demand data, and the consumer data.

Abstract: A battery module includes neighboring first and second battery cells and a heat sink in contact with and configured to absorb thermal energy from each of the battery cells. The module additionally includes a module enclosure surrounded by ambient environment, housing each of the first and second battery cells and the heat sink, and configured to include a thermal conductivity path from the first cell to at least one of the second cell and the heat sink and from the heat sink to the enclosure. The battery module further includes a metal-hydroxide element configured to undergo a chemical decomposition and discharge moisture within the thermal conductivity path in response to thermal energy released by the first cell when the first cell undergoes a thermal runaway event. The metal-hydroxide element thereby controls propagation of the thermal runaway event from the first cell to the second cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for prismatic battery cell is provided. The apparatus includes a hard outer case defining an internal volume. The apparatus further includes an electrode stack disposed within the internal volume and includes a pair of an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The electrode stack further includes a plurality of electrode pair layers stacked parallel to each other. The electrode pair layers each include a planar surface. The apparatus further includes a built-in spring configured for pressing against the electrode stack in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of each of the electrode pair layers.

Abstract: A system for interpolating wireless spectrum. The system may include an antenna system operable for transmitting wireless signals and responsively receiving reflected signals. The system may additionally include an interpolation controller configured for collecting a plurality of reflection radar spectrum samples from the reflected signals, identifying an interpolation point between two or more interpolation samples of the samples, calculating an interpolation weight for the each of the interpolation samples, and determining an interpolated spectrum at the interpolation point as a summation of a product of the interpolation weights and the interpolation samples.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating image data from a vehicle having a plurality of cameras. A method includes: activating, by the processor, initial video feed from each of the plurality of cameras; determining, by the processor, configuration parameters for each of the plurality of cameras based on the initial video feed; in response to a trigger event, performing frame synchronization of subsequent video feed from each of the plurality of cameras based on the configuration parameters; and generating, by the processor, the image data based on the frame synchronization.

Abstract: A method, fuel cell system and vehicle for maintaining compression via re-compression is provided. By recovering fuel cell stacks of the fuel cell system after a pre-determined time of operation and performing re-compression on each of the recovered fuel cell stacks, power generation capacity, active area pressure and seal force is recovered to address increased contact resistance and loss of fuel cell system power generation capacity as well as decreased seal force and increased risk of reactant gas and coolant leak.

Abstract: A rotor grounding system for an electric machine includes a rotor including a shaft assembly configured to rotate about an axis. A housing supports the shaft assembly for rotation of the rotor. A bearing assembly has an outer circumference disposed against the shaft assembly. A discharge bar extends through at least a part of the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly has an inner circumference disposed against the discharge bar. A discharge circuit is defined between the rotor and the housing, where the discharge circuit extends through the bearing assembly and the discharge bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for a battery cell is provided. The apparatus includes the battery cell. The battery cell includes an electrode stack including at least one pair of an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a can including a wall encapsulating the electrode stack. The battery cell further includes a positive battery terminal connected to the electrode stack and projecting outside of the can. The battery cell further includes a negative battery terminal connected to the electrode stack. The positive battery terminal and the negative battery terminal are configured for providing electrical energy. The battery cell further includes a thermal barrier adjoining the can and the positive battery terminal. The thermal barrier seals gases within the battery cell from exiting the battery cell between the can and the positive battery terminal at an ambient temperature of at least 600° C.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal state-of-charge (SOC) operating window for a battery for use in an electric vehicle includes learning a pattern of periodic charging of the battery for a plurality of time periods and a pattern of periodic usage of the battery for the plurality of time periods, determining a periodic energy requirement for the battery for the plurality of time periods based on the learned patterns using a statistical model, and setting a maximum SOC level and a minimum SOC level for the SOC operating window based on two or more of the periodic energy requirement, the learned patterns and a battery chemistry of the battery.

Abstract: A system for fuel cell membrane edge protection includes a fuel cell including a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly. The assembly includes an anode gas diffusion electrode and a cathode gas diffusion electrode configured for facilitating an electrochemical reaction. The reaction creates water as a by-product. The assembly further includes a proton exchange membrane disposed between the electrodes and a subgasket. The subgasket includes an interior aperture portion defined by a perimeter and is connected to the anode gas diffusion electrode and the membrane about the perimeter such that an area of overlap between the subgasket, the electrode, and the membrane exists around the perimeter. The assembly further includes a carbon paper layer spanning the interior aperture portion. The layer includes patterned wettability and is configured to move the water away from the area of overlap into a center portion of the layer.

Abstract: A system for an augmented-virtual reality simulator using a vehicle is provided. The system includes the vehicle including a control feature configured for selective use in an actual operation mode and in a simulation mode. In the actual operation mode, the control feature is utilized to control actual operation of the vehicle. In the simulation mode, the control feature is utilized as an input device to the augmented-virtual reality simulator. The system further includes a computerized simulation controller. The controller includes programming to monitor activation of the augmented-virtual reality simulator, command activation of the simulation mode based upon the activation of the simulator, monitor inputs to the control feature, and operate the simulator based upon the inputs to the control feature. The system further includes a headset configured for being worn by a user providing a graphical rendering to the user based upon the simulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting microhardness properties of a weld that defines a weld joint between at least two workpieces. The system includes a processor programmed to: receive temperature data that includes temperature values each attributed to a corresponding one of a plurality of points of the weld at corresponding times during a welding process used to produce the weld, determine peak temperature values and cooling rate values for each of the points of the weld based on the temperature values, predict a three-dimensional (3D) distribution of microhardness values of the weld based on a machine learning method that evaluates the peak temperature values and the cooling rate values, and generate display data based on the 3D distribution of microhardness values.

Abstract: A battery cell recycling system includes a recycling table having a first table surface opposite a second table surface and at least one collection slot defined through the first table surface and the second table surface. The battery cell recycling system includes a battery guide system to receive a battery cell including a first lead tab, a second lead tab and a pouch. The battery guide system is movable between a first position and a second position in which at least one of the first lead tab, the second lead tab and the pouch is disposed over the collection slot. The battery cell recycling system includes at least one actuator configured to move at least one cutting blade to remove at least one of the first lead tab, the second lead tab and the pouch from the battery cell in the second position.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems for thermal event mitigation during vehicle towing, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such intelligent control systems. A method of operating a host vehicle includes a resident or remote vehicle controller verifying the host vehicle is an incapacitated state. Responsive to the incapacitation of the host vehicle, the controller detects the host vehicle being towed by a tow vehicle and identifies a wireless-enabled portable computing device (PCD) within a predefined range of the host vehicle. Responsive to the host vehicle being towed, the controller determines if the wireless-enabled PCD is on the tow vehicle while towing the host vehicle. Upon detection of a thermal event in at least one battery cell in the host vehicle's battery system while the host vehicle is being towed, the controller responsively commands a resident vehicle subsystem to execute a control operation to mitigate the thermal event.

Abstract: A mobile locker includes one or more dispensing units. Each dispensing unit consists of an accessible product space where each product space also includes a temperature monitor. A passible environmental control incudes a multiple of containers located around the perimeter of each accessible product space. Further, each of the containers incorporates a phase change material (PCM) that is used to temperature condition each accessible product space.

Abstract: The concepts include a user support system in the form of a microphone, a visual display arranged in a vehicle cabin, and a controller. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to receive, via the microphone, a voice-based request from a user, and employ a virtual assistant to determine a user interaction in real time and to determine a specific intent for the voice-based request, including capturing metadata. A user interaction routine determines a user interaction parameter associated with the virtual assistant based upon the voice-based request from the user. A user sentiment analysis routine determines a user satisfaction parameter associated with the virtual assistant based upon the voice-based request from the user. The controller responds in real-time to the voice-based request based upon the user satisfaction parameter and the user interaction parameter that are associated with the virtual assistant.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving a wakeup request from a device from a vehicle. The wakeup request indicates that the device desires to perform a task that consumes electrical power from a battery of the vehicle. The method further includes assigning a priority to the wakeup request. The method further includes queuing the wakeup request according to a wakeup schedule. The method further includes, responsive to a current time satisfying the wakeup schedule, performing the task based at least in part on the priority.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a first plurality of battery cells, a second plurality of battery cells, and an intermediate layer arranged in a stack. Each of the first plurality of battery cells includes a first cathode, a first cathode current collector, a first anode, a first anode current collector, and a first solid state separator, and each of the second plurality of battery cells includes a second cathode, a second cathode current collector, a second anode, a second anode current collector, and a second solid state separator. The first cathode current collectors are electrically connected in parallel to a first terminal, and the second anode current collectors are electrically connected in parallel to a second terminal. The first anode current collectors of the first plurality of battery cells are electrically connected and are electrically connected to the second cathode current collectors of the second plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a battery module having a plurality of cells includes a sensor adapted to obtain respective cell voltages of the plurality of cells. The controller is adapted to receive data from the sensor, the controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The controller is configured to sort the respective cell voltages to create a voltage ranking. The voltage ranking is repeated with at least one new set of cell voltage readings obtained at a predefined checking frequency. Differences in the voltage ranking of the plurality of cells are analyzed. The controller is adapted to control operation of the battery module based in part on differences in the voltage ranking. The controller may be adapted to predict likelihood of a thermal runway event based in part on the differences in the voltage ranking.

Abstract: A cell carrier and vent tray arrangement for high-voltage batteries includes a cell vent tray having a vent tray body having first and second tray ribs extending outward from a top surface of the vent tray body, wherein the tray ribs run along a longitudinal direction and include one or more notches formed in one or both of the tray ribs, and a cell carrier having a carrier body with a plurality of vent holes formed therethrough and a carrier rib extending outward from a bottom surface of the carrier body, wherein the carrier rib runs along the longitudinal direction and includes one or more cross-members extending in the transverse direction. The cell vent tray and cell carrier are configured for engagement with each other in an assembled configuration with the carrier rib being disposed between the first and second tray ribs and the cross-members being seated within the notches.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide active control of rotor cooling. In a number of embodiments, a system includes a controller coupled with an electric machine having a rotor. The controller evaluates parameters related to the electric machine for flow rate requirements of the rotor, where the flow rate requirements relate to cooling of the rotor. A flow rate of a fluid for cooling the rotor is computed, where the flow rate is based on a composite of the flow rate requirements. A control valve signal is delivered to set a control valve to supply the flow rate to the rotor based on the parameters.