Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that include obtaining first camera images of a parking location before a vehicle is parked at the parking location; obtaining second camera images of the parking location after the vehicle is parked at the parking location; and detecting, via a processor, a fluid leak for the vehicle based on a comparison of the first camera images and the second camera images.

Abstract: Presented are oleophilic surface treatments for electric machines, methods for making/using such electric machines, and vehicles employing traction motors having stator windings with oleophilic treatments on select surfaces. An electric machine includes an outer housing with a direct-cooling thermal management system fluidly connected to the housing to circulate thereto a coolant fluid. A stator assembly, which is attached to the housing, includes a stator core with one or more electromagnetic windings mounted to the stator core. A rotor assembly is movably mounted to the hosing adjacent the stator assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor core with one or more magnets mounted to the rotor core spaced, e.g., across an air gap, from the winding(s). Select components of the stator assembly have a target surface with an oleophilic surface treatment that enlarges the target surface's wetted area and increases a coolant mass of the coolant fluid contacting the target surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting one or more three-dimensional structures in a proximity of a vehicle at runtime includes generating, by a processor, a birds-eye-view (BEV) camera image of the proximity of the vehicle, the BEV camera image comprising two-dimensional coordinates of one or more structures in the proximity. The method further includes generating, by the processor, a BEV height image of the proximity of the vehicle, the BEV height image providing height of the one or more structures in the proximity. The method further includes detecting one or more edges of the three-dimensional structures based on the BEV camera image and the BEV height image. The method further includes generating models of the three-dimensional structures by plane-fitting based on the edges of the one or more three-dimensional structures. The method further includes reconfiguring a navigation system receiver based on the models of the three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: A method for securing an electronic control unit (ECU). The method may include generating a granular security control adjustment authorization ticket (G-SCAAT) for securing the ECU according to a plurality of security parameters determined based on to a role selected for a corresponding user. The G-SCAAT may include security values to be used in controlling the ECU to operate according to the security parameters.

Abstract: An automated driving system includes an object detection system. A neural network image encoder generates image embeddings associated with an image including an object. A neural network text encoder generates concept embeddings associated with each of a plurality of concepts. Each of the plurality of concepts is associated with one of at least two object classes. A confidence score module generates a confidence score for each of the plurality of concepts based on the image embeddings and the concept embeddings associated with the concept. An object class prediction module generates a predicted object class of the object based on an association between a set of concepts of the plurality of concepts having at least two of the highest values of the generated confidence scores and the one of the at least two object classes associated with a majority of the set of concepts.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traffic light indication system (system) with one or more input devices for generating a status input signal associated with a status of a traffic light. The input devices further generate an overriding input signal associated with a hazardous driving condition. The system further includes a notification device for providing a traffic light notification to the user. The system further includes a computer having a processor and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (CRM) storing instructions. The processor is programmed to generate an actuation signal based on the status input signal. The processor is further programmed to refrain from generating the actuation signal, in response to the processor determining the predicted collision based on the status input signal and the overriding input signal. The notification device provides the traffic light notification to the user, in response to the notification device receiving the actuation signal.

Abstract: A solid-state electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions includes a solid-state electrolyte that defines a first major surface and an electrode that defines a second major surface. The solid-state electrochemical cell also includes an interfacial layer disposed between the first major surface of the solid-state electrolyte and the second major surface of the electrode. The interfacial layer may include an ion-conductor disposed in an organic matrix.

Abstract: A battery system includes an enclosure having opposed first and second major walls, a perimetral wall connecting the first and second major walls along respective perimeters thereof, and an interior defined by the first and second major walls and the perimetral wall, wherein the enclosure is configured for containing an anode assembly, a cathode assembly and an electrolyte within the interior. A longitudinal embossment is formed in the perimetral wall extending outward from the interior and extending along opposed adjacent portions of the first and second perimeters. A wall port is defined in the perimetral wall in fluid communication with the interior, wherein the wall port is configured for permitting flow of the electrolyte therethrough into and out of the interior. First and second electrodes extend through the perimetral wall and are configured for electrical connection with the anode assembly and cathode assembly, respectively.

Abstract: An occupant detection system for an interior cabin area of a vehicle includes one or more signal conversion devices including conversion circuitry and a wireless control module including a multi-band transceiver having two or more transceivers. The wireless control module executes instructions to continuously send, by a first transceiver, signals on a first frequency band. The wireless control module executes instructions to receive, by a second transceiver, signals on a second frequency band from a signal conversion device. The wireless control module compares original training symbols from the signals on the first frequency band with training symbols from the signals on the second frequency band to determine a change in value of in one or more channel state information (CSI) parameters, and determines one or more occupants are present within the interior cabin area of the vehicle based on the change in one or more CSI parameters.

Abstract: A supervisory control system is disclosed that provides an operator situational awareness interface use with monitoring a plurality of automated vehicles (AVs). The system is configured to: generate a map of a geographical area of interest; obtain location data and perceived risk data for a plurality of AVs in the geographical area; generate a vehicle icon corresponding to each AV; position the vehicle icon for each AV on the map based on the location data for a corresponding AV; apply a color coding to each vehicle icon based on a perceived risk level for a corresponding AV; and signal a display device to display an AV fleet map graphic that includes the color coded vehicle icons positioned on the map. The controller may be further configured to: generate an AV servicing queue graphic that displays vehicle icons in an order based on a determined servicing priority.

Abstract: A system includes an in-cabin sensor, a seatbelt routing zone module, and a seatbelt routing classification module. The in-cabin sensor is operable to generate an image of an occupant in a vehicle seat. The seatbelt routing zone module is configured to generate a seatbelt routing zone based on at least one of a size of the occupant in the image and a shape of the occupant. The seatbelt routing classification module is configured to determine whether a seatbelt is routed properly around the occupant based on whether the seatbelt is at least partially within the seatbelt routing zone.

Abstract: A power line communication (PLC) system for a vehicle is contemplated. The system may include a plurality of power lines configured to connect at least a first node and a second node to negative and positive terminals of a vehicle battery. The system may include a filter connected to the power lines. The filter may be configured to attract a first portion of a PLC signal to the negative terminal prior to the first portion reaching the second node and to permit a second portion of the PLC signal to continue transmission to the second node.

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: 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: 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: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems and logic for battery charge control and information display, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A method of operating a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving vehicle location data indicating a real-time location of the vehicle and determining if the vehicle's real-time location is within a virtual geofence that delineates a predefined geographic area. If the real-time vehicle location is within the virtual geofence, the controller receives user location data indicating a real-time location of a vehicle user and determines if the user's real-time location is within a predefined proximity to the vehicle. If the user is within the predefined proximity to the vehicle, the controller responsively determines if a vehicle battery is charging; if so, the controller transmits a command signal to a resident vehicle subsystem to execute a control operation related to the charging of the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A method for determining a tire tread wear estimation of a tire includes receiving, by a controller, a direct tire tread wear measurement, when available, performing an indirect tire tread wear estimation, performing a data fusion of the indirect tire tread wear estimation with the direct tire tread wear measurement when available, estimating a percentage tire life remaining and a mileage to end of tire life, and estimating a refined tire tread wear calibration coefficient for performing future indirect tire tread wear estimations.

Abstract: A method for determining, in real-time, an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) clutch torque includes receiving vehicle data in real-time, wherein the vehicle data includes a torque request, determining a preliminary eLSD clutch torque using a neural network and the vehicle data, determining clutch torque bounds of the eLSD using a physics-based model, determining whether the preliminary eLSD clutch torque is outside the clutch torque bounds of the eLSD, adjusting the preliminary eLSD clutch torque using clutch torque bounds to determine a final clutch torque of the eLSD in response to determining that the preliminary eLSD clutch torque is outside the clutch torque bounds of the eLSD, and commanding, in real-time, the eLSD to apply the final clutch torque to a clutch of the eLSD.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating a pair of components relative to one another using complex surfaces. One component has a complex surface, where the complex surface is smoothly contoured. Another component is shaped to be connected with the first component. A fixture locates the first component relative to the second component. The fixture includes a locator with a complex surface region shaped to mate with the complex surface of the one component to locate the fixture relative to that component. The fixture includes another locator to locate the fixture relative to the second component.

Abstract: A throttle body for an engine or fuel cell of a vehicle is provided. The throttle body comprises a cylindrical housing comprising a first open end extending to a second open end defining an inner wall having an inner surface. The throttle body further comprises a moveable blade valve movably disposed on the inner wall and arranged to regulate air to the engine during operation of the vehicle. The moveable blade valve has an outer surface. The throttle body further comprises a dual-phase thermal composite coating (TCC) disposed on one of the inner surface of the inner wall and outer surface of the moveable blade valve for enhanced thermal conductivity and reduced deposit accumulation on the inner surface and the outer surface. The dual-phase TCC comprises a first material comprising between 10 wt % and 90 wt %, and a second material comprising between 10 wt % and 90 wt % of the dual-phase TCC. The dual phase TCC has a contact angle of between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W/mK.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an electric vehicle. In another exemplary embodiment, a system for operating an electric vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a first motor and a transmission coupled to the first motor. The transmission is configured to shift gears when a speed of the electric vehicle crosses a shift threshold. The shift threshold is independent of a position of an acceleration pedal of the electrical vehicle.

Abstract: A holographic projection system includes a SLM that receives a light beam and generates a modulated beam projected at an eyebox, where: the modulated beam includes multiple versions of a test image; and the test image includes bright objects and transparent regions, which are selected dark areas of interest for measuring luminance. A control module runs a test to characterize contrast in each of multiple virtual image planes including: controlling the SLM to generate the modulated beam; measuring luminance levels of each of the versions of the test image displayed in the virtual image planes; calculating contrast ratios based on the luminance levels of each of the versions of the test image; determining whether the contrast ratios are within predetermined ranges of predetermined contrast ratios; and adjusting operation of the SLM in response to one of the contrast ratios not being within a corresponding one of the predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A display device include a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a spacer arranged between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer to define a first region and a second region. A first plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the first region. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are connected to the first plurality of electrodes in the first region. A second plurality of electrodes are arranged on the inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region. A third plurality of electrodes are arranged on the inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region. Particles are arranged in the second region between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes.

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: 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 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 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 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: 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 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 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.