Abstract: A default-to-park mechanism for a transmission includes an output member, a rotatable plate, a latching mechanism, and a biasing member. The output member is rotatable to park, reverse, neutral, and drive positions. The rotatable plate is coaxial with the output member. The plate and the output member interfere with one another such that the plate is moved in a first direction of rotation by the output member and the output member is moved in a second direction of rotation by the plate. The plate is releasably held by the latching mechanism to prevent rotation in the second direction of rotation when the output member is in the reverse, neutral, and drive positions. The biasing member biases the plate to rotate in the second direction of rotation to return the output member to the park position when the plate is released by the latching mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlled parking of autonomous vehicles are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes sending a request from a vehicle to park within a parking area controlled by a parking control system using a bi-directional trust system employing a digital authentication certificate, receiving at the vehicle a parking space assignment from the parking control system indicating an assigned parking space within the parking area using the bi-directional trust system, and autonomously controlling the vehicle to drive the vehicle to the assigned parking space within the parking area.

Abstract: A method for estimating proper eutectic modification level in a liquid metal to minimize macro shrinkage porosity and gas bubbles during casting of aluminum automobile components, and a system and article for casting.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. A wall includes a first portion disposed adjacent to a first end, a second portion disposed adjacent to a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second portions. A panel includes a first panel portion disposed along the first portion, a second panel portion disposed along the second portion and a middle panel portion disposed along the middle portion. The panel extends outwardly away from the wall a distal surface to define a cavity. An airbag device is attached to the second portion and disposed inside the cavity. A beam is coupled to one of the first portion and the middle portion inside the cavity. The beam extends into the cavity from the first end of the wall along an axis such that the beam is spaced from the second panel portion and the second portion along the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle door switch is provided. The door switch includes a top housing and a bottom housing. The bottom housing having at least one first opening arranged opposite the top housing. A printed circuit board is disposed within the housing. A shield member is provided having a planer portion with a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is arranged adjacent the printed circuit board, the shield member further having a side wall extending about the perimeter of the planer portion. The printed circuit board is disposed within the area defined by the side wall.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame rail that extends along and is longitudinally offset from a longitudinal axis. A load transferring member includes a first axial end that is attached to an outboard surface of the frame rail. The load transferring member extends along a centerline thereof, toward the forward axial end of the frame rail, to a second axial end of the load transferring member. The centerline of the load transferring member extends between the first axial end and the second axial end of the load transferring member to define a concave curved shape relative to the outboard surface of the frame rail. The load transferring member includes a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the centerline of the load transferring member that increases in area, when measured from the second axial end moving toward the first axial end.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of reducing sound produced by a liquid fluid pump are disclosed. A pump is activated when a predetermined event is detected. A control valve of the pump is operated in one of an initial and a standard mode when the pump is activated. The control valve is operable to allow a gaseous fluid to vent out of the pump when in the initial mode corresponding to the pump being in a first phase. The control valve is operable to allow a liquid fluid to move through the pump when in the standard mode corresponding to the pump being in a second phase. A solenoid of the control valve is energized and de-energized, at a calibrated frequency, in a sequence when in the initial mode to reduce the sound in the pump during the initial mode.

Abstract: An audio interruption and buffering playback system includes a primary audio source for reproducing primary audio content and a secondary audio source for reproducing secondary audio content. A processing device detects an interruption event that includes the secondary audio source reproducing secondary audio content having priority over the primary audio source. The processor mutes the output of the primary audio content in response to the interruption event. A buffer buffers the audio content from the primary audio source during the interruption event. The buffered audio content is reproduced by the processor to the user at an accelerated playback speed following the interruption event.

Abstract: A multilayer polyelectrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications includes a first perfluorocyclobutyl-containing layer that includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl moieties. The first layer is characteristically planar having a first major side and a second major side over which additional layers are disposed. The membrane also includes a first PFSA layer disposed over the first major side of the first layer and a second PFSA layer disposed over the second major side of the first layer.

Abstract: A control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a fuel system diagnostic module and a pump control module. The fuel system diagnostic module performs a diagnostic test on a fuel system when a vacuum pump is switched off to prevent flow through the vacuum pump and thereby seal a portion of the fuel system from an atmosphere. The vacuum pump includes a cam ring, a rotor that rotates within the cam ring, and vanes that slide into and out of slots in the rotor as the rotor rotates. The pump control module switches on the vacuum pump for a predetermined period to force the vanes out of the slots and into contact with the cam ring to seal the vacuum pump before switching off the vacuum pump for the fuel system diagnostic test.

Abstract: A method of controlling an energy harvesting system that converts excess thermal energy into mechanical energy and includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) member, includes obtaining current operational parameters of the energy harvesting system, such as a maximum temperature, a minimum temperature and a cycle frequency of the SMA member. The current operational parameters are compared to a target operating condition of the energy harvesting system to determine if the current operational parameters are within a pre-defined range of the target operating condition. If the current operational parameters are not within the pre-defined range of the target operating condition, then a heat transfer rate to, a heat transfer rate from or a cycle frequency of the SMA member is adjusted to maintain operation of the energy harvesting system within the pre-defined range of the target operating condition to maximize efficiency of the energy harvesting system.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A user programmable motor vehicle driving parameter control system includes a motor vehicle including at least one active aerodynamic control element, and a user/vehicle interface member, and a controller including a memory having stored therein a user defined deployment schedule and a processor configured and disposed to selectively deploy the at least one aerodynamic control element based on the user defined deployment schedule.

Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of use are provided that include a battery cell comprising a flexible resistive thermal device. The resistive thermal device includes a flexible conductive circuit that is positioned on or adjacent to the surface of the battery cell. Resistance measured in the conductive circuit is correlated with a temperature of the battery cell thereby allowing control of a cooling system and/or the charging/discharging rates of the battery cell to be adjusted in response to temperature. Flexibility of the resistive thermal device also accommodates dimensional changes in the battery cell.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for arrangement on the rear end of a motor vehicle in an extendible fashion is provided. The bicycle rack includes a carrying frame, a slide-in element that is displaceably arranged in the carrying frame, and a carrier element that is pivotably arranged on the side-in element.

Abstract: An accumulator assembly is includes a piston located within a pressure canister. The pressure canister has a piston stop therein. The piston stop is located radially outboard of a biasing member or spring located within the pressure canister between the pressure canister and the piston. A support bracket is disposed on an end of the pressure canister in alignment with the spring. The outboard piston stop and the support bracket reduce the stresses due to reaction forces when the accumulator assembly is fully charged. By reducing the stresses due to reaction forces, the accumulator assembly can be made from steel casting or plastic molding without sacrificing the charge capacity of the accumulator assembly.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first set of clutch plates and a second set of clutch plates interweaved with the first set of clutch plates. The second set of clutch plates is coupled to a rotatable inner hub, and a stationary backing plate is mounted about the inner hub. The first set of clutch plates is coupled to the backing plate such that the first set of clutch plates and the second set of clutch plates are compressed together with one of the first set or the second set of clutch plates abutting against the backing plate when the clutch assembly is engaged. The clutch assembly further includes a connecting hub coupled to the inner hub, such that the connecting hub supports the stationary backing plate with a bearing disposed between the connecting hub and the backing plate.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle system of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: receiving image data that is captured from an occupant of the vehicle; determining a focus of the occupant of the vehicle based on the image data; and generating a user command to control the vehicle system based on the focus of the occupant.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The transmission assembly has a case for housing components of the transmission and an electromechanical device operable to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The electromechanical device is disposed within the transmission case. The case may have a main housing portion and a bell housing portion, with the electromechanical device housed in the main housing portion, in some variations. A transmission shaft may be rotatably supported within the case and configured to be connected to an engine of the motor vehicle. A connecting device may continuously interconnect the electromechanical device with the transmission shaft.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body is provided with a lateral front wall and a wheel installation strut connected therewith with an inner component and an outer component with an outer side wall. The outer component includes, but is not limited to a front portion with a lower front connecting flange, which is connected to the inner component and forms an angle with the horizontal which amounts to a maximum of approximately 20°, and a rear portion with a lower rear connecting flange, which is connected to the lateral front wall and forms an angle with the vertical which amounts to a maximum of approximately 20°.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A linear alternator assembly is provided that includes a block defining a cylinder. The cylinder block has inlet ports at which fluid enters the cylinder, exhaust ports at which fluid is exhausted from the cylinder, and a fuel port. Energizable coils surround the cylinder. A first and a second magnetic or magnetizable piston are contained within the cylinder and are positionable within the cylinder in response to energization of selective ones of the coils and combustion of fuel within the cylinder to selectively establish a four-stroke working cycle having an intake stroke, a compression stroke, an expansion stroke, and an exhaust stroke, producing at least one of compressed gas and electrical energy. The four-stroke working cycle may be varied to adapt to changes in power demanded, thereby balancing required output power with efficiency considerations.

Abstract: An ion conducting membrane for fuel cells involves coupling a compound having a sulfonic acid group with a polymeric backbone. Each of the compounds having a sulfonic acid group and the polymeric backbone are first functionalized with a halogen.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) under conditions in which the telematics unit of a vehicle cannot receive GNSS signals. In particular, the invention contemplates determining that a vehicle is entering a parking garage and obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) of the vehicle in the parking garage when GNSS signals are unavailable.

Abstract: An elastically deformable clip includes a first and second outer wall arranged substantially parallel to each other, each of the first outer wall and the second outer wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first edge and a second edge arranged substantially parallel, and a third edge and a fourth edge arranged substantially parallel. The clip also includes at least one inner wall extending between the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, the at least one inner wall having at least one slot, wherein the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the at least one inner wall are formed of an elastically deformable material. The clip further includes a rib protruding from the outer surface of at least one of the first and second outer walls, the rib arranged substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric power steering (EPS) system coupled to a steering wheel of a vehicle. A current sensor senses EPS current drawn by the EPS system. A engine control module controls operation of an engine of the vehicle and includes an auto start/stop module to selective y start and stop the engine independent from user input to start and stop the engine. The auto start/stop module selectively delays an auto engine stop based on the EPS current.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating position using an integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/dead reckoning (DR) (GNSS/DR) navigation system in a vehicle. The method includes: determining a current environment of the vehicle from a plurality of environments based on at least one parameter; calculating a Kalman filter-related parameter based on the determined current environment, wherein the Kalman filter-related parameter corresponds to a representation of weight given to GNSS navigation and DR navigation relative to one another; and estimating a position of the vehicle based on the calculated Kalman filter-related parameter utilizing a Kalman filter.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of choosing a nametag using automatic speech recognition (ASR). The method includes receiving a spoken nametag via a microphone; performing a first speech recognition analysis on the spoken nametag; determining that the first speech recognition analysis outputs only handheld wireless device nametags; performing a second speech recognition analysis that excludes the handheld wireless device nametags stored at the handheld wireless device; and combining the results of the first speech recognition analysis and the second speech recognition analysis.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes at least one rotatable component and is disposed in an environment at a first pressure. A transmission housing includes a sump portion disposed near a bottom portion of the transmission housing, where the transmission housing substantially encloses the at least one rotatable component. A hydraulic fluid is disposed at least partially in the sump portion of the transmission housing and a vacuum source is in pneumatic communication with the transmission housing. The vacuum source at least partially evacuates a gas from the transmission housing so that an interior of the transmission housing is at a second pressure. The at least one rotatable component is partially exposed to a gas at the second pressure and partially submerged in the hydraulic fluid when the transmission is under a predetermined dynamic load.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing laminated membranes for MEAs, such methods comprising (i) providing a substrate, a catalyst ink fluid, and a first membrane fluid; (ii) providing a second membrane fluid; (iii) simultaneously coating the catalyst ink fluid onto the substrate, the first membrane fluid onto the catalyst ink fluid, and the second membrane fluid onto the first membrane fluid; and (iv) applying a reinforcement layer (such as ePTFE) and allowing for full imbibement. The second membrane fluid (i) consists of alcohol or (ii) is an alcohol-rich fluid comprising polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: One embodiment includes providing a contiguous tubular member including at least one of a first material or a second material, so that the tubular member has a wall thickness that varies along the length of the tubular member; bending the tubular member; and hydroforming the tubular member into a part.

Abstract: An integrated control valve body and hydraulic pump for an automatic transmission includes a control valve body having a plurality of control valves and passageways and an internal cavity having an inlet and an outlet, a pump rotor received within the internal cavity and having a plurality of radially and axially extending slots, radially moveable vanes and a shaft, and a device for transferring drive energy from a drive shaft extending between an output of a torque converter and an input of the transmission to the shaft of the hydraulic pump. The device for transferring drive energy may be a pair of chain sprockets and a chain, a pair of spur or helical gears or other inter-axis power transfer components and may affect a speed increase or reduction.

Abstract: A vehicle, an assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a windshield and a panel disposed adjacent to the windshield. The assembly also includes a first retainer member secured to one of the windshield and the panel. Furthermore, the assembly includes a second retainer member secured to the other one of the windshield and the panel. Additionally, the assembly includes a third retainer member selectively attached to the first and second retainer members to selectively couple together the panel and the windshield.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly can control the motion of the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine and includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes an axially movable structure mounted on the base shaft and axially movable relative to the base shaft. The axially movable structure includes a plurality of lobe packs. Each lobe pack includes a plurality of cam lobes. The axially movable structure includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly additionally includes an actuator including an actuator body and a pin movably coupled to the actuator body between a retracted position and an extended position. The axially movable structure can move axially relative to the base shaft when the base shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis and the pin is in the extended position and at least partially disposed in the control groove.

Abstract: An electrode material for use in an electrochemical cell, like a lithium-ion battery, is provided. The electrode material may be a negative electrode comprising graphite, silicon, silicon-alloys, or tin-alloys, for example. By avoiding deposition of transition metals, the battery substantially avoids charge capacity fade during operation. The surface coating is particularly useful with negative electrodes to minimize or prevent deposition of transition metals thereon in the electrochemical cell. The coating has a thickness of less than or equal to about 40 nm. Methods for making such materials and using such coatings to minimize transition metal deposition in electrochemical cells are likewise provided.

Abstract: A balanced snap ring and method of making a balanced snap ring is disclosed. The snap ring has a circular shape wherein the circular shape has a circumference. The snap ring has a body section and a protrusion extending axially from the body section. The protrusion is formed partially around the circumference. Additionally, a transmission with a balanced snap ring is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the fuel pump includes estimating a pump speed and a nominal pump motor current in relation to a pump motor control signal and a fuel pressure. An armature resistance and a back-emf constant for the electric motor are determined corresponding to the estimated pump speed, a monitored pump motor current, and the pump motor control signal. A nominal armature resistance and a nominal back-emf constant for the electric motor are adjusted in relation to a pump motor temperature. Residuals are calculated based upon the adjusted nominal armature resistance, the adjusted nominal back-emf constant for the electric motor, the estimated armature resistance and the estimated back-emf constant for the electric motor. The residuals are compared with corresponding thresholds. A fault in the electric motor is detected based upon the comparisons of the residuals with the corresponding thresholds.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine cell capacities of a vehicle battery pack. Cell capacities may be determined using state of charge (SOC) estimates for the cells and a charge count for the battery pack. The SOC estimates may be determined when the SOC of the battery pack is below a lower threshold and above an upper threshold. Error values may also be generated for the cell capacity values.

Abstract: A flap assembly is provided for a motor vehicle, with a base, in particular a prestressed flap, in particular a fuel filler flap, which is movably mounted relative to the base in a closing direction, and exhibits a latching element with a stop, which in a closing position engages a counter-stop of the base from the back, so as to counteract an opening of the flap opposite the closing direction, and a movable unlocking element, which in an unlocking position counteracts an engagement of the counter-stop by the stop from the back.

Abstract: A transmission includes a controller that uses force feedback from a detent mechanism to determine appropriate actuator output for achieving a desired transmission range, which facilitates the implementation of “shift by wire” systems on pre-existing transmission designs.

Abstract: A method for electrically charging a high-voltage battery of a subject vehicle includes resolving a geographic location of the subject vehicle at a remote charging site, electrically charging the high-voltage battery through a connection of the subject vehicle to an electric power outlet at the remote charging site, monitoring cumulative electric power flow to the high-voltage battery of the subject vehicle, communicating the cumulative electric power flow to a central server, and reconciling billing for the cumulative electric power flow between an owner of the subject vehicle and an owner of the remote charging site.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the temperature of a fuel cell stack quickly, especially at cold stack start-up. The method includes determining whether the fuel cell stack is below a first predetermined temperature threshold, and, if so, starting a cooling fluid flow through the stack and engaging a shorting circuit across the stack to short circuit the stack and cause the stack to operate inefficiently. The method then determines a desired heating rate of the fuel cell stack and calculates a cathode airflow to the fuel cell stack based on the desired heating rate. The method reduces the flow of cathode air to the stack if a minimum cell voltage is below a predetermined minimum cell voltage threshold and disengages the shorting circuit and applies vehicle loads to the stack when the stack temperature reaches a predetermined second temperature threshold.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure defining a first combustion chamber, a first port in communication with the first combustion chamber and a second port in communication with the first combustion chamber. A first valve may be located in the first port and a second valve may be located in the second port. A first multi-step valve lift mechanism may be supported on the engine structure and engaged with the first valve. A second multi-step valve lift mechanism may be supported on the engine structure and engaged with the second valve. The first and second multi-step valve lift mechanisms may be switched between low and high lift modes independent from one another.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for statistical data learning under privacy constraints. The method includes: receiving, by a processor, a plurality of pieces of statistical information relating to a statistical object and aggregating, by the processor, the plurality of pieces of statistical information so as to provide an estimation of the statistical object. Each piece of statistical information includes an uncertainty variable, the uncertainty variable being a value determined from a function having a predetermined mean. The number of pieces of statistical information aggregated is proportional to the reliability of the estimation of the statistical object.

Abstract: The described system and method provides for the auctioning of radio presets in a vehicle and loading radio preset information into radio preset slots of the vehicle including different types of presets and different sets of preset information corresponding to different preset zones. Multiple auctions may be conducted for each vehicle or group of vehicles, and the auctions may be based on a variety of factors such as different types of presets, different preset zones, number of vehicles, type of vehicles, etc. Once the auction or auctions are won, radio preset slots corresponding to the results of the auctions may be loaded into vehicles at the manufacturer, dealership, or upon the occurrence of a geobox trigger when a vehicle is determined to be inside a particular preset zone.

Abstract: A method of making modified carbon materials for use in fabricating fuel cell components. The modified carbon may comprise pendant fluorocarbon groups bonded covalently bonded thereto. In one embodiment, a mixture is formed and comprises carbon material suitable for use in a fuel cell component, an organic solvent, a compound having the general formula I—R wherein R is a fluorocarbon, and a reductant.

Abstract: An actuator system for use in selectively engaging an input to an output. The actuator system includes an input sub-system having an input component configured to connect to an input element which is in turn connected to a work source. The actuator system also includes an output sub-system being connectable to the input sub-system for receiving work from the work source via the input sub-system. The actuator system further includes an actuator sub-system having an active material and an actuating component. The actuator sub-system is configured so that the active material, when activated, causes the actuating component to move from a first state to a second state to disengage the input and output sub-systems.

Abstract: A method for particulate filter performance monitoring in an exhaust gas treatment system is provided. The method includes monitoring a current received from a soot sensor in the exhaust gas treatment system and comparing the current to a soot sensor current threshold. Based on determining that the current is greater than or equal to the soot sensor current threshold, an accumulated engine out soot value is compared to an accumulated engine out soot threshold. A particulate filter fault is set based on determining that the accumulated engine out soot value is less than the accumulated engine out soot threshold. A monitoring system and an exhaust gas treatment system of an engine are also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling re-circulation of exhaust gas (EGR) in an internal combustion engine includes receiving a signal indicative of an engine operating temperature and comparing the engine operating temperature to a first predetermined IEGR threshold. When the engine operating temperature is less than the first predetermined internal EGR threshold, a first internal EGR mode is activated, whereby engine emissions may be reduced or combustion stability may be enhanced. When the engine operating temperature is greater than the first predetermined internal EGR threshold, the first internal EGR mode is deactivated, and a second internal EGR mode is activated, whereby emissions may be reduced as exhaust system heating is accelerated. When the operating temperature is greater than the second temperature threshold, the second internal EGR mode may be deactivated a third mode may be enabled with only external EGR.