Abstract: A battery pack safety system for a battery powered vehicle includes a vehicle battery pack having at least one battery cell positioned in a bay of a frame. Multiple sensors are each supported by the frame. A safety module in communication with each of the multiple sensors collects an output of each of the sensors for transmission to a vehicle computer unit. A safety module power supply provides backup power for operation of the multiple sensors and the safety module when an electrical charge of the battery pack is unavailable. A warning module is in communication with the safety module. The warning module when initiated by a signal from the safety module in response to an output signal generated by any of the multiple sensors energizes a signaling device providing external vehicle indication of a status of the battery pack.

Abstract: A method for managing host vehicle functions includes receiving a first input to a human-machine interface (HMI) controller having an adjustable haptic feedback mechanism and an access interface, presenting an application access interface having a plurality of selectable applications, receiving a second input selecting one of the plurality of selectable applications, presenting an application management interface having a plurality of selectable functions, receiving a third input indicating a selected function of the plurality of functions, presenting information related to the selected function, actively adjusting the haptic feedback mechanism in the HMI controller based on the selected function within the selected application, and receiving a fourth input selecting a setting within the selected function.

Abstract: A method of generating a user influenced recommendation list is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting a first user device and detecting a second user device within a predetermined zone within a compartment of the vehicle; coupling the first user device and the second user device to a recommendation engine; uploading a first preference list of contents from the first user device and a second preference list of contents from the second user device to the recommendation engine; selecting a ratio of contents from the first preference list and second preference list; and generating a third preference list of recommended contents, by the recommendation engine, by analyzing the selected ratio of contents from the first and second preference lists. The ratio is selected via a GUI. A system is provided for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A method for controlling environmental parameters in a vehicle having multiple climate controlled zones is provided in the disclosure. The method includes determining whether a climate controlled zone is occupied by a user. If the climate controlled zone is not occupied by a user, then a status of “non-occupied” is assigned to the climate controlled zone. If the climate controlled zone is occupied by a user, then the a status of “occupied” is assigned to the climate controlled zone, identifies the user, and retrieves from a database a user profile linked to the identified user. The user profile includes predetermined environmental parameter settings such air temperature, air flowrate, airflow direction, and seating temperature. The controller than adjust at least one environmental parameter for the climate controlled zone to match the predetermined environmental parameter settings. A system is provided for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A universal camera apparatus for attachment to a surface includes a dome cover having a central aperture, a camera unit having a body portion and a lens, the body portion mounted to the dome cover and covered by the dome cover, the lens disposed within the central aperture, a base unit supporting the dome cover, the base unit having a central opening extending through the base unit from a universal attachment portion to a flared collar portion, the universal attachment portion forming a seal at an interface with the surface, wherein wiring from the camera unit extends through the central opening, the flared collar portion at least partially surrounds the camera unit, and wherein the dome cover is adjustable about an axis of rotation relative to the base unit, and the camera mount is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A goose neck hinge assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base portion extending from a panel attachment portion to a hinge portion. The base portion includes a rotation-resisting joint. The base portion includes a first structural element with first structural ribs. The first structural element is joined at the rotation-resisting joint to a second structural element. The second structural element includes second structural ribs. The first structural ribs and the second structural ribs are topology optimized providing bending resistance and structural reinforcement at predetermined locations. The rotation-resisting joint includes a recessed fastener. The first structural element extends from the hinge portion to the rotation-resisting joint and the second structural element extends from the rotation-resisting joint to the panel attachment portion.

Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle includes a battery pack having a structure defining a chamber receiving a battery. A first sensor is mounted to the structure for sensing an operating condition within the chamber. A safety module is disposed outside of the chamber. The safety module processes signals received from the first sensor to identify if the operating condition defines an abnormal condition occurring within the chamber. The safety module sends a first safety module signal when the signals received from the first sensor indicate the abnormal condition is present within the chamber.

Abstract: A battery pack safety system for a battery powered vehicle includes a vehicle battery pack having at least one battery cell positioned in a bay of a frame. Multiple sensors are each supported by the frame. A safety module in communication with each of the multiple sensors collects an output of each of the sensors for transmission to a vehicle computer unit. A safety module power supply provides backup power for operation of the multiple sensors and the safety module when an electrical charge of the battery pack is unavailable. A warning module is in communication with the safety module. The warning module when initiated by a signal from the safety module in response to an output signal generated by any of the multiple sensors energizes a signaling device providing external vehicle indication of a status of the battery pack.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly includes a body defining a member of a motor vehicle frame, the body including an aperture having edges. A module is positioned at the aperture, the module defining a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed to define the aperture. Multiple connecting arms extend from the module and beyond the edges of the aperture to support the module on the body, including a first, second, third and fourth connecting arm. Each of the connecting arms is connected to the body using a fastener. Multiple connecting members integrally connect a first reinforcement member surrounding the aperture to a second reinforcement member. The multiple connecting members allow the first and second reinforcement members to be simultaneously co-molded in a single injection molding shot of a polymeric material.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly includes a body formed of a metallic panel. Multiple modules attached to the body each molded of a polymeric material. At least one of the modules spans a component relief aperture created in the body. The at least one module spanning the component relief aperture defines a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed to define the component relief aperture. Each of the modules defines a first portion of an enclosure and includes at least one fastener receiving aperture for mechanical attachment of an independently provided second portion.

Abstract: A connecting device for coupling first and second members includes a body having a first leg and a second leg integrally connected to the first leg. The first leg and the second leg are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. A rigid material core extends through both the first leg and the second leg, the core including a first core member integrally connected to a second core member. The first core member is angularly oriented with respect to the second core member such that the core defines a geometric shape. A resilient material sleeve commonly covers the core of both the first leg and the second leg. The first leg is frictionally received in a first member and the second leg is frictionally received in a second member to couple the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A connecting device for coupling first and second members includes a body having a first leg and a second leg integrally connected to the first leg. The first leg and the second leg are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. A rigid material core extends through both the first leg and the second leg, the core including a first core member integrally connected to a second core member. The first core member is angularly oriented with respect to the second core member such that the core defines a geometric shape. A resilient material sleeve commonly covers the core of both the first leg and the second leg. The first leg is frictionally received in a first member and the second leg is frictionally received in a second member to couple the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A hybrid multi-material outerbelt reinforcement assembly includes a metal body having a first leg and a second leg oriented at an angle with respect to the first leg. The second leg is integrally connected to the first leg defining a junction. A polymeric material reinforcing rib has a rib end contacting the junction and has a rib body extending away from the junction and bisecting the angle between the first leg and the second leg. The reinforcing rib has a rib length extending for substantially an entire length of the metal body. Flanges are integrally connected to the reinforcing rib, each having a first flange portion and a second flange portion each contacting the metal body to mitigate against a torsional rotation of the metal body that increases or decreases the angle of the second leg with respect to the first leg.