Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation of lower-frequency tactile energy (e.g., vibration) of a vehicle system based on audio signals. In one example, a method may include acquiring an audio signal from an audio system, generating a motor input command, and applying the motor input command to at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor to create a resultant vibrational force.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing and a sensor unit attached to the housing. The sensor unit includes a cylindrical shell defining a vertical axis and rotatable around the axis relative to the housing. The cylindrical shell extends upward along the axis from a lower edge. The sensor unit includes a first frustoconical panel fixed to the cylindrical shell, centered on the axis, and extending downward and radially outward from the lower edge. The housing includes a second frustoconical panel centered on the axis, defining a gap with the first frustoconical panel, and defining an airflow outlet from the housing radially inside the second frustoconical panel relative to the axis. The sensor unit defines an airflow inlet radially inside the lower edge relative to the axis and positioned to receive airflow from the airflow outlet. At least one of the frustoconical panels includes a ridge extending into the gap.

Abstract: A system includes two stereo cameras mounted on a vehicle, at least one sensor arranged to detect a relative alignment of the stereo cameras, and a computer communicatively coupled to the stereo cameras and the at least one sensor. The computer is programmed to continuously apply a compensating adjustment to one of the stereo cameras based on the relative alignment.

Abstract: A system includes two stereo cameras mounted on a vehicle, at least one sensor arranged to detect a relative alignment of the stereo cameras, and a computer communicatively coupled to the stereo cameras and the at least one sensor. The computer is programmed to continuously apply a compensating adjustment to one of the stereo cameras based on the relative alignment.

Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An air extractor assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a diaphragm seat attached to a panel of the vehicle's interior, a diaphragm movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the diaphragm seat, and a position controller that regulates movement of the diaphragm. The position controller may be any one of a variety of linear movers and may be selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a motor, a vacuum, and a plunger. The diaphragm includes a resilient member so that when the diaphragm is in its closed position, a tight seal is formed between the diaphragm seat and the diaphragm. The position controller is by any one of a variety of several regulating mechanisms operating alone or in combination. The regulating mechanism may include but is not limited to the vehicle HVAC system, an oxygen sensor, door latches, and a humidity sensor.

Abstract: An air extractor assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a diaphragm seat attached to a panel of the vehicle's interior, a diaphragm movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the diaphragm seat, and a position controller that regulates movement of the diaphragm. The position controller may be any one of a variety of linear movers and may be selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a motor, a vacuum, and a plunger. The diaphragm includes a resilient member so that when the diaphragm is in its closed position a tight seal is formed between the diaphragm seat and the diaphragm. The position controller is by any one of a variety of several regulating mechanisms operating alone or in combination. The regulating mechanism include but are not limited to the vehicle HVAC system, an oxygen sensor, door latches, and a humidity sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing vehicle interior sounds and other indicia associated with vehicle accessories and events. The method enables a vehicle operator to selectively associate a particular sound with a particular event by selecting a desired sound and associating it with a particular event whereby emission of the desired sound occurs upon occurrence of the particular event to notify the vehicle operator of the occurrence of the particular event. Accordingly, the present invention enables a vehicle operator to configure and associate specific vehicle notification with particular events. In addition, the present invention provides a method and system whereby the vehicle operator uploads into the system customized sounds and sound bytes.

Abstract: A rear view minor assembly is disclosed in which the minor has a viewing section and an alignment section meeting to form a reflex angle. The alignment section is etched with a targeting image: a cross-hair or the side surface of the vehicle. When the targeting image is aligned with appropriate feature on the side of the vehicle, the reflex angle is such that the minor is properly aligned. Also disclosed is a mirror assembly having viewing section and an alignment section with a clear protective outer layer a selective acceptance layer below the clear protective outer layer, and a colored substrate below the selective layer. When the vehicle operator can see the colored substrate through the selective acceptance layer, which transmits only normal light, the minor is properly aligned.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly is disclosed in which the mirror has a viewing section and an alignment section meeting to form a reflex angle. The alignment section is etched with a targeting image: a cross-hair or the side surface of the vehicle. When the targeting image is aligned with appropriate feature on the side of the vehicle, the reflex angle is such that the mirror is properly aligned. Also disclosed is a mirror assembly having viewing section and an alignment section with a clear protective outer layer a selective acceptance layer below the clear protective outer layer, and a colored substrate below the selective layer. When the vehicle operator can see the colored substrate through the selective acceptance layer, which transmits only normal light, the mirror is properly aligned.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly is disclosed in which the mirror has a viewing section and an alignment section meeting to form a reflex angle. The alignment section is etched with a targeting image: a cross-hair or the side surface of the vehicle. When the targeting image is aligned with appropriate feature on the side of the vehicle, the reflex angle is such that the mirror is properly aligned. Also disclosed is a mirror assembly having viewing section and an alignment section with a clear protective outer layer a selective acceptance layer below the clear protective outer layer, and a colored substrate below the selective layer. When the vehicle operator can see the colored substrate through the selective acceptance layer, which transmits only normal light, the mirror is properly aligned.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly is disclosed in which the mirror has a viewing section and an alignment section meeting to form a reflex angle. The alignment section is etched with a targeting image: a cross-hair or the side surface of the vehicle. When the targeting image is aligned with appropriate feature on the side of the vehicle, the reflex angle is such that the mirror is properly aligned. Also disclosed is a mirror assembly having viewing section and an alignment section with a clear protective outer layer a selective acceptance layer below the clear protective outer layer, and a colored substrate below the selective layer. When the vehicle operator can see the colored substrate through the selective acceptance layer, which transmits only normal light, the mirror is properly aligned.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing vehicle interior sounds and other indicia associated with vehicle accessories and events. The method enables a vehicle operator to selectively associate a particular sound with a particular event by selecting a desired sound and associating it with a particular event whereby emission of the desired sound occurs upon occurrence of the particular event to notify the vehicle operator of the occurrence of the particular event. Accordingly, the present invention enables a vehicle operator to configure and associate specific vehicle notification with particular events. In addition, the present invention provides a method and system whereby the vehicle operator uploads into the system customized sounds and sound bytes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the vibration damping characteristics of an automotive brake structure measures the vibration response of a brake structure during application of random-frequency wide spectrum excitation, followed by measuring vibration of the structure at particularly noted modal frequencies, using a confined bandwidth random-frequency vibratory excitation. The method and apparatus may be used also to assess the bonding or attachment characteristics of damping materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the vibration damping characteristics of an automotive brake structure measures the vibration response of a brake structure during application of random-frequency wide spectrum excitation, followed by measuring vibration of the structure at particularly noted modal frequencies, using a confined bandwidth random-frequency vibratory excitation. The method and apparatus may be used also to assess the bonding or attachment characteristics of damping materials.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing reed forming process for a piece of sheet metal having a planar surface comprising the steps of cutting a predetermined number of tabs in the piece of sheet metal with a first stamp, aligning the tabs in coplanar fashion with the planar surface with a second stamp, and forming a rib in the tabs by drawing the metal toward the centers of the tabs a predetermined distance thereby creating a gap between the tabs and the piece of sheet metal.