Abstract: The present disclosure relates to gestural control of a computing device coupled to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel assembly includes an in-vehicle support substrate and a stowage tray for a mobile device. The stowage tray includes a reception surface for the mobile device, and one or more sliders configured to attach the stowage tray to the support substrate. The one or more sliders are further configured to tilt the reception surface with respect to a sowed position for the stowage tray in the support substrate. This structure for a stowage tray helps improve within vehicle integration and support more flexible usability.

Abstract: A sanitizing shield for a vehicle includes a separation surface configured to at least partially shroud a shielded seat. The separation surface has an inner seat facing side and an outer shielding side. The sanitizing shield includes a sanitization station coupled to the separation surface. The sanitizing shield can have one or more of a hand sanitizer dispenser, an air purifier, and/or an ultraviolet-C (UVC) sanitizer. The sanitizing shield provides for improved physical separation within the passenger cabin while enhancing the sanitization potential available to rear passengers of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes an in-vehicle support substrate and a docking station for a mobile device. The docking station includes a top edge, a bottom wall, and a reception surface for the mobile device between the top edge and the bottom wall. The reception surface is pivotably attached with respect to the support substrate. A first portion of the bottom wall is configured to hold the mobile device, and a second portion of the bottom wall is configured to remain recessed within the support substrate when the docking station is in a tilted position. This structure for a docking station helps improve within vehicle integration.

Abstract: A sanitizing cup that is advantageously used in a vehicle interior. The sanitizing cup includes a cup base and a sanitizing compartment extending at least partially from the cup base. The sanitizing compartment has a sanitizing area which can be used to sanitize an object, such as a user's face mask. The sanitizing cup also includes a hand sanitizer dispenser extending at least partially from the cup base, from the sanitizing compartment, or from both of the cup base and the sanitizing compartment. A combined hand and mask sanitizing cup provides enhanced in-vehicle disinfection capabilities.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and a docking station for a mobile device. The docking station includes an adjustable height bracket and a reception surface. The reception surface is mounted to the seat back and has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The reception surface is configured to tilt independently of the seat back, and the adjustable height bracket is configured to move slidably across the reception surface from the first end towards the second end. This structure for a docking station helps improve within vehicle integration.

Abstract: A modular display assembly that can easily be installed in a vehicle interior part. The modular display assembly includes a carrier panel having an outer frame and a recessed display region, a display panel situated in the recessed display region of the carrier panel, a diffuser layer that at least partially covers the recessed display region at a location spaced from the display panel to thereby create an optical transmission layer between the display panel and the diffuser layer, and a surface panel that at least partially covers the diffuser layer. The surface panel at least partially rests against the outer frame of the carrier panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The compartment includes a box coupled to the frame in a fixed position relative to the frame and a latch system coupled to the box to allow a user to access the box. The latch system includes a shape-memory alloy wire guided by a pulley during actuation of the latch system.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and a docking station for a mobile device. The docking station includes an adjustable height bracket and a reception surface. The reception surface is mounted to the seat back and has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The reception surface is configured to tilt independently of the seat back, and the adjustable height bracket is configured to move slidably across the reception surface from the first end towards the second end. This structure for a docking station helps improve within vehicle integration.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel assembly includes an in-vehicle support substrate and a stowage tray for a mobile device. The stowage tray includes a reception surface for the mobile device, and one or more sliders configured to attach the stowage tray to the support substrate. The one or more sliders are further configured to tilt the reception surface with respect to a sowed position for the stowage tray in the support substrate. This structure for a stowage tray helps improve within vehicle integration and support more flexible useability.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a foldable layer that is convertible between an unfolded condition, in which it provides the working surface of a tabletop, and a folded condition, in which it supports one or more portable electronic devices in a tilted position. When deployed as part of a device holder, the foldable layer uncovers a portion of a base layer that includes edge supports for the mobile device(s). A plurality of polygonal segments interconnected by a corresponding plurality of hinge joints permits the foldable layer to change from a flat sheet to a hollow, self-supporting three-dimensional structure with a clean angular appearance in an origami-like manner that does not require complex linkages or mechanisms for the conversion.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes an in-vehicle support substrate and a docking station for a mobile device. The docking station includes a top edge, a bottom wall, and a reception surface for the mobile device between the top edge and the bottom wall. The reception surface is pivotably attached with respect to the support substrate. A first portion of the bottom wall is configured to hold the mobile device, and a second portion of the bottom wall is configured to remain recessed within the support substrate when the docking station is in a tilted position. This structure for a docking station helps improve within vehicle integration.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a vehicle, in applications such as an armrest console or a glove box, includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The SMA actuator includes an actuator housing, an SMA wire, and an actuator lever arm. The actuator lever arm is configured to pivotably rotate or linearly translate with respect to the actuator housing upon activation of the SMA wire. A connecting link is coupled to the actuator lever arm. The connecting link is configured to translate linearly along a connecting link axis when the actuator lever arm pivotably rotates or linearly translates. A striker is coupled to the connecting link and configured to rotate about a striker axis to engage a closing surface.

Abstract: An accessory mounting frame is attachable to various vehicle seat bases and allows for connection of a vehicle accessory when the vehicle seat is removed. The accessory mounting frame includes a first seat attachment projection, a second seat attachment projection, and an accessory fastener coupled to the first seat attachment projection and the second seat attachment projection. The first seat attachment projection has a first bearing surface that is configured to bear against a first portion of the vehicle seat base. The second seat attachment projection has a second bearing surface that is configured to bear against a second portion of the vehicle seat base. The first seat attachment projection and the second seat attachment projection are adjustable with respect to the accessory fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The compartment includes a box coupled to the frame in a fixed position relative to the frame and a latch system coupled to the box to allow a user to access the box. The latch system includes a shape-memory alloy wire guided by a pulley during actuation of the latch system.

Abstract: An opening switch for a vehicle having a decorative cover assembly, a sensor housing region, and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor mounted in the sensor housing region. The decorative cover assembly has an inner surface, an outer surface, an anchor portion, and a deflection portion. When contact from a vehicle user occurs at the deflection portion in the decorative cover assembly, a microdeflection occurs. The microdeflection has a microdeflection apex, and the microdeflection apex is spaced from other surfaces in the sensor housing region when the contact from the user occurs at the deflection portion in the decorative cover assembly. The MEMS sensor is configured to generate an output signal that is indicative of a force of the contact from the user. The force integrated switch can include haptic feedback and/or backlighting.

Abstract: A privacy screen for a vehicle that can provide for an enhanced passenger experience. The privacy screen includes a blocking body configured to at least partially shroud a shielded seat of the vehicle. The blocking body has an inner seat facing surface, an outer shielding surface, and a concave contour that is configured to extend at least partially around the shielded seat. The privacy screen further includes a passenger enhancement feature that is configured to be controllable via input from a passenger of the vehicle that is remote from a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An infotainment system may include at least one display mounted to a vehicle seat, a connectivity module that operably couples the infotainment system to at least one mobile device, and a plurality of passenger-focused modules. The at least one display may mirror a display of the at least one mobile device, and the passenger-focused modules may operate in response to the at least one mobile device via the connectivity module.

Abstract: An armrest module includes an armrest base adapted to be coupled to a vehicle and configured to provide a rest area for a passenger's arm and a passenger utility unit coupled to the armrest base. The armrest module further includes a sanitization system coupled to at least one of the armrest base and the passenger utility unit.

Abstract: A removable console for use in a row of vehicle seating includes a base and receptacles formed along the base. One of a plurality of interchangeable and accessory modules can be attached to the console base in each receptacle and optionally powered by the console base when installed. A latch holds each installed accessory module in the respective receptacle. Each latch can include electrical contacts to power an installed module.