Abstract: Housing for vehicle sensors (e.g., Lidar sensors) can include an adapter bracket configured to route a cable either out of the side of the sensor housing or out of the bottom of the sensor housing. In some examples, different adapter brackets can be used to run the cable in different configurations, while in other examples, a single adapter bracket can run a cable in both side-exit and bottom-exit configurations. An adapter bracket can include a breathable mesh portion configured to allow air to pass through the mesh, while blocking moisture.

Abstract: An electronics housing assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the electronics housing is attached to a vehicle to house a sensor of the vehicle (e.g., a LIDAR). The electronics housing includes a fixed body structure, a movable body structure, a motor operatively coupled to the movable body structure, a positioner sensor coupled to the fixed body structure, and a sensor bracket attached to the movable body structure and configured to attach to a sensor. In some embodiments, the positioner sensor is used to detect the position of the movable body structure and the sensor.

Abstract: Various techniques related to a sensor for use with autonomous driving and/or navigation of a vehicle. The techniques can include use of an elongated threaded member, an intermediate threaded member, and a tertiary member. The members can be operable to extend or retract a vehicle sensor on a platform. The members can also enable the sensor to retract upon application of a force external to the vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled tangle-resistant charging cable may include a sheath defining a cavity, the sheath having a width dimension, a height dimension, a thickness dimension and a length dimension; wherein the width dimension is larger than the height dimension, and the length dimension is larger than both the height dimension and the width dimension; a first conductor disposed in the cavity, the first conductor having at least one substantially flat side; a hose disposed in the cavity and configured to carry a cooling liquid, the cross-sectional profile of the hose being non-circular and having at least one flat side. In some embodiments, the sheath's cross-sectional height dimension may be between 2% and 95% of the sheath's cross sectional width dimension.

Abstract: Various techniques related to a sensor for use with autonomous driving and/or navigation of a vehicle. The techniques can include use of three members, one of the members housing a sensor for use with autonomous driving and/or navigation of the vehicle. The members can define cavities housing others of the three members.

Abstract: Various techniques related to a sensor for use with autonomous driving and/or navigation of a vehicle. The techniques can include use of an elongated threaded member, an intermediate threaded member, and a tertiary member. The members can be operable to extend or retract a vehicle sensor on a platform. The members can also enable the sensor to retract upon application of a force external to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronics housing assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the electronics housing is attached to a vehicle to house a sensor of the vehicle (e.g., a LIDAR). The electronics housing includes a fixed body structure, a movable body structure, a motor operatively coupled to the movable body structure, a positioner sensor coupled to the fixed body structure, and a sensor bracket attached to the movable body structure and configured to attach to a sensor. In some embodiments, the positioner sensor is used to detect the position of the movable body structure and the sensor.

Abstract: Housing for vehicle sensors (e.g., Lidar sensors) can include an adapter bracket configured to route a cable either out of the side of the sensor housing or out of the bottom of the sensor housing. In some examples, different adapter brackets can be used to run the cable in different configurations, while in other examples, a single adapter bracket can run a cable in both side-exit and bottom-exit configurations. An adapter bracket can include a breathable mesh portion configured to allow air to pass through the mesh, while blocking moisture.

Abstract: An auto-charging system is disclosed. The system may comprise a base and a set of lower arms. The set of lower arms may comprise a first lower arm and a second lower arm each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first lower arm may be attached to the base, and the second ends of the first and second lower arms may be attached to a hinge joint. The system may further comprise an upper arm having a first end attached to the hinge joint and a second end, a charger arm having a first end attached to second end of the upper arm and a second end, the set of lower arms, the upper arm, and the charger arm being foldable into the base, and a charger attached to the second end of the charger arm.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled tangle-resistant charging cable may include a sheath defining a cavity, the sheath having a width dimension, a height dimension, a thickness dimension and a length dimension; wherein the width dimension is larger than the height dimension, and the length dimension is larger than both the height dimension and the width dimension; a first conductor disposed in the cavity, the first conductor having at least one substantially flat side; a hose disposed in the cavity and configured to carry a cooling liquid, the cross-sectional profile of the hose being non-circular and having at least one flat side. In some embodiments, the sheath's cross-sectional height dimension may be between 2% and 95% of the sheath's cross sectional width dimension.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing intelligent charge handle for charging a vehicle battery are provided. Implementations of the disclosed technology may include a charge handle having: alignment fins to properly align electrical contacts, movement sensors configured to detect when the charge handle has been picked up and to effectuate activation of the charge handle's charging capabilities in response thereto, touch sensors configured to detect a user's touch and to effectuate activation of a light illuminating the path of insertion in response thereto, and/or a multi-stage electrical connector having multiple conductors carrying different signals, where more than one of the multiple conductors is physically accessible via a single aperture in the charge handle housing (e.g. through a faceplate).

Abstract: An electric seatbelt notification system may include an electric seatbelt configured to restrain the occupant in the vehicle, the electric seatbelt including one or more motors. The notification system may include a controller coupled to the electric seatbelt. The controller may be configured to detect a vehicle event and determine the tactual notification corresponding to the vehicle event. The controller may be further configured to generate a control signal to actuate the one or more motors of the electric seatbelt, and provide the tactual notification using the electric seatbelt to notify the occupant of the vehicle event. The tactual notification may be progressively stronger as the vehicle event persists.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plugless and socketless charging connection for an electric vehicle. In some aspects, a conductive path is disposed in an exterior vehicle component. The conductive path may appear to be part of a door, fender, emblem, and the like. Current, sufficient to charge one or more batteries within the vehicle may pass through the conductive path. In some aspects, a charge port is also disposed within the vehicle. The charge port may be movable from at least a first position spaced away from the conductive path to a second position in contact with at least a portion of the conductive path.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to shaft-to-shaft D-to-polygon connectors. The connector can have an interior channel with a “D-shaped” cross section to form a friction fit with an output shaft of a motor having a corresponding outer D-shape. The outer shape of the connector can be hexagonal, square, triple square, 12-point, or D-shaped. As such, when the connector is fit within a correspondingly shaped channel of another shaft or mechanical body, the torque from the motor is transmitted to the other shaft or mechanical body without the need for set screws.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are movable charge port systems for electric vehicles. An electric vehicle may include a charge port capable of coupling with and receiving electrical power from a charging station. The charge port may be movably secured in a concealed position and configured to move from the concealed position to an exposed position to enable the charge port to couple with the charging station. The vehicle may include a motor configured to move the charge port from the concealed position to the exposed position and processing circuitry configured to command the motor to move the charge port. The charge port may be exposed automatically in response to detecting the presence of a charging station nearby.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for flexibly and movably mounting a charge port in front-facing portions of an electric vehicle. When not in use the charge port can be concealed by the body of the vehicle. In a pre-charging or charging mode the charge port can be automatically moved to a charging position where it is exposed through the vehicle body and thus available for coupling with a charging connector at a charging station. Further, the charge port can be flexibly mounted to the vehicle so as to absorb impact forces in one or more directions. The charge port can include oscillation dampening mechanisms for electrical cables coupled to the charge port.