Abstract: A system within a vehicle for communicating with a person in proximity to the vehicle includes a perception system in communication with a system controller and adapted to detect the presence of a person, a monitoring system adapted to monitor the position of the person's head and eyes, a holographic image generator including a visual compute engine adapted to calculate a holographic image and encode the holographic image onto a spatial light modulator of a picture generating unit, and a beam steering device, wherein the beam steering device is adapted to receive information related to a position of the person's head and eyes from the monitoring system, and the display is adapted to project the holographic image to the beam steering device and the beam steering device is adapted to re-direct the projected holographic image to the eyes of the person.

Abstract: A system for generating haptic feedback to an operator of a motor vehicle includes a powertrain for generating vehicle propulsion. The system also includes an acceleration control device having a range of travel positions for regulating powertrain torque and vehicle acceleration. The system additionally includes a vibration transducer configured to mechanically vibrate the acceleration control device. The system also includes a vehicle sensor for detecting the operator's request for generation of the powertrain torque and acceleration of the motor vehicle and an electronic controller in communication with the vehicle sensor. The controller receives the operator's request and selectively applies, via the vibration transducer, vibration to the acceleration control device in correlation with the operator's request.

Abstract: An entry/egress system for a vehicle includes a housing mountable to a structural member in the vehicle. An actuator is arranged at the housing. The actuator is connectable to a source of electrical power in the vehicle. A lift mechanism is operatively connected to the actuator. A support member is operatively connected to the lift mechanism. The support member is selectively shiftable between a user entry position and a user egress position. A control system is operatively connected to the actuator. The control system is operable to shift the support member to one of the user entry position and the user egress position.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat bottom having a cushion and a covering. The covering includes a flexible exterior surface configured to receive a user sitting at the seat assembly. The cushion includes a bead-based pad. The bead-based pad includes a flexible first pouch defining a first compartment. A first set of beads are movable within the first compartment. Responsive to the user sitting at the seat assembly, the first pouch flexes according to flexing of the exterior surface and the first set of beads move within the first compartment to at least partially conform the first pouch and the exterior surface of the covering to a shape of the user.

Abstract: A light guide enabled lamp includes a light guide. A light source positioned at an edge of the light guide directs light generated by energizing the light source throughout a length of the light guide reflective layer disposed on the light guide. A reflective layer is disposed on the light guide. A graphics pattern is formed on the light guide defining nano-scale optic patterns by a surface etching of the light guide. A polymeric material coating is applied over the light source, the light guide and the reflective layer. A coating is applied over the polymeric material coating using one of a wet coating process, a dry coating process, an in-mold injection-compression or lamination film application, and a post molding process.

Abstract: A system within a vehicle for communicating with a person in proximity to the vehicle includes a perception system in communication with a system controller and adapted to detect the presence of a person, a monitoring system adapted to monitor the position of the person's head and eyes, a holographic image generator including a visual compute engine adapted to calculate a holographic image and encode the holographic image onto a spatial light modulator of a picture generating unit, and a beam steering device, wherein the beam steering device is adapted to receive information related to a position of the person's head and eyes from the monitoring system, and the display is adapted to project the holographic image to the beam steering device and the beam steering device is adapted to re-direct the projected holographic image to the eyes of the person.

Abstract: An entry/egress system for a vehicle includes a housing mountable to a structural member in the vehicle. An actuator is arranged at the housing. The actuator is connectable to a source of electrical power in the vehicle. A lift mechanism is operatively connected to the actuator. A support member is operatively connected to the lift mechanism. The support member is selectively shiftable between a user entry position and a user egress position. A control system is operatively connected to the actuator. The control system is operable to shift the support member to one of the user entry position and the user egress position.

Abstract: An anti-submarining seat cushion for a vehicle includes a main body constructed of an anisotropic material. The anisotropic material includes a primary material including a primary stiffness and a plurality of inserts that are dispersed throughout the primary material. The plurality of inserts exert an axial compressive force in response to the main body of the anti-submarining seat cushion experiencing a submarining load, where the axial compressive force is exerted in a direction that opposes the submarining load to increase an overall stiffness of the main body in a direction that aligns with the submarining load.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment having a roof structure having a front header, a pair of side headers and a rear header. A headliner is disposed beneath the roof structure. At least one inflatable bladder is disposed along at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header. The at least one inflatable bladder is connected to an inflator. A rib structure is disposed adjacent to the at least one inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder inflates to a maximum height of 12 cm below the at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header.

Abstract: An anti-submarining seat cushion for a vehicle includes a main body constructed of an anisotropic material. The anisotropic material includes a primary material including a primary stiffness and a plurality of inserts that are dispersed throughout the primary material. The plurality of inserts exert an axial compressive force in response to the main body of the anti-submarining seat cushion experiencing a submarining load, where the axial compressive force is exerted in a direction that opposes the submarining load to increase an overall stiffness of the main body in a direction that aligns with the submarining load.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment having a roof structure having a front header, a pair of side headers and a rear header. A headliner is disposed beneath the roof structure. At least one inflatable bladder is disposed along at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header. The at least one inflatable bladder is connected to an inflator. A rib structure is disposed adjacent to the at least one inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder inflates to a maximum height of 12 cm below the at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header.

Abstract: An inflatable system includes a first bladder configured to contain gas and a second bladder configured to contain gas. The first bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of the top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of the top and bottom walls. The second bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of its top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of its top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of its top and bottom walls. The bottom wall of the first bladder is secured to the top wall of the second bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable system includes a first bladder configured to contain gas and a second bladder configured to contain gas. The first bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of the top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of the top and bottom walls. The second bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of its top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of its top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of its top and bottom walls. The bottom wall of the first bladder is secured to the top wall of the second bladder.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seatback coupled to the seat base. The seatback includes a rigid frame, a first textile layer attached to the rigid frame, a second textile layer attached to the rigid frame, and at least one textile interconnecting tube coupling the first textile layer to the second textile layer. The textile interconnecting tube is attached in tension between the first textile layer and the second textile layer to dampen dynamic loads applied to the seatback. Instead of (or in addition to) the textile interconnecting tube, the seatback may include a plurality of tension elements interconnecting the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a seat back. A seat cushion is positioned proximate to the seat back. The seat cushion includes: a first side configured when upwardly directed for supporting an adult passenger; and a second side oppositely facing from the first side. The second side is configured when upwardly directed for supporting a child passenger and includes: an elevated face positioned proximate to the seat back; and a lower elevation face forward of the elevated face at a lower elevation than the elevated face when the second side is upwardly directed. The seat cushion is releasable and rotatable to configure the seat cushion with either the first side or the second side upwardly directed.

Abstract: A textile comprising: i) a fabric including a laced region associated with a surface of the textile; and ii) a thread inlaid through a plurality of points proximate a perimeter of the laced region. Tightening the thread causes opposite sides of the laced region to be cinched together, thereby forming the laced region into a flap associated with a second surface of the textile opposite the first surface. The textile further comprises a listing wire disposed in the flap. The fabric forms a plurality of perforations within the laced region. The listing wire may be accessed by an attachment device through at least one of the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a seat base fixed to a vehicle floor, a seat back pivotably disposed to the seat base, a first side bolster mounted onto a first side of the seat back, a second side bolster mounted onto a second side of the seat back, a third side bolster mounted onto a first side of the seat base, a fourth side bolster mounted onto a second side of the seat base, and a back insert mounted within the seat back, each of the side bolsters including a support member and an outer trim member, the support members each including a base, an outer frame and a plurality of interior support walls, the outer frame and the plurality of interior support walls defining a plurality of passages extending through each support member to allow light and air to pass through.

Abstract: A foldable restraint for a seat of a vehicle is disclosed and includes a body. The body includes a bottom side, a back side, and a spine connecting the bottom side and the back side to one another. The bottom side and the back side are configured to rotate towards one another to fold the foldable restraint into a stowed position and the bottom side and the back side rotate away from one another and into a deployed position. The foldable restraint also includes one or more upper engagement mechanisms connected to the back side of the foldable restraint and configured to releasably attach to a support structure of the seat of the vehicle. The foldable restraint also includes one or more lower engagement mechanisms connected to the seat side of the foldable restraint and configured to releasably attach to a support structure of the seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A textile comprising: i) a fabric including a laced region associated with a surface of the textile; and ii) a thread inlaid through a plurality of points proximate a perimeter of the laced region. Tightening the thread causes opposite sides of the laced region to be cinched together, thereby forming the laced region into a flap associated with a second surface of the textile opposite the first surface. The textile further comprises a listing wire disposed in the flap. The fabric forms a plurality of perforations within the laced region. The listing wire may be accessed by an attachment device through at least one of the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A trim component for attachment to a vehicle seat includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed on a first side of the trim component and defines a first knit. The second portion is disposed on a second side of the trim component and defines a second knit distinct from the first knit. The first and second portions are integrally knitted. The trim component is configured to be installed on or more support members of the seat. The first side is configured to face the support member. The second portion is configured communicate with an occupant of the seat. In various aspects, the first portion includes a first yarn and the second portion includes a second yarn that is distinct from the first yarn with respect to one or more of density, thickness, and material. In various aspects, the first yarn is a heat-activated yarn.