Abstract: A vehicle robotic production environment, in which the environment hosts robotic agents that are organised as groups of cells, each cell with no more than 10 robots. One group of robotic cells transforms fabric into vehicle composite panels and other parts, eliminating the need for steel panel pressing equipment. Other robotic cells assemble at least portions of a vehicle together from modular components, such as aluminium extrusions. Each cell is served by AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), eliminating the need for a costly moving production line. The robotic production environment can be implemented or installed in a factory that is less than 25,000 square meters in area, with a conventional flat concrete floor that has not been strengthened for a vehicle body panel stamping press. Conventional vehicle production plants are typically over 1M square meters in area, with specially strengthened concrete floors.

Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle is described. The charging system for an electric vehicle can have a power supply, a charging cable, a connector, and a cooling system. The charging cable can have a coolant conduit routed through the charging cable. The charging cable can also have a coolant return path formed within the charging cable jacket. The cooling system can pump coolant through the coolant conduit and coolant return path to remove heat from the charging cable during a charging process.

Abstract: A vehicle air vent is provided that includes a plurality of air control vanes, the orientation of which determines the direction of air flow exiting the air vent; a shut-off door that allows air to flow through the air vent when it is in a first position and blocks air flow through the air vent when it is in a second position; a control tab mechanically coupled to the plurality of air control vanes; and a linkage assembly mechanically coupling the control tab to the shut-off door. Adjustment of the control tab within a first range of positions controls the orientation of the air control vanes while maintaining the shut-off door in an open position. Adjustment of the control tab within a second range of positions, however, moves the shut-off door between the first and second positions, thereby controlling air flow through the air vent.

Abstract: A rear-facing seat for a vehicle comprises: a seat portion connected to the vehicle by a hinge so that the rear-facing seat assumes at least a stowed position and an unstowed position; and a back portion connected to the seat portion, wherein in the unstowed position the back portion assumes at least an up position and a down position, wherein in the up position (i) a hook on the back portion engages a first striker on a vehicle wall, and (ii) a latch on the back portion engages a second striker of a back of a forward-facing seat.

Abstract: A rear-facing seat for a vehicle comprises: a seat portion connected to the vehicle by a hinge so that the rear-facing seat assumes at least a stowed position and an unstowed position; and a back portion connected to the seat portion, wherein in the unstowed position the back portion assumes at least an up position and a down position, wherein in the up position (i) a hook on the back portion engages a first striker on a vehicle wall, and (ii) a latch on the back portion engages a second striker of a back of a forward-facing seat.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a door handle assembly used in a vehicle door having an illumination module and illumination source that directs light in a first direction and a second direction using a pair of light pipes. The door handle from the door handle assembly includes a first illumination aperture oriented in the first direction and a second illumination aperture oriented in the second direction. As the illumination source generates light, the first light pipe receives a first portion of light and directs it toward a first illumination surface and the first illumination aperture in the first direction. By molding the second light pipe around the first light pipe, remaining light is captured from the illumination source as a second portion of light. The second portion of light reflects along the interior surfaces of the second light pipe towards the second illumination surface oriented in the second direction.

Abstract: A door latching system for the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or for the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle, is provided. The door latching system is comprised of a ferromagnetic member attached to an interior surface of the door, and a latching assembly integrated into the port housing, where the latching assembly includes an assembly case, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet that maintains the door in a closed position when the electromagnet is not energized and releases the door when the electromagnet is energized. The latching assembly may include a magnetic flux sensor that monitors when the port door is open or closed. The magnetic flux sensor may be coupled to a system controller that performs a preset response when the magnetic flux sensor determines that the door is open.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a door handle assembly used in a vehicle door having an illumination module and illumination source that directs light in a first direction and a second direction using a pair of light pipes. The door handle from the door handle assembly includes a first illumination aperture oriented in the first direction and a second illumination aperture oriented in the second direction. As the illumination source generates light, the first light pipe receives a first portion of light and directs it toward a first illumination surface and the first illumination aperture in the first direction. By molding the second light pipe around the first light pipe, remaining light is captured from the illumination source as a second portion of light. The second portion of light reflects along the interior surfaces of the second light pipe towards the second illumination surface oriented in the second direction.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.

Abstract: A vehicle charge inlet integrated into a port assembly surface is provided. The charge inlet includes an inlet housing with a perimeter that is curvilinear, non-cylindrical and shaped so that only a single orientation of a complementary sized and shaped electrical connector may be inserted into the inlet. A plurality of electrical contacts, a latching mechanism and a divider are also integrated into the charge inlet housing, the divider extending from the bottom surface of the inlet housing and configured to fit within a complementary slot of the charge connector, the divider providing further electrical isolation between the electrical contacts. A funneling surface connects the open end of the inlet housing to the port assembly surface.

Abstract: A port door unlatching system is provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel delivery subsystem with a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.

Abstract: A vehicle air vent is provided that includes a plurality of air control vanes, the orientation of which determines the direction of air flow exiting the air vent; a shut-off door that allows air to flow through the air vent when it is in a first position and blocks air flow through the air vent when it is in a second position; a control tab mechanically coupled to the plurality of air control vanes; and a linkage assembly mechanically coupling the control tab to the shut-off door. Adjustment of the control tab within a first range of positions controls the orientation of the air control vanes while maintaining the shut-off door in an open position. Adjustment of the control tab within a second range of positions, however, moves the shut-off door between the first and second positions, thereby controlling air flow through the air vent.

Abstract: A port door unlatching system is provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel delivery subsystem with a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.

Abstract: A vehicle charge inlet integrated into a port assembly surface is provided. The charge inlet includes an inlet housing with a perimeter that is curvilinear, non-cylindrical and shaped so that only a single orientation of a complementary sized and shaped electrical connector may be inserted into the inlet. A plurality of electrical contacts, a latching mechanism and a divider are also integrated into the charge inlet housing, the divider extending from the bottom surface of the inlet housing and configured to fit within a complementary slot of the charge connector, the divider providing further electrical isolation between the electrical contacts. A funneling surface connects the open end of the inlet housing to the port assembly surface.

Abstract: A door latching system for the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or for the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle, is provided. The door latching system is comprised of a ferromagnetic member attached to an interior surface of the door, and a latching assembly integrated into the port housing, where the latching assembly includes an assembly case, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet that maintains the door in a closed position when the electromagnet is not energized and releases the door when the electromagnet is energized. The latching assembly may include a magnetic flux sensor that monitors when the port door is open or closed. The magnetic flux sensor may be coupled to a system controller that performs a preset response when the magnetic flux sensor determines that the door is open.