Abstract: Various vehicle systems are proposed for accessing and utilizing vehicle cargo spaces on vehicles equipped with a tailgate assembly. The vehicle systems may include deployable and/or rotatable stairgate systems, deployable step systems, etc. designed for the accessing the vehicle cargo spaces. The proposed systems may include various deployment mechanisms that enable the stairgate/step systems to slide, pivot, rotate, swing, and/or otherwise adjust for providing ease of access and increased flexibility when stepping up to access the vehicle cargo space.

Abstract: A vehicle is described. The vehicle may include a vehicle sensor configured to detect cart location, and a lifting mechanism disposed at a vehicle sidewall. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift and secure a cart on a target location on the vehicle sidewall. The vehicle may further include a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the cart location from the vehicle sensor, determine that the cart is aligned with the target location. Responsive to a determination that the cart is aligned, the processor is configured to transmit a command signal to the lifting mechanism to lift and secure the cart on the target location.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, at least one seat located in the cabin interior, a support structure located near the at least one seat, and a workstation coupled to the support structure. The workstation includes a desk having a first desk panel and a second desk panel that moves relative to the first desk panel, a display screen, and a pivot mechanism coupled to the desk and the display screen and configured to allow the desk and the display screen to pivot relative to the support structure, wherein the desk and the display screen are configured to pivot to a vehicle downward position folded together and upward deployed use positions such that the desk may extend substantially horizontal in the use position and the display screen may extend upward relative to the desk.

Abstract: Vehicle systems for accessing and utilizing vehicle cargo spaces on vehicles equipped with a tailgate assembly having a door subassembly may include deployable step systems, deployable lift panel systems, deployable cargo extender systems, etc. The vehicle systems may be either separate from or integrated with the door subassembly of the tailgate assembly. An exemplary vehicle system may include a deployable step that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position in order to present a step surface to a user for accessing the vehicle cargo space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a dosed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A base plate system includes at least one base plate configured to support at least one accessory and at least one sensor that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the at least one accessory and/or the at least one base plate. A controller uses the at least one characteristic to estimate a stress and/or strain caused by the at least one accessory on the at least one base plate and predicts how the stress and/or strain could change depending on position of the at least one accessory and/or orientation of the at least one base plate within a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises user inputs, a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet within the vehicle, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the pet based on the monitored signals. The controller controls activation of the user input controls based on the determined location of the pet to disable an operating mode of one or more of the user inputs when the pet is detected proximate to the user inputs.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a tonneau cover with moveable panels. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a cargo area; and a tonneau cover including a first side panel, a second side panel, and a central panel between the first and second side panels, wherein the tonneau cover is configurable in a first configuration in which the central, first side, and second side panels provide a cover for a top of the cargo area, and wherein the tonneau cover is configurable in a second configuration in which portions of the first side panel and the second side panel are raised relative to the first configuration.

Abstract: A load ramp for a vehicle includes a corrugated layer that has a first surface and a second surface. A first layer is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the corrugated layer. A second layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the corrugated layer such that the corrugated layer is positioned between the first and second layers. A thickness of the load ramp can be in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm. A load capacity of the load ramp can be at least about 100 kg. A method of manufacturing the load ramp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a running board assembly including a deck, and a linkage assembly configured to guide movement of the deck. The vehicle further includes a motor configured to move the linkage assembly to adjust a position of the deck, and a sensor configured to obtain information indicative of activity adjacent an exterior of the motor vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle includes a controller configured to interpret the information from the sensor to determine a length of at least a portion of a leg of a person. The controller is configured to instruct the motor to adjust the position of the deck based on the determined length.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a vehicle hammock and a thermal energy adjustment device of the vehicle hammock. A method of controlling thermal energy within a hammock includes, among other things, providing a vehicle hammock having a thermal energy adjustment device, and adjusting the thermal energy level of the vehicle hammock based, at least in part, on a thermal energy level outside the vehicle hammock.

Abstract: A vehicle terminal holder assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an electronic latch configured to hold a closure assembly in a latched position, and a vehicle body structure. The terminal holder assembly further includes a terminal holder that can be accessed through an aperture in the vehicle body structure and moved to a disengaged position relative to the vehicle body structure through the aperture. At least one terminal is held by the terminal holder. The at least one terminal is operatively coupled to the electronic latch when the terminal holder is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: Vehicle systems for accessing and utilizing vehicle cargo spaces on vehicles equipped with a tailgate assembly having a door subassembly may include deployable step systems, deployable lift panel systems, deployable cargo extender systems, etc. The vehicle systems may be either separate from or integrated with the door subassembly of the tailgate assembly. An exemplary vehicle system may include a deployable step that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position in order to present a step surface to a user for accessing the vehicle cargo space.

Abstract: A base plate for an accessory attachment system includes a plurality of apertures. At least a first set of apertures of the plurality of apertures are configured to receive a mounting foot from an accessory to be mounted on the base plate. The base plate also includes an insert that is mounted in the apertures of the first set of apertures.

Abstract: A base plate for an accessory attachment system includes a first member made from a first material and a second member made from a second material, wherein the first and second members are attached to each other in an overlapping arrangement. At least one of the first and second members include a plurality of apertures, wherein the plurality of apertures comprise at least mounting apertures and power connection apertures configured to interface with an accessory.

Abstract: A base plate system base plate system includes a base plate with a surface to support an accessory and a power box mounted to the base plate. The power box includes at least one power outlet. An electrical connector connects the power box to a power source to be able to provide power to the accessory via the at least one power outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle door control system includes a door assembly, which includes a side door and a liftgate. The door assembly includes an actuation assembly that adjusts each of the side door and the liftgate between opened and closed positions. A sensor assembly defines a rear sensor field, a first side sensor field, and a second side sensor field. A controller determines whether a person in at least one of the rear sensor field, the first side sensor field, and the second side sensor field is a recognized passenger, determines a speed of the recognized passenger, determines whether the recognized passenger is carrying an object, and activates the actuation assembly to open at least one of the liftgate and the side door based on whether the recognized passenger is carrying an object, where timing of activation of the actuation assembly is based on the speed of the recognized passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle window assembly includes a screen assembly mountable within an opening and a motor operable to move a movable window to engage the screen assembly and hold the screen assembly within the opening. A controller is provided that is configured to operate the motor to apply a desired force against the screen assembly with the movable window to hold the screen assembly within the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle closure module overtravel accommodating system includes a closure module of a vehicle. The closure module is pivotably coupled to a vehicle frame and is configured to pivot relative to the vehicle frame back-and-forth between a closed position and an open position. The system further includes a breakaway mount of the vehicle, and a bumper assembly having a head disposed on a base. The bumper assembly engages the breakaway mount to secure the bumper assembly within the vehicle.

Abstract: In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle assembly, including: a roof including a recess; a rail, wherein the rail is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein the rail is at least partially within a recess of the roof in the retracted position, wherein the rail is able to connect to an accessory arranged above the roof in the deployed position; and a joint assembly, wherein the joint assembly is configured to guide movement of the rail between the retracted position and the deployed position, wherein the joint assembly includes a first foot, a second foot, and a slotted track, and wherein the first foot and the second foot are arranged at least partially within the slotted track.