Abstract: A vehicle cargo compartment system includes an electric outlet mounted within an accessible location within a vehicle cargo compartment and a sensor assembly mounted proximate the electric outlet within the cargo compartment for detecting a presence of an electrical power cord. The cargo compartment system integrates powered features such as an electric outlet, powered tailgate and the powered top that utilizes environmental information gathered by various sensors on the vehicle in combination with predefined actions to simplify use and automate operation.

Abstract: An illuminatable vehicle assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a dielectric layer that emits light. The dielectric layer is disposed between an anode layer and a cathode layer. The assembly further includes a color conversion layer that converts light emitted from the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of transferring an item between a motor vehicle and a locker can include extending an extension mechanism between a motor vehicle and a locker. The extension mechanism includes a conveyor system having an extension mechanism item carrying surface. The locker includes a conveyor system having a locker item carrying surface. The method assesses whether the motor vehicle is receiving an item from the locker, or transferring an item to the locker. When the item is to be transferred from the locker, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically lower than the locker item carrying surface. When the item is to be transferred from the motor vehicle, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically higher than the locker item carrying surface.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a bumper assembly, a skid plate, and a capacitive sensor system of the skid plate. A sensing method for a vehicle includes using a capacitive sensing system to detect a proximity of a vehicle to an object. The capacitive sensing system is incorporated into a skid plate that is vertically beneath a portion of a bumper assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tinted metal plated substrate includes injection molding a tinted polymer layer onto an activated metal layer of a metal plated substrate. The tinted polymer layer is a tinted polyurethane layer or a tinted polyurea layer and the activated metal layer can be a plasma activated metal layer, for example, an oxygen plasma activated metal layer that is free of a coupling agent when the tinted polymer layer is injected molded thereon. At least one additional metallic layer can be disposed between the activated metal layer and a polymer substrate. For example, at least one of a nickel layer and a copper layer can be disposed between an activated chromium layer and a polymer substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle body panel, a mount surface associated with the vehicle body panel, and at least one exciter mounted to the mount surface. The mount surface has a first stiffness and the vehicle body panel has a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness such that sound is effectively transmitted to a surrounding environment via the mount surface and sound transmission back to a vehicle interior is dampened via the vehicle body panel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a screen configured to be positioned on a vehicle exterior and a housing associated with the screen. The housing is comprised of a first material that is electrically conductive and thermally conductive and a second material is positioned to extend between an exterior surface of the housing and a vehicle structure, wherein the second material is thermally conductive.

Abstract: A method of forming a component for a vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, forming the component of an ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) and a stiffening filler. A bracket and a running board assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to vehicle fuel systems that include door opening modules for controlling a fuel door opening sequence. An exemplary door opening module may include an actuator (e.g., a motor, an electromagnet, a solenoid, etc.) for automatically moving the fuel door to an ajar position after a fuel tank depressurization sequence is completed. Sound messages may be communicated to a user during the depressurization sequence by an audio actuator.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tie-down bracket for a motor vehicle. The tie-down bracket includes a base portion and a removable portion configured to selectively attach to and detach from the base portion. The removable portion is operable as a flashlight when detached from the base portion. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed tie-down handle assembly for a vehicle includes a mount portion attachable to a vehicle structure and an electric outlet for coupling to an electric system of the vehicle. A disclosed method of operating a vehicle electric interface system includes, identifying an electrical parameter from an external electrical conduit coupled to an electric outlet within a tie-down handle assembly attached to a vehicle structure, selecting an output from a vehicle electric system in response to the measured electric parameter at the electric outlet and operating the vehicle electric system to either generate a power output to the electric outlet or direct power input into the electric outlet to a vehicle electric system in response to the selected output.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a tie-down bracket including a latch pivotably coupled to a body. A method includes, among other things, securing a tie-down line to a tie-down bracket of a vehicle. The method further includes monitoring a load applied to the tie-down bracket.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tie-down bracket for a motor vehicle. The tie-down bracket includes a base portion and a removable portion configured to selectively attach to and detach from the base portion. The removable portion is operable as a flashlight when detached from the base portion. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle applique includes a base structure and a polymeric coating disposed on the base structure. The polymeric coating at least partially covers an outer surface of the base structure. A diffraction grating is integrally defined by the polymeric coating. The diffraction grating has a thickness in a range of from about 100 nm to about 300 nm.

Abstract: An exterior display apparatus for a vehicle comprises a display panel comprising a display surface in connection with an exterior portion of the vehicle. The system further comprises an acoustic vibration device dynamically coupled to the display surface and a sensor configured to detect a foreign material on a portion of the display screen. A controller is configured to identify a temperature of an environment proximate the vehicle. In response to the detection of the foreign material, the controller is configured to activate a plurality of vibration control routines of the acoustic vibrational device based on the temperature.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use in a vehicle includes a key having a key head and a key shaft. The key shaft defines a recess. A lock cylinder defines a slot and a channel. The slot is in communication with a first end of the channel. A switch door is positioned to cover the slot. A light source is positioned at a second end of the channel. The light source is positioned to illuminate through the channel. A sensor is configured to detect the key. The sensor is coupled with the light source. The sensor is configured to actuate the light source based on a location of the key. A luminescent structure is positioned on the key shaft within the recess.

Abstract: An exterior display apparatus for a vehicle comprises a display panel comprising a display surface in connection with an exterior portion of the vehicle. The system further comprises an acoustic vibration device dynamically coupled to the display surface and a sensor configured to detect a foreign material on a portion of the display screen. A controller is configured to identify a temperature of an environment proximate the vehicle. In response to the detection of the foreign material, the controller is configured to activate a plurality of vibration control routines of the acoustic vibrational device based on the temperature.

Abstract: A deflector mounts to a pickup truck. The deflector may include a mounting flange, mounted to and pivot with a bottom of a tailgate, and spaced from a rear bumper, and a louver extending downward from the mounting flange into a gap between the tailgate and the bumper, with the louver including a portion curving rearward as the louver extends downward such that air flow around the bumper from under the pickup truck is redirected upward along an outer panel of the tailgate.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fuel or charging port door assembly of a motor vehicle. In particular, this disclosure relates to a fuel or charging port door assembly configured to permit a door to open when an override force is applied using an assist tool, for example. An example vehicle includes a door configured to move relative to a body of the vehicle between open and closed positions. The door is a fuel door or a charging port door. The vehicle also includes a lock assembly including a base and a tip. The base is configured to hold the tip during normal operating conditions, and the base and tip are configured to separate upon application of an override force to the door.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fascia and an emblem mounted or molded to the fascia, where the emblem includes a plurality of quantum dots. The apparatus also includes an energy source to excite the quantum dots. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing an emblem with a plurality of quantum dots, mounting or molding the emblem to a fascia, and selectively exciting the quantum dots to illuminate the emblem.