Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to a mounting bracket for deployment in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a multilayer mounting bracket includes a first layer made of a dual-conductive polymer and a second layer made of a polymer that includes an endothermic blowing agent. The dual-conductive polymer includes carbon material that renders the first layer electrically conductive and also includes graphite material that renders the first layer thermally conductive. The endothermic blowing agent renders the second layer thermally insulative. An electronic module such as an engine controller can be mounted upon the first layer, which operates as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the electronic module and also operates as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The second layer prevents heat from being transferred from the first layer into another electronic module that may be mounted upon the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to a mounting bracket for deployment in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a multilayer mounting bracket includes a first layer made of a dual-conductive polymer and a second layer made of a polymer that includes an endothermic blowing agent. The dual-conductive polymer includes carbon material that renders the first layer electrically conductive and also includes graphite material that renders the first layer thermally conductive. The endothermic blowing agent renders the second layer thermally insulative. An electronic module such as an engine controller can be mounted upon the first layer, which operates as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the electronic module and also operates as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The second layer prevents heat from being transferred from the first layer into another electronic module that may be mounted upon the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A charge cord management arrangement includes a retractable charge retainer and a charge cord wrapped at least partially around a plunger of that retractable charge cord retainer when that plunger is in a deployed position. The retractable charge cord retainer includes: (a) a base, (b) the plunger carried on the base and displaceable between a home position and a deployed position, (c) a biasing element received and held in the base and adapted to bias the plunger toward the deployed position and (d) a guide feature. The guide feature includes a guide track carried on the base and a guide follower. A related method of managing a charge cord is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes a buckle assembly, having (a) a housing carrying a latching mechanism, a first light source and a first electrical contact, (b) a seatbelt and (c) a latch plate assembly, carried on the seatbelt. The latch plate assembly includes a latch plate and an electrical circuit including a battery, a second light source and a second electrical contact.

Abstract: A retention device, useful in a method of retaining a charge cord in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a retainer and an actuator. The retainer includes a pivot connecting the retainer to the housing and is displaceable between a stowed position and a use position. The actuator translates along a guideway in the housing and is displaced from a first position to a second position in order to displace the retainer to the use position.

Abstract: A charge cord management arrangement includes a retractable charge retainer and a charge cord wrapped at least partially around a plunger of that retractable charge cord retainer when that plunger is in a deployed position. The retractable charge cord retainer includes: (a) a base, (b) the plunger carried on the base and displaceable between a home position and a deployed position, (c) a biasing element received and held in the base and adapted to bias the plunger toward the deployed position and (d) a guide feature. The guide feature includes a guide track carried on the base and a guide follower. A related method of managing a charge cord is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retention device, useful in a method of retaining a charge cord in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a retainer and an actuator. The retainer includes a pivot connecting the retainer to the housing and is displaceable between a stowed position and a use position. The actuator translates along a guideway in the housing and is displaced from a first position to a second position in order to displace the retainer to the use position.