Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus comprising: a support frame for holding the solar panel; a support post pivotally connected to the support frame at a post pivot connection and anchored to an adjacent supporting surface, the support post for positioning the support frame above the supporting surface; and a linear actuator coupled at a proximal end to the support post by a support pivot connection and at a distal end by a frame pivot connection with the support frame, the post pivot connection and the frame pivot connection spaced apart from one another on the support frame; wherein a change in a length of the linear actuator results in pivoting of the support frame about the post pivot connection.

Abstract: A user detection system and method a motor vehicle that has a closure panel for facilitating access to the motor vehicle by a user of the motor vehicle are provided. The system includes a hardware token associated with and carried by the user to provide an authorization to access the motor vehicle. The system additionally includes at least two proximity sensors configured to detect the hardware token in proximity to the motor vehicle. The system also includes a controller connected to the at least two proximity sensors and configured to determine a location of the user relative to the motor vehicle using the at least two proximity sensors. The controller grants or rejects access to the motor vehicle via the at least one closure panel based on the authorization and the location of the user relative to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle access system for a motor vehicle that has a closure panel for facilitating access to the motor vehicle by a user of the motor vehicle are provided. The system includes two or more sensors for detecting at least one approach characteristic of the user. The system also includes an actuator unit for moving the closure panel. A controller is connected to the two or more sensors and is connected to the actuator unit. The controller is adapted to determine a confidence level representative of an intent of the user approaching the motor vehicle to access the motor vehicle based on the at least one approach characteristic of the user. The controller controls the actuator unit based on the confidence level.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior component, such as a handle assembly, a light module, a minor housing, or an applique holds a radar sensor. A stand-alone radar module for mounting within a vehicle exterior component comprises a module housing defining an interior space configured to hold a radar module including a heat source, and a sealing material extending between the radar module and the module housing for blocking moisture and other contaminants. Several different arrangements attaching a heat sink to a radar IC for dissipating heat from the radar IC are provided.

Abstract: An electronic latch system for a motor vehicle includes an electronic latch (e-latch) including an e-latch controller within a door of the vehicle. A plurality of radar sensors are located within the door for performing non-contact detection of objects around the vehicle. The radar sensors include an outside-face sensor adjacent an outside face of the door to sense an object within a first sensing zone extending from the outside face. The radar sensors also include an inner sensor adjacent an inside surface of the door to sense an object within a second sensing zone extending from the inside surface. The radar sensors also include a shut-face sensor adjacent a shut face of the door to sense an object within a third sensing zone extending from the shut face. The e-latch includes a light source for projecting a warning image and an audio source for generating an audible warning.

Abstract: A radar sensor assembly includes a sensor printed circuit board (PCB) having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A radar transceiver is disposed at the first side of the sensor PCB and includes a plurality of antennas configured for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) radiation. A heat sink is disposed adjacent to the radar transceiver and is configured to dissipate heat from the radar transceiver. The radar transceiver is sandwiched between the heat sink and the sensor PCB. The heat sink is configured to allow the RF radiation to pass therethrough without guiding the RF radiation.

Abstract: A deployable applique assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a housing having a wall with at least one through opening extending through the wall and a panel configured to overlie at least a portion of the wall when in a stowed position, with an outer surface of the panel being configured to form a smooth surface with a body panel of the motor vehicle. The assembly includes a drive link extending through the at least one through opening and having a first end operatively coupled to the inner surface of the panel and a second end. An actuator has a drive member operably coupled with the second end of the drive link, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively pivot the drive link to move the panel between the stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A holographic display device presents a holographic image within an external part for a vehicle such as a headlight assembly or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. An outer cover defines an interior cavity, with a transparent portion, such as a window, allowing a viewer to see into the interior cavity. A presentation surface inside the interior cavity is illuminated by an image source to display the holographic image, which appears as a 3-dimensional object within the interior cavity, and which appears to be suspended therein. The holographic image may be stationary or moving, and may include a logo, symbol, or other graphic. The image source is may be hidden from direct view. One embodiment includes two circular polarizer to prevent light directly from the image source from being visible, while allowing reflected light to become visible by being having the polarization direction reversed.

Abstract: A deployable applique assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a housing having a wall with at least one through opening extending through the wall and a panel configured to overlie at least a portion of the wall when in a stowed position, with an outer surface of the panel being configured to form a smooth surface with a body panel of the motor vehicle. The assembly includes a drive link extending through the at least one through opening and having a first end operatively coupled to the inner surface of the panel and a second end. An actuator has a drive member operably coupled with the second end of the drive link, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively pivot the drive link to move the panel between the stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A latch described herein comprises a ratchet movable between a primary closed position, a secondary closed position and an open position. The ratchet is biased towards the open position for facilitating travel of a striker in a fishmouth of the latch to the secondary closed position. The latch includes a pawl movable between a primary locking position, a secondary locking position and an unlocking position. The pawl is biased towards the primary locking position and has a pawl locking surface for holding the ratchet in the primary closed position and the secondary closed position. The latch includes a lift lever biased towards the open position for moving the striker in the fishmouth away from the secondary closed position and towards the open position when the pawl is in the unlocking position. The striker is further from the primary position when in the open position compared to the secondary closed position.

Abstract: A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position.

Abstract: A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position.

Abstract: A holographic display device presents a holographic image within an external part for a vehicle such as a headlight assembly or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. An outer cover defines an interior cavity, with a transparent portion, such as a window, allowing a viewer to see into the interior cavity. A presentation surface inside the interior cavity is illuminated by an image source to display the holographic image, which appears as a 3-dimensional object within the interior cavity, and which appears to be suspended therein. The holographic image may be stationary or moving, and may include a logo, symbol, or other graphic. The image source is may be hidden from direct view. One embodiment includes two circular polarizer to prevent light directly from the image source from being visible, while allowing reflected light to become visible by being having the polarization direction reversed.

Abstract: An electronic latch system for a motor vehicle includes an electronic latch (e-latch) including an e-latch controller within a door of the vehicle. A plurality of radar sensors are located within the door for performing non-contact detection of objects around the vehicle. The radar sensors include an outside-face sensor adjacent an outside face of the door to sense an object within a first sensing zone extending from the outside face. The radar sensors also include an inner sensor adjacent an inside surface of the door to sense an object within a second sensing zone extending from the inside surface. The radar sensors also include a shut-face sensor adjacent a shut face of the door to sense an object within a third sensing zone extending from the shut face. The e-latch includes a light source for projecting a warning image and an audio source for generating an audible warning.

Abstract: A closure panel system for a motor vehicle comprising: a closure panel mounted to a body of the motor vehicle for movement between a closed position and a fully-open position, the closure panel having an interior surface with at least one of a handle and a door switch mounted on the interior surface adjacent to an edge, the edge defining a transition between the interior surface and an exterior surface of a panel body of the closure panel; and a flap positioned on the motor vehicle adjacent to the edge while being off of and separate to the panel body of the closure panel or mounted on the body panel of the closure panel, the flap covering a recess volume of the motor vehicle adjacent to the least one of the handle and the door switch, such that the least one of the handle and the door switch is accessible via the recess volume once the cover flap is operated; wherein a latch assembly mounted on the handleless closure panel is operated by the at least one of the handle and the door switch.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a two-door closure system for a motor vehicle including a body having an A-pillar and a C-pillar being spaced from one another. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the closure system includes a front door having a front edge that is pivotably connected to the A-pillar. The closure system also includes a rear door that has a rearward edge that is pivotably coupled to the C-pillar of the vehicle body. At least one swivel hinge unit is provided that has a first pivot pin that is pivotably connected to the rearward edge of the rear door, and a second pivot pin for being pivotably connected to the C-pillar of the vehicle body to allow the rear door to initially pivot and translate away from the front door prior to pivoting the rear door between an open and closed position about the second pivot pin.

Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus comprising: a support frame for holding the solar panel; a support post pivotally connected to the support frame at a post pivot connection and anchored to an adjacent supporting surface, the support post for positioning the support frame above the supporting surface; and a linear actuator coupled at a proximal end to the support post by a support pivot connection and at a distal end by a frame pivot connection with the support frame, the post pivot connection and the frame pivot connection spaced apart from one another on the support frame; wherein a change in a length of the linear actuator results in pivoting of the support frame about the post pivot connection.

Abstract: A powered garage door opener is provided for mounting to a garage wall adjacent to the garage door in a side-mounted configuration. The powered garage door opener includes a power unit containing an electric motor, a reduction gearset driven by the electric motor, and a tubular output member driven by the reduction gearset. The output member defines a pass-thru aperture configured to drivingly couple to a coupler unit that is pre-assembled onto the garage door shaft. The power unit is non-handed so as to permit installation at either or both ends of the shaft, as well as in a paired side-by-side relationship along one end.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a two-door closure system for a motor vehicle including a body having an A-pillar and a C-pillar being spaced from one another. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the closure system includes a front door having a front edge that is pivotably connected to the A-pillar. The closure system also includes a rear door that has a rearward edge that is pivotably coupled to the C-pillar of the vehicle body. At least one swivel hinge unit is provided that has a first pivot pin that is pivotably connected to the rearward edge of the rear door, and a second pivot pin for being pivotably connected to the C-pillar of the vehicle body to allow the rear door to initially pivot and translate away from the front door prior to pivoting the rear door between an open and closed position about the second pivot pin.

Abstract: A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position.