Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to an assist handle implementable to an automotive vehicle are described. The assist handle is automatically deployed to provide ingress or egress assist to a passenger to enter or exit the automotive vehicle. Furthermore, the assist handle is automatically retracted when not in use. The deployment and the retraction of the assist handle is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, through an actuator and a transmission mechanism, in response to a command sent from a body control module (BCM) of the vehicle, the command regarding an operation of a door of the vehicle. When retracted, the assist handle may be invisible to the passenger. The automotive vehicle may be an autonomous ride-sharing vehicle.

Abstract: A method of 3D printing a part with an overhanging portion requiring support during printing is provided. The method includes moving a dynamically adjustable support member to support the overhanging portion during printing of the part. The dynamically adjustable support member may be moved from a retracted position to a support position after a first portion of the part is printed and the overhanging portion may be supported by the dynamically adjustable support member in the support position. The part may be printed in a 3D printing chamber with a base and at least one wall. The base may have a first dynamically adjustable support member and the at least one wall may have a second dynamically adjustable support member. A first overhanging portion and a second overhanging portion of the part may be printed over the first dynamically adjustable support member the second dynamically adjustable support member, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to an assist handle implementable to an automotive vehicle are described. The assist handle is automatically deployed to provide ingress or egress assist to a passenger to enter or exit the automotive vehicle. Furthermore, the assist handle is automatically retracted when not in use. The deployment and the retraction of the assist handle is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, through an actuator and a transmission mechanism, in response to a command sent from a body control module (BCM) of the vehicle, the command regarding an operation of a door of the vehicle. When retracted, the assist handle may be invisible to the passenger. The automotive vehicle may be an autonomous ride-sharing vehicle.

Abstract: A method of 3D printing a part with an overhanging portion requiring support during printing is provided. The method includes moving a dynamically adjustable support member to support the overhanging portion during printing of the part. The dynamically adjustable support member may be moved from a retracted position to a support position after a first portion of the part is printed and the overhanging portion may be supported by the dynamically adjustable support member in the support position. The part may be printed in a 3D printing chamber with a base and at least one wall. The base may have a first dynamically adjustable support member and the at least one wall may have a second dynamically adjustable support member. A first overhanging portion and a second overhanging portion of the part may be printed over the first dynamically adjustable support member the second dynamically adjustable support member, respectively.

Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle includes a door connected to a vehicle body, a door actuator comprising a clutch and a braking system and adapted to displace the door between a plurality of open positions and a fully closed position, and a controller system configured to disengage the clutch on determination of a manual door open or close operation. The controller system is further configured to engage the braking system on a determination that the manual door close operation exceeds a threshold door closing speed. The controller system is further configured to cause the braking system to stop the manual door close operation exceeding the threshold door closing speed at a spaced distance from the vehicle body, to re-engage the clutch, and to actuate a power cinch function to displace the door to the fully closed position.

Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle includes a door connected to a vehicle body, a door actuator comprising a clutch and a braking system and adapted to displace the door between a plurality of open positions and a fully closed position, and a controller system configured to disengage the clutch on determination of a manual door open or close operation. The controller system is further configured to engage the braking system on a determination that the manual door close operation exceeds a threshold door closing speed. The controller system is further configured to cause the braking system to stop the manual door close operation exceeding the threshold door closing speed at a spaced distance from the vehicle body, to re-engage the clutch, and to actuate a power cinch function to displace the door to the fully closed position.

Abstract: A system for allowing an operator to control one or more locks of a vehicle associated with a controller for controlling the one or more vehicle locks is provided. The system comprises a touchpad for mounting to the vehicle, the touchpad adapted for receiving a code from the operator for controlling the one or more locks. A generator is also provided for generating power for operating the touchpad based on kinetic energy associated with the vehicle. A wireless transceiver associated with the touchpad may transmit a signal to the controller when the code is provided to the touch pad. A second or alternative generator for generating power for operating the touchpad based on solar energy. A related method is also disclosed.