Abstract: A sanitization apparatus of a vehicle includes (i) surfaces defining a chamber configured to accept an object to be sterilized with ultraviolet light and (ii) a first light emitting diode (LED) including a die that is configured to emit ultraviolet light. The die has a primary surface that defines a plane that extends through the chamber. The sanitization apparatus further includes a first reflective surface that is reflective of ultraviolet light disposed adjacent to the first LED. At least a portion of the ultraviolet light that the die emits reflects off of the first reflective surface and into the chamber. The first reflective surface defines a plane that intersects with the plane that the primary surface of the die defines.

Abstract: Exemplary closure member systems for motor vehicles may include one or more power hinge assemblies, non-powered hinge assemblies, or both and are configured to displace a closure member to a fully open position of at least 100 degrees relative to its closed position. The hinge assemblies may embody a multi-axis design for moving the closure member between the closed and fully open positions. The closure member systems may be further configured to move the closure member along different swing paths during an opening sequence and a closing sequence.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods using blockchain for in-vehicle health and wellness tracking. An example method may include receiving a request for a vehicle from a mobile device of a user. The example method may also include receiving, from a pathogen detector device within a first vehicle, an indication that a number of pathogens within the first vehicle is less than a threshold amount. The example method may also include assigning the first vehicle to the user based on the indication that the number of pathogens within the first vehicle is less than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback movable between an upright position and a reclined position relative to a seat base. A track assembly includes a bracket slidably received by a rail. The bracket is operably coupled with at least one of the seatback and the seat base. A rear support assembly is positioned to extend at least partially along the seatback and includes a base operably coupled with the seatback. First and second struts extend downward from the base, and one of the first and second struts is pivotally coupled with a back end of the bracket. An actuator assembly is operably coupled with the base and is configured to move the seatback between the upright position and the reclined position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle interior having opposed first and second sides and a support surface disposed therebetween. A track system is laterally disposed on the support surface. A seat pedestal includes a base portion supported on the track system for lateral movement within the vehicle interior. The seat pedestal further includes a seat portion rotatably supported on the base portion. A first interior trim member includes an outer surface facing inwardly into the vehicle interior in a lateral direction. The first interior trim member includes a seatback integrated into the outer surface thereof. A second interior trim member includes an outer surface facing inwardly into the vehicle interior in a rearward direction. The second interior trim member includes a seatback integrated into the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle interior having opposed first and second sides and a support surface disposed therebetween. A track system is laterally disposed on the support surface. A seat pedestal includes a base portion supported on the track system for lateral movement within the vehicle interior. The seat pedestal further includes a seat portion rotatably supported on the base portion. A first interior trim member includes an outer surface facing inwardly into the vehicle interior in a lateral direction. The first interior trim member includes a seatback integrated into the outer surface thereof. A second interior trim member includes an outer surface facing inwardly into the vehicle interior in a rearward direction. The second interior trim member includes a seatback integrated into the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vehicle exterior lighting systems that include lamp assemblies that may be customized for meeting customer styling preferences. Exemplary lamp assemblies may include a lamp housing, a removable insert mounted to an interior wall of the lamp housing, and an access panel mounted to the rear exterior surface. The access panel is removable from the rear exterior surface to expose an access opening for inserting or removing the removable insert. The removable insert may include one or more customized features for personalizing the lamp assemblies.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vehicle exterior lighting systems that include lamp assemblies that may be customized for meeting customer styling preferences. Exemplary lamp assemblies may include a lamp housing, a removable insert mounted to an interior wall of the lamp housing, and an access panel mounted to the rear exterior surface. The access panel is removable from the rear exterior surface to expose an access opening for inserting or removing the removable insert. The removable insert may include one or more customized features for personalizing the lamp assemblies.

Abstract: A seat of a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat carrier, a thigh tilt housing, a thigh extension housing, and an inflatable member. The thigh tilt housing is coupled to a forward region of the seat carrier. A recess is defined by the thigh tilt housing, with the recess being positioned in an upper surface of the thigh tilt housing. A motor is received within the recess. The thigh extension housing is coupled to the motor, with the thigh extension housing being movable in a fore-aft direction relative to the thigh tilt housing. A fastener couples the thigh tilt housing to the seat carrier in a manner that permits pivotable motion of the thigh tilt housing along a vertical plane. The inflatable member is positioned between the seat carrier and the thigh tilt housing.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base operably coupled with a seatback and having a seat pan. An upper connector is positioned on the seat pan. A lift assembly is operably coupled with the seat pan and includes a bracket defining a bracket slot. An outer link has a first end rotatably coupled with the seat pan and a second end that includes a lower connector. The lower connector is slidably received by the bracket slot. An inner link has a first end rotatably coupled with the bracket and a second end that defines a link slot. The link slot is configured to receive the upper connector. A sector gear is configured to facilitate vertical translation of the seat base.

Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, a power source, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to control the actuator with energy provided by the power source. The controller is further configured to identify a charge level of the power source and compare the charge level to at least one threshold. In response the charge level being less than the at least one threshold, the controller is configured to output a warning signal.

Abstract: A seat mounting system includes a seat frame having a support surface and first and second side surfaces downwardly extending from opposed sides of the support surface. Mounting members are supported on the first and second side surfaces. The mounting members each include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a deformable core portion disposed therebetween. The mounting members each include a mounting aperture extending through the deformable core portion, such that the deformable core portion surrounds the mounting aperture. A base frame includes a receiving aperture disposed through a body portion of the base frame. The base frame is operably coupled to the seat frame by a fastener received through the receiving aperture of the base frame and further received through the mounting aperture of the mounting member.

Abstract: A seat of a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat carrier, a thigh tilt housing, a thigh extension housing, and an inflatable member. The thigh tilt housing is coupled to a forward region of the seat carrier. A recess is defined by the thigh tilt housing, with the recess being positioned in an upper surface of the thigh tilt housing. A motor is received within the recess. The thigh extension housing is coupled to the motor, with the thigh extension housing being movable in a fore-aft direction relative to the thigh tilt housing. A fastener couples the thigh tilt housing to the seat carrier in a manner that permits pivotable motion of the thigh tilt housing along a vertical plane. The inflatable member is positioned between the seat carrier and the thigh tilt housing.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly including a seat and a seatback pivotably coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a frame, a sub-frame member, a carrier, a cushion, and an inflatable member. The sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the frame by a bracket. The carrier is coupled to the frame such that the sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the carrier. The cushion is coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the carrier. The inflatable member is positioned between the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the sub-frame member. The inflatable member is operable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member of an axis defined by the bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly including a seat and a seatback pivotably coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a frame, a sub-frame member, a carrier, a cushion, and an inflatable member. The sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the frame by a bracket. The carrier is coupled to the frame such that the sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the carrier. The cushion is coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the carrier. The inflatable member is positioned between the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the sub-frame member. The inflatable member is operable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member of an axis defined by the bracket.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base operably coupled with a seatback and having a seat pan. An upper connector is positioned on the seat pan. A lift assembly is operably coupled with the seat pan and includes a bracket defining a bracket slot. An outer link has a first end rotatably coupled with the seat pan and a second end that includes a lower connector. The lower connector is slidably received by the bracket slot. An inner link has a first end rotatably coupled with the bracket and a second end that defines a link slot. The link slot is configured to receive the upper connector. A sector gear is configured to facilitate vertical translation of the seat base.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to audio actuator assemblies that include bridging brackets for mounting audio actuators inside vehicle body components. In some embodiments, the vehicle body component is a door that includes a reinforcement beam. The bridging bracket is mountable to the reinforcement beam in order to secure the audio actuator in place inside the vehicle body component in a manner that allows the audio actuator to vibrate adjacent surfaces of the vehicle body component for radiating sound signals.

Abstract: A foamless seating assembly includes a frame having an inner support member and an outer support member. A first plurality of flexible straps extend about the inner support member of the frame. A second plurality of flexible straps extend about the outer support member of the frame. At least one flexible strap of the second plurality of flexible straps of the outer support member are adjacent to at least one flexible strap of the plurality of flexible straps of the inner support member. A tension assembly is operably coupled with the flexible straps and configured to apply tension to the straps simultaneously.