Abstract: A light assembly and method of forming light assemblies includes a flexible light layer, a thermoplastic housing, and an IMC layer. The flexible light layer has a flexible substrate, a printed circuit, and a plurality of LEDs extending outward from the flexible substrate. The IMC layer is formed opposite the flexible light layer from the thermoplastic housing and covers the LEDs. Forming may include placing the flexible light layer within a mold cavity, injecting the thermoplastic structure on one side of the flexible light layer, and injecting the IMC layer on the opposite side of the flexible light layer from the thermoplastic structure. Injecting the thermoplastic structure into the mold cavity may change the shape of the flexible light layer. Datum features of the flexible light layer may align the thermoplastic structure relative to the datum features.

Abstract: A semi-transparent sign includes a reflective display, multiple layers and a control circuit. The reflective display may be semi-transparent, have a first side subject to a thermal load, have a second side opposite the first side, and configured to generate a plurality of visible images. A heat sink layer may be attached to the first side, be transparent, and configured to carry heat energy away from the reflective display. The thermal layer may be attached to the heat sink layer, be semi-transparent, and configured to reduce an intensity of the thermal load reaching the reflective display. The warming layer may be attached to the second side, be transparent, and configured to heat the reflective display in response to an electric current. The control circuit may be configured to control the electric current to the warming layer based on a temperature signal indicating a temperature of the semi-transparent sign.

Abstract: A semi-transparent sign includes a reflective display, multiple layers and a control circuit. The reflective display may be semi-transparent, have a first side subject to a thermal load, have a second side opposite the first side, and configured to generate a plurality of visible images. A heat sink layer may be attached to the first side, be transparent, and configured to carry heat energy away from the reflective display. The thermal layer may be attached to the heat sink layer, be semi-transparent, and configured to reduce an intensity of the thermal load reaching the reflective display. The warming layer may be attached to the second side, be transparent, and configured to heat the reflective display in response to an electric current. The control circuit may be configured to control the electric current to the warming layer based on a temperature signal indicating a temperature of the semi-transparent sign.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a first rigid layer, a first adhesive layer disposed adjacent to the first rigid layer, a second rigid layer, a second adhesive layer disposed adjacent to the second rigid layer, a display screen disposed between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer, the display screen having a first side facing an exterior of the display assembly and a second side facing an interior of the display assembly, and a controller that is in communication with the display screen to generate a pattern on the display screen visible from the exterior of the display assembly.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a cabin, a controller, and a multi-view display. The multi-view display has a first side facing the cabin and a second side facing the exterior of the vehicle. The multi-view display has a first-side display screen, a second-side display screen, and a blocking layer disposed between the first-side display screen and the second-side display screen. The first-side display screen and the second-side display screen are in communication with the controller and operable to display a first pattern on the first-side display screen and a second pattern, distinct from the first pattern, on the second-side display screen.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a truck includes a rail system, and a panel secured to the rail system. At least a portion of the rail system or the panel is a layer jamming member having a layer jamming material operable to exhibit a first stiffness in response to a first confining pressure and a second stiffness in response to a second confining pressure. The layer jamming member may include all or a portion of the panel to provide specific regions of the cover, and/or may include portions of the rail system.

Abstract: Disclosed are dual-sided transparent display assemblies, methods for making/using such transparent display assemblies, and motor vehicles with a window unitarily formed with a dual-sided, laminated-glass transparent display unit. A representative dual-sided transparent electronic display device includes first and second rigid transparent layers juxtaposed in opposing, spaced face-to-face relation with each other. Adhesive layers are positioned on the interior surfaces of these rigid transparent layers. First and second display circuits are attached via the adhesive layers to the first and second rigid transparent layers, respectively. Each display circuit includes a discrete array of electronically-activated light elements. The electronic display device also includes a flexible substrate with a first surface mounting thereon the first circuit and an opposing second surface mounting thereon the second circuit.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a first member and a second member. A panel is attached to and interconnects the first member and the second member. The panel is configurable between a deployed configuration for attachment to a vehicle, and a stowed configuration for storage. The panel has a planar form when in the deployed configuration, and a rolled up form when in the stowed configuration. The panel may include an adjustable stiffness panel, such as a layer jamming panel, controllable in response to a control signal to exhibit a first stiffness when in the deployed configuration or the stowed configuration, or a second stiffness for reforming the panel between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a first member and a second member. A panel is attached to and interconnects the first member and the second member. The panel is configurable between a deployed configuration for attachment to a vehicle, and a stowed configuration for storage. The panel has a planar form when in the deployed configuration, and a rolled up form when in the stowed configuration. The panel may include an adjustable stiffness panel, such as a layer jamming panel, controllable in response to a control signal to exhibit a first stiffness when in the deployed configuration or the stowed configuration, or a second stiffness for reforming the panel between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a truck includes a rail system, and a panel secured to the rail system. At least a portion of the rail system or the panel is a layer jamming member having a layer jamming material operable to exhibit a first stiffness in response to a first confining pressure and a second stiffness in response to a second confining pressure. The layer jamming member may include all or a portion of the panel to provide specific regions of the cover, and/or may include portions of the rail system.

Abstract: A filament suitable for use with a fused filament fabrication process includes an elongated body. The elongated body defines and extends along a central longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The filament includes at least one continuous reinforcing strand, which is encapsulated within the elongated body. The continuous reinforcing strand extends uninterrupted between a first end and a second end of the elongated body, along the central longitudinal axis. The elongated body includes a ferromagnetic sensitive element that is capable of inductively heating the elongated body. The ferromagnetic sensitive element may include iron particles mixed with the polymer forming the elongated body, or may be formed by the continuous reinforcing strand including a ferromagnetic sensitive material.

Abstract: A method for fused filament fabrication of a thermoplastic part includes: mixing an additive material that is electrically conductive with a thermoplastic material; forming a filament made of materials that include the thermoplastic material mixed with the additive material: passing the filament through an alternating magnetic field such that the additive material is heated by the alternating magnetic field and thus heats the thermoplastic material of the filament; and depositing the materials of the filament on a previously deposited layer of the part to form a newly deposited layer of the part. The thermoplastic material in the newly deposited layer is sufficiently heated such that the thermoplastic material of the newly deposited layer fuses with the thermoplastic material of the previously deposited layer. The method may include: extruding the materials of the filament through a nozzle; and continuing to deposit the materials of the filament until the part is manufactured.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a cabin, a controller, and a multi-view display. The multi-view display has a first side facing the cabin and a second side facing the exterior of the vehicle. The multi-view display has a first-side display screen, a second-side display screen, and a blocking layer disposed between the first-side display screen and the second-side display screen. The first-side display screen and the second-side display screen are in communication with the controller and operable to display a first pattern on the first-side display screen and a second pattern, distinct from the first pattern, on the second-side display screen.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing a virtual reality experience to an occupant of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes a high definition screen associated with a component of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The system further includes a control module communicatively coupled to the screen and configured to generate control signals that control virtual reality content to be displayed on the high definition screen.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a substrate that may include an aluminum-nickel alloy and at least one surface and a coating that may include a metallic material deposited over the at least one surface via laser cladding.

Abstract: An injection mold assembly for injection molding an object includes a first mold tool having a first tool surface and a second mold tool having a second tool surface. The first and the second tool surfaces are cooperatively configured to define a mold cavity between the tool surfaces for an injection molding of an object. The first mold tool has a tool element with a first side that has the first tool surface, and with a second side opposite the first side. Multiple fins extend from the second side of the tool element. A base supports the fins. The tool element, the fins and the base define a coolant flow cavity at the second side of the tool element. A method of designing the mold assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mold comprising a scaffolding support structure including a base member, a top member and side members defining an enclosure. The scaffolding structure further includes a plurality of interconnected and elongated support members interspersed within the enclosure between the base member and the top member so as to define open space within the enclosure for ease of heating and cooling fluid flow, and a plurality of flow partitions within the enclosure. An intermediate layer is formed on the top member and a working surface layer is formed on the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel using a plurality of discrete stiffening elements. The method includes selectively placing one or more of the discrete stiffening elements on the panel and then bonding the stiffening elements to the panel.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing a trim panel for a vehicle using one or more micro-truss reinforcement patches. Each micro-truss reinforcement patch is secured to an inner surface of a show surface panel of the trim panel while it is in a partially cured state and then fully cured. The micro-truss patch is fusion bonded to the panel.

Abstract: A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.