Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular sensor assembly configured for mounting on a vehicle includes a first set of sensors and a second set of sensors. The modular sensor assembly includes a coordinate frame baseplate including a continuous surface, and sensor mounting elements coupled to the continuous surface for mounting the first set of sensors at a first height. The coordinate frame baseplate includes a sensor platform configured for mounting the second set of sensors at a second height. The first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are coupled to the coordinate frame baseplate so as to impart a common coordinate frame for the first set of sensors mounted at the first height and the second set of sensors mounted at the second height. The modular sensor assembly includes a bridging support structure coupled to the coordinate frame baseplate and capable of being mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by a computing system of a vehicle, determining a first temperature of a control unit of the vehicle, wherein the control unit and one or more components of the vehicle are interconnected through a thermal network, determining a thermal objective for the control unit based on the first temperature of the control unit, selecting, based on the thermal objective for the control unit, at least a first component from the one or more components, and sending one or more signals to one or more actuators within the thermal network to enable a heat-transfer fluid to flow between (1) a first portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the control unit and (2) a second portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the selected first component.

Abstract: An illuminated communication unit for a vehicle is provided. The communication unit may include an enclosure carrying components within a cavity that include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and a heat sink. The PCBA may include a position sensor in communication with the vehicle and configured to detect a position of the vehicle, and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed adjacent to the position sensor and configured to generate a light output. The heat sink may be configured to dissipate heat caused by the plurality of light emitting elements generating the light output. The communication unit may include a diffuser lens that includes a lens surface having an emblem disposed thereon, the diffuser lens being configured to receive the light output generated by the plurality of light emitting elements and diffusely illuminate the emblem. The lens surface may be configured to widely disperse the light output.

Abstract: A universal sensor assembly for mounting on a vehicle is provided. The universal sensor assembly includes a sensor suite. The sensor suite includes a baseplate and a sensor being supported by the baseplate. The sensor including a field of view (FOV) associated with detecting objects within an environment surrounding the vehicle. The universal sensor assembly further includes a support structure. The support structure includes a set of detachable attachment mechanisms supporting the baseplate. The set of detachable attachment mechanisms is included on a rooftop of the vehicle at positions that are based on surface parameters associated with the rooftop and a support component supporting the baseplate. The one support component is disposed at a position on the rooftop that is based on the surface parameters so that the FOV of the sensor is unoccluded by any portion of the vehicle and the support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle partition configured to separate a first region and a second region of a vehicle cabin is provided. The vehicle partition may include a first panel member having a first attachment member configured to attach to a first seat of the vehicle cabin, a second panel member having a second attachment member configured to attach to a second seat of the vehicle cabin, and a third panel member connecting the first panel member to the second panel member. The first panel member may include a first panel and a first angled edge that is angled away from the first panel. The second panel member may include a second panel and a second angled edge that is angled away from the second panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular sensor assembly configured for mounting on a vehicle includes a first set of sensors and a second set of sensors. The modular sensor assembly includes a coordinate frame baseplate including a continuous surface, and sensor mounting elements coupled to the continuous surface for mounting the first set of sensors at a first height. The coordinate frame baseplate includes a sensor platform configured for mounting the second set of sensors at a second height. The first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are coupled to the coordinate frame baseplate so as to impart a common coordinate frame for the first set of sensors mounted at the first height and the second set of sensors mounted at the second height. The modular sensor assembly includes a bridging support structure coupled to the coordinate frame baseplate and capable of being mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a temperature-controlled enclosure for a sensing device comprising insulating air gaps, a fan, and a heatsink. The enclosure maintains the sensing device within a desired operating temperature range while operating in automotive environments with high ambient temperatures and solar radiation. The enclosure is configured to be securely affixed to an automobile interior and has a configuration of temperature-control systems which allows for unimpeded functioning of the sensing device's communications hardware.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by a computing system of a vehicle, determining a first temperature of a control unit of the vehicle, wherein the control unit and one or more components of the vehicle are interconnected through a thermal network, determining a thermal objective for the control unit based on the first temperature of the control unit, selecting, based on the thermal objective for the control unit, at least a first component from the one or more components, and sending one or more signals to one or more actuators within the thermal network to enable a heat-transfer fluid to flow between (1) a first portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the control unit and (2) a second portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the selected first component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a temperature-controlled enclosure for a sensing device comprising insulating air gaps, a fan, and a heatsink. The enclosure maintains the sensing device within a desired operating temperature range while operating in automotive environments with high ambient temperatures and solar radiation. The enclosure is configured to be securely affixed to an automobile interior and has a configuration of temperature-control systems which allows for unimpeded functioning of the sensing device's communications hardware.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system for harvesting energy and cooling an automotive sensing unit, the system comprising a solar-energy collecting panel, a turbine, and an electrical energy storage device. The solar-energy collecting panel shields the sensor device from solar irradiation while converting solar energy to electrical energy for storage in the storage device. The turbine converts convective heat flow from the sensor device into electrical energy for storage in the storage device. The stored electrical energy in the storage device can be further used to power an active cooling system for the sensor device. The stored electrical energy can also be further used to power other systems of the host vehicle.