Abstract: Methods for assessing fiber and bundle orientations and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials using Thermal Digital Image Correlation (TDIC) are disclosed. In some examples, the method comprises exposing the composite material to a temperature change; imaging the composite material at a plurality of time points before, during and/or after the temperature change; and assessing the characteristic of the composite material based on the imaging. In others, temperature changes naturally occur during the cooling process after manufacturing can be employed for this method such as compression molding process, injection molding process, resin transfer molding processes and its variants.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for generating regenerative braking torque at a front axle and a rear axle of a vehicle. In one example, the regenerative braking torque may be a function of a normal load applied to the front axle and a normal load applied to the rear axle.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting a first lens and a second lens includes a first lens holder. The first lens holder includes a ring-shaped structure configured to mount the first lens. The housing assembly also includes a second lens holder including a cup-shaped structure. The cup-shaped structure includes an upper portion configured to mount the first lens holder, and a lower portion configured to mount the second lens.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for generating regenerative braking torque at a front axle and a rear axle of a vehicle. In one example, the regenerative braking torque may be a function of a normal load applied to the front axle and a normal load applied to the rear axle.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting a first lens and a second lens includes a first lens holder. The first lens holder includes a ring-shaped structure configured to mount the first lens. The housing assembly also includes a second lens holder including a cup-shaped structure. The cup-shaped structure includes an upper portion configured to mount the first lens holder, and a lower portion configured to mount the second lens.

Abstract: A vehicle charge station including charge cords and a controller is provided. Each of the charge cords may include an electrical connector to mate with a vehicle. The controller may be programmed to, responsive to detecting a first active one of the charge cords having a change in current draw greater than a second active one of the charge cords for a same time period, increase power provided to the first active one of the charge cords. The controller may be further programmed to, responsive to detecting the first active one of the charge cords having a continually active duration less than the second active one of the charge cords for another same time period, increase power provided to the first active one of the charge cords.

Abstract: Methods for assessing fiber and bundle orientations and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials using Thermal Digital Image Correlation (TDIC) are disclosed. In some examples, the method comprises exposing the composite material to a temperature change; imaging the composite material at a plurality of time points before, during and/or after the temperature change; and assessing the characteristic of the composite material based on the imaging. In others, temperature changes naturally occur during the cooling process after manufacturing can be employed for this method such as compression molding process, injection molding process, resin transfer molding processes and its variants.

Abstract: A vehicle charge station including charge cords and a controller is provided. Each of the charge cords may include an electrical connector to mate with a vehicle. The controller may be programmed to, responsive to detecting a first active one of the charge cords having a change in current draw greater than a second active one of the charge cords for a same time period, increase power provided to the first active one of the charge cords. The controller may be further programmed to, responsive to detecting the first active one of the charge cords having a continually active duration less than the second active one of the charge cords for another same time period, increase power provided to the first active one of the charge cords.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a locking mechanism to secure a charge plug to a charge port of a vehicle. The system includes a wireless transceiver and a near field communication transceiver. The system further includes a controller programmed to, responsive to receiving a request to disengage the locking mechanism during charging, send the request to a vehicle owner via the wireless transceiver, and, responsive to receiving an unlock command via the wireless transceiver, disengage the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a locking mechanism to secure a charge plug to a charge port of a vehicle. The system includes a wireless transceiver and a near field communication transceiver. The system further includes a controller programmed to, responsive to receiving a request to disengage the locking mechanism during charging, send the request to a vehicle owner via the wireless transceiver, and, responsive to receiving an unlock command via the wireless transceiver, disengage the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An exemplary battery thermal transfer assembly includes a thermal interface material having a first side with a plurality of protrusions compressed against a plurality of battery cells, and an opposing, second side interfacing with a thermal exchange plate. Another exemplary battery thermal transfer assembly includes a thermal interface material sheet having a first side with a plurality of protrusions compressed against a plurality of battery cells, and an opposing, second side interfacing with a thermal exchange plate.

Abstract: An exemplary battery thermal transfer assembly includes a thermal interface material having a first side with a plurality of protrusions compressed against a plurality of battery cells, and an opposing, second side interfacing with a thermal exchange plate. Another exemplary battery thermal transfer assembly includes a thermal interface material sheet having a first side with a plurality of protrusions compressed against a plurality of battery cells, and an opposing, second side interfacing with a thermal exchange plate.