Abstract: A battery system includes neighboring first and second groups of battery cells. The battery system also includes a battery system enclosure configured to house each of the first and second groups of battery cells. The battery system additionally includes a vent channel mounted to the battery system enclosure. The vent channel is configured to expel high-temperature gases to external environment separately from each battery cell of the first group of battery cells and divert the high-temperature gases away from other battery cells of the first group of battery cells and from the second group of battery cells. The vent channel minimizes transfer of the high-temperature gases between the battery cells of the first group and from the first group of battery cells to the second group of battery cells and thereby mitigates propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system.

Abstract: A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), in accordance with a non-limiting example, includes a first energy storage cell including a first outer surface, a second outer surface, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. The second lateral side includes a first structural side plate including a first side member extending from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface. A second energy storage cell includes a first outer surface portion, a second outer surface portion, a first lateral side surface, and a second lateral side surface. The first lateral side surface includes a second structural side plate including a second side member extending from the second outer surface portion toward the first outer surface portion. The first side member stacks with the second side member to form an interface joining the first energy storage cell with the second energy storage cell.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism including a first clamp member having a V-shaped first clamping end and a second clamp member having a V-shaped second clamping end and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a relative position of the first clamp member and the second clamp member. The first and second clamp members are configured to translate toward and away from each other via force exerted by the adjustment mechanism such that the first and second clamping ends translate between an engaged and a disengaged position.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism including a first clamp member having a V-shaped first clamping end and a second clamp member having a V-shaped second clamping end and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a relative position of the first clamp member and the second clamp member. The first and second clamp members are configured to translate toward and away from each other via force exerted by the adjustment mechanism such that the first and second clamping ends translate between an engaged and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A partition separates a cabin space from a bed space on a vehicle having a first side body and a second side body. The partition includes a forward-opening receptacle fixable to the first side body and to the second side body to span between the first side body and the second side body and includes a rear panel. The partition includes a modular assembly securable as a unit to a forward side of the receptacle. The modular assembly includes a front panel and a window glass configured to be translatably supported by the modular assembly between the front panel and the rear panel.

Abstract: A method of assembling an automotive vehicle includes providing a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. The method also includes providing a hole extending from the upper surface through the lower surface. The method additionally includes providing a patch at the upper surface, with the patch extending about a periphery of the hole at the upper surface and having a different material composition from the panel. The method also includes adhering a liner material to the upper surface, with the liner material being superposed over and adhered to the patch.

Abstract: A method of assembling an automotive vehicle includes providing a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. The method also includes providing a hole extending from the upper surface through the lower surface. The method additionally includes providing a patch at the upper surface, with the patch extending about a periphery of the hole at the upper surface and having a different material composition from the panel. The method also includes adhering a liner material to the upper surface, with the liner material being superposed over and adhered to the patch.

Abstract: A partition separates a cabin space from a bed space on a vehicle having a first side body and a second side body. The partition includes a forward-opening receptacle fixable to the first side body and to the second side body to span between the first side body and the second side body and includes a rear panel. The partition includes a modular assembly securable as a unit to a forward side of the receptacle. The modular assembly includes a front panel and a window glass configured to be translatably supported by the modular assembly between the front panel and the rear panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cab with a window and a cargo area with first and second sidewalls proximate the cab. A first accessory member is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall and extends about a portion of a periphery of the window. A second accessory member includes a first leg member, a second leg member, and a horizontal member. A first leg member proximal end is coupled to the first sidewall, and a second leg member proximal end is coupled to the second sidewall. The horizontal member couples a first leg member distal end to a second leg member distal end. The second accessory member is pivotable between first, second, and third positions relative to the cargo area.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic filament includes disposing a mixture of fibrous material and thermoplastic material into a hopper of an extruder device and introducing the mixture into the extruder and through an extensional flow die to preserve longer fiber lengths. From the extensional flow die the mixture is passed through a drawing die to create the long fiber reinforced filament.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a first movable window selectively covering a first cabin opening and a second movable window selectively covering a second cabin opening. A first actuator is configured to selectively actuate the first movable window and a second actuator is configured to selectively actuate the second movable window. A controller is in communication with a sensor disposed in the cabin and with an HMI configured to receive a window open request from an operator. The controller is configured to, in response to the window open request, control the first actuator to actuate the first movable window from a closed position to an open position, and in response to a signal from the sensor indicating pressure variations exceeding a predefined threshold with the first movable window in the first open position, automatically control the second actuator to actuate the second movable window in an open direction.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

Abstract: An amalgamation plate for joining a first component to a second component has a planar body configured to be placed between the first component and the second component, and a plurality of first protrusions extending from a first side of the planar body. The first protrusions are radially dispersed from an axis of the planar body, and are configured to be embedded within either the first component and the second component. The amalgamation plate may also have a plurality of second protrusions extending from a second side, opposite the first side, of the planar body. The second protrusions are radially dispersed from the axis, and are configured to be embedded within the other of the first component and the second component via application of force substantially along the axis. The first protrusions and the second protrusions may be radially symmetric about the axis of the planar body.