Abstract: A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node relative to an adjoining component, measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node (20) relative to an adjoining component (22), measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member (24) based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a spool. The seatbelt retractor includes a torsion bar elongated along an axis within the spool and defining passages elongated parallel to the axis, the passages spaced from each other surrounding the axis.

Abstract: In situ vibration-based verification of vehicle doors may be performed to identify defects in the doors. An example vehicle includes a vibration exciter affixed to a door and a vibration sensor affixed to a window of the door. The example vehicle also includes a processor coupled to memory storing expected vibration data. The processor performs, via the vibration exciter, a sine sweep on the door and measures, via the vibration sensor, a vibration response of the door to the sine sweep. Based on the vibration response and the expected vibration data, the processor determines whether the door is defective.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a trim panel coupled to a frame. A single-piece armrest substrate is coupled with the frame. The armrest substrate is a three-dimensionally printed member having interior walls that are printed within the armrest substrate according to a virtual force model generated during a virtual impact scenario. The interior walls define a plurality of voids defined within the armrest substrate.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to predict upcoming driver behavior based on a correlation between received context variables and previously observed driver behavior. The processor is also configured to request confirmation that predicted behavior is intended by a driver. Further, the processor is configured to change an in-vehicle display to include a control or feature relevant to the predicted behavior, upon confirmation receipt.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a spool. The seatbelt retractor includes a torsion bar elongated along an axis within the spool and defining passages elongated parallel to the axis, the passages spaced from each other surrounding the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a trim panel coupled to a frame. A single-piece armrest substrate is coupled with the frame. The armrest substrate is a three-dimensionally printed member having interior walls that are printed within the armrest substrate according to a virtual force model generated during a virtual impact scenario. The interior walls define a plurality of voids defined within the armrest substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for in situ vibration-based verification of vehicle doors. An example vehicle includes a vibration exciter affixed to a door and a vibration sensor affixed to a window of the door. The example vehicle also includes a processor coupled to memory storing expected vibration data. The processor performs, via the vibration exciter, a sine sweep on the door and measures, via the vibration sensor, a vibration response of the door to the sine sweep. Based on the vibration response and the expected vibration data, the processor determines whether the door is defective.

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.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node (20) relative to an adjoining component (22), measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member (24) based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: An inspection station includes a conveyor, an imaging device, and a controller. The conveyor is configured to transfer a vehicle seat into the station. The imaging device is configured to capture three-dimensional data of the vehicle seat while in the station. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a deviation of the three-dimensional data from a baseline model of the seat being greater than a threshold, direct the vehicle seat to a repair station via the conveyor.

Abstract: A convertible top includes an outer layer, a liner and a heating element between the outer layer and the liner. The heating element may comprise a carbon nanotube heating element. A controller is configured to activate the heating element in response to a wireless activation signal received from a remote communication device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wall having a hanger. The vehicle also includes a floor having a track. A seatback of a seat is supported by the hanger and the track.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one aperture disposed in a panel of the vehicle. A light source is disposed proximate the aperture and configured to emit a first emission having a first wavelength. A first photoluminescent portion is disposed proximate the panel substantially within the aperture and configured to emit a second emission having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first emission.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to predict upcoming driver behavior based on a correlation between received context variables and previously observed driver behavior. The processor is also configured to request confirmation that predicted behavior is intended by a driver. Further, the processor is configured to change an in-vehicle display to include a control or feature relevant to the predicted behavior, upon confirmation receipt.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises at least one light source disposed in a portion of a side mirror assembly of the vehicle. The light source is configured to emit an excitation emission at a first wavelength substantially along a side portion of the vehicle. The illumination apparatus further comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a surface of the vehicle. The excitation emission is configured to excite the photoluminescent portion to emit an output emission corresponding to a different color of light than the first excitation emission.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a bore that extends along an axis. The steering column assembly includes a first shaft disposed in the bore and a second shaft telescopically engaged with the first shaft. The second shaft is movable along the axis relative to the housing. A wedge is fixed to the second shaft and is spaced from the housing. During frontal impact of the vehicle, an occupant may impact the steering column assembly. Relative telescopic retraction of the first shaft and the second shaft provides a first stage of energy absorption. As the first shaft and the second shaft telescopically retract, the wedge contacts the housing and deforms the housing in a second stage of energy absorption.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a bore that extends along an axis. The steering column assembly includes a first shaft disposed in the bore and a second shaft telescopically engaged with the first shaft. The second shaft is movable along the axis relative to the housing. A wedge is fixed to the second shaft and is spaced from the housing. During frontal impact of the vehicle, an occupant may impact the steering column assembly. Relative telescopic retraction of the first shaft and the second shaft provides a first stage of energy absorption. As the first shaft and the second shaft telescopically retract, the wedge contacts the housing and deforms the housing in a second stage of energy absorption.