Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for providing electrical power for a manufacturing facility for manufacturing of a vehicle, the vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a processor, including: positioning the vehicle at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing facility having an electrical component; and providing electrical power from the RESS of the vehicle to the electrical component of the manufacturing facility, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for providing electrical power for a manufacturing facility for manufacturing of a vehicle, the vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a processor, including: positioning the vehicle at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing facility having an electrical component; and providing electrical power from the RESS of the vehicle to the electrical component of the manufacturing facility, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

Abstract: A system includes a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform, opposite the first side, to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated by only the movement of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform, opposite the first side, to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated by only the movement of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A partially assembled vehicle that autonomously completes its own assembly, including a chassis, wheels that are rotationally coupled to the chassis, a drive system mounted on the chassis and in operational communication with the wheels, a navigation system, a central platform controller, and a position determining system. Added thereto is a safety sensor guidance system and a controller circuit programmed to begin a temporary takeover of the central platform controller, responsive to an external fleet control. The temporary takeover including the steps of identifying a plurality of assembly stations that the partially assembled vehicle must visit to complete its own assembly; constructing a sequence in which to visit each of the plurality of assembly stations; and commanding the drive system to propel and steer the partially assembled vehicle through the sequence of the plurality of assembly stations, responsive to sensor input from the safety sensor guidance system.

Abstract: A window system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a transparent window having a window treatment, an incident light monitoring subsystem, an incident light management subsystem and a controller. The incident light monitoring subsystem monitors incident light transmitted into the passenger compartment, determines a field of view of a passenger and determines an intensity of the incident light relative to the field of view of the passenger. The incident light management subsystem individually controls a plurality of light projectors to project a light beam that interacts with a subsection of the window treatment to modulate light transparency of one of the subsections of the window based upon the intensity of the incident light in relation to a field of view of the passenger.

Abstract: A window system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a window including an inner transparent layer, an outer transparent layer and a pixelated layer interposed therebetween. The pixelated layer includes a two-dimensional array of electrochromic cells and an electrode array that is electrically connected to the electrochromic cells. A controller determines, via an incident light monitoring subsystem, a field of view of a passenger and determines an intensity of incident light in relation to the field of view of the passenger. The controller is disposed to command a passenger compartment incident light management subsystem to activate selected electrochromic cells in the transparent window based upon the intensity of the incident light in relation to the field of view of the passenger.

Abstract: A window system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a window including an inner transparent layer, an outer transparent layer and a pixelated layer interposed therebetween. The pixelated layer includes a two-dimensional array of electrochromic cells and an electrode array that is electrically connected to the electrochromic cells. A controller determines, via an incident light monitoring subsystem, a field of view of a passenger and determines an intensity of incident light in relation to the field of view of the passenger. The controller is disposed to command a passenger compartment incident light management subsystem to activate selected electrochromic cells in the transparent window based upon the intensity of the incident light in relation to the field of view of the passenger.

Abstract: A window system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a transparent window having a window treatment, an incident light monitoring subsystem, an incident light management subsystem and a controller. The incident light monitoring subsystem monitors incident light transmitted into the passenger compartment, determines a field of view of a passenger and determines an intensity of the incident light relative to the field of view of the passenger. The incident light management subsystem individually controls a plurality of light projectors to project a light beam that interacts with a subsection of the window treatment to modulate light transparency of one of the subsections of the window based upon the intensity of the incident light in relation to a field of view of the passenger.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an installation device having a plurality of pillars which are constructed and arranged to accept a passenger airbag housing; wherein at least one sensor or switch is attached to the installation device which may physically engage at least one tab during the installation process and which may provide electronic feedback of the installation results. A number of variations may include a method including placing a passenger airbag assembly having at least one lock feature onto an instrument panel chute having at least one tab feature; placing the installation device having at least one sensor or switch attached to it onto the passenger airbag assembly; pressing down on the installation device to engage the at least one lock feature with the at least one tab feature; and wherein the at least one sensor or switch provides electronic feedback of the installation results.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly retains a shaft end in a coupling element channel using a fastener inserted through a coupling element bore and a recess in an engagement segment of the shaft end to engage the coupling element to exert a clamping force on a shaft interface of the engagement segment. A projection having a smaller cross section than that of the shaft interface extends axially from the engagement segment and has sufficient length to protrude into the bore to interfere with fastener engagement prior to engagement of the shaft interface in the channel. A projection upper surface further interferes with the fastener bore to prevent engagement of the fastener when the shaft end has been engaged to the channel but not inserted to an installed position. The upper surface may be defined by an arcuate portion of the projection which may have a teardrop shaped cross section.

Abstract: A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an installation device having a plurality of pillars which are constructed and arranged to accept a passenger airbag housing; wherein at least one sensor or switch is attached to the installation device which may physically engage at least one tab during the installation process and which may provide electronic feedback of the installation results. A number of variations may include a method including placing a passenger airbag assembly having at least one lock feature onto an instrument panel chute having at least one tab feature; placing the installation device having at least one sensor or switch attached to it onto the passenger airbag assembly; pressing down on the installation device to engage the at least one lock feature with the at least one tab feature; and wherein the at least one sensor or switch provides electronic feedback of the installation results.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly retains a shaft end in a coupling element channel using a fastener inserted through a coupling element bore and a recess in an engagement segment of the shaft end to engage the coupling element to exert a clamping force on a shaft interface of the engagement segment. A projection having a smaller cross section than that of the shaft interface extends axially from the engagement segment and has sufficient length to protrude into the bore to interfere with fastener engagement prior to engagement of the shaft interface in the channel. A projection upper surface further interferes with the fastener bore to prevent engagement of the fastener when the shaft end has been engaged to the channel but not inserted to an installed position. The upper surface may be defined by an arcuate portion of the projection which may have a teardrop shaped cross section.

Abstract: A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.

Abstract: A bracket nut for coupling a fastener to a sheet member is provided. The sheet member defines a first plane and the bracket nut defines a second plane, which is at an offset angle to the first plane. The sheet member defines a first hole substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and the bracket nut is configured to mate with the first hole. A second hole is defined in the bracket nut and is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The second hole is configured to accept the fastener. The offset angle may be between approximately thirty to approximately sixty degrees. The bracket nut may include a first cantilevered arm and a second cantilevered arm. The first cantilevered arm and the second cantilevered arm are configured to prevent rotation about the first hole.

Abstract: A bracket nut for coupling a fastener to a sheet member is provided. The sheet member defines a first plane and the bracket nut defines a second plane, which is at an offset angle to the first plane. The sheet member defines a first hole substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and the bracket nut is configured to mate with the first hole. A second hole is defined in the bracket nut and is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The second hole is configured to accept the fastener. The offset angle may be between approximately thirty to approximately sixty degrees. The bracket nut may include a first cantilevered arm and a second cantilevered arm. The first cantilevered arm and the second cantilevered arm are configured to prevent rotation about the first hole.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for illuminating the interior of an automotive passenger vehicle for ingress and egress. The apparatus comprises a lighting device integrated into the periphery of a sun visor or similar object. The lighting device is typically activated by a remote entry device, a door opening, or by an interior switch. The apparatus is particularly applicable where overhead interior lighting is impractical, such as in convertibles and other types of vehicles with removable tops. The lighting device may be customized for color and intensity, as well as for physical configuration. The apparatus can also be used in lieu of conventional interior roof lighting as a manufacturing cost reduction.