Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling an electric motor. In embodiments, the cooling jacket includes a helical channel having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The pitch of the helical channel decreases along an axial dimension of the helical channel, such that the pitch, and thus the cross-sectional area available for flow of the coolant, is greatest at or near the coolant inlet and smallest at or near the coolant outlet. The cooling jacket also includes flow-through loops associated with the first and final turns of the helical channel to allow coolant to circulate about entry and exit portions of the motor multiple times.

Abstract: Methods and systems of an active aerodynamic wheel cap device are provided. The active aerodynamic wheel cap device can be mounted to a vehicle wheel and configured to actuate from a flap-open to a flap-closed state. The flap-open state provides an air vent path from an outer portion of a wheel to an internal component of the wheel, especially at low speeds or during braking. The flap-closed state provides a substantially gapless aerodynamic cap for the wheel of the vehicle at highway speeds or during acceleration. The actuation of the active aerodynamic wheel cap device may be based on an all-mechanical controlled centripetal force movement mechanism.

Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. Systems and methods are provided to detect a braking next-to-last vehicle that may cause the last vehicle (the preceding vehicle) to collide with the next-to-last vehicle, panic brake, make a sudden lane change, or otherwise endanger a vehicle following the preceding vehicle. Automated means for computer based vision and detection of brake lights are provided for a next-to-last vehicle. Brake lights are identified; if illuminated to a sufficient level to indicate braking, systems of the operated vehicle are alerted; and appropriate responses may be deployed.

Abstract: A valve comprising two rotors, each rotor comprising two passageways and two or more sealing faces. The valve allows for controlling air flow between six directions. The valve can operate in a number of operation modes depending on a position of the rotors. The valve design can include a valve-housing with six ports. Two rotary valves provide a plurality of predetermined flow modes between the six ports.

Abstract: A valve comprising a rotor, the rotor comprising two passageways and two or more sealing faces. The valve allowing for controlling air flow between four directions. The valve can be capable of operating in a number of operation modes depending on a position of the rotor. The valve design can include a valve-housing with three ports in plane with a first plane and one port normal to the first plane. A rotary valve provides a plurality of predetermined flow modes between four ports. The valve comprises an outer layer and a rotatable inner layer. The inner layer allows for a number of different flow configurations between four ports.

Abstract: A thermal management system comprises two pumps and three coolant loops. The loops are interconnectable such that most if not all of the functions of the thermal management system can be accomplished with one of the two pumps deactivated or inoperable. The thermal management system is selectively configurable to utilize waste heat from a battery, an electrical drivetrain system, and/or a wireless charger to heat cabin air. The thermal management system is further selectively configurable to heat or cool a battery, to cool an electrical drivetrain system, and to cool a wireless charger.

Abstract: A thermal management system comprises two pumps and three coolant loops. The loops are interconnectable such that most if not all of the functions of the thermal management system can be accomplished with one of the two pumps deactivated or inoperable. The thermal management system is selectively configurable to utilize waste heat from a battery, an electrical drivetrain system, and/or a wireless charger to heat cabin air. The thermal management system is further selectively configurable to heat or cool a battery, to cool an electrical drivetrain system, and to cool a wireless charger.

Abstract: Methods and systems of an active aerodynamic wheel cap device are provided. The active aerodynamic wheel cap device can be mounted to a vehicle wheel and configured to actuate from a flap-open to a flap-closed state. The flap-open state provides an air vent path from an outer portion of a wheel to an internal component of the wheel, especially at low speeds or during braking. The flap-closed state provides a substantially gapless aerodynamic cap for the wheel of the vehicle at highway speeds or during acceleration. The actuation of the active aerodynamic wheel cap device may be based on an all-mechanical controlled centripetal force movement mechanism.

Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. Systems and methods are provided to detect a braking next-to-last vehicle that may cause the last vehicle (the preceding vehicle) to collide with the next-to-last vehicle, panic brake, make a sudden lane change, or otherwise endanger a vehicle following the preceding vehicle. Automated means for computer based vision and detection of brake lights are provided for a next-to-last vehicle. Brake lights are identified; if illuminated to a sufficient level to indicate braking, systems of the operated vehicle are alerted; and appropriate responses may be deployed.

Abstract: An air vent achieves selective vertical aiming of air by using a barrel comprising two vanes defining a central channel to selectively channel air, in varying proportions, into one or both of an upper air channel and a lower air channel. The upper air channel is configured to discharge air into a vehicle passenger cabin at a downward angle, and the lower air channel is configured to discharge air into the vehicle passenger cabin at an upward angle. Air discharged by the upper air channel impinges on and deflects air discharged by the lower air channel and vice versa, such that vertical aiming can be achieved by varying the mass flow rate of air through the upper and lower air channels.

Abstract: An air vent achieves selective horizontal aiming of air flowing through the air vent by rotating a shaft that extends across the air vent and to which a plurality of vanes are fixedly attached. The vanes are mounted to the shaft at an angle, such that rotation of the shaft changes the angle of the vanes relative to the air flowing through the air vent. Each vane is a cylindrical section and has a circular perimeter when viewed along the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A valve comprising a rotor, the rotor comprising two passageways and two or more sealing faces. The valve allowing for controlling air flow between four directions. The valve can be capable of operating in a number of operation modes depending on a position of the rotor. The valve design can include a valve-housing with three ports in plane with a first plane and one port normal to the first plane. A rotary valve provides a plurality of predetermined flow modes between four ports. The valve comprises an outer layer and a rotatable inner layer. The inner layer allows for a number of different flow configurations between four ports.