Abstract: This disclosure relates to a running board for a motor vehicle, and in particular relates to a linkage assembly for the running board and a corresponding method of using the same. An example running board assembly includes a deck and a linkage assembly configured to guide movement of the deck. The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link further from the deck than the first link. The second link is curved such that the second link exhibits a concave contour from a perspective of the deck.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a support configured to be connected to a power source and at least one rigid panel attached to the support. The at least one rigid panel is moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position. At least one exciter is supported on the at least one rigid panel and is configured to selectively generate sound when powered by the power source.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body component includes a substrate, at least one corrosion protection layer disposed on the substrate, a basecoat layer disposed on the at least one corrosion protection layer, and a clearcoat layer disposed on the basecoat layer. The clearcoat layer includes a material having a conductive network of linked nanostructures and also defines a Class A surface finish.

Abstract: Systems and methods may coordinate and execute bidirectional energy transfer events between electrified vehicles and other devices or structures. Weather related data and/or grid related data may be leveraged for predicting the likelihood of power outage conditions of a grid power source. When power outage conditions are likely, a charging storage limit of a traction battery pack of the electrified vehicle may be automatically increased. The increased charging storage limit temporarily increases the energy storage capacity of the traction battery pack in anticipation of expected power outage conditions, thereby better preparing the traction battery pack for use as a backup power source during the power outage conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, at least one seat located in the cabin interior, a support structure located near the at least one seat, and a workstation coupled to the support structure. The workstation includes a desk having a first desk panel and a second desk panel that moves relative to the first desk panel, a display screen, and a pivot mechanism coupled to the desk and the display screen and configured to allow the desk and the display screen to pivot relative to the support structure, wherein the desk and the display screen are configured to pivot to a vehicle downward position folded together and upward deployed use positions such that the desk may extend substantially horizontal in the use position and the display screen may extend upward relative to the desk.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a rear gate assembly of the vehicle that includes a closure panel operable to pivot vehicle-downward from a closed position to an open position. The system also includes a support feature coupled to the closure panel and operable to move relative to the closure panel between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the open position of the closure panel, the position of the support feature in the deployed position is further vehicle-downward than the position of the support feature in the retracted position. The system also includes a sensing system of the vehicle that detects a living being proximate to the rear gate assembly. The system further includes a controller that authenticates an identity and determines a position of the living being based on data received from the sensing system and prompts movement of the support feature from the retracted position to the deployed position based on the authenticated identity and determined position of the living being.

Abstract: A composite antenna mount includes a polymer matrix, a plurality of particles dispersed through the polymer matrix, at least some of the particles including a ferromagnetic coating, and a plurality of electrically conductive filaments electrically connecting the ferromagnetic coatings of the particles. The ferromagnetic coating each coated particle is configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in a specified frequency range.

Abstract: An injection moldable composite material includes a polymer matrix, glass microspheres, a conductive network of linked nanostructures, and a plurality of additives. The polymer matrix includes a polypropylene impact copolymer. The plurality of additives includes a polymer adhesive configured to adhere the conductive network of linked nanostructures to the polymer matrix.

Abstract: This disclosure details vehicle static body structure mounted side view mirror assemblies. The exemplary side view mirror assemblies may include features for supporting vehicle off-roading, such as a pivoting and telescoping mirror section, a wind wing, lighting features, snorkel features, and/or accessory mounts, etc. The exemplary side view mirror assemblies may also include features for supporting improved vehicle security, such as mirror mounted radar sensors capable of establishing a security protection zone about the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-layer electrode for a capacitive pressure sensor is manufactured according to a method including co-extruding a conductive polymer layer and a dielectric foam layer and forming coextruded layers of the capacitive pressure sensor and pressure rolling an XY layer and the coextruded layers together and forming the multi-layer electrode.

Abstract: A system includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is configured to be movably mounted within a vehicle structure to move between an open position and a closed position. The second panel is moveable independently of the first panel within the vehicle structure by a drive mechanism between a deployed position and a non-deployed position. The second panel is automatically or selectively moved to the deployed position to provide a privacy mode within a passenger compartment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a tonneau cover with moveable panels. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a cargo area; and a tonneau cover including a first side panel, a second side panel, and a central panel between the first and second side panels, wherein the tonneau cover is configurable in a first configuration in which the central, first side, and second side panels provide a cover for a top of the cargo area, and wherein the tonneau cover is configurable in a second configuration in which portions of the first side panel and the second side panel are raised relative to the first configuration.

Abstract: Rock rail assemblies are provided for motor vehicles. An exemplary rock rail assembly may include a beam structure, an energy absorbing structure, and an outer skin. The energy absorbing structure may reinforce the beam structure and may be configured to distribute point loads when an obstacle impinges upon the rock rail assembly. The beam structure may be made of a metallic material, the energy absorbing structure may be made of a foamed polymer-based material, and the outer skin may be made of a polymer-based material. The rock rail assemblies may be constructed in a manufacturing method that involves roll forming and extrusion processes.

Abstract: A vehicle console includes a housing having at least one cupholder, a deployable shelf located proximate to the housing and movable between a recessed position in thermal communication with the at least cupholder and an extended position extending outward from the housing. The deployable shelf has a thermally conductive surface, and a heater operatively coupled to the thermally conductive surface.

Abstract: Exemplary deployable splash guard systems for motor vehicles may include features designed for blocking road spray. The deployable splash guard systems may include a flap that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for blocking the road spray. In the deployed position, the flap is positioned within a spray field of a tire of the motor vehicle and is therefore positioned to block the road spray from spraying onto a door handle and/or other structures of the motor vehicle. A control module of the deployable splash guard system may be programmed to utilize a sensor weighting scheme for accurately determining when to deploy the flap.

Abstract: Sanitizing devices and control strategies based on wavelength are provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure for receiving an object, a first cleaning element that emits radiation at a first wavelength adapted to sanitize or sterilize contaminants on the object, a contaminant exposing element that emits radiation at a second wavelength that illuminates the contaminants on the object, a notification element that emits visible light within the enclosure, the visible light having a selected hue, and a controller for executing a cleaning cycle that includes illuminating contaminants present on the object using the contaminant exposing element prior to sanitizing or sterilizing the contaminants present on the object using the first cleaning element.

Abstract: This disclosure details cargo management systems for monitoring the regulatory compliance of cargo positioned on a vehicle. Exemplary cargo management systems may be configured to estimate a distance an item of cargo extends beyond a perimeter of the vehicle and then compare the estimated distance with a cargo-related regulation to confirm compliance of the item of cargo with the cargo-related regulation. The cargo management system may further be configured to detect positional changes of the item of cargo to ensure continued compliance of the item of cargo with the cargo-related regulation during vehicle operation. The cargo management system may issue an alert when the item of cargo is determined to be non-compliant with the cargo-related regulation or when the item of cargo shifts during vehicle operation.

Abstract: Rock rail assemblies are provided for motor vehicles. An exemplary rock rail assembly may include a beam structure, an energy absorbing structure, and an outer skin. The energy absorbing structure may reinforce the beam structure and may be configured to distribute point loads when an obstacle impinges upon the rock rail assembly. The beam structure may be made of a metallic material, the energy absorbing structure may be made of a foamed polymer-based material, and the outer skin may be made of a polymer-based material. The rock rail assemblies may be constructed in a manufacturing method that involves roll forming and extrusion processes.

Abstract: A vehicle applique includes a base structure and a polymeric coating disposed on the base structure. The polymeric coating at least partially covers an outer surface of the base structure. A diffraction grating is integrally defined by the polymeric coating. The diffraction grating has a thickness in a range of from about 100 nm to about 300 nm.