Abstract: A touch screen user interface is provided that is adjustable between at least two positions, and preferably adjustable over a range of positions. By providing the ability to adjust the interface's position, the user can optimize screen placement for either data entry or viewing. Additionally, the screen position can be optimized for the user's seating position. As a result, when the screen is being used for viewing, for example when the screen is being used with the navigation system, the user can easily see the screen without having to look downward or dramatically alter their viewing angle. Similarly, when the screen is being used for data entry, for example to input data into the navigation system or make adjustments to the audio system, the screen can be positioned so that the user can easily reach the interface without straining, thereby helping to avoid neck, shoulder and/or back pain.

Abstract: A touch screen user interface is provided that is adjustable between at least two positions, and preferably adjustable over a range of positions. By providing the ability to adjust the interface's position, the user can optimize screen placement for either data entry or viewing. Additionally, the screen position can be optimized for the user's seating position. As a result, when the screen is being used for viewing, for example when the screen is being used with the navigation system, the user can easily see the screen without having to look downward or dramatically alter their viewing angle. Similarly, when the screen is being used for data entry, for example to input data into the navigation system or make adjustments to the audio system, the screen can be positioned so that the user can easily reach the interface without straining, thereby helping to avoid neck, shoulder and/or back pain.

Abstract: A system and method of use is provided that monitors the position of a vehicle seat and automatically adjusts the location of a vehicle display based on the current seat position, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electric motor is provided that includes coolant passageways that pass through the rotor's lamination stack, thereby providing means for directly cooling the rotor assembly. In order to promote cooling, the coolant passageways within the lamination stack may be shaped, for example in a helical or spiral pattern.

Abstract: A retractable workstation that is mounted within the dashboard of a vehicle is provided. In the retracted position the workstation is hidden from sight, while in the extended position it provides a convenient and ergonomic desk for use by the front seat passenger. The retractable workstation includes a desktop and may additionally include a rear desk organizer and/or an integrated display screen and/or an integrated keyboard.

Abstract: A retractable workstation that is mounted within the dashboard of a vehicle is provided. In the retracted position the workstation is hidden from sight, while in the extended position it provides a convenient and ergonomic desk for use by the front seat passenger. The retractable workstation includes a desktop and may additionally include a rear desk organizer and/or an integrated display screen and/or an integrated keyboard.

Abstract: A dual level, vibration isolation system is provided that isolates a vehicle in general, and the vehicle's passenger cabin in particular, from the vibrations generated by the vehicle's motor during normal operation. The first isolation level uses a first plurality of isolation bushings to mount the motor assembly to a first portion of the battery pack. The second isolation level uses a second plurality of isolation bushings to mount the first portion of the battery pack directly to the vehicle. In addition to providing two levels of vibration isolation, this compliant mounting scheme allows the mass of the battery pack to absorb and damp out undesirable rotational oscillations caused by the motor, especially when the motor is undergoing strong acceleration or deceleration.

Abstract: A method of thermally pre-conditioning a vehicle's passenger cabin prior to vehicle departure is provided. The system, after determining that the vehicle is off and/or the driver has left the car, monitors a variety of conditions corresponding to both the vehicle and the driver in order to determine the probability of the driver requiring near-term use of the car. Typical monitored conditions may include driver and vehicle location, driver proximity, time of day, day of week, driver's upcoming appointments, and a historical data base that tracks driver behavior. Once the probability that the car will be needed within a preset time period exceeds a preset level, the system determines whether the passenger cabin should be heated or cooled based on the current passenger cabin temperature, and then activates an appropriate thermal management system.

Abstract: A system for thermally pre-conditioning a vehicle's battery pack prior to vehicle departure is provided. The system, after determining that the vehicle is off and/or the driver has left the car, monitors a variety of conditions corresponding to both the vehicle and the driver in order to determine the probability of the driver requiring near-term use of the car. Typical monitored conditions may include driver and vehicle location, driver proximity, time of day, day of week, driver's upcoming appointments, and a historical data base that tracks driver behavior. Once the probability that the car will be needed within a preset time period exceeds a preset level, the system determines whether the battery pack should be heated or cooled based on the current battery pack temperature, and then activates an appropriate thermal management system.

Abstract: A system for thermally pre-conditioning a vehicle's passenger cabin prior to vehicle departure is provided. The system, after determining that the vehicle is off and/or the driver has left the car, monitors a variety of conditions corresponding to both the vehicle and the driver in order to determine the probability of the driver requiring near-term use of the car. Typical monitored conditions may include driver and vehicle location, driver proximity, time of day, day of week, driver's upcoming appointments, and a historical data base that tracks driver behavior. Once the probability that the car will be needed within a preset time period exceeds a preset level, the system determines whether the passenger cabin should be heated or cooled based on the current passenger cabin temperature, and then activates an appropriate thermal management system.

Abstract: A method of thermally pre-conditioning a vehicle's battery pack prior to vehicle departure is provided. The system, after determining that the vehicle is off and/or the driver has left the car, monitors a variety of conditions corresponding to both the vehicle and the driver in order to determine the probability of the driver requiring near-term use of the car. Typical monitored conditions may include driver and vehicle location, driver proximity, time of day, day of week, driver's upcoming appointments, and a historical data base that tracks driver behavior. Once the probability that the car will be needed within a preset time period exceeds a preset level, the system determines whether the battery pack should be heated or cooled based on the current battery pack temperature, and then activates an appropriate thermal management system.

Abstract: A battery assembly is provided that utilizes electrically isolated heat sinks to enhance battery pack thermal management and safety. The battery assembly is divided into groups of batteries, where the batteries within each group are of the same voltage, and where each battery group is serially coupled to the other battery groups. The heat sink is segmented, where each heat sink segment is thermally coupled to the batteries within a single battery group, and where each heat sink segment is electrically isolated from the adjacent heat sink segments. The heat sink segments are thermally coupled to, and electrically isolated from, at least one coolant conduit which, in turn, is coupled to a thermal management system.

Abstract: A display system mounted within a vehicle is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A display system mounted within a vehicle is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A motor assembly is provided that utilizes a single piece drive gear and bearing enclosure configured so that the end wall of the enclosure also serves as one of the motor's end caps, thereby helping to minimize coaxial misalignment between the input drive shaft of the primary drive gear and the motor's rotor shaft. To further minimize misalignment, three coaxial bearing assemblies are used, where the first and second bearing assemblies support the rotor shaft and the second and third bearing assemblies support the input drive shaft.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting when a vehicle mounted battery pack is damaged from an impact with a piece of road debris or other obstacle. The system utilizes a plurality of cooling conduits located between the lower surface of the batteries within the battery pack and the lower battery pack enclosure panel. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object strikes the lower battery pack enclosure panel. When the cooling conduits deform, a change in coolant flow/pressure occurs that is detectable by one or more sensors integrated into the conduit's coolant channels. A system controller, coupled to a sensor monitoring subsystem, may be configured to provide any of a variety of responses when cooling conduit deformation is detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting when a vehicle mounted battery pack is damaged from an impact with a piece of road debris or other obstacle. Positioned within the battery pack is a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of the batteries within the battery pack and the lower battery pack enclosure panel. One or more sensors are incorporated into the cooling conduits which monitor coolant flow rate or pressure. When the cooling conduits deform, a change in coolant flow/pressure occurs that is detected by the sensors integrated into the conduit's coolant channels. A system controller, coupled to a sensor monitoring subsystem, may provide any of a variety of responses when cooling conduit deformation is detected.

Abstract: A battery assembly is provided that utilizes electrically isolated heat sinks to enhance battery pack thermal management and safety. The battery assembly is divided into groups of batteries, where the batteries within each group are of the same voltage, and where each battery group is serially coupled to the other battery groups. The heat sink is segmented, where each heat sink segment is thermally coupled to the batteries within a single battery group, and where each heat sink segment is electrically isolated from the adjacent heat sink segments. The heat sink segments are thermally coupled to, and electrically isolated from, at least one coolant conduit which, in turn, is coupled to a thermal management system.

Abstract: A dual level, vibration isolation system is provided that isolates a vehicle in general, and the vehicle's passenger cabin in particular, from the vibrations generated by the vehicle's motor during normal operation. The first isolation level uses a first plurality of isolation bushings to mount the motor assembly to a first portion of the battery pack. The second isolation level uses a second plurality of isolation bushings to mount the first portion of the battery pack either directly to the vehicle or indirectly to the vehicle via a second portion of the battery pack. In addition to providing two levels of vibration isolation, this compliant mounting scheme allows the mass of the battery pack to absorb and damp out undesirable rotational oscillations caused by the motor, especially when the motor is undergoing strong acceleration or deceleration.

Abstract: An integrated drive assembly for an electric vehicle, where the power inverter enclosure is separate from the motor and the transmission, and where the power inverter enclosure is coupled to, and separated from, the motor via a plurality of inverter support members. Each of the inverter support members is rigidly coupled to the transmission enclosure and compliantly coupled to the power inverter enclosure using a plurality of flexible bushings.