Abstract: An adjustable base plate system includes a first track structure configured to extend along one side of a vehicle cargo area and a second track structure configured to extend along an opposite side of a vehicle cargo area. At least one base plate has a first edge and a second edge opposite of the first edge, wherein the first edge is supported by the first track structure and the second edge is supported by the second track structure. The first track structure and the second track structure each comprise at least a first tier track and a second tier track such that a distance between a bottom surface of the at least one base plate and a support surface of the vehicle cargo area can be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body, a plurality of RF signal receivers located at a plurality of locations within the vehicle, a portable pet bowl configured to be transported in the vehicle body, the pet bowl including a container for holding content such as water, an RF signal transmitter located on the pet bowl for transmitting an RF signal, and a controller for processing the RF signal received by each of the plurality of RF signal receivers and determining a location of the pet bowl based on the received RF signals.

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: A vehicle having powered door access is provided including a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, at least one sensor for sensing a first user approaching the vehicle, and a transceiver for communicating with another vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller determining a distance of the first user from the vehicle and communicating with the other vehicle which determines a second user from the other vehicle, wherein the controller prioritizes which of the vehicle and the other vehicle is granted permission to open a door based on the distances of the first user and the second user.

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: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of power cables. In an example method, a first end of a power cable may be detected to be connected to a vehicle. A first trajectory of the power cable may then be determined via a plurality of sensors at the vehicle. The first trajectory of the power cable may include a first location and a first orientation of the power cable. It may then be determined, via the plurality of sensors at the vehicle, whether an obstacle is within a predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable. Responsive to the determination that the obstacle is within the predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable, a notification associated with the obstacle may be provided, and a power supply to the power cable may be turned off.

Abstract: An age of an operator of a vehicle and a light condition in the vehicle are determined. A pattern for display is selected based on the determined age of the operator of the vehicle and the light condition in the vehicle. The pattern is presented on the display on the display. Then the display is adjusted based on input from the vehicle operator in response to the pattern.

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 bidirectional energy transfer system includes a supply device having a vehicle port, an inverter port, a converter, and an isolation transformer. The vehicle port is configured to electrically couple the supply device to an electrified vehicle. The inverter port is configured to electrically couple the supply device to an inverter that is separate from the supply device.

Abstract: A base plate system includes at least one base plate configured to support at least one accessory and at least one sensor that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the at least one accessory and/or the at least one base plate. A controller uses the at least one characteristic to estimate a stress and/or strain caused by the at least one accessory on the at least one base plate and predicts how the stress and/or strain could change depending on position of the at least one accessory and/or orientation of the at least one base plate within a vehicle.

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: Remote power supply systems are disclosed for use on motor vehicles The remote power supply systems may power auxiliary devices separate from the vehicle. Exemplary remote power supply systems may include one or more removable power outlet boxes that include electrical power outlets for connecting the auxiliary devices. The electrical power outlets may be powered by a generator system of the vehicle. The removable power outlet box may be removed from the vehicle for repositioning the electrical power outlets at a distance away from the vehicle. A control module may command the vehicle to move toward the removable power outlet box when the box is removed from the vehicle and a predefined length of a cord has been unwound from a reel of the removable power outlet box.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a dashboard located in the cabin interior, and a desk supported on the dashboard and movable between a stowed position on the dashboard and a deployed position extending outward from the dashboard, the desk comprising a plurality of interconnected panels having arms configured to engage a track to bend around at least a portion of the dashboard, and wherein the desk operably moves along the track when moved between the stowed position and the deployed position.

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: This disclosure describes systems and methods for virtual parking lot space allocation. An example method may include receiving, by a processor and from a first vehicle, sensor data relating to a first location. The example method may also include generating, by the processor and based on the sensor data, a first virtual parking space of a virtual parking location within the first location.

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: 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: A front end structure of a vehicle is disclosed and includes a housing having a fluid reservoir portion, a fan shroud portion, a back face, a bolster portion, a first air passage communicating airflow to an air intake system, and a second air passage in communication with a higher pressure airflow. A fan assembly is mounted within the fan shroud portion and a radiator mounted to the back face of the housing. A battery compartment is in communication with airflow from the second air passage for maintain battery temperature within a predefined range. A headlight also receives an airflow to actively remove moisture from an inner cavity. A method of assembling a front end structure is also disclosed.