Abstract: A knitted structure is configured for heat generation and distribution. In some embodiments, the knitted structure includes a knitted fabric including a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer opposite the first knitted layer. The first knitted layer has a first thermal conductivity. The second knitted layer has a second thermal conductivity. The second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity to facilitate heat transfer toward the first knitted layer. The knitted structure may further include a plurality of electrodes at least partially disposed inside the knitted fabric. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to generate heat within the knitted fabric upon receipt of electrical energy in order to distribute heat along the knitted structure and toward the first knitted layer.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a fore portion, an aft portion, and an underbody portion. The vehicle additionally includes a panel pivotably coupled to the underbody portion proximate the aft portion of the body. The panel has a fore edge and an aft edge and is pivotable about the fore edge. The panel is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the aft edge is spaced a first distance from a driving surface and in the deployed position the aft edge is spaced a second distance from the driving surface. The second distanced is less than the first distance. The vehicle additionally includes an actuator configured to move the panel between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to satisfaction of an operating condition.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body with a front portion, an underbody portion, a wheelhouse disposed in the underbody portion, and a front fascia disposed at the front portion. The wheelhouse is provided with a liner. A movable member is disposed between the wheelhouse liner and the front fascia. The movable member has a venting position and a barrier position. In the barrier position the front fascia, movable member, and wheelhouse liner define a generally contiguous surface, and in the venting position the movable member is displaced at least partly away from the body relative to the barrier position. An actuator is coupled to the movable member and configured to actuate the movable member between the venting position and the barrier position. A controller is configured to control the actuator to move the movable member to the barrier position in response to a first operating condition being satisfied.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having a fore portion, an aft portion, and an underbody portion. The vehicle additionally includes a panel pivotably coupled to the underbody portion proximate the aft portion of the body. The panel has a fore edge and an aft edge and is pivotable about the fore edge. The panel is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the aft edge is spaced a first distance from a driving surface and in the deployed position the aft edge is spaced a second distance from the driving surface. The second distanced is less than the first distance. The vehicle additionally includes an actuator configured to move the panel between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to satisfaction of an operating condition.

Abstract: A knitted structure is configured for heat generation and distribution. In some embodiments, the knitted structure includes a knitted fabric including a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer opposite the first knitted layer. The first knitted layer has a first thermal conductivity. The second knitted layer has a second thermal conductivity. The second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity to faciliate heat transfer toward the first knitted layer. The knitted structure may further include a plurality of electrodes at least partially disposed inside the knitted fabric. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to generate heat within the knitted fabric upon receipt of electrical energy in order to distribute heat along the knitted structure and toward the first knitted layer.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body with a front portion, an underbody portion, a wheelhouse disposed in the underbody portion, and a front fascia disposed at the front portion. The wheelhouse is provided with a liner. A movable member is disposed between the wheelhouse liner and the front fascia. The movable member has a venting position and a barrier position. In the barrier position the front fascia, movable member, and wheelhouse liner define a generally contiguous surface, and in the venting position the movable member is displaced at least partly away from the body relative to the barrier position. An actuator is coupled to the movable member and configured to actuate the movable member between the venting position and the barrier position. A controller is configured to control the actuator to move the movable member to the barrier position in response to a first operating condition being satisfied.

Abstract: A spray nozzle system includes a housing having an upper cap, a neck portion for helping to support the housing adjacent a component, and at least one fluid flow line for supplying a fluid to an interior area of the housing. A plurality of spray nozzles may be included which are housed in the housing and in communication with the at least one fluid line for distributing the fluid over a circumferential surface of the component.

Abstract: A floor pan includes a mid-body portion having a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a forward end and a rearward end spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis. The mid-body portion of the floor pan is spaced above a reference plane, e.g., a ground surface, a first height at the forward end of the bottom wall, and is spaced above the reference plane a second height at the rearward end of the bottom wall. The second height is less than the first height to position the second end of the bottom wall nearer the reference plane than the first end of the bottom wall. The contoured shape of the mid-body portion provides an aerodynamic shield to direct airflow underneath components of the vehicle located rearward of the rearward end of the mid-body portion of the floor pan, as well as additional under-floor storage space.

Abstract: A floor pan includes a mid-body portion having a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a forward end and a rearward end spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis. The mid-body portion of the floor pan is spaced above a reference plane, e.g., a ground surface, a first height at the forward end of the bottom wall, and is spaced above the reference plane a second height at the rearward end of the bottom wall. The second height is less than the first height to position the second end of the bottom wall nearer the reference plane than the first end of the bottom wall. The contoured shape of the mid-body portion provides an aerodynamic shield to direct airflow underneath components of the vehicle located rearward of the rearward end of the mid-body portion of the floor pan, as well as additional under-floor storage space.

Abstract: A spray nozzle system includes a housing having an upper cap, a neck portion for helping to support the housing adjacent a component, and at least one fluid flow line for supplying a fluid to an interior area of the housing. A plurality of spray nozzles may be included which are housed in the housing and in communication with the at least one fluid line for distributing the fluid over a circumferential surface of the component.