Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: A vehicle window glazing is provided that includes a transparent substrate defining a first surface with a decorative layer positioned on the first surface defining an indicium. A light source is positioned on the decorative layer. A conductive lead is electrically coupled to the light source and extends along the first surface of the substrate away from the light source. The at least one conductive lead is substantially transparent and a transparent layer is positioned over the decorative layer and substrate.

Abstract: A light emitting assembly is disclosed. The light emitting assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode extending parallel to the first electrode. The assembly further comprises an LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to emit a first emission. The first electrode and the second electrode are of an electrically conductive polymer configured to transfer heat away from the plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A light conversion layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold and configured to convert ambient illumination. A reflective layer is configured to convert ambient illumination. A reflective layer is configured to reflect light into the light conversion layer.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.

Abstract: A vehicle engine is provided that includes an exhaust manifold configured to emit a first emission. A heat shield is positioned proximate the exhaust manifold and has a shield substrate defining an aperture. An indicator is positioned over the aperture with a support substrate and a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is configured to absorb the first emission and emit a second emission.

Abstract: A vehicle emissions system is provided that includes a tail pipe configured to emit a first emission, a heat shield positioned proximate the tail pipe having a shield substrate. A semiconductor layer is positioned on the shield substrate and configured to convert the first emission into a second emission. An overmold is positioned over the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An exterior trim component for a vehicle is provided that includes: 39% to 45% recycled polypropylene copolymer; 27% to 43% recycled polypropylene homopolymer; 0.5% to 2.5% coupling agent; 0.01% to 0.5% flow enhancing agent; 0.5% to 1.5% coconut shell powder; 5% to 10% synthetic filler; and 3% to 17% carbon fiber (by weight). Further, the component is characterized by a flexural modulus of at least 1750 MPa. In certain aspects, the component is further characterized by a coefficient of linear thermal expansion between about 4×10?5 in/in*° C. and about 0.1×10?5 in/in*° C., as measured under the ISO 11359-2 protocol.

Abstract: A window including a layer of optically clear structural polymer core and two layers of optically clear silicone applied to first and second sides of the core. A method is disclosed for manufacturing a window that comprises injection molding a layer of optically clear structural polymer and solidifying the structural polymer core. Optically clear silicone is then injected onto the entire surface of both of the first and second sides of the optically clear structural polymer core.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A semiconductor layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold. The semiconductor layer is configured to emit light through the decorative layer.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A semiconductor layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold. The semiconductor layer is configured to emit light through the decorative layer.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, a decorative film positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and an over-mold positioned over the film. The over-mold defines at least one diffraction grating and a light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the substrate. The light source is configured to emit light through the substrate and the over-mold.

Abstract: A vehicle window glazing is provided that includes a transparent substrate defining a first surface with a decorative layer positioned on the first surface defining an indicium. A light source is positioned on the decorative layer. A conductive lead is electrically coupled to the light source and extends along the first surface of the substrate away from the light source. The at least one conductive lead is substantially transparent and a transparent layer is positioned over the decorative layer and substrate.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The step assembly includes a box step having a release button that luminesces in response to excitation light and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the excitation light cease to be provided. A drive mechanism is configured to move the step pad from a stowed position to a deployed position when the release button is pressed.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The step assembly includes a box step having a release button that luminesces in response to excitation light and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the excitation light cease to be provided. A drive mechanism is configured to move the step pad from a stowed position to a deployed position when the release button is pressed.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.

Abstract: An iridescent vehicle badge (and methods for making it) that includes a translucent, polymeric badge having a non-planar shape and comprising an interior and an exterior surface. Further, at least one of the surfaces of the badge comprises a plurality of diffraction gratings that are integral with the badge, each having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a varying period from 50 nm to 5 microns. In some cases, the thickness can range from 500 nm to 750 nm. The period, in some cases, can vary within a set of discrete values in one or more portions of the at least one of the surfaces of the badge, e.g., from 150 nm to 400 nm.