Abstract: A method operats a storage system for a vehicle. The storage system has a first storage module and a second storage module for providing electrical energy to or for receiving electrical energy from a distribution network. The distribution network is coupled to an electrical motor of the vehicle. The first storage module is coupled by a direct current voltage converter to the distribution network. The method determines whether an amount of a voltage difference between a power supply voltage of the distributor network and a first storage voltage of the first storage module is equal to or less than a voltage threshold value. The method carries out one or more measures for increasing the amount of the voltage difference when it is determined that the amount is equal to or less than the voltage threshold value.

Abstract: A battery control device includes a positional information acquiring unit, a deposition-risk-geographic-point storing unit, a determination unit, and a deposition-deterring-mode executing unit. The positional information acquiring unit is a processing unit that acquires positional information of a vehicle. The deposition-risk-geographic-point storing unit stores deposition risk geographic points. The determination unit determines whether or not the vehicle passes at least one of the deposition risk geographic points stored in the deposition-risk-geographic-point storing unit based on the positional information of the vehicle that is acquired by the positional information acquiring unit. The deposition-deterring-mode executing unit controls a battery based on a predetermined deposition-deterring mode, if the determination unit determines that the vehicle passes the at least one of the deposition risk geographic points.

Abstract: A road load module is configured to determine a road load torque to maintain zero vehicle acceleration. A closed loop (CL) module is configured to determine a CL torque based on a difference between a target vehicle speed and a vehicle speed. A motor torque module is configured to: produce a limited CL torque by limiting the CL torque to a predetermined torque limit when a magnitude of the CL torque is greater than a magnitude of the predetermined torque limit; when the vehicle speed is within a predetermined low speed range and a magnitude of the road load torque is greater than or less than a magnitude of a predetermined maximum torque, adjust the predetermined torque limit; and determine a motor torque command based on the limited CL torque and a motor torque request determined based on a position of an accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A road load module is configured to determine a road load torque to maintain zero vehicle acceleration. An initialization module is configured to determine an initial torque based on the road load torque. A closed loop (CL) module is configured to: when a CL state transitions from an inactive state to an active state, set a CL torque to the initial torque; and when the CL state is in the active state after transitioning to the active state, adjust the CL torque based on a difference between a target vehicle speed and a vehicle speed. A motor torque module is configured to determine a motor torque command based on the CL torque and a motor torque request determined based on an accelerator pedal position. A switching control module is configured to, based on the motor torque command, control switching of an inverter and apply power to an electric motor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electric vehicle and a method for controlling the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes at least one electric motorized wheel to drive the electric vehicle; a pressure sensor module configured to detect pressure on the electric vehicle; a communication interface configured to receive remote instructions from a remote controller; and a central controller configured to operate the at least one electric motorized wheel in a control mode based on at least one of the received remote instructions and the pressure.

Abstract: In a specific state where an electric vehicle is in a stop state and a creep torque is generate in an electric motor (2), when a shift range is switched from a traveling range to a non-traveling range, a motor control section (10B) performs a torque decrease control to stepwisely decrease the creep torque of the electric motor (2), and an automatic transmission control device (30) performs a disengagement control to gradually disengage the frictional engagement element of the automatic transmission (3).

Abstract: A method of adjusting a vehicle seat includes detecting one of a current position of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat with one of a pressure sensitive fabric, a sound transmitter and transducer, and an electromagnetic field transmitter and transducer. A comfortable position is determined of the vehicle occupant. The vehicle seat is adjusted from the current position to the comfortable position. A vehicle seat assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend away from the seat bottom. The seat back includes a backrest an a headrest coupled to the backrest to locate the backrest between the headrest and the seat bottom.

Abstract: A vehicle seat back includes a lower seat back portion and including side frame members and an upper seat back portion including side frame members including a gear sector including a lower edge with sector gear teeth. Pivot connections pivotally connect the lower side frame members to the upper side frame members. A pinion gear with gear teeth is engaged with the sector gear teeth. A motor assembly is mounted to one or both of the lower side frame members and includes a motor and an output shaft driving the pinion gear in each of two rotational directions. The rotation of the motor in one direction, pivots the upper seat back relative to the lower seat back in a forward pivot direction and rotation of the motors in an opposite direction pivots the seat back relative to the lower seat back in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a support base having a stop, a sliding carriage, a rotary platform having a follower part, and a child seat. The sliding carriage is slidable relative to the support base between a retracted and an extended position, and the child seat and the rotary platform are rotatable together relative to the sliding carriage and the support base between a forward and a rearward facing position. While the sliding carriage is in a position other than the retracted position, a rotational movement of the child seat and the rotary platform is limited by a contact between the follower part and the stop that keeps the child seat and the rotary platform apart from the forward facing position, and the stop is located outside a travel path of the follower part when the sliding carriage is in the retracted position for rotation of the rotary platform to the forward facing position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a folding vehicle seat includes upper and lower arms pivotally coupled to one another between open and closed positions. The lower arm is fixedly coupled to a support surface, such as a vehicle body, and the upper arm is fixedly coupled to a lower surface of a seat pan. A retaining bar is disposed on the lower arm and outwardly extends therefrom. An outwardly opening clip member is disposed on the upper arm. The clip member releasably receives the retaining bar of the lower arm when the upper and lower arms are in the closed position to retain the vehicle seat in a folded down use position.

Abstract: Seat assemblies including seat brackets and spreader brackets are described. A seat bracket can include an upper portion, a lower portion, and a frangible portion. The frangible portion can be formed from composite material and include a particular layer orientation. A spreader bracket can include a first component configured to couple with a second component to form a coupled structure. A structural fill material can be disposed within the coupled structure. The first component and the second component can be formed from composite material.

Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a support substrate, a fabric layer stretching across a receiver of the support substrate and a matrix interface connecting the fabric layer to the support substrate. A cushion overlies the fabric layer and the receiver and a coverstock conceals the cushion and the fabric layer while closing the receiver. A method of producing the armrest assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat air bladder assembly is provided with at least one central air bladder region having a support surface. At least one pair of lateral air bladder regions extend from opposed sides of the at least one central bladder region. The at least one pair of lateral air bladder regions are oriented at a non-zero angle to incline laterally and support a thoracic region of a seat occupant. A seat assembly is provided with a seat back with a contact surface with a thoracic region. An air bladder assembly is oriented within the thoracic region of the seat back with a support surface that is reclined relative to the contact surface to provide support, and wedge-shaped so that during inflation the air bladder assembly inflates in an upward and forward direction relative to the seat back.

Abstract: A headrest body (1) for a headrest (3) is formed as at least one frame (1.1) having one or more supporting elements (1.4). The one or more supporting elements (1.4) are located on an inside and form a supporting surface (1.3). The one or more supporting elements (1.4) are formed by primary forming from a plastics material, in particular a material free of foam materials, or a composite material.

Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle comprising a vehicle roof supports adapted to carry a load thereon in a consistent vertical orientation; a lifting apparatus for lifting the load from a lower position in the consistent vertical orientation to a raised position at or above the vehicle roof supports; wherein the load is able to be lifted in the consistent vertical orientation and supported in the same consistent vertical orientation.

Abstract: When a bicycle is removed, a hook is first removed from a hooking ring and a rubber string built from a rim side of a wheel is removed from the wheel. Next, the wheel is removed from the space between a first rack member and a second rack member, thereby the second rack member is automatically and forcibly folded toward a base member and the first rack member through the forcible power of a spring hinge. At that time, although the second rack member collides with the base member or the first rack member, collision shock at the time of collision is relieved by a cushion member. After the bicycle is removed, based on that a seat of a flip-up seat is moved downward, the retaining space for the bicycle can be restored to passenger's seat.

Abstract: The present invention is modular offset mounting apparatus for use in efficiently and densely removeably mounting objects comprising a structure having a plurality of spring E-fittings on a first side and an E-track section on a second side. The modular offset mounting apparatus is adapted such that the spring E-fittings of the modular offset mounting apparatus may be removeably engaged to a section of E-track that is fastened to a structure such as a truck bed and such that at least one spring E-fitting such as a spring E-fitting connected to a wheel chock is removeably engaged to the length of E-track of the modular offset mounting apparatus. By so mounting the modular offset mounting apparatus, objects such as motorcycles may be more densely positioned and mounted such as in a bed of a pickup truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and/or installing a side guide of a trailer-mounted boat capture system for guiding a boat onto the trailer, the apparatus comprising: an outboard post pivotally attached to an upper support rail of the side guide; two inboard posts, each pivotally attached to the side guide proximal to where the side guide is attached to the trailer via first pins, wherein each inboard post includes a manual leveling jack; an attachment point on the side guide suitable for attaching a winch cable from a boat held in the boat capture system; and second pins attaching the side guide to the trailer such that when the first pins are removed the side guide is free to pivot around the second pins from an upright position towards a support surface.

Abstract: A shipping system for a rolling tarp system has a trailer bed and first and second guide tracks attached to the trailer bed. The trailer bed has a towing element that defines front, sides, and rear portions. The first and second guide tracks are transverse to the trailer sides and configured to support the rolling tarp system. The rolling tarp system is loaded on and unloaded off the first and second guide tracks along the side of the trailer bed.

Abstract: The present invention is modular truck bed mounting apparatus and kit therefor. The apparatus comprises a length of E-track, a first tube, a plurality of second tubes, and a plurality of fasteners. The apparatus is preferably mounted to the head wall of a pickup truck bed and is useful in quickly and easily securing objects thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a load-securement apparatus and a method of installing the load-securement apparatus to secure a load in a shipping container. In one embodiment, the load-securement apparatus includes a first non-rigid anchor member, a second non-rigid anchor member, a first non-rigid load restrainer, and a second non-rigid load restrainer. In one embodiment, the method of installing the load-securement apparatus comprises attaching the first load restrainer to the first anchor member, attaching the first anchor member to the shipping container adjacent a side wall, attaching the second load restrainer to the second anchor member, attaching the second anchor member to the shipping container adjacent another side wall, attaching the first load restrainer to the second load restrainer such that part of the first load restrainer and part of the second load restrainer both contact the load, and tensioning the attached first and second load restrainers to a designated tension.

Abstract: There is provided a headlamp device for a vehicle, including: a visible light source that irradiates visible light to provide a field of view at a vehicle front side; a detection light source that irradiates detection light that detects obstacles; a MEMS mirror changeable between a first angle and a second angle that is different from the first angle, the MEMS mirror at the first angle reflecting visible light, irradiated from the visible light source, toward the vehicle front side, and the MEMS mirror at the second angle reflecting detection light, irradiated from the detection light source, toward the vehicle front side; and a light receiving element that receives reflected light that has reached and been reflected by an obstacle.

Abstract: A light arrangement includes two vehicle rear lamps and an illuminated decorative strip, which are aligned to each other both functionally and creatively. The decorative strip has a light outlet provided with a covering glass, under which an is optical fiber. The covering glass is provided on the outside with a translucent chromium foil and the base body of the decorative strip is chromium-plated on its surface. The optical fiber, the lighting source, the controller of the lighting light source, and the connections for the power supply are integrated into the base body of the decorative strip. Color selection can be adjusted by the controller of the lighting source so that the light and intensity of the color selection supplied to the optical fiber can be aligned with that of the rear lamps.

Abstract: A Lighting module for an automotive vehicle, comprising: a light source; a binning electrical network comprising a configurable resistance; and an electrical driver module configured to supply an electrical current to the light source through the binning electrical network. And a method for configuring a lighting module for an automotive vehicle to electrically drive a light source thereof according to predetermined characteristics of the light source, the method comprising: providing the lighting module for an automotive vehicle, the lighting module comprising: the light source with the brightness class; and an electrical driver module configured to supply an electrical current to the light source through a binning electrical network; providing the binning electrical network, the binning electrical network comprising a configurable resistance.

Abstract: A headlight includes a housing, a low-beam light source and a high-beam light source, a board, and an upper inner lens and a lower inner lens. The low-beam light source and the high-beam light source are each formed of an LED that is housed in the housing and radiates light. The board controls light beams emitted from the low-beam light source and the high-beam light source. The upper inner lens and the lower inner lens are provided in the housing and allow each of the light beams emitted from the low-beam light source and the high-beam light source to be transmitted through the upper inner lens and the lower inner lens toward the vehicle front side. At least part of the board is disposed to overlap with the rear side of the upper inner lens for the low-beam light source.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a lighting system is provided. The lighting system includes an optical unit having a plurality of light guides which are respectively provided for at least one light source and which respectively have an input coupling face. On the output side, the light guides are connected via a common connecting portion of the optical unit, the connecting portion having an output face, pointing away from the light guides, for the light emerging from the light guides. The lighting system further includes a holding frame for the optical unit, by means of which the optical unit is fastened to a printed circuit board, having the light sources, of the lighting system.

Abstract: A low-beam-color-temperature-variable headlight unit includes a case, a condenser lens, a high-color-temperature light emitting diode, a low-color-temperature light emitting diode, and a low-beam-color-temperature control unit. The high-color-temperature light emitting diode emits high-color-temperature light. The high-color-temperature light emitting diode provides illumination of a first illuminated area. The low-color-temperature light emitting diode provides illumination of a second illuminated area that overlaps the first illuminated area at least partly. The low-color-temperature light emitting diode emits low-color-temperature light having a lower color temperature than the high-color-temperature light. The low-beam-color-temperature control unit is capable of adjusting the color temperature of the low beam by adjusting the quantity of light emitted from the high-color-temperature light emitting diode and the quantity of light emitted from the low-color-temperature light emitting diode.

Abstract: A steering column control module includes a stalk assembly pivotably connected to a control module housing. A plurality of magnets is connected to and movable by the stalk assembly. A plurality of sensors senses the positions of the plurality of magnets and sends signals indicating the positions of the magnets. A controller receives the signals to control vehicle functions.

Abstract: A pin is inserted longitudinally into attachment openings of attachment flanges extending rearwardly from an optical element. The flanges extend through a back panel such that the openings are positioned rear of the back panel. When inserted into the openings, each pin flexes inwardly as a leading and trailing guide ramp and a first and second apex pass through the openings. The leading and trailing guide ramps and the first and second apexes then flex outwardly as the first apex transitions to a first seat and/or the second apex transitions to a second seat. There is an outward force of expansion in the frontward to rearward direction when the flanges are positioned on the first and second seats. In this manner, each pin securely attaches the optical element to the back panel.

Abstract: A lighting device for a motor vehicle, the lighting device being designed to emit at least one light beam, at least one characteristic of which relates to the type of propulsion of the motor vehicle, the device being arranged to emit the light beam at least when the motor vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a side mirror positioned on an A-pillar. A light assembly is coupled with a bottom surface of the side mirror. The light assembly is configured to illuminate a plurality of photoluminescent structures located within an interior and on an exterior of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a door off configuration.

Abstract: A trailer alignment system is provided. The system comprises a sensor disposed within a housing. The system also comprises a processor configured to determine a location of a vehicle on a trailer based on data received from the sensor and in response to the vehicle location determination, the processor generates a notification. The system further comprises a notification element configured to display the generated notification to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical power monitoring system includes a base at an external surface of a wall of a junction box and including a stem configured to project through an opening in the wall, the base further including a monitoring circuit, a plurality of conductors extending through the stem and coupling the monitoring circuit to a plurality of conductive terminals in the junction box, and a fastener configured to mate with the stem of the base at an internal surface of the wall to fix the base to the wall, wherein the monitoring circuit is configured to monitor presence of electrical power at the plurality of conductive terminals, the monitoring circuit including a plurality of light sources at the external surface of the base.

Abstract: An onboard display device that includes: a display that includes a display region at a front passenger seat side of a vehicle width direction center position at a front face side of a vehicle cabin, and that is capable of displaying a picture in the display region; and a display controller that converts a second image captured by a second image capture section to a point-of-view-converted image viewed as if from a hypothetical point-of-view at an installation position of a first image capture section, that stitches a first image captured by the first image capture section with an image from a range in the point-of-view-converted image not overlapping with the first image to generate a composite image, and that controls the display so as to display the composite image in the display region as the picture.

Abstract: A vehicle vision system includes an extender element disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle. The extender element includes an extender portion and an end portion, with the end portion viewable to a viewer who is viewing the rear of the vehicle. The end portion includes at least one of (i) a vehicle emblem and (ii) a vehicle logo. A rear backup camera assembly is at least partially disposed in the extender portion of the extender element. The rear backup camera assembly is disposed with its lens viewing exterior of the vehicle. The extender element is incapable of extending such that the rear backup camera is non-movable relative to the rear portion of the vehicle when disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: In the vehicle periphery image display device, an own vehicle periphery image is displayed around an own vehicle overview image and, when an obstacle is detected in an own vehicle periphery, an obstacle indicating section indicating a detected location of the obstacle around the own vehicle and a distance between an own vehicle and the obstacle is displayed closer to the own vehicle overview image than the own vehicle periphery image.

Abstract: A rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a moveable head assembly, an actuator assembly having a fixed part and a moveable part, the moveable part being attached to the head assembly, a motor cradle configured to attach the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly. A method of assembling a rearview device comprises providing the rearview device and attaching the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly using the motor cradle.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror is mounted in an accommodation casing of a vehicle and contains: an electric direction control assembly, a connection plate, a first reflector lens, and a reflector lens assembly. The electric direction control assembly includes a fixing seat and a movable sheet. The connection plate is disposed on the movable sheet away from the fixing seat and includes a first contacting portion and a coupling portion, the first contacting portion has a first plane away from the electric direction control assembly, and the coupling portion has a second plane away from the electric direction control assembly, wherein the second plane is lower than the first plane. The first reflector lens is secured on the first plane of the first contacting portion, and the reflector lens assembly includes a second contacting portion, a universal connector, and a second reflector lens.

Abstract: A step hitch assembly providing a platform surface elevated from the ground level of a vehicle for facilitating access to a rooftop surfaces and elevated objects on or about the rooftop surface including a trailer hitch member attachable to a vehicle hitch receiver, a step platform having at least two substantially planar surfaces in substantially parallel alignment adjoined by a transverse panel to thereby define a space therebetween fastenable to the vehicle hitch receiver in alternative horizontally and vertical orientations and having a plurality of corresponding transverse spaced perforations sized and spaced in transverse alignment for detachable coupling of a tow accessory hitch receiver having receiver holes to corresponding spaced perforations and a locking member capable of alternatively securing the hitch receiver in an extended position wherein the hitch receiver ball protrudes from the step platform or in a retracted position wherein the tow accessory hitch receiver ball is retracted in the space

Abstract: An apparatus for extending a vehicle bed includes a tailgate having first and second retractable members adapted for being recessed within the tailgate and for projecting therefrom in an extended position when the tailgate is lowered. A removable support is provided for connecting with the first and second retractable members in the extended position for extending the vehicle bed. The removable support may comprise a ladder supported by the tailgate. The ladder may assume a lowered position for use in stepping onto the tailgate using the retractable members as handles and a raised position substantially aligned with the retractable members for extending the vehicle bed. The removable support may also comprise a cross bar that connects with the retractable members to form the bed extension.

Abstract: A storage assembly comprises a first cover having a first foot portion, a second cover having a second cover and a housing. The housing includes a first rail extending at a height direction and having a first end, a second rail extending at the height direction and having a second end, and a cavity forming a storage space. The first cover is moveable between a first stowed position and a first middle position when the first foot portion moves in the first rail, and pivotable via the first end from the first middle position to a first use position to cover the cavity, and the second cover is moveable between a second stowed position and a second middle position when the second foot portion moves in the second rail, and pivotable via the second end from the second middle position to a second use position to cover the cavity.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a base. A cushion assembly is rotatably coupled with the base proximate a forward portion of the cushion assembly. A first seat storage compartment is disposed within the base and includes a moveable lower wall. A second seat storage compartment is disposed below the first seat storage compartment and is accessible upon movement of the moveable lower wall. At least one peripheral storage compartment is disposed on an outside wall of the base.

Abstract: A folding seat assembly for e vehicle includes a folding seat pan that is pivotally mounted to a support surface and includes a mounting aperture disposed therethrough. A seatback is coupled to the support surface and includes an outwardly extending bracket with an upwardly extending engagement feature disposed thereon. An engagement member having a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of the seat pan and first and second sidewalls upwardly extending through the mounting aperture, the sidewalls including opposed inwardly extending tabs for receiving the engagement feature therebetween when the seat pan is in a use position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vehicle documentation organizers/visors and systems. In one embodiment, a vehicle documentation system includes an instruction card, having indicia disposed thereon; a vehicle documentation organizer/visor, including one or more compartments for insertion of documentation; and a computer-readable code, disposed on one of the instruction card or the a vehicle documentation organizer/visor, the computer-readable code including a portion attachable to a vehicle, with the computer-readable code being scannable and associated with a database. Information from the database may be contained in mobile application, having one or more user interfaces.

Abstract: A two piece fishing rod storage assembly, especially designed to be mounted on a automobile roof rack, is provided. The rear assembly is installed on the rear roof rack crossbar and the front assembly is installed on the front roof rack crossbar. The rear assembly is comprised of a plurality of hollow tube sections connected to each other, running parallel to each other, and longitudinally with the automobile. In the rear of and spanning the inside of the hollow tube sections are a gimbal attached rod to prevent rotation of the fishing rod while in the rack. The front assembly is an “alligator style” horizontal clamping apparatus which clamps around the midsection or tip of a fishing rod and locks closed to prevent theft.

Abstract: A bike carrier for a trailer hitch receiver with two trays that pivot between a laterally opposed operational position for holding the wheels of a bike and a forward folded position for compact shipping and storage. In the operational position a tray open lock plate rises under spring force between the inner ends of the trays, stopping the trays from pivoting forward. Other stops on the carrier prevent backward pivoting of the trays. Pushing the plate down allows the trays to pivot forward. A tray folding stop plate may stop the trays from over-rotating forward past a parallel position when folding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for folding in a camera on a motor vehicle in order to protect the device in the event of a collision with an obstacle. The device has a first housing element, in which the camera is received. The device has a second housing element, which is constructed to be connected to the motor vehicle in a positionally fixed manner. The first housing element and the second housing element are pivotably connected to each other by means of a first pivot connection, which defines a first rotation axis, and a second pivot connection, which defines a second rotation axis which is spaced apart from the first rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a vehicle outer surface component (1) comprising the following steps: preparing a base component (2) made of a thermoplastic material in an injection mold by injecting a thermoplastic material into the injection mold or by placing a prefabricated base component made of a thermoplastic material therein, and injecting a covering layer (4) of a scratch self-healing plastic material into the closed injection mold to coat the base component (2); the invention further relates to a vehicle outer surface component, in particular a vehicle outer surface component produced according to this method.

Abstract: In a vehicle control apparatus, one or more control units, each configured to perform an arithmetic operation process in accordance with a program stored therein in advance to individually control an operating state of an activator mounted in a vehicle, are connected to a network communication path to form a vehicle network. The vehicle control apparatus includes an external communication unit and a monitoring unit. The external communication unit is connectable to or disconnectable from the network communication path and is configured to allow the vehicle to communicate externally. The monitoring unit is configured to determine a state of each of the one or more control units while the external communication unit is disconnected from the network communication path.